Will Your PS4 Keep Downloading With the TV Off? The Definitive Guide
Yes, your PlayStation 4 (PS4) will continue downloading games, updates, and other content even when the TV is turned off, provided you have the correct settings enabled. The PS4’s Rest Mode is specifically designed for this purpose, allowing the console to perform background tasks while consuming minimal power. This feature is a game-changer for those massive game downloads that can take hours to complete, letting you power down your screen and get some rest while your PS4 works its magic.
Understanding Rest Mode and Background Downloads
The key to downloading with the TV off lies in understanding and properly configuring your PS4’s Rest Mode. Think of Rest Mode as a low-power state where the console is technically “asleep” but still capable of performing essential tasks.
Enabling Rest Mode Features
To ensure your downloads continue uninterrupted, you need to enable specific features within the PS4’s settings:
- Go to Settings from the PS4’s main menu.
- Select Power Save Settings.
- Choose Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Ensure the checkbox for Stay Connected to the Internet is selected. This is the crucial setting that allows your PS4 to maintain a network connection while in Rest Mode, enabling downloads.
- You can also select Supply Power to USB Ports to charge your controllers while in Rest Mode. Choose the duration you prefer.
With these settings enabled, your PS4 will seamlessly continue downloading even after you turn off your TV and put the console into Rest Mode.
Putting Your PS4 into Rest Mode
There are a couple of ways to put your PS4 into Rest Mode:
- From the Quick Menu: Hold down the PlayStation button on your controller to bring up the Quick Menu. Select Power, then choose Enter Rest Mode.
- From the Power Options: Go to the main menu, select Power, then choose Enter Rest Mode.
Optimizing Download Speed
Downloading large games can still be a time-consuming process, even with Rest Mode enabled. Here are some tips to optimize your download speed:
- Use a Wired Connection: A direct Ethernet connection to your router is almost always faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi.
- Avoid Online Gaming During Downloads: Online games consume bandwidth, slowing down your download speed.
- Pause and Resume: If a download seems stuck, pausing and resuming it can sometimes kickstart the process.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Having multiple apps running in the background can also impact download speed.
- Update Your PS4 System Software: Sony frequently releases system software updates that can improve performance, including download speeds.
Power Consumption and Rest Mode
One common concern is the amount of electricity consumed while the PS4 is in Rest Mode. The good news is that Rest Mode is designed to be energy-efficient. While it does consume a small amount of power, it’s significantly less than when the console is fully powered on.
The average PS4 consumes around 100-150 watts when actively in use. In Rest Mode, this drops to around 10-15 watts, depending on the features enabled. This translates to minimal impact on your electricity bill.
Important Considerations
- Do Not Interrupt Updates: While it’s generally safe to turn off the TV during downloads, it’s crucial to never turn off the PS4 or unplug it while an update is in progress. This can corrupt your system software and potentially damage your console.
- Download Speed Factors: Keep in mind that download speeds are also affected by factors outside of your control, such as your internet service provider (ISP), network congestion, and the server speed of the content provider.
- Hard Drive Health: Ensure your PS4’s hard drive is in good condition. A failing hard drive can cause slow download speeds and other performance issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to PS4 downloads and Rest Mode:
1. Can I turn off my TV while downloading a game on PS4?
Yes, you can turn off your TV while downloading a game on your PS4. Ensure your PS4 is in Rest Mode with the Stay Connected to the Internet option enabled in the Power Save Settings.
2. Is it OK to leave my PS4 in Rest Mode overnight?
Yes, it’s perfectly fine to leave your PS4 in Rest Mode overnight. This is a convenient way to download large games and updates while you sleep.
3. Will my PS4 overheat if left in Rest Mode for extended periods?
The PS4 is designed to handle extended periods in Rest Mode without overheating, provided it’s placed in a well-ventilated area.
4. Does Rest Mode consume a lot of electricity?
No, Rest Mode is designed to be energy-efficient, consuming significantly less power than when the console is fully powered on.
5. What happens if I turn off the PS4 during a download?
Turning off the PS4 during a download can potentially corrupt the downloaded files or even your system software. It’s best to avoid this. Always pause the download and properly shut down the PS4.
6. Will my game download faster if the PS4 is off?
The PS4 isn’t technically “off” when downloading in Rest Mode. However, it can prioritize downloads while in Rest Mode, potentially leading to faster download speeds compared to when you’re actively playing a game.
7. Can I play games while downloading on my PS4?
Yes, you can play games while downloading, but it might slow down the download speed as the PS4 prioritizes the game you’re playing.
8. How do I check the download progress while the TV is off?
You can’t directly check the download progress while the TV is off. However, you can check it on the PlayStation App on your smartphone or tablet. The app will show the download status of your games.
9. What is a good download speed for PS4?
A good download speed for PS4 is subjective and depends on your internet plan. However, a minimum of 15-25 Mbps is generally recommended for a decent gaming experience.
10. Why is my PS4 download speed so slow?
Several factors can contribute to slow download speeds, including a slow internet connection, Wi-Fi interference, network congestion, and the server speed of the content provider.
11. Can I download games on my PS4 using my phone’s hotspot?
Yes, you can download games using your phone’s hotspot, but it’s generally not recommended due to the high data usage and potential for slow speeds.
12. How do I free up space on my PS4 hard drive?
You can free up space by deleting old games, applications, and screenshots/videos. You can also upgrade to a larger hard drive or use an external hard drive for additional storage.
13. Is it better to use Wi-Fi or Ethernet for PS4 downloads?
Ethernet (wired connection) is almost always faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi for PS4 downloads.
14. How do I restart a stuck download on my PS4?
To restart a stuck download, go to Downloads in the Notifications menu, highlight the download, press the Options button, and select Delete. Then, restart the download from the PlayStation Store or your game library.
15. Can I share my downloaded games with friends?
PlayStation’s Game Share feature allows you to share downloaded games with one other friend. Be aware of Sony’s terms and conditions regarding this feature. You can find more information on how games are impacting education, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
Downloading games on your PS4 while the TV is off is a seamless and convenient process, thanks to Rest Mode. By enabling the necessary settings and optimizing your download speed, you can ensure that your games are ready to play when you are. Remember to always prioritize the safety of your console by avoiding interruptions during updates and maintaining a healthy hard drive. Happy gaming!