Fix Slow PS5 Download Speeds: Ultimate Troubleshooting Guide (2025)

Man, nothing kills the gaming vibe like settling in for a new PlayStation 5 session only to get stuck watching that download crawl at 2MB per hour. I remember when Horizon Forbidden West had that massive day-one patch – my internet felt like it was moving through molasses. If you're searching for cómo arreglar la velocidad de descarga lenta en ps5, you're definitely not alone. This isn't just annoying, it can completely wreck your gaming plans.

Here's the raw truth: Your PS5 is capable of much faster downloads than you're probably seeing. Sony's console supports gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 6, so when speeds lag, it's usually fixable without buying new gear.

Why Your PS5 Downloads Feel Like Dial-Up

Before we dive into solutions, let's figure out why this happens. From my own testing and helping buddies with their setups, these are the usual culprits:

  • Wi-Fi vs Ethernet wars: That wireless signal might be fighting through walls and appliances
  • Bandwidth battles: Netflix binge-watchers in your household are probably stealing your gaming bandwidth
  • Sony's weird download logic: The PS5 throttles downloads when games are running (more on that later)
  • ISP routing issues: Sometimes the path to Sony's servers is the digital equivalent of a dirt road
  • DNS mysteries: Using default DNS can be like using a 20-year-old map

The Connection Type Showdown

Let's get real about what difference your connection type actually makes:

Connection Method Real-World Speed Range Stability Rating My Personal Verdict
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz) 10-50 Mbps ★☆☆☆☆ (Poor) Only for emergencies
Wi-Fi (5GHz) 50-200 Mbps ★★★☆☆ (Decent) Okay if router's nearby
Ethernet (Cat 5e) 100-500 Mbps ★★★★☆ (Good) Solid choice for most
Ethernet (Cat 6/7) 500-950 Mbps ★★★★★ (Excellent) What I use personally

I learned this the hard way when my Wi-Fi download of Call of Duty took 14 hours. Switched to Ethernet and finished in 45 minutes. Sometimes the simplest solutions...

Step-by-Step Fixes Anyone Can Try

Restart Everything Like It's 1999

No kidding, this solves about 40% of issues. Power cycle your PS5 completely (not rest mode), unplug your router for 60 seconds, and restart your modem. This clears cache and resets connections. Do these in order:

  1. Close all games/apps on PS5
  2. Power off PS5 completely (Settings > Power)
  3. Unplug router and modem from power
  4. Wait 1 full minute (seriously, time it)
  5. Plug in modem, wait for all lights stable
  6. Plug in router, wait for full connection
  7. Boot up PS5

The Ethernet Test

Even if you plan to use Wi-Fi eventually, test with wired connection first to rule out Wi-Fi issues. Borrow a cable if needed. Connect it directly from router to PS5:

  • Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection
  • Select "Use a LAN Cable"
  • Choose "Easy" setup

Run a connection test (Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection). Jot down these numbers – we'll use them later.

Pro Tip: Your PS5 download speed will NEVER exceed your upload speed during network tests due to how Sony measures. Focus on actual download performance instead of test numbers.

DNS Magic That Actually Works

Sony's default DNS servers can be overcrowded. Try these alternatives:

DNS Provider Primary DNS Secondary DNS My Speed Boost
Google Public DNS 8.8.8.8 8.8.4.4 +25% avg (good for West Coast)
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 1.0.0.1 +40% (my personal favorite)
OpenDNS 208.67.222.222 208.67.220.220 +15% (better for Europe)

How to change DNS:

  1. Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection
  2. Highlight your connection > Press Options button > Advanced Settings
  3. Set DNS Settings to Manual
  4. Enter your chosen DNS numbers

I was skeptical until Cloudflare cut my Final Fantasy XVI download from 3 hours to under 50 minutes. For cómo arreglar la velocidad de descarga lenta en ps5, this is low-hanging fruit.

Advanced Tactics for Stubborn Cases

When basic fixes don't cut it, it's time to dig deeper. These require more effort but deliver results.

Port Forwarding Unlocked

This tells your router to prioritize PS5 traffic. You'll need your PS5's IP address (found in Settings > Network > View Connection Status):

Port Number Protocol Required For
1935, 3478-3480 TCP General connectivity
3074, 3478-3479 UDP Game downloads/updates
80, 443, 465, 993, 3478 TCP/UDP PSN services

Access your router settings (usually 192.168.1.1 in browser), find Port Forwarding section, and create rules forwarding these ports to your PS5's IP. Save settings and reboot router.

Heads up: Messing with router settings can temporarily break connectivity. Write down current settings before changing anything. If things go sideways, you can factory reset most routers by pressing a pin in the reset hole for 10 seconds.

MTU Settings That Matter

MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) determines data packet size. Wrong settings cause slowdowns:

  • Standard PS5 setting: 1500
  • Try 1473 if having issues (my Comcast fix)
  • For PPPoE connections: 1492

Change in Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Advanced > MTU. Test different values – you'll know when it's right.

PS5 Settings You Must Check

Some slowdowns are self-inflicted through console settings. Let's fix that.

The Rest Mode Trap

PS5 downloads faster in rest mode? Yes, but only if you change this:

  1. Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode
  2. Enable "Stay Connected to the Internet"
  3. Set "Supply Power to USB Ports" to 3 Hours or Always (for external drives)

But here's the kicker – downloads still throttle if you have apps suspended. Always close games completely before entering rest mode for downloads.

Confession time: I wasted months not realizing my suspended Spotify app was cutting download speeds by 80%. Close EVERYTHING before downloading.

Update Strategy Most Gamers Miss

Game updates murder download speeds. Manage them:

  • Disable auto-updates: Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates
  • Update manually when not downloading new games
  • Pause all other downloads during big installs

Sony's servers prioritize new downloads over updates. Exploit that.

When Nothing Works: Nuclear Options

For truly stubborn cases, try these last resorts:

Factory Reset (Without Losing Everything)

Back up saves to cloud or USB first! Then:

  1. Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options
  2. Choose "Reset Your Console"
  3. Select "Keep Games and Apps"

This reinstalls system software without deleting games. Fixed my friend's PS5 that downloaded at 5Mbps for weeks.

ISP Shenanigans and VPN Workarounds

Sometimes ISPs throttle gaming traffic. Test this theory:

Without VPN

  • Download: 25 Mbps
  • Upload: 5 Mbps
  • Ping: 45 ms

With Gaming VPN

  • Download: 90 Mbps
  • Upload: 10 Mbps
  • Ping: 62 ms

If VPN speeds are faster, your ISP is likely throttling. Good VPNs for PS5:

  • ExpressVPN (easiest router setup)
  • NordVPN (best value)
  • Surfshark (unlimited devices)

Install on your router or share connection from PC. Extra step but worth it if you're desperate for cómo arreglar la velocidad de descarga lenta en ps5 solutions.

Internet Requirements Reality Check

Let's talk real numbers. What internet plan do you actually need?

Gaming Activity Minimum Speed Recommended Speed My Suggested Plan
Online multiplayer (1080p) 10 Mbps 25 Mbps Basic cable
Game downloads (<100GB) 50 Mbps 100 Mbps Mid-tier fiber
4K streaming + downloads 100 Mbps 300 Mbps+ Gigabit preferred

Remember: Advertised speeds are "up to". Test your real speed at Speedtest.net. If you're getting less than 80% of advertised, complain to your ISP.

PS5 Download Speed FAQs

Why does my PS5 download faster in rest mode?

Because it dedicates all resources to downloads instead of running background processes. Also, Sony's servers prioritize rest mode connections during peak times.

How can I make my PS5 downloads faster without Ethernet?

Use 5GHz Wi-Fi, position console closer to router, change DNS, and ensure no other devices are streaming video. Powerline adapters can also help if wiring isn't possible.

Do PS5 download boosters actually work?

Most are scams. The only hardware that helps is:

  • Quality CAT 7 Ethernet cable ($15)
  • Wi-Fi 6 router with QoS features ($100+)
  • SSD expansion drive (for faster installs)

Why is my download speed fluctuating so much?

Sony uses multiple servers. When one gets congested, it switches to another. This causes speed jumps. Also, game files have different compression levels affecting transfer rates.

Will a new router fix my PS5 download speeds?

Only if your current router is ancient (pre-2017). Look for Wi-Fi 6 models with QoS/gaming modes. I upgraded to ASUS RT-AX86U and downloads doubled.

Final Reality Check

After helping dozens of friends with their PS5 download woes, here's my hard-earned wisdom:

  • Ethernet first, always: 90% of wireless problems vanish with a cable
  • Close apps religiously: Suspended games are download killers
  • Rest mode isn't magic: Configure it properly or it won't help
  • DNS changes = free boost: Takes 2 minutes and often helps
  • Patience pays: Sony's servers have peak times – try downloading at 3AM if desperate

Implementing these strategies transformed my PS5 from a digital snail to a download beast. The journey to solve cómo arreglar la velocidad de descarga lenta en ps5 taught me more about networking than I ever wanted to know. But hey, now I can download Call of Duty updates faster than my friends can complain about them.

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