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Do You Need Good Wi-Fi for PS5 Remote Play? The Ultimate Guide

Absolutely! A stable and sufficiently fast Wi-Fi connection is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable PS5 Remote Play experience. While Sony states a minimum of 5Mbps is required, aiming for 15Mbps or higher is highly recommended. The better your Wi-Fi, the less lag, fewer disconnects, and higher visual fidelity you’ll experience. Let’s dive deeper into why and how to optimize your network for the best possible Remote Play performance.

Understanding the Connection Requirements

Remote Play essentially streams the game from your PS5 to another device (phone, tablet, computer, or another PS5/PS4) over your network. This requires your home network to both upload the game’s video and audio, and download your controller inputs back to the console in real time. This two-way communication demands a strong and consistent internet connection.

Think of it like a live video call. A weak signal will lead to stuttering video, dropped audio, and delays, making the conversation (or in this case, gaming) frustrating. The same principle applies to Remote Play.

Wi-Fi vs. Wired Connection

While Wi-Fi offers convenience, a wired Ethernet connection is generally superior for Remote Play. A wired connection provides a more stable and consistent connection, minimizing interference and latency. If possible, connect your PS5 directly to your router using an Ethernet cable.

However, if a wired connection isn’t feasible, optimizing your Wi-Fi network is essential. Here’s how:

Router Placement: Place your router in a central location, away from walls, obstructions, and other electronic devices that could cause interference (microwaves, cordless phones, etc.). Elevating the router can also improve its signal.
Wi-Fi Band: Modern routers typically support both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. While 2.4GHz offers a longer range, 5GHz generally provides faster speeds and less interference, assuming your PS5 and remote device are relatively close to the router. Use the 5Ghz band to max out your speeds for everything from game downloads to online play.
Network Congestion: Limit the number of devices actively using your Wi-Fi network while you’re using Remote Play. Streaming videos, downloading large files, or online gaming on other devices can consume bandwidth and impact Remote Play performance.
Router Firmware: Ensure your router’s firmware is up to date. Firmware updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can enhance network stability.
Router Quality: An older or lower-quality router may struggle to handle the demands of Remote Play. Consider upgrading to a more modern router with better processing power and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Testing Your Network Speed

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s crucial to assess your current network speed. You can use online speed test tools to measure your upload and download speeds. Pay close attention to the upload speed, as this is particularly important for Remote Play. Remember, the article stated that An upload speed of at least 4.75 Mbps is required, but 9 Mbps or faster is optimal for the best remote play experience.

A green check mark in the PlayStation settings will indicate your speed is faster than 9 Mbps and is optimal for remote play.

Adjusting Remote Play Settings

The PS Remote Play app allows you to adjust video quality settings to optimize performance based on your network conditions. Lowering the resolution and frame rate can reduce the bandwidth required, improving stability on slower connections.

Resolution: Try setting the resolution to Standard (540p) or even Low (360p).
Frame Rate: Choose Standard frame rate.

Other Factors Influencing Remote Play Performance

While Wi-Fi is a major factor, other elements can also affect Remote Play performance:

Remote Device Performance: The device you’re using for Remote Play (phone, tablet, computer) needs sufficient processing power to decode the video stream. Older or underpowered devices may struggle, leading to lag or stuttering.
Distance Between Devices: The farther you are from the console that you are connecting to can influence Remote Play.
Background Applications: Close any unnecessary applications running on your remote device, as these can consume resources and impact performance.
PS5 System Software: Ensure your PS5 system software is up to date. Sony regularly releases updates that include performance improvements and bug fixes.

FAQs About PS5 Remote Play and Wi-Fi

1. What is the absolute minimum internet speed for PS5 Remote Play?

The stated minimum is 5Mbps for both upload and download speeds. However, this is likely to result in a subpar experience with noticeable lag and low video quality.

2. What’s the recommended internet speed for optimal PS5 Remote Play?

Aim for at least 15Mbps for both upload and download speeds. The article stated that An upload speed of at least 4.75 Mbps is required, but 9 Mbps or faster is optimal for the best remote play experience.

3. Is a wired connection always better than Wi-Fi for Remote Play?

Yes, in most cases. A wired connection provides a more stable and consistent connection, reducing the likelihood of lag and disconnects.

4. My Wi-Fi is fast, but Remote Play is still laggy. What could be the issue?

Several factors could be at play, including network congestion, router placement, interference from other devices, or insufficient processing power on your remote device.

5. Does PS5 Remote Play use a lot of data?

Yes, Remote Play can consume a significant amount of data, especially at higher resolutions and frame rates. Monitor your data usage if you have a limited data plan. If you choose to use a mobile data connection to access Remote Play features, this will use your mobile data allowance.

6. Can I use Remote Play on mobile data?

Yes, you can, but it’s generally not recommended due to potential data charges and the variable quality of mobile networks. To use mobile data for Remote Play, you’ll need to set up your mobile device.

7. What resolution should I use for PS5 Remote Play?

Start with 720p and adjust as needed based on your network conditions. If you’re experiencing lag, lower the resolution to 540p or 360p.

8. How can I improve my PS5 Remote Play experience on Wi-Fi?

Optimize your router placement, minimize network congestion, update your router’s firmware, and adjust the Remote Play video quality settings.

9. Does the distance between my PS5 and router affect Remote Play performance?

Yes, the further your PS5 is from the router, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal and the greater the potential for lag.

10. Can I use Remote Play on a different network than my PS5?

Yes, you can use Remote Play over the internet, allowing you to play your PS5 games from anywhere with a high-speed connection.

11. Why won’t Remote Play work PS5?

Check to make sure that your router, internet service provider, and mobile carrier aren’t blocking this port. If your router is blocking this port, you can set up port forwarding and allow access from the internet to your PS5 console or PS4 console.

12. Is my 100 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed fast enough for remote work and PS5 Remote Play?

Yes, it would be adequate for remote work and you should have a solid experience with PS5 Remote Play. A download speed of 100 Mbps should be adequate for a household of 4 members or more.

13. Is PS5 Remote Play better on 2.4 Ghz or 5GHz?

That’s the gist in short: 2.4GHz for distance, 5GHz for speed. So, if your PS5 in within close range of your router, it only makes sense to use the 5GHz band to max out your speeds for everything from game downloads to online play.

14. What is the max internet speed on PS5?

We performed several tests and the results ranged from 380 Mbps to 420 Mbps.

15. Can I play PS 1-4 games on PS5?

Yes, you can play many PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4 games on your PS5 through backward compatibility or PlayStation Plus Premium.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a good Wi-Fi connection is paramount for a satisfying PS5 Remote Play experience. By understanding the connection requirements, optimizing your network, and adjusting Remote Play settings, you can significantly improve performance and enjoy your favorite PS5 games from virtually anywhere. Remember to consider all the factors discussed to ensure the best quality remote play.

To learn more about gaming and its broader impact, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization delves into the educational and social aspects of gaming, offering valuable insights into the world of interactive entertainment.

Do you need good Wi-Fi for PS5 remote play?