How to Improve Slow PS4 Download Speeds PlayStation 4 Guides 1

How do you download PS4 games faster? How can you fix and improve slow PS4 download speeds? Undoubtedly one of the biggest issues with the PlayStation 4 are slow PS4 download speeds. More of us are beginning to spend our money on the PlayStation Network now, but slow PSN download speeds can be off-putting. While your PS4 download speed will always be limited by your ISP and the rate at which Sony is able to pump data from its servers onto your console, there are a few tips and tricks you can try to improve PS4 download speeds. We’re going to get into them in this guide.

How to Download PS4 Games Faster

In order to fix slow PS4 download speeds, you’re first going to need to be aware of a few important things:

  • Your Internet connection: If you’re not paying for a top-of-the-line broadband package, then you may find that you’re getting the best possible PS4 download speeds that your ISP will allow. The best way to check the limitations of your connection is by performing a free speed test. If the results are in line with the package that your ISP is selling you, then you may want to look into upgrading your connection in order to ensure faster download speeds across the board – not just on the PS4.
  • Wired or wireless: One easy way to upgrade PS4 download speeds is to connect your PS4 to your router with a standard Ethernet cable. While this is a less convenient option, if you can make it work you will guarantee better speeds. Connecting consumer electronics wirelessly is always easy, but depending upon your router, it can result in slower speeds. If you don’t want to traipse cables everywhere, then you could consider looking into powerline adapters which make it easier to use wired connections around your house.
  • Free up bandwidth: Streaming movies and downloading music is going to gobble up bandwidth from your Internet connection, which will inevitably result in slower PS4 download speeds. If you want to improve PS4 download speeds, then consider closing Netflix and any other appliances competing for bandwidth. It’s not ideal if you’re busy doing other things, but it will help to maximise your PS4 download speed. You could also consider playing offline while you download.

How Do You Use a Wired Connection on PS4?

Setting up a wired connection for your PS4 is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to improve download speeds on PSN. All you’ll need is a standard Ethernet cable, which you can slot into the back of your PS4 (all of the models have an Ethernet slot, including the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro) and connect it to your router. You’ll need to make sure you go to the network settings on the PS4 console itself and make sure you tell it that you want to connect to the Internet via a wired connection, but it’s straightforward and will net you a guaranteed speed boost. If running cables throughout the house aren’t an option, then consider looking into powerline adapters instead.

How to Improve Slow PS4 Download Speeds

If you’ve done all of the above and you’re still pondering why PS4 download speeds are so slow, then there are a few other tips and tricks you can try to improve slow PS4 download speeds.

Pause and Resume PS4 Downloads to Improve Speed

Due to the way PSN is setup, sometimes you’ll simply get a bad connection to Sony’s servers. One really easy way to improve PS4 download speeds is to Pause and Resume an item that you don’t think is transferring fast enough. If you head to the Notifications menu and press X on the item that you wish to speed up, you can pause it and then resume the download. While it’s not flawless, sometimes you’ll see the estimated download time decrease dramatically. It’s a strange one, but it does seem to work.


Do you have any other tips and tricks to help with slow PS4 download speeds? Do you always get a flawless connection to the PlayStation Network, or do you often curse Sony’s servers under your breath? Try not to pull too much hair out in the comments section below.