How to Make Call of Duty Download Faster on PS4
Struggling with agonizingly slow Call of Duty downloads on your PS4? You’re not alone. The massive file sizes of modern games, especially Call of Duty, can make downloading a test of patience. Fortunately, several strategies can significantly boost your download speeds. In short, to make Call of Duty download faster on your PS4:
- Use a Wired Ethernet Connection: This is the most impactful change you can make. Ethernet connections are consistently faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.
- Close Background Applications: Before starting your download, ensure all background applications are closed to free up network bandwidth.
- Put Your PS4 in Rest Mode: Downloads often proceed faster in Rest Mode as the console prioritizes the download process.
- Pause and Resume Download: Often pausing and then resuming the download can sometimes “kickstart” the process and resolve any stalled data transfer.
- Change Your DNS Settings: Switching to a public DNS server, such as Google or Cloudflare, can sometimes improve connection speeds.
- Stop Downloads on Other Devices: Make sure no other devices on your network are consuming bandwidth with downloads or streaming.
- Optimize Your Home Network: Ensure your router is in good working order and positioned for optimal Wi-Fi performance if you cannot use Ethernet.
By implementing these steps, you’ll likely see a noticeable difference in your Call of Duty download speeds. Let’s delve deeper into each of these methods and address some common questions.
Optimizing Your PS4 Download Speed
Wired Connection vs. Wi-Fi
The most significant improvement you can make to your download speed is switching from Wi-Fi to a wired Ethernet connection. Wi-Fi is prone to interference, signal degradation, and congestion from other devices. An Ethernet cable offers a direct, stable, and generally faster connection to your router. If possible, position your PS4 near your router to make this change convenient. Even if your Wi-Fi signal is good, a wired connection will almost always outperform it for downloads.
Closing Background Applications
When you have multiple applications running in the background, they may be silently using your network bandwidth. This can slow down your download speeds. Close any games or apps running in the background before starting your Call of Duty download. To do this, press the PS button, highlight the application, press the options button and select “Close Application”.
Leveraging Rest Mode
The PS4’s Rest Mode is designed to allow for downloads in the background while using minimal power. When the console is in Rest Mode, it tends to prioritize the download, allocating more of your network bandwidth to the process. This can result in faster download times compared to downloading while actively using the console.
The Pause and Resume Method
It might seem counterintuitive, but sometimes pausing and then resuming the download can help. It might refresh the connection, or it might get your data going faster again.
Exploring DNS Settings
Your DNS (Domain Name System) settings act like a phonebook for the internet, translating domain names (like www.google.com) into IP addresses. Sometimes, your default DNS settings provided by your internet service provider (ISP) might not be the fastest. Switching to a public DNS server, such as Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1), can sometimes improve connection speeds. You can change your DNS settings in the PS4 network settings.
Stopping Other Downloads
Downloads on other devices that share your home network, such as smart TVs, laptops, phones, and other gaming consoles, will compete for bandwidth. To maximize the speed of your Call of Duty download, stop any other downloads or streaming activities on your home network. This ensures all available bandwidth is dedicated to your PS4.
Network Equipment and Optimization
Your router plays a crucial role in your network performance. Make sure your router is up to date with the latest firmware. Position your router in a central, open location and away from obstructions like walls and appliances. If you have an older router, consider upgrading to one that supports faster wireless standards. It’s worth checking your internet plan and equipment to ensure it is meeting the expected speeds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the PS4 download faster in Rest Mode?
Yes, the PS4 often downloads games and updates faster in Rest Mode because it dedicates more resources to the download process.
2. What is the maximum download speed of the PS4?
The PS4’s network connection can theoretically handle up to 1000 Mbps over LAN and 450 Mbps over Wi-Fi. However, these are theoretical maximums, and real-world speeds are usually lower. For example, you may find that the actual speed is much less that what your internet is capable of because of hardware limitations on the PS4 or ISP limitations.
3. Can I turn off my PS4 while downloading a game?
No, you cannot turn off your PS4 while downloading a game. However, downloads will continue in Rest Mode even when your TV is off.
4. What are the typical causes of slow PS4 downloads?
Slow PS4 downloads are typically caused by poor internet connections, issues with the router, network congestion, or sometimes even limitations from the ISP.
5. Should I put my PS4 in Rest Mode to download games?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to put your PS4 in Rest Mode to download games as it can speed up the process and use less energy.
6. How can I improve my PS4’s overall performance?
To improve your PS4’s overall performance, try using an Ethernet cable, freeing up disk space, rebuilding the PS4 database, and consider upgrading to an SSD.
7. How long will it take to download a 20GB game?
A 20GB game download time depends on your internet speed. At 12Mbps, it would take around 3.7 hours; at 30Mbps, it would take around 1.5 hours.
8. Why is my PS4’s Mbps so slow?
Slow Mbps on your PS4 can result from interference, network congestion, or issues with your router. Make sure you are using an ethernet connection if possible.
9. Does initializing the PS4 make it download faster?
No, initializing a PS4 (factory reset) doesn’t make downloads faster. It only wipes your data. If you suspect software corruption is the problem, you can rebuild the database, but do a factory reset as a last resort.
10. How do I clear the PS4’s cache?
To clear the cache on your PS4, access the safe mode menu by pressing and holding the power button until it beeps twice. Then, connect a controller with a USB cable, press the PS button, and select the Rebuild Database option.
11. Can I leave my PS4 on overnight to download games?
Yes, it is safe to leave your PS4 in Rest Mode overnight to download games.
12. What happens if you turn off the PS4 during an update?
Turning off the PS4 during an update can corrupt the game or update data and cause problems. It is best to avoid doing this and let the updates complete.
13. What are the benefits of the PS4’s Rest Mode?
Rest Mode offers benefits like faster start-up times, the ability to download games and patches while you’re away, the ability to continue games from where you left off, and it allows you to charge your controller.
14. What game has the biggest GB download size?
Currently, ARK: Survival Evolved is among the largest at 250+ GB. Many Call of Duty games can be huge as well, often around 150-200 GB.
15. What is considered a good download speed for gaming?
A good download speed for gaming is typically around 25 Mbps or higher. For larger households, speeds between 100 and 500 Mbps are ideal. It will depend on how many devices you have connected to the network and how much demand you are putting on your network at any one given time.
By understanding and implementing these tips, you can significantly enhance your Call of Duty download speeds and get back to gaming sooner.