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Why is my Internet so Bad on PS5? Troubleshooting and Optimization Guide

Experiencing frustratingly slow internet speeds on your PlayStation 5? You’re not alone. Many gamers encounter this issue, and the good news is that often, the problem is solvable with some simple troubleshooting. There isn’t one single culprit for poor PS5 internet performance; it’s usually a combination of factors. To start, your slow internet could stem from issues within your home network, the PS5 console itself, or even the PlayStation Network (PSN) servers. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the common causes:

Router and Modem Problems: An old or poorly functioning router and modem is a primary reason for slow internet. They may be struggling to handle the data load required for online gaming or may have outdated firmware.
Interference: Physical obstructions between your PS5 and router, like walls, furniture, and electronic devices, can significantly weaken the Wi-Fi signal. Other devices using the 2.4GHz band can also cause interference.
Network Overload: If multiple devices are simultaneously using your internet connection (streaming videos, downloading files, etc.), your PS5 may not receive adequate bandwidth, leading to slow download speeds and lag.
PSN Server Issues: Sometimes, the problem isn’t your home setup. PlayStation Network servers can experience outages or slowdowns, affecting everyone trying to access online services. Similarly, the servers of the specific game you are trying to play may also be overloaded or experiencing issues.
PS5 Settings: Your console’s network configuration can impact speeds. A misconfigured network, choosing the incorrect Wi-Fi band (2.4 GHz rather than 5 GHz), or outdated system software can all contribute to sluggish performance.
Distance: The distance between your PS5 and your router matters. The further away the console, the weaker and less reliable the Wi-Fi connection will be.

Understanding the Impact of These Issues

These issues manifest in a variety of ways, most commonly including:

Slow Download Speeds: This is particularly painful for users of the PS5 Digital Edition, which relies entirely on downloading games. Long download times can mean waiting hours to play a new game.
In-Game Lag: Lag, often indicated by a noticeable delay between your actions and the game’s response, is a common symptom of a poor connection.
Connection Instability: Frequent disconnections during gameplay can ruin the experience and leave you frustrated.
Issues with Voice Chat: Poor internet can cause voice chat to lag or become choppy, making it difficult to communicate with teammates.

By understanding these common issues and their impact, you can begin to address the specific reasons for your slow internet speeds on your PS5 and take the right steps to improve your gaming experience.

How To Fix Slow Internet on Your PS5

Having outlined the potential causes, let’s move on to how to effectively tackle these issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you improve your PS5’s internet speeds:

1. Optimize Your Router and Modem

Restart your router and modem: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches. Power them off, wait a minute, and then power them back on.
Update Router Firmware: Make sure your router’s firmware is updated. Check your router manufacturer’s website for instructions. Outdated firmware can lead to performance issues.
Position your router strategically: Place your router in a central location, away from walls and obstructions, and preferably off the floor. Avoid placing it near other electronic devices that may cause interference.
Upgrade your router: If your router is old, it might be time for an upgrade. Consider a gaming router with features that prioritize gaming traffic and offer better 5GHz support.

2. Reduce Wi-Fi Interference

Switch to 5GHz Wi-Fi: The 5GHz band generally provides faster speeds and less interference than the 2.4GHz band. Most modern routers support both; your PS5 also supports both. You can manually select this in your PS5’s network settings.
Change your Wi-Fi channel: If you’re experiencing interference from neighbors, try changing the channel your Wi-Fi is using. This can be done in your router settings, although finding the best channel often requires a little trial and error.
Consider WiFi extenders: If your router doesn’t cover your entire gaming area, a Wi-Fi extender can be used to amplify the signal. However, be aware that some extenders can actually reduce speeds.

3. Optimize Your PS5 Network Settings

Use a Wired Connection (Ethernet): If possible, connect your PS5 to your router using an Ethernet cable. This provides a more stable and faster connection than Wi-Fi.
Manually Set DNS: Sometimes, using a custom DNS server can improve speed and stability. You can change the DNS settings in your PS5’s network settings menu and try a free DNS server like Google’s (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
Ensure your PS5 System Software is updated: Regular updates often include fixes and performance improvements. Keep your console up-to-date.

4. Manage Your Network Usage

Limit background downloads: Turn off auto-updates and downloads when actively gaming. This prevents other tasks from eating up bandwidth.
Close unnecessary applications: Ensure you have no background apps and programs open on your PS5.
Disconnect other devices: Limit the number of devices using your internet while playing online. Disconnect devices that aren’t actively in use.

5. Monitor for PSN and Game Server Issues

Check the PSN status: Before troubleshooting, make sure that the problem isn’t on PlayStation’s side. You can do this on the PlayStation website or on social media.
Check game server status: Check for any server outages related to the game you are trying to play. This information is often found on the game’s social media or website.

6. Other Potential Issues

Check your internet speed: If you’re still having trouble, consider checking your internet speed by using an online speed test tool. This will give you an indication of whether your speed is meeting your subscribed speeds. Compare this to your ISP’s advertised speeds and consider contacting them if there’s a big discrepancy.
Check hardware issues: If all the above methods fail, it may be a hardware issue. Check your PS5’s hardware for signs of damage or try a different network adapter if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about improving internet speeds on the PS5:

1. What internet speed do I need for PS5?

For optimal gaming performance, a minimum of 50-100 Mbps download speed is recommended. However, if other people use the same connection, you might need higher speeds to avoid slowdowns.

2. Is 200 Mbps good for gaming on PS5?

Yes, 200 Mbps is more than sufficient for gaming on the PS5, especially if there are only a few users on the same network.

3. What is a good connection speed for PS5 downloads?

For the best download experience on PS5, especially for large games, you’ll want speeds of at least 50-100 Mbps.

4. Does the PS5 use 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi?

The PS5 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, defaulting to 2.4 GHz. It’s generally better to use the 5GHz band for gaming as it offers faster speeds and lower interference.

5. How do I switch my PS5 to 5GHz?

Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Select your Wi-Fi network and press the Options button, then choose Wi-Fi Frequency and set it to 5GHz.

6. Why is my PS5 lagging even though my internet is fine?

Lag can be caused by an unstable connection, even if your general internet speed is high. This can be due to packet loss, which is the disruption of data transfer between your PS5 and the game server.

7. How can I stabilize my internet connection for gaming?

Use a wired Ethernet connection, move your router closer to your PS5, switch to the 5GHz Wi-Fi band, and reduce other internet usage on your network.

8. Why is my Wi-Fi bad when I play games on PS5?

The distance between your router and PS5, network congestion, interference, and an insufficient internet speed can all contribute to poor Wi-Fi performance when gaming.

9. Do Wi-Fi extenders really help with PS5 gaming?

Wi-Fi extenders can help increase your Wi-Fi range, but they may also cause some performance degradation. Ensure your extender is placed optimally, not too far away from the router and not too far from the PS5.

10. How can I improve my Wi-Fi signal for PS5 gaming?

Reposition your router, switch to the 5GHz band, use a Wi-Fi extender if needed, upgrade your router, and consider using an Ethernet cable.

11. How do I get more Mbps on my PS5?

Ensure your PS5 is using the 5GHz Wi-Fi band, consider using a wired connection, manually set your DNS, and make sure your router is functioning optimally.

12. Is 25 Mbps good for PS5 gaming?

25 Mbps can work for basic online gaming on the PS5, but it may not be ideal, especially for downloading large games or for more demanding online multiplayer experiences. A minimum of 50 Mbps is ideal.

13. Can a poor DNS affect PS5 internet speed?

Yes, a poorly performing or misconfigured DNS server can slow down internet speeds. You can change your PS5’s DNS settings to a faster, publicly available DNS service.

14. How do I change DNS on PS5?

Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > Advanced Settings. Set DNS Settings to Manual and enter your preferred DNS servers (e.g., Google’s 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).

15. Is there any way to prioritize the PS5 on my network?

Some routers have a Quality of Service (QoS) setting that allows you to prioritize certain devices or types of traffic, ensuring your PS5 gets the bandwidth it needs. Consult your router’s manual for specific instructions.

By addressing these potential issues and optimizing your setup, you can significantly improve your internet experience on the PS5 and enjoy smooth, uninterrupted gaming. Remember that a combination of troubleshooting steps is often necessary to achieve the best results. Good luck, and happy gaming!

Why is my internet so bad on PS5?