Supercharge Your PS4 Downloads: Proven Methods to Speed Up Your Game Installs

Tired of staring at that agonizing download progress bar on your PlayStation 4? You’re not alone. Slow download speeds can be a major source of frustration, especially when you’re eager to dive into a new game or update. Thankfully, there are several steps you can take to significantly improve your download performance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from basic troubleshooting to advanced network optimization, helping you unleash the full potential of your PS4’s download capabilities.

Understanding the Factors Affecting Download Speeds

Before we jump into solutions, it’s important to understand why your downloads might be slow in the first place. Several factors can contribute to this issue, including:

• Your Internet Connection Speed: This is the most obvious factor. Your download speeds on the PS4 are limited by the speed of your internet plan. If you’re on a slower plan, you’ll naturally experience slower downloads.
• Network Congestion: During peak hours, many users in your area might be using the internet, causing network congestion and slowing down your speeds.
• Wi-Fi Interference: If you’re using a wireless connection, interference from other devices, walls, or distance from the router can impact your speeds.
• Router Issues: An outdated or poorly configured router can limit your download speeds.
• PSN Server Load: The PlayStation Network servers can sometimes experience heavy traffic, especially during large game releases or updates, which can lead to slower download speeds.
• Other Devices Using Your Network: If other devices on your network are streaming videos, downloading files, or playing online games, they’ll be consuming bandwidth, which can slow down your PS4’s downloads.
• Background Downloads: The PS4 can download updates and patches in the background, which can impact download speeds.
• PS4 Storage Space: While less common, limited storage space on your PS4 hard drive can sometimes affect download speeds.

Basic Troubleshooting Steps

Let’s start with some basic troubleshooting steps that can often resolve the most common download speed issues:

1. Restart Your PS4 and Router

This is the oldest trick in the book, but it’s often the most effective. Restarting your PS4 and router can clear temporary glitches and refresh your network connection.

How to Restart Your PS4:

1. Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller.
2. Select "Power" from the menu.
3. Select "Restart PS4."
4. Wait for your PS4 to completely restart.

How to Restart Your Router:

1. Unplug the power cord from your router.
2. Wait for about 30 seconds.
3. Plug the power cord back into your router.
4. Wait for your router to fully restart (usually indicated by the lights on the router).

After restarting both your PS4 and router, check your download speed again. This simple step can often provide a significant improvement.

2. Check Your Internet Connection Speed

It’s essential to verify that your internet speed is what you’re paying for. You can use online speed test tools like Speedtest.net or Fast.com on your computer or smartphone to measure your download speed.

If the measured speed is significantly lower than your plan’s advertised speed, you may need to contact your internet service provider (ISP) to investigate the issue. There might be a problem on their end or with your modem.

3. Close Unnecessary Applications and Games

Having other applications or games running in the background can consume network resources and slow down your downloads. Close all unnecessary applications and games before starting a large download.

How to Close Applications on PS4:

1. Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller.
2. Select the application or game you want to close.
3. Press the "Options" button on your controller.
4. Select "Close Application."

4. Pause and Resume the Download

Sometimes, pausing and then resuming a download can help re-establish a stable connection and improve the download speed. This method can be particularly effective if you suspect a temporary network issue.

How to Pause and Resume a Download:

1. Navigate to the "Downloads" section under "Notifications" on your PS4.
2. Select the ongoing download.
3. Press the "X" button to pause the download.
4. Press the "X" button again to resume the download.

5. Test Your Internet Connection on the PS4

The PS4 has a built-in internet connection test that can help identify network problems. Running this test can highlight any issues with your connection.

How to Test Your Internet Connection on PS4:

1. Go to "Settings" on your PS4.
2. Select "Network."
3. Select "Test Internet Connection."
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the test.

Pay attention to the results of the test, especially the download speed. If the test reveals consistently slow download speeds, there might be underlying issues that need further investigation.

Advanced Network Optimization Techniques

If the basic troubleshooting steps don’t significantly improve your download speeds, you might need to delve into more advanced network optimization techniques.

1. Use a Wired Connection

A wired Ethernet connection is almost always faster and more reliable than a Wi-Fi connection. If you have the option, connect your PS4 directly to your router using an Ethernet cable.

Benefits of a Wired Connection:

• Faster Speeds: Ethernet connections typically offer significantly faster speeds compared to Wi-Fi.
• More Stable Connection: Wired connections are less susceptible to interference and are generally more stable.
• Lower Latency: A wired connection can also reduce latency (ping), which can improve your online gaming experience.

If you are not close enough to the router or have no ethernet cables, you can consider Powerline adapters which transmit the network connection through the electric grid using two adapters, one near the router, and the other near your PS4.

2. Optimize Your Wi-Fi Settings (If Wired Isn’t an Option)

If a wired connection isn’t feasible, you can try optimizing your Wi-Fi settings to improve your wireless connection quality.

• Move Your Router Closer: The closer your PS4 is to your router, the stronger the Wi-Fi signal will be. Reduce the distance and remove any obstructions (walls, furniture) between your PS4 and router as much as possible.
• Change Wi-Fi Frequency Band: Most modern routers support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. The 5 GHz band is generally faster but has a shorter range. If you’re close to your router, try using the 5 GHz band. The 2.4 GHz band has a longer range but is more prone to interference.
• Change Wi-Fi Channel: Your router may be using a crowded Wi-Fi channel, causing interference and slowing down your connection. You can use Wi-Fi analyzer apps on your smartphone or computer to find less congested channels and change your router’s channel settings accordingly.
• Update Your Router’s Firmware: Ensure that your router is running the latest firmware version. Outdated firmware can cause performance issues. Check your router’s manufacturer website for the latest updates and instructions on how to install them.
• Use a Wi-Fi Extender/Repeater: If the Wi-Fi signal is weak in the room where your PS4 is located, consider using a Wi-Fi extender or repeater to amplify the signal.

You can generally access the Wi-Fi settings through your router’s admin page. The method for accessing this page differs depending on your router. Refer to your router’s manual or manufacturer’s website for instructions.

3. Configure Your DNS Settings

The Domain Name System (DNS) translates domain names (like google.com) into IP addresses that computers understand. Sometimes, using a different DNS server can improve your internet speed.

How to Change DNS Settings on PS4:

1. Go to "Settings" on your PS4.
2. Select "Network."
3. Select "Set Up Internet Connection."
4. Choose either "Use Wi-Fi" or "Use a LAN Cable" depending on your connection type.
5. Select "Custom."
6. Select "Automatic" for IP Address Settings.
7. Select "Do Not Specify" for DHCP Host Name.
8. Under "DNS Settings," choose "Manual."
9. Enter the following DNS servers:
• Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google Public DNS) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare DNS)
• Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4 (Google Public DNS) or 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare DNS)
10. Select "Next" and leave MTU Settings at "Automatic."
11. Select "Do Not Use" for Proxy Settings.
12. Select "Test Internet Connection" to ensure your changes have been applied and are working correctly.

Experiment with different DNS servers to see which provides the best results for you. You can also try other public DNS servers such as OpenDNS or Quad9.

4. Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play)

UPnP allows devices on your network to automatically configure ports on your router. Sometimes, enabling UPnP can help improve download speeds. However, there are potential security risks with UPnP, so it is essential to understand the trade-offs.

How to Enable UPnP on Your Router:

1. Log in to your router’s admin page using your browser.
2. Navigate to the Advanced Settings or Firewall section.
3. Look for UPnP and enable it.
4. Save the changes and restart your router.

The exact steps for enabling UPnP may vary depending on your router’s make and model. Consult your router’s manual for detailed instructions.

5. Port Forwarding

Port forwarding allows you to direct specific network traffic to your PS4, which can help improve download speeds and online gaming performance. However, this is more advanced and requires a good understanding of your network.

PS4 Ports to Forward:

• TCP: 80, 443, 3478-3480
• UDP: 3478-3479

How to Set Up Port Forwarding:

1. Log in to your router’s admin page.
2. Locate the Port Forwarding or NAT Forwarding section.
3. Add a new rule for each of the ports listed above, directing them to your PS4’s internal IP address.
4. Save your changes and restart your router.

You will need to find your PS4’s internal IP address which can usually be found under the network settings. Consult your router’s manual for detailed instructions on port forwarding.

6. Prioritize PS4 Traffic (QoS – Quality of Service)

Many routers offer Quality of Service (QoS) settings, which allow you to prioritize network traffic for specific devices or applications. Prioritizing your PS4’s traffic can help ensure that it gets the bandwidth it needs for fast downloads.

How to Prioritize PS4 Traffic using QoS:

1. Log in to your router’s admin page.
2. Locate the QoS or Traffic Prioritization section.
3. Create a new rule to prioritize your PS4’s IP or MAC address.
4. Select High Priority or similar for your PS4.
5. Save changes and restart your router.

The specific steps for setting up QoS vary depending on your router. Refer to your router’s documentation for detailed instructions.

7. Limit Background Downloads

The PS4 downloads updates and patches in the background which can significantly impact your downloads. Try pausing these downloads and prioritize the download you want.

How to Control Background Downloads:

1. Navigate to the "Downloads" section under "Notifications" on your PS4.
2. Select any ongoing downloads you wish to pause.
3. Press the "X" button to pause them.

8. Consider a Different Time for Downloads

Network traffic is generally lower during off-peak hours, such as early morning or late at night. If possible, schedule your downloads for these times to avoid network congestion and achieve faster speeds. If possible, try downloading during the night, when internet traffic is at its lowest.

9. Disable Media Streaming

Any device streaming from your PlayStation can significantly affect the download speed. Before downloading a large game, disable any media streaming from the PS4 to other devices.

10. Check Your PS4’s Storage Space

While less common, limited storage space can sometimes affect download performance. Ensure you have adequate free space on your PS4 hard drive before downloading large games. If your hard drive is full you might need to consider deleting old games or upgrading your internal storage.

11. Contact PlayStation Support

If none of the above steps help improve your download speeds, there might be a problem with your PS4 or PlayStation Network servers. Contact PlayStation Support for further assistance.

Conclusion

Dealing with slow download speeds on your PS4 can be frustrating, but by following the tips and techniques outlined in this comprehensive guide, you can significantly improve your download performance. Remember to start with the basic troubleshooting steps and gradually move on to the more advanced network optimization techniques. By carefully examining each factor, you can ensure that you are getting the best possible download speeds and enjoying your PS4 games without unnecessary delays. Happy gaming!