How Do I Test My Remote Play Speed? A Comprehensive Guide
Testing your Remote Play speed is crucial for a smooth, lag-free gaming experience. The process involves assessing both your upload and download speeds as they relate to the requirements of your chosen platform, whether it’s PlayStation or Xbox. Simply put, you need to make sure your network can handle the demands of streaming your games. To test your Remote Play speed, you’ll primarily focus on your internet connection’s performance using your device and then assess your console connection specifically.
Testing Your Internet Connection Speed
Using Online Speed Tests
The most straightforward method is to use a reputable online speed test tool. Several free options are available, like Speedtest by Ookla, Fast.com, or Google’s Speed Test. Simply go to one of these websites on the device you plan to use for Remote Play, and initiate the test. This will provide you with key data points:
- Download Speed: This is how quickly your device can receive data from the internet.
- Upload Speed: This measures how fast your device can send data to the internet.
- Latency (Ping): This indicates the delay in data transfer, also known as lag, and is often measured in milliseconds (ms).
For Remote Play, your upload speed is particularly critical, as it’s the rate at which your gaming console sends its video and audio data to your remote device. Make sure you’re testing on the same Wi-Fi network that will host both your console and remote device for accuracy.
Assessing Results
The speed test results are essential for understanding your network’s capability for Remote Play. Compare your results against the minimum and recommended speeds for the console you are using:
- PlayStation (PS5 and PS4):
- Minimum: 5 Mbps for both upload and download.
- Recommended: 15 Mbps or faster for a better experience, with 9 Mbps or faster being optimal for upload.
- Xbox:
- Minimum: While the minimum speeds aren’t as explicitly stated, the general recommendation aligns with that of PlayStation for smooth experience.
- Recommended: Similar to PS, at least 15 Mbps is recommended for both upload and download speeds for a good experience.
If your upload speed falls below the minimum, you’re likely to experience lag, stuttering, or connection drops. Aim for results above 15 Mbps to achieve optimal Remote Play. You will also want to check your latency (ping) as a high number here can also cause issues.
Testing Your Console’s Internet Connection
In addition to general network testing, you should also check the internet connection status directly on your console:
PlayStation 5 (PS5)
- Go to Settings on your PS5 dashboard.
- Navigate to Network.
- Select Connection Status.
- Choose Test Internet Connection.
This test will show you the download and upload speeds being experienced specifically by your PS5. You need to ensure that the results align with or exceed the minimum and recommended values for good Remote Play functionality.
PlayStation 4 (PS4)
- Go to Settings on your PS4 dashboard.
- Navigate to Network.
- Select Test Internet Connection.
Just like on the PS5, the PS4’s test provides download and upload speed data relevant to the console itself.
Why Testing Matters
Testing your connection speeds is the first step towards identifying whether your network can accommodate Remote Play. It allows you to proactively address potential problems, such as:
- Slow Upload Speeds: Often the culprit behind poor Remote Play performance, slower uploads mean your game can’t stream effectively.
- Network Congestion: Other devices on your network using high bandwidth, like downloading files or streaming video, can hinder Remote Play.
- Wireless Interference: Physical obstacles, distance from your router, or competing signals can weaken your Wi-Fi, resulting in lag.
Improving Your Connection
If your speed test shows that your network is not optimal for Remote Play, here are some tips to help you:
- Move your router: Place your router in a central, open location, away from walls and metal objects.
- Use a wired connection: If possible, connect your gaming console to your router using an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
- Upgrade your internet plan: If your internet plan consistently falls short, consider an upgrade to a faster plan.
- Limit other devices: Minimize the number of devices using your network while you are using Remote Play.
- Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi: If your router supports it, use the 5GHz band for less interference.
- Restart your devices: Power off and back on all your network hardware including your router, modem, console and the remote device.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the minimum speed required for Remote Play?
The minimum required connection speed is 5 Mbps for both upload and download. However, this will likely result in a subpar experience.
2. What is a good speed for optimal Remote Play performance?
For optimal Remote Play, you should aim for 15 Mbps or faster for both upload and download speeds. Upload speeds of 9 Mbps or faster are particularly crucial.
3. Does latency (ping) affect Remote Play?
Yes, latency (measured in milliseconds or ms) is just as crucial as upload and download speed. High latency will cause lag and a poor experience. The lower the number, the better.
4. How much data does Remote Play use?
Remote Play uses a considerable amount of data, especially over internet connections. At around 5 Mbps, a 30-minute session may use about 9 gigabits (1.125 gigabytes) of data. Be aware of data usage if on mobile or capped internet connections.
5. Should I use a wired connection for Remote Play?
Yes, a wired connection (Ethernet) is strongly recommended for your console if possible, as it provides a more stable and reliable connection than Wi-Fi, reducing the risk of lag.
6. What are the common reasons for Remote Play lag?
Common reasons for lag include slow upload speeds, network congestion, wireless interference, and high latency.
7. What’s the difference between upload and download speed?
Download speed is how fast your device receives data from the internet, while upload speed is how fast it sends data. For Remote Play, upload speed is the most crucial.
8. Will using other devices on the network affect Remote Play?
Yes, other devices using significant bandwidth can interfere with Remote Play. It’s best to minimize network usage when using Remote Play.
9. How do I troubleshoot a slow Remote Play connection?
Troubleshooting includes restarting devices, resetting network settings, ensuring your console and devices are close to the router, upgrading your internet plan, and limiting network usage.
10. Can I use Remote Play on a mobile data connection?
Yes, you can, but it is not recommended due to data usage and potential for unstable connections. Also, mobile data may incur additional charges.
11. What does the error code 0x80001fff mean for PS4 Remote Play?
Error code 0x80001fff typically indicates interference from a third-party security program. Try disabling real-time protection or any similar programs.
12. Can I use Remote Play on both PS5 and PS4?
Yes, you can use Remote Play on both PS5 and PS4 consoles, however the optimal settings and performance expectations are very similar.
13. How do I switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi for Remote Play?
You can switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi by selecting the 5GHz network option on your device’s Wi-Fi settings. Your router must support this frequency.
14. What are the advantages of 100 Mbps, 300 Mbps, 500 Mbps, and 1 Gbps speeds for Remote Play?
While Remote Play can work on 5Mbps, a connection of 100 Mbps or more provides a much more comfortable margin for error, leading to a better overall experience. 300 Mbps will further improve the download times and stability. 500 Mbps and 1 Gbps will have plenty of headroom even with other devices on the network.
15. Is Chiaki a good alternative for Remote Play?
Chiaki is an open-source client for Remote Play. It is considered a good alternative for some platforms and provides further customizations, but it isn’t a replacement for the official applications.
By testing your Remote Play speed and addressing any issues, you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy a seamless and enjoyable gaming experience no matter where you are.