Why Is PS4 Remote Play So Laggy?

Experiencing frustrating lag while using PS4 Remote Play is unfortunately a common issue for many gamers. The root causes of this problem are multifaceted, stemming from a combination of network limitations, hardware capabilities, and even software settings. At its core, PS4 Remote Play relies heavily on a stable and fast internet connection to transmit real-time gameplay footage from your console to your device and back again. Any disruption or bottleneck in this process can manifest as significant lag, making the gaming experience incredibly frustrating.

The most immediate reason for lag is usually insufficient bandwidth. Remote Play needs enough upload speed from your home network to send the video feed, and enough download speed to your device to receive it. If either of these speeds is inadequate, the stream will stutter, introduce input delay, and ultimately lag. Beyond bandwidth, other factors play significant roles. Wi-Fi interference, router limitations, and even the processing power of your receiving device can all contribute to a laggy Remote Play experience.

Furthermore, the settings within the Remote Play app itself can drastically impact performance. Higher resolution and frame rate settings demand significantly more bandwidth, and if your network can’t keep up, lag is inevitable. Finally, third-party interference or issues with the PS4 itself can occasionally manifest as lag, albeit less commonly than network related issues. Understanding these potential causes is the first step in diagnosing and ultimately fixing the lag.

Understanding the Key Culprits Behind PS4 Remote Play Lag

Let’s delve into the core factors that are most likely contributing to your frustrating Remote Play experience.

Network Speed and Stability

This is by far the most frequent culprit. As mentioned earlier, Remote Play requires a robust internet connection with sufficient upload and download speeds. The minimum recommended speed for a basic experience is around 5 Mbps, but for smooth, lag-free gameplay, you will need at least 9 Mbps or higher, particularly on the upload side. Here’s a breakdown:

• Upload Speed: This determines how quickly your PS4 can send the game feed to your device. A slow upload speed will cause significant lag, and potentially disconnections.
• Download Speed: This determines how quickly your device can receive the game feed from your PS4. A slow download speed will result in stuttering video and lag.
• Latency (Ping): The amount of time it takes for data to travel from your device to the PS4 and back. High latency will manifest as input lag.

Even if you meet the minimum speed requirements, instability in your internet connection can still lead to lag. Fluctuations in your connection, packet loss, and high latency can all negatively impact your remote play experience.

Wi-Fi Issues and Interference

If your PS4 or the device you’re using for Remote Play are on Wi-Fi, this opens up another potential source of lag. Wi-Fi signals are susceptible to interference from other wireless devices, walls, and even certain types of materials. If your Wi-Fi signal is weak or unstable, your Remote Play session will suffer.

• Distance from Router: The farther you are from your router, the weaker the Wi-Fi signal. This can lead to reduced speeds and increased lag.
• Interference: Microwaves, Bluetooth devices, and other electronics can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal. Try to keep these devices away from your router and your gaming setup.
• Router Quality: An older or lower-quality router might not have the bandwidth or processing power to handle Remote Play effectively.

Remote Play App Settings

The video quality settings you’ve selected within the Remote Play app have a major impact on the network resources required. Higher resolution (e.g., 720p or 1080p) and frame rate (e.g., 60fps) settings demand significantly more bandwidth. If your network cannot support these, the app might struggle, resulting in lag.

• Resolution: Consider lowering the resolution to Standard (540p) or even Low (360p). This can dramatically reduce the demand on your network.
• Frame Rate: Similarly, reducing the frame rate to Standard can help stabilize the connection and reduce lag.

Hardware Limitations

The processing power of the device you’re using for Remote Play also plays a role. If you’re using an older phone or tablet with limited processing power, it might struggle to decode and render the video feed smoothly, leading to lag. Make sure your device meets the minimum requirements.

Other Contributing Factors

While less common, the following can also cause or contribute to Remote Play lag:

• PS4 Overheating: Overheating can cause the console to throttle performance, which can affect Remote Play. Make sure your console is properly ventilated.
• Third-party Security Software: Some security programs can interfere with the network connection, leading to lag and errors, sometimes identified by codes such as 0x80001fff.
• Router Port Blocking: Occasionally, specific ports required by Remote Play might be blocked by your router. You may need to enable port forwarding for ports 9295 (TCP), 9296 and 9297 (UDP).
• Outdated Firmware/Software: Make sure your PS4 system, router, and the Remote Play app are all running the latest software versions.

Troubleshooting Steps to Reduce PS4 Remote Play Lag

Now that you understand the various causes of lag, here are some practical troubleshooting steps you can take:

1. Test Your Internet Speed: Use a speed test website to check your upload and download speeds. If they are below the recommended levels, contact your internet service provider.
2. Switch to Ethernet: Connect your PS4 to your router using an Ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi. This provides a much more stable and faster connection.
3. Reduce Wi-Fi Interference: Minimize potential sources of interference by moving other devices away from your router or using a dual-band router.
4. Adjust Remote Play Settings: Lower the resolution and frame rate settings within the Remote Play app.
5. Restart Everything: Restart your PS4, router, and the device you’re using for Remote Play. This is a simple but effective step.
6. Update All Software: Make sure your PS4 firmware, Remote Play app, and router firmware are all updated to the latest versions.
7. Try a Different Device: If possible, try using Remote Play on a different device to see if the issue persists.
8. Check Router Settings: Review your router’s settings to ensure no ports are being blocked and that QoS (Quality of Service) is set up correctly.

By addressing the potential causes of lag systematically, you can improve your PS4 Remote Play experience and enjoy smooth, responsive gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the minimum internet speed for PS4 Remote Play?

The absolute minimum required connection speed for PS4 Remote Play is 5 Mbps for both upload and download. However, this will likely result in a sub-optimal experience.

2. What is a good internet speed for PS4 Remote Play?

A good internet speed for PS4 Remote Play is 9 Mbps or faster for both upload and download. This will generally provide a smoother, more responsive experience.

3. Does Wi-Fi affect PS4 Remote Play performance?

Yes, Wi-Fi can significantly affect PS4 Remote Play performance. Wi-Fi is often less stable than Ethernet, and it is also susceptible to interference, leading to lag.

4. What ports does PS4 Remote Play use?

PS4 Remote Play primarily uses port 9295 (TCP) and ports 9296 and 9297 (UDP). If these ports are unavailable, ports 9295~9304 (for both TCP and UDP) might be used.

5. Why does Remote Play keep disconnecting?

Remote Play may disconnect due to instability in your internet connection, switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi, or because of network issues with your mobile carrier.

6. Can I use mobile data for PS4 Remote Play?

Yes, you can use mobile data for PS4 Remote Play, but you must enable it in the Remote Play settings, and the connection might be unstable. Your device will switch to Wi-Fi if a connection is available.

7. Why is PS4 Remote Play greyed out on my device?

PS4 Remote Play is often greyed out when your device doesn’t have a sufficient internet connection (upload/download speeds are below the minimum threshold).

8. How do I reduce input lag on PS4 Remote Play?

To reduce input lag on PS4 Remote Play, ensure a stable and fast internet connection, use Ethernet whenever possible, and use lower resolution and frame rate settings in the Remote Play app.

9. What is the optimal resolution and frame rate settings for Remote Play?

The optimal settings depend on your network strength. For the most stable connection, choose Standard (540p) or Low (360p) resolution and Standard frame rate.

10. How do I set up port forwarding for PS4 Remote Play?

Refer to your router’s manual for instructions on setting up port forwarding. You will generally need to forward ports 9295 (TCP) and 9296 and 9297 (UDP) to your PS4’s IP address.

11. What does error code 0x80001fff mean?

Error code 0x80001fff usually indicates third-party security software interference with the Remote Play connection. Temporarily disable or configure these programs.

12. Does Remote Play work with a Backbone controller?

Yes, PS Remote Play is compatible with Backbone One controllers, but only the PlayStation Edition is compatible with PS Remote Play on Android devices.

13. Why is my PS4 lagging even when not using Remote Play?

A slow PS4 can be caused by lack of hard drive space, overheating, dust accumulation, or a slow internet connection.

14. Can I use PS4 Remote Play with a PS5?

Yes, you can use PS4 Remote Play to stream your PS4 games to other devices, even if you also own a PS5.

15. What is the best controller for PS4 gaming?

While personal preference matters, the Dualshock 4 is the standard, reliable controller for PS4, with various options available. The Razer Wolverine V2 Chroma is noted for its durability and features.