How To Pause Download PS4

Why You Might Need to Pause a Download on Your PS4

As a PlayStation 4 (PS4) owner, you may occasionally find yourself in a situation where you need to temporarily pause a download. Whether you have limited bandwidth, need to prioritize another task, or simply want to conserve power, knowing how to pause a download can be incredibly useful.

One common reason to pause a download is a slow internet connection. If you’re experiencing a sluggish network, pausing the download can free up bandwidth and help improve the performance of other online activities such as online gaming or streaming.

Another scenario when you might need to pause a download is when you’re running low on storage space. Pausing a large download can give you time to clear out unnecessary files or expand your storage capacity, ensuring that the installation process goes smoothly.

Furthermore, there may be times when you simply need to prioritize another task. Whether it’s work, studying, or any other activity that requires your full attention, pausing a download can allow you to allocate your resources elsewhere without interruption.

Lastly, pausing a download can be beneficial if you’re aiming to conserve power. By pausing ongoing downloads, your PS4 can enter a low-power state, known as Rest Mode, which saves energy while still allowing you to resume the download at a later time.

No matter the reason, having the knowledge to pause a download on your PS4 is a valuable skill that can help you optimize your gaming experience and maintain control over your console’s resources.

Method 1: Pausing a Download from the Notifications Menu

If you want to quickly pause a download on your PS4, one of the most straightforward methods is to use the Notifications menu. Here’s how you can do it:

1. While your PS4 is turned on, press and hold the PS button on your controller. This will bring up the Quick Menu.
2. From the Quick Menu, scroll down and select “Notifications.”
3. In the Notifications menu, locate the download that you wish to pause. It should be listed under the “Downloads” section.
4. Highlight the download and press the Options button on your controller.
5. A menu will appear with various options. Select “Pause.” This will temporarily halt the download process.

Once paused, the progress bar of the download will freeze, indicating that it’s no longer actively downloading. You can resume the download at any time by following the same steps and selecting “Resume” instead of “Pause” in the Options menu.

This method is perfect when you need to quickly pause a download without navigating through multiple menus. It’s a convenient way to manage your downloads and prioritize your gaming sessions or other activities on your PS4.

Method 2: Pausing a Download from the Download Queue

If you prefer to have more control over your downloads or need to pause multiple downloads at once, you can use the Download Queue feature on your PS4. Here’s how you can pause a download from the Download Queue:

1. From the PS4 home screen, navigate to the “Notifications” icon located at the top menu bar.
2. In the Notifications menu, select “Downloads” to access the Download Queue.
3. You will see a list of all the active and pending downloads on your PS4. Locate the download you wish to pause.
4. Highlight the download and press the Options button on your controller.
5. A menu will appear with several options. Select “Pause” to temporarily halt the download.

By using the Download Queue, you have the advantage of managing multiple downloads simultaneously. You can prioritize which downloads to pause and resume based on your preferences and needs.

Once you’ve paused a download, the progress bar will stop moving, indicating that the download is on hold. You can then choose to resume the download by following the same steps and selecting “Resume” in the Options menu.

The Download Queue on your PS4 allows for greater flexibility in managing your downloads and gives you the ability to pause and resume them individually or as a group. This method is particularly useful if you have a long list of downloads and want more control over their status.

Method 3: Activating Rest Mode to Pause Downloads

If you want to conserve power and still pause downloads on your PS4, you can utilize the Rest Mode feature. Rest Mode allows your PS4 to enter a low-power state while keeping your downloads active. Here’s how you can activate Rest Mode to pause downloads:

1. Ensure that your PS4 is connected to a power source.
2. Press and hold the PS button on your controller to bring up the Quick Menu.
3. Scroll to the right and select “Power” from the Quick Menu.
4. In the Power menu, you will find the “Enter Rest Mode” option. Select it.

Once your PS4 enters Rest Mode, all ongoing downloads will be paused, and the system will consume significantly less power compared to when it’s fully operational. You can safely leave your console in Rest Mode without worrying about excessive energy usage.

To resume downloads after activating Rest Mode, simply turn on your PS4 by pressing the PS button on your controller. The downloads will automatically resume from where they left off.

Activating Rest Mode is a convenient way to pause downloads while still conserving power. It provides an energy-efficient option for when you need to step away from your console but want to resume your downloads at a later time without any interruptions.

Method 4: Utilizing Parental Controls to Pause Downloads

If you want to exercise greater control over your PS4 downloads, you can use the Parental Controls feature to pause downloads. Parental Controls allow you to manage and restrict various aspects of your console, including downloads. Here’s how you can utilize Parental Controls to pause downloads:

1. Go to the PS4 Settings menu by navigating to the “Settings” icon on the PS4 home screen.
2. Select “Parental Controls/Family Management” from the Settings menu.
3. Choose the user account for which you want to set up Parental Controls.
4. Under the Parental Controls/Family Management settings, select “Restrict Use of PS4 Features.”
5. Within the feature restrictions, find and select “Applications/Devices/Network Features.”
6. From the list of features, select “PlayStation Store” and set the restriction level to “Not Allowed.”

By setting the restriction level for the PlayStation Store to “Not Allowed,” you effectively pause any downloads from the store. This can be helpful when you want to prevent any accidental purchases or restrict access to certain content.

To resume downloads, you can simply go back to the Parental Controls settings, select the user account, and change the restriction level for the PlayStation Store back to the desired setting, such as “Allowed.”

Utilizing Parental Controls offers an additional layer of control over your downloads. It’s particularly useful if you want to temporarily pause all downloads on your PS4 or restrict access to the PlayStation Store for certain accounts.

Method 5: Using Remote Play to Pause Downloads

If you’re away from your PS4 but still want to pause a download, you can use the Remote Play feature. Remote Play allows you to access your PS4 console remotely from a compatible device, such as a computer or mobile device. Here’s how you can use Remote Play to pause downloads:

1. Ensure that your PS4 is in Rest Mode or turned on.
2. On your compatible device, download and install the Remote Play app. You can find the app for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
3. Launch the Remote Play app and sign in using your PlayStation Network (PSN) account credentials.
4. Follow the prompts to connect your PS4 console to the Remote Play app.
5. Once connected, you will see your PS4 console screen on your device. Navigate to the download you wish to pause.
6. Using the controls on your device, navigate to the download and pause it by selecting the appropriate option.

Pausing a download via Remote Play gives you the flexibility to manage your downloads even when you’re not physically near your PS4. It allows you to control your console remotely and pause downloads as needed.

To resume the download, simply open the Remote Play app again, navigate to the download, and select the option to resume. The download will continue from where you paused it.

Using Remote Play provides a convenient solution for pausing downloads when you’re away from your PS4. It allows you to manage your downloads from a remote location, giving you more control over your gaming experience.

Method 6: Pausing Downloads with the PlayStation App

If you prefer to manage your PS4 downloads using your smartphone or tablet, you can use the official PlayStation App. This app allows you to remotely control your PS4 console and provides an easy way to pause downloads. Here’s how you can use the PlayStation App to pause downloads:

1. Download and install the PlayStation App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
2. Ensure that your PS4 is on and connected to the internet.
3. Launch the PlayStation App and sign in using the same PlayStation Network (PSN) account as your PS4 console.
4. Once signed in, navigate to the “Downloads” tab.
5. In the “Downloads” tab, you will see a list of your active and pending downloads on your PS4. Locate the download you wish to pause.
6. Tap on the download and select the “Pause” option.

By using the PlayStation App, you can conveniently pause downloads from anywhere within your home network. This feature is especially useful if you’re in another room and want to pause a download without having to physically access your PS4 console.

If you want to resume the download, you can simply go back to the “Downloads” tab in the PlayStation App and select the “Resume” option for the paused download.

The PlayStation App provides a user-friendly interface to manage your PS4 downloads remotely. It’s a convenient solution for pausing downloads and ensuring that you have full control over your console, even when you’re not in front of it.

Method 7: Employing a LAN Cable to Pause Downloads

If you’re using a wireless connection for your PS4 and want to pause a download, you can consider using a LAN (Local Area Network) cable instead. Switching to a wired connection can provide more stable and faster internet speeds, allowing you to conveniently pause downloads. Here’s how you can employ a LAN cable to pause downloads:

1. Obtain an Ethernet or LAN cable that is compatible with your PS4.
2. Connect one end of the LAN cable to your PS4’s LAN port.
3. Connect the other end of the LAN cable to your router or modem.
4. Wait for the connection to establish between your PS4 and the router.
5. Once the wired connection is established, go to the “Notifications” section on your PS4 home screen.
6. Locate the download you wish to pause and highlight it.
7. Press the Options button on your controller and select the “Pause” option.

By using a LAN cable, you can ensure a more reliable and stable internet connection, which can make it easier to pause downloads. With a wired connection, you can experience a smoother download management process.

To resume the paused download, follow the same steps and select the “Resume” option instead of “Pause.”

Employing a LAN cable is an effective method for pausing and resuming downloads on your PS4. It provides a more reliable connection, allowing you to conveniently manage your downloads without any network interruptions.

Method 8: Pausing a Download with the PlayStation Store User Interface

If you prefer to manage your downloads directly from the PlayStation Store user interface, you can pause a download using the built-in features. Here’s how you can pause a download with the PlayStation Store user interface:

1. From the PS4 home screen, navigate to the PlayStation Store icon.
2. Once in the PlayStation Store, select “Library” in the top menu.
3. In the Library, choose “Purchased,” and you will see a list of your downloaded and downloading items.
4. Locate the download you wish to pause and select it.
5. In the download page, you will find the option to “Pause” the download. Select the “Pause” button to temporarily halt the download process.

By using the PlayStation Store user interface, you have direct control over your downloads without navigating through other menus. This method is particularly useful if you want to manage and pause individual downloads efficiently.

To resume the download, navigate back to the download page and select the “Resume” option instead of “Pause.”

Pausing downloads with the PlayStation Store user interface provides a simple and straightforward way to manage your downloads directly from the store. It allows you to pause and resume downloads without the need to access other menus or sections of your PS4.

Tips & Tricks for Pausing Downloads Efficiently

Pausing downloads on your PS4 can be a useful way to manage your gaming experience and prioritize your console’s resources. Here are some tips and tricks to help you pause downloads efficiently:

• Prioritize downloads: If you have multiple downloads in progress, consider pausing the ones that are less important or can be completed at a later time. This allows you to focus on the downloads that you need immediately.
• Utilize Rest Mode: Activate Rest Mode on your PS4 to pause ongoing downloads while conserving power. This is especially useful if you need to step away from your console but want to resume the downloads later.
• Use notifications or the download queue: Take advantage of the Notifications menu or the Download Queue feature to quickly pause downloads with just a few button presses. This allows you to manage your downloads efficiently without navigating through various menus.
• Utilize remote options: If you’re away from your console, consider using Remote Play or the PlayStation App to pause downloads remotely. These options enable you to control your downloads from compatible devices, providing convenience and flexibility.
• Consider a wired connection: If you experience slow internet speeds or interruptions during downloads, switching to a wired connection using an Ethernet or LAN cable can provide a more stable and reliable connection, making it easier to pause and manage downloads.
• Set up Parental Controls: If you want to have more control over your PS4 downloads, consider utilizing the Parental Controls feature. By restricting access to the PlayStation Store, you can effectively pause all downloads for certain accounts.

By implementing these tips and tricks, you can efficiently pause downloads on your PS4, allowing you to optimize your gaming experience, conserve resources, and prioritize your downloads based on your needs.

Conclusion

In this article, we explored various methods for pausing downloads on your PS4. Whether you need to conserve bandwidth, prioritize other tasks, or simply want to manage your console’s resources efficiently, these methods provide you with the flexibility to pause downloads whenever needed.

From using the Notifications menu or the Download Queue to pausing downloads remotely with the PlayStation App or Remote Play, you have a range of options to choose from. Activating Rest Mode or employing a LAN cable can also help you pause downloads while conserving power or ensuring a stable connection.

Additionally, setting up Parental Controls or utilizing the PlayStation Store user interface gives you further control over your downloads, enabling you to manage them directly and efficiently.

Remember to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting a method to pause downloads. By implementing these techniques, you can optimize your PS4 experience, ensuring that downloads are paused when necessary and allowing you to make the most of your gaming sessions.

So, the next time you find yourself in a situation where you need to temporarily pause a download on your PS4, refer back to this article and choose the method that works best for you. Happy gaming!