Slow PS5 downloads are usually caused by Wi-Fi distance, network congestion, competing downloads, or router settings. Testing the console speed first tells you whether the PS5 is the bottleneck or the whole internet connection is slow.
These steps apply to PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition consoles on Wi-Fi or wired connections.
Does this affect you?
Use this if game downloads or updates move far slower than your internet plan should allow, or if large downloads take hours when other devices seem faster.
Test your actual connection speed
Start with the PS5’s own network test, then compare it with another device.
- On PS5, open Settings > Network > Connection Status.
- Choose Test Internet Connection.
- Write down Download Speed and Upload Speed in Mbps.
- Run a speed test on a phone or computer using the same network.
- Compare both results with your internet plan.
If both the PS5 and phone are slow, troubleshoot the router or ISP. If only the PS5 is slow, focus on the console’s Wi-Fi, cable, or settings.
Switch to a wired connection
Ethernet is usually the biggest improvement because it avoids Wi-Fi interference and distance loss.
- Connect an Ethernet cable from the router to the PS5 Ethernet port.
- Open Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Choose Use a LAN Cable.
- Follow the prompts.
- Run Test Internet Connection again.
If a cable is not practical, move the console closer to the router or place a mesh node near the PS5. Keep routers and consoles away from thick walls, microwaves, and baby monitors.
Free up bandwidth on the PS5 itself
The console shares bandwidth among active downloads, uploads, games, and apps.
- Press the PS button and open Notifications.
- Check Downloads/Uploads.
- Pause anything you do not need right now.
- If several downloads are active, leave only the most important one running.
- Pause streams, downloads, or cloud backups on other household devices while testing.
One large download at a time is often faster than letting several updates compete with each other.
DNS, router QoS, and peak hours
To test DNS, open Set Up Internet Connection, select your connection, choose Custom, set DNS to Manual, and try Google DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 or Cloudflare DNS 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. DNS does not raise raw bandwidth, but it can help the console find download servers more reliably.
Some routers use Quality of Service or Bandwidth Control to limit specific devices. Log into the router admin page and make sure the PS5 is not throttled.
If downloads are fast during the day and slow every evening, ISP peak-time congestion may be the reason. Enable Stay Connected to the Internet in Rest Mode and schedule big downloads overnight.
Sources
- PlayStation Support – Improve Your PS5 Console’s Network Connection Speed (2025)
- PlayStation Support – Test Your Internet Connection (2025)
- PlayStation Support – Change DNS Settings on PS5 (2025)