How To Make Games On PS4 Download Faster

Introduction

Have you ever experienced the frustration of waiting for hours for a game to download on your PlayStation 4 (PS4)? Slow download speeds can be a common issue that many PS4 users encounter, hindering their gaming experience. However, there are some effective strategies you can employ to make games on your PS4 download faster.

In this article, we will walk you through various techniques that can help optimize your PS4 download speeds. Whether you’re eagerly anticipating the release of a new game or simply want to download updates faster, these tips will help you improve your downloading experience on the PS4.

From pausing other downloads to upgrading your internet plan, we will explore several methods that have been proven to boost download speeds on the PS4. By implementing these strategies, you can spend less time waiting and more time enjoying your favorite games.

So, if you’re ready to kickstart your PS4 downloads and experience faster gaming, let’s dive into the following sections and get your games downloading at lightning speed!

Close Unnecessary Applications

One of the most common reasons for slow download speeds on the PS4 is having too many applications running in the background. When you have multiple games or applications open, your PS4’s resources are divided, resulting in slower download speeds. Therefore, it’s essential to close any unnecessary applications before starting your download.

To close applications on the PS4, navigate to the home screen by pressing the PlayStation button on your controller. Then, using the directional buttons, highlight the application you want to close and press the Options button. From the menu that appears, select “Close Application” to shut it down.

By closing unused applications and focusing the system’s resources on your download, you’ll notice a significant improvement in download speeds. This simple step can make a big difference, especially if you have several games or apps running simultaneously.

Furthermore, it’s worth considering putting your PS4 in Rest Mode when downloading games or updates. Rest Mode allows your PS4 to download content in the background while consuming fewer resources than when it’s actively running applications. To enable Rest Mode, navigate to “Settings” from the home screen, select “Power Save Settings,” and then choose “Set Features Available in Rest Mode.” Here, make sure that “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning on PS4 from Network” options are checked.

By closing unnecessary applications and utilizing Rest Mode, you can optimize your PS4’s resources and ensure that the majority of its processing power is dedicated to the download process. This can result in significantly faster download speeds, getting you into your games more quickly.

Pause Other Downloads or Updates

An additional factor that can slow down your PS4 download speeds is having multiple downloads or updates running simultaneously. When multiple downloads are active, the available bandwidth is divided among them, resulting in slower individual download speeds. To maximize your download speed, it’s advisable to pause any other ongoing downloads or updates.

To pause downloads on your PS4, navigate to the home screen, and select the “Notifications” icon at the top of the screen. From the drop-down menu, you can view all active downloads and updates. Highlight the download or update you wish to pause and press the Options button on your controller. Then, select “Pause” from the available options.

By pausing non-essential downloads or updates, you free up bandwidth and resources to focus on your desired download. This ensures that the full speed of your internet connection is dedicated to the specific download, resulting in faster completion times.

After your primary download has finished, you can resume any paused downloads or updates. Simply access the Notifications menu again, select the paused item, and choose “Resume” to continue the process. This way, you can manage your downloads effectively while prioritizing the game or update you want to download the fastest.

It’s worth noting that if you’re downloading a game or update from the PlayStation Store, pausing other downloads may not have a significant impact on speed. This is because downloads from the PlayStation Store are typically given higher priority by the system. However, if you have downloads from sources other than the PlayStation Store, such as system updates or patches, pausing them can still improve your overall download speed.

By pausing non-essential downloads or updates on your PS4, you can ensure that the maximum bandwidth and resources are dedicated to your desired download. This step can make a noticeable difference in download speed, allowing you to start playing your games sooner.

Use a Wired Internet Connection

Achieving faster download speeds on your PS4 can also be dependent on the type of internet connection you’re using. While a wireless connection may be convenient, it can sometimes result in slower download speeds due to interference or signal strength issues. To optimize your download speeds, consider using a wired internet connection instead.

A wired connection involves connecting your PS4 directly to your router or modem using an Ethernet cable. This type of connection provides a more stable and reliable connection compared to Wi-Fi and can result in faster download speeds.

To set up a wired connection on your PS4, locate the Ethernet port on the back of your console. It looks like a large telephone jack. Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to this port and the other end to an available LAN port on your router or modem. Once the cable is securely connected, your PS4 should automatically detect the wired connection.

Using a wired internet connection eliminates potential interference from other devices or obstacles, ensuring a more consistent and reliable connection. This can lead to faster download speeds and a more seamless gaming experience.

If a wired connection is not feasible due to your PS4’s location or other limitations, there are some steps you can take to improve your wireless connection. These include placing your router in a central location, minimizing obstructions between your PS4 and the router, and reducing interference from other devices (such as cordless phones or microwave ovens) that operate on the same frequency.

By using a wired internet connection or optimizing your wireless setup, you can enhance your PS4’s download speeds and enhance your gaming experience. Enjoying faster downloads means less time waiting and more time immersing yourself in the world of your favorite games.

Clear Cache

Over time, the cache on your PS4 can accumulate unnecessary data, which can negatively impact download speeds. Clearing the cache can help improve your PS4’s performance and potentially boost download speeds.

To clear the cache on your PS4, follow these steps:

1. Turn off your PS4 by pressing the power button on the front of the console.
2. Once the console is completely turned off, unplug the power cord from the back of the PS4.
3. Wait for a few minutes to allow any residual power to drain from the console.
4. After waiting, plug the power cord back into the PS4.
5. Turn on your PS4 by pressing the power button once again.

By performing this power-cycle procedure, you effectively clear the cache on your PS4. This can help improve its overall performance, including download speeds.

In addition to clearing the cache on the console itself, you can also clear the cache of specific games or applications. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Highlight the game or application on the home screen of your PS4.
2. Press the Options button on your controller to open the options menu.
3. Select “Close Application” to shut down the game or application.
4. Once closed, press and hold the power button on your PS4 until you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds).
5. Release the power button and connect your controller to the PS4 via a USB cable.
6. Press the PS button on the controller to start the PS4 in safe mode.
7. In safe mode, select “Rebuild Database” and follow the on-screen instructions.

The “Rebuild Database” option in safe mode clears the cache of your PS4 games and applications. This can help resolve any issues that may be affecting download speeds.

By regularly clearing both the system cache and the cache of specific games, you can optimize your PS4’s performance and potentially see faster download speeds. This simple maintenance step can make a noticeable difference in your gaming experience.

Change DNS Settings

Another method to potentially improve download speeds on your PS4 is by changing the DNS (Domain Name System) settings. The DNS is responsible for translating web addresses into numerical IP addresses that your console can understand. By default, your PS4 is configured to use your Internet Service Provider’s DNS servers, but changing them to a faster and more reliable DNS server can potentially speed up your downloads.

To change your DNS settings on your PS4, follow these steps:

1. From the home screen, go to “Settings”.
2. Select “Network” and then “Set Up Internet Connection”.
3. Choose your connection method (Wi-Fi or LAN cable). If using Wi-Fi, select your network and enter the password.
4. In the IP Address Settings, choose “Automatic”.
5. For DNS Settings, select “Manual”.
6. Enter the desired primary and secondary DNS server addresses. There are several options available, such as Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).
7. Save the settings and perform a connection test to confirm the changes.

By changing your DNS server to a more efficient and reliable one, you may experience improved download speeds on your PS4. This is because a faster DNS server can reduce the time it takes for your PS4 to connect to the necessary servers and begin the download process.

It’s worth noting that while changing DNS settings can potentially result in faster downloads, the impact may vary depending on your internet service and network conditions. Therefore, it’s recommended to experiment with different DNS servers to find the one that works best for you.

Changing the DNS settings on your PS4 is a simple yet effective method to potentially enhance download speeds. By optimizing how your console connects to the internet, you can enjoy faster downloads and minimize waiting time before diving into your favorite games.

Put the PS4 into Rest Mode

Putting your PS4 into Rest Mode while downloading games or updates can be a helpful strategy for improving download speeds. Rest Mode allows your console to continue downloading content in the background while conserving power and system resources.

To enable Rest Mode on your PS4, follow these steps:

1. From the home screen, navigate to “Settings”.
2. Select “Power Save Settings” and then “Set Features Available in Rest Mode”.
3. Ensure that the “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning on PS4 from Network” options are checked.

By enabling these settings, your PS4 will stay connected to the internet and be able to download content even when it’s in Rest Mode.

When you put your PS4 into Rest Mode, it consumes less power and runs at a lower processing speed. This means that more resources can be allocated to downloading and installing games or updates, resulting in potentially faster download speeds.

In Rest Mode, your PS4 will wake up periodically to perform background tasks, including downloading and installing updates. The console can also be programmed to automatically wake at specific times to download content during off-peak hours when internet speeds may be faster.

Before putting your PS4 into Rest Mode, make sure that there are no running applications or active downloads that may interfere with the downloading process. You can check the status of active downloads by accessing the “Notifications” menu from the home screen.

Putting your PS4 into Rest Mode is an effective way to optimize download speeds and ensure that you can enjoy your games more quickly. By taking advantage of the console’s background downloading capabilities, you can make the most out of your PS4’s performance and enhance your gaming experience.

Optimize Download Settings

To further enhance your download speeds on the PS4, you can optimize the download settings within the console. By adjusting certain settings, you can prioritize downloads and potentially achieve faster completion times.

Here are some download settings to consider:

1. Automatic Downloads: Ensure that the “Automatic Downloads” feature is enabled on your PS4. This allows the console to automatically download and install updates, patches, and game content while in Rest Mode, so you don’t have to wait for them to download manually.
2. Download Restrictions: If you have limited internet bandwidth or want to prioritize specific downloads, you can set certain limits or restrictions. From the home screen, go to “Settings,” then “System,” and select “Automatic Downloads.” Here, you can choose to enable or disable automatic downloading of system software updates or application data.
3. Download Queue: If you have multiple downloads in progress, you can manage the order in which they are prioritized by rearranging the download queue. From the library or Notifications menu, highlight the download you want to prioritize and press the Options button on your controller. Choose “Move to Top” to prioritize the selected download.
4. Pause and Resume Downloads: If you experience fluctuations in download speed or encounter any issues, you can try pausing and then resuming the download. Sometimes, this can help improve the overall download speed by establishing a fresh connection with the server.

Additionally, keeping your PS4 system software up to date can ensure that you have the latest performance enhancements and bug fixes. Regularly check for system updates by going to “Settings,” then “System Software Update.” Follow the on-screen instructions to install any available updates.

By optimizing your download settings, you can prioritize certain downloads, take advantage of automatic updates, and manage your download queue efficiently. These settings, combined with other optimization techniques, can help you achieve faster download speeds and minimize any potential delays during the download process.

Upgrade Your Internet Plan

If you consistently encounter slow download speeds on your PS4, it might be worth considering upgrading your internet plan. A faster and more reliable internet connection can significantly improve your download speeds, delivering a smoother gaming experience.

Here are a few steps to take when considering an internet plan upgrade:

1. Check your current internet speed: Use an online speed test tool to determine your current internet speed. This will give you a baseline for comparison once you’ve upgraded your plan.
2. Review available internet plans: Contact your internet service provider (ISP) or visit their website to explore the available internet plans in your area. Compare the speeds and pricing of different plans to determine which one best suits your needs.
3. Consider fiber optic or high-speed plans: If available in your area, consider upgrading to a fiber optic or high-speed internet plan. These types of connections offer faster download speeds, lower latency, and more stable connections compared to traditional broadband options.
4. Consult with your ISP: Reach out to your ISP directly to discuss your desire to upgrade your internet plan. They can provide you with information on the available options, any promotional deals or discounts, and guide you through the process of upgrading your plan.
5. Upgrade hardware if necessary: Along with upgrading your internet plan, ensure that your modem or router is capable of handling the higher speeds. If necessary, consider investing in a higher-performance modem or router to fully reap the benefits of your upgraded internet connection.

Upgrading your internet plan can provide a substantial boost in download speeds, allowing you to download games and updates on your PS4 much faster. With increased bandwidth, you’ll experience less lag, shorter download times, and smoother online gaming sessions.

Keep in mind that upgrading your internet plan may come with additional costs. Therefore, it’s important to consider your budget and prioritize the level of speed and performance you require for your gaming needs.

By upgrading your internet plan, you can ensure that you have a faster and more efficient connection, enhancing your overall gaming experience on the PS4. Enjoy faster downloads, seamless online multiplayer sessions, and reduced latency for a more enjoyable gaming experience.

Conclusion

Waiting for games to download on your PS4 can be a frustrating experience, but by implementing some simple strategies, you can significantly improve download speeds and get into your games faster. From closing unnecessary applications and pausing other downloads to using a wired internet connection and optimizing download settings, there are several steps you can take to enhance your PS4’s download performance.

Clearing the cache, changing DNS settings, and putting your PS4 into Rest Mode can further optimize your download speeds. These actions help to improve system resources, eliminate interference, and maximize the efficiency of your internet connection.

If you find that your current internet plan is consistently providing slow download speeds, consider upgrading to a higher-speed plan. A faster and more reliable internet connection can make a world of difference, ensuring smooth and speedy game downloads and reduced lag during online gaming sessions.

Remember to regularly check for system updates, as these can provide performance improvements and bug fixes that further enhance your PS4’s download speeds.

By implementing these strategies and making the necessary adjustments, you can optimize your PS4’s download speeds and spend more time enjoying the incredible world of gaming.