PS5 Internet Connection Troubleshooting Guide

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a powerful gaming console that offers a great gaming experience. However, some PS5 users may encounter issues with their internet connection, such as not being able to connect to the WiFi, getting error codes, or having slow download and upload speeds. These issues can affect the performance of online games, streaming services, and updates. Fortunately, there are some possible solutions that can help you troubleshoot and fix your PS5 internet connection problems. Here are some of them:

1. Check your internet service provider (ISP) and router

Before you start tinkering with your PS5 settings, make sure that your internet service provider (ISP) and router are working properly. You can do this by:

• Checking the status of your ISP’s network on their website or social media accounts. Sometimes, there may be outages or maintenance that can affect your internet connection.
• Testing your internet speed on another device, such as your smartphone or laptop, using a speed test website or app. Compare the results with the speed that your ISP promises you. If the speed is significantly lower than expected, contact your ISP for assistance.
• Restarting your router by unplugging it from the power source for 10 seconds and plugging it back in. This can refresh your network and resolve some minor issues.
• Moving your router closer to your PS5 or vice versa. The distance and obstacles between your router and PS5 can affect the WiFi signal strength and quality. Ideally, you want to have a clear line of sight between them.
• Updating your router’s firmware if there is a new version available. This can improve the security and performance of your router. You can check for firmware updates on your router’s web interface or app.

2. Switch WiFi bands or use a wired connection

The PS5 supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands, which have different advantages and disadvantages. The 2.4GHz band is more stable and has a longer range, but it is slower and more prone to interference from other devices. The 5GHz band is faster and less congested, but it has a shorter range and may have difficulty penetrating walls and floors.

Some PS5 users on reddit have reported that switching WiFi bands can improve their internet connection and speed.

To do this, you need to:

• Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection on your PS5.
• Select the WiFi network that you want to connect to and press the Options button on your controller.
• Choose WiFi Frequency Bands and select either 2.4GHz or 5GHz instead of Automatic.
• Test your connection and see if there is any improvement.

Alternatively, you can use a wired connection by connecting an Ethernet cable from your router to your PS5. This can provide a more stable and faster connection than WiFi, as it eliminates wireless interference and signal loss.

To do this, you need to:

• Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports on your router to the LAN port on the back of your PS5.
• Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection on your PS5.
• Select Use a LAN Cable and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Download in rest mode or one thing at a time

Another way to speed up your PS5 downloads is to put your console in rest mode or download one thing at a time. This can reduce the background processes and network traffic that may slow down your downloads.

To put your PS5 in rest mode, you need to:

• Press and hold the PlayStation button on your controller until the quick menu appears.
• Select Power > Enter Rest Mode.
• Make sure that Stay Connected to the Internet is enabled in Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.

To download one thing at a time, you need to:

• Go to Notifications > Downloads/Uploads on your PS5.
• Pause or cancel any other downloads or uploads that are running in the background.
• Resume or start the download that you want to prioritize.

4. Enable automatic updates

If you want to avoid waiting for long downloads when you want to play a game or use an app, you can enable automatic updates on your PS5. This will allow your console to download and install updates in the background or in rest mode when they are available.

To enable automatic updates, you need to:

• Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings on your PS5.
• Turn on Update System Software Automatically.
• Turn on Install Update Files Automatically in Rest Mode.

5. Tinker with Google’s DNS settings

Some PS5 users on reddit have suggested that changing the DNS settings to Google’s DNS server can improve their internet connection and speed. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a service that translates domain names (such as www.google.com) into IP addresses (such as 172.217.14.206) that computers can understand. Changing the DNS server can affect the speed and reliability of your internet connection, depending on the location and performance of the server.

To change the DNS settings to Google’s DNS server, you need to:

• Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection on your PS5.
• Select the WiFi network or LAN cable that you are using and press the Options button on your controller.
• Choose Advanced Settings and scroll down to DNS Settings.
• Select Manual and enter 8.8.8.8 as the Primary DNS and 8.8.4.4 as the Secondary DNS.
• Save the settings and test your connection.

6. Get a better internet connection

If none of the above solutions work for you, you may need to get a better internet connection from your ISP or upgrade your router. The PS5 requires a minimum internet speed of 5 Mbps for downloads and 1 Mbps for uploads, but these are not enough for optimal gaming and streaming. According to Sony, the recommended internet speed for PS5 is 25 Mbps for downloads and 5 Mbps for uploads. However, this may vary depending on the game or app that you are using, the number of devices that are connected to your network, and the quality of service that your ISP provides.

To get a better internet connection, you can:

• Contact your ISP and ask for a higher speed plan or a better deal.
• Compare different ISPs and plans in your area and switch to a better one if possible.
• Upgrade your router to a newer model that supports faster WiFi standards, such as WiFi 6 or WiFi 5.
• Use a WiFi extender, repeater, or mesh system to boost your WiFi signal and coverage in your home.

By following the tips and solutions in this article, you can troubleshoot and fix your PS5 internet connection problems and enjoy faster download and upload speeds.