To make your PS5 download faster, the most effective solution is to combine two settings: enable downloads in Rest Mode and connect your console to the internet with a LAN cable. This dual approach leverages the PS5's low-power state for prioritized background downloads while eliminating Wi-Fi interference, giving you the fastest possible speeds for game and update installations. A wired connection is just as critical when you make games download faster on PC, where background apps often steal bandwidth.
Put your PS5 in rest mode to download faster
Your PS5 can download games and updates at full speed while in Rest Mode, provided you enable two specific settings. This low-power state prioritizes network traffic for downloads, often resulting in faster completion times than when the console is fully active.
First, navigate to Settings → System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode and toggle on Stay Connected to the Internet. Then go to Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Automatic Updates and enable both Auto-Download and Auto-Install in Rest Mode. After these are set, press the PS button, select Power, and choose Enter Rest Mode, your downloads will continue at maximum speed.
Connect with a LAN cable, not just Wi-Fi
A wired connection is the single most reliable way to boost PS5 download speeds. Wi-Fi is susceptible to signal interference, distance, and congestion, while an Ethernet cable provides a stable, high-throughput link.
- Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the LAN port on the back of your PS5 (next to the power cable) and the other into an available port on your router.
- On your PS5, go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Use a LAN Cable, then choose Easy to let the console configure the connection automatically.
- Run a connection test to confirm the wired link is active.
You'll immediately notice more consistent speeds, especially for large game files or system updates.
Pause other downloads or updates
If multiple items are downloading simultaneously, your bandwidth gets split, slowing each one. Prioritize your target download by pausing non-essential tasks.
Press the PS button to open the Control Center, then navigate to the Downloads section (the icon with a downward arrow). Here you'll see all active downloads and updates. Select any non-priority item, press the options button, and choose Pause. Keep only the game or update you want active, this frees up bandwidth for the most important download.
Close background applications
Running games or apps in the background consume system resources and network activity, even when minimized. Closing them ensures your PS5 dedicates all processing power and bandwidth to the download.
Press the PS button to open the Control Center. Scroll through the list of running applications at the bottom of the screen. Highlight any game or app you're not actively using, press the options button, and select Close Application. Repeat for all unnecessary programs. For games that stubbornly stay in memory, use the same method but choose Force Close if available.
Enable Multi-Link Operation (for newer PS5 models)
If you own a PS5 from the CFI-7000 series (slim model), you can enable Multi-Link Operation (MLO) to combine multiple Wi-Fi bands for faster throughput. This feature is only available on routers that support Wi-Fi 7 or the latest Wi-Fi 6E standards.
- Access your router's admin panel via a web browser (usually by typing the router's IP address).
- Look for Advanced Settings or Wireless Settings and find the MLO option.
- Enable MLO and save the settings.
- On your PS5, go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection and select your Wi-Fi network again, the console will automatically use MLO if available.
This can substantially increase download speeds on compatible hardware.
Reboot your PS5 for a fresh network start
Temporary software glitches or memory leaks can degrade network performance. A simple restart clears these issues and reinitializes the network stack.
Press the PS button to open the Control Center, select Power, and choose Restart PS5. Wait for the console to fully reboot, then test your download speed. If you haven't restarted in a while, this often resolves mysterious slowdowns.
Limit other devices on your home network
Every connected device, phones, tablets, smart TVs, and IoT gadgets, competes for your bandwidth. Reducing this competition gives your PS5 a larger share of the available speed.
Log into your router's admin panel and look for a Connected Devices or Device List section. Disconnect or pause devices that aren't in active use. Additionally, ensure your PS5 is connected to the 5GHz band rather than 2.4GHz, as 5GHz offers faster speeds and less interference. If your router supports Quality of Service (QoS), prioritize the PS5's MAC address to guarantee bandwidth allocation.
Check for PS5 system and router firmware updates
Outdated firmware can contain bugs that affect network performance. Keeping both your console and router updated ensures you benefit from the latest optimizations.
On your PS5, go to Settings → System → System Software → System Software Update and Settings, then select Update System Software to check for and install any available updates. For your router, log into the admin panel and look for a Firmware Update section under Administration or Advanced Settings. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the latest version.
Disable auto-downloads for games you aren't playing yet
Automatic updates for your entire game library can clog your download queue. Turning off auto-downloads for non-priority titles gives you control over what consumes your bandwidth.
- Go to Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Automatic Updates.
- Toggle off Download and Install While PS5 Is in Rest Mode.
- Return to the main Settings menu and select Game Library.
- Choose a game you don't plan to play soon, press the options button, and select Disable Auto-Update.
Repeat for other non-priority games. This ensures your PS5 only downloads what you manually initiate, freeing up bandwidth for the titles you care about.
Adjust DNS settings for faster connections
Your internet service provider's default DNS servers can sometimes be slow. Switching to faster public DNS servers may reduce the time it takes to connect to game servers and start downloads.
- Go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select your connection type (Wi-Fi or LAN), then choose Custom.
- Keep IP Address settings as Automatic, but when prompted for DNS, select Manual.
- Enter Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4 (Google) or Primary: 1.1.1.1 and Secondary: 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare).
- Complete the setup and test the connection.
While this won't increase raw bandwidth, it can improve connection reliability and reduce latency during downloads.
Clear your PS5's cache
A corrupted cache can interfere with system processes, including network operations. Clearing it gives your console a clean slate.
- Power off your PS5 completely (not Rest Mode).
- Unplug the power cable from the back of the console.
- Wait at least 30 seconds, then plug the cable back in.
- Power on the PS5 and check if download speeds improve.
This simple power cycle clears temporary files and resets network components.
Disable media server connection
When the media server feature is enabled, your PS5 constantly scans your network for DLNA devices, consuming resources and bandwidth. Disabling it frees up capacity for downloads.
Go to Settings → System → HDMI and Other Devices (or Network on some firmware versions), then toggle off Media Server Connection. This stops background scanning and allows your console to focus on download tasks.
By systematically applying these methods, you'll maximize your PS5's download speed and minimize waiting times. Start with the Rest Mode and LAN cable combination for the most significant impact, then fine-tune with the other optimizations as needed. Regular maintenance, like rebooting and updating firmware, will keep your console performing at its best.
For the wider topic, see make PlayStation download faster.
