The sales are in full swing on the PlayStation Store, and with them come ever-increasing game downloads. Whether you’re the proud owner of a new PS5 or have had it for a long time, you’ve probably already experienced desperately slow download speeds. What many don’t know is that a default Wi-Fi setting often hampers console performance. Good news: it can be adjusted in seconds.
Changing this setting requires no technical skills, but can be enough to double your throughput and significantly reduce wait times. Be careful though, this solution is not suitable for all configurations.
Why Your PS5 Downloads Slowly (And How to Fix It)
By default, the PS5 connects to the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi band. Although it covers a greater distance, this frequency is often saturated and slower than the 5 GHz band. However, the latter is much more stable and faster, provided it is within range of the router.
By changing the frequency your console uses, you could significantly improve the speed of your downloads. It’s a simple operation, completely free and reversible at any time.
How to enable 5GHz Wi-Fi on your PS5
Here are the steps to make the frequency change:
- Go to Settings > Network
- Select Configure the Internet connection
- Choose your network and press the button OptionsThen Forget the network
- Press Triangle to analyze available networks
- Reconnect to your usual network
- Return to Networkpress again Optionsthen choose Wi-Fi frequency and select 5GHz
- Check the connection in Show connection status then test it via Test the Internet connection
Once these settings are applied, your console should automatically favor the 5 GHz frequency whenever it is available.
5 GHz: not a miracle solution for everyone
If the gain is often significant, 5 GHz Wi-Fi also has limits. Its range is shorter than that of 2.4 GHz, and it is more sensitive to obstacles like walls or furniture. If your router is too far away or placed on a different floor, this frequency might not improve things, or even make them worse.
In this case, the best solution remains the use of a ethernet cablewhich guarantees a stable and fast wired connection. But for those who can’t use cable, this trick can transform the download experience, especially for upcoming big titles like Silent Hill f or Ghost of Yotei.
A valuable tip to know during sales periods
With the proliferation of games on sale, simultaneous downloads can quickly become a nightmare. Switching your PS5 to 5 GHz can save you a lot of frustration, especially if you plan to install several titles during the holidays.
And since Sony doesn’t yet offer an in-system “quick download” option, you might as well get the most out of your Wi-Fi connection with this small, easy-to-apply change.