Key Takeaways:
- Wired Ethernet connections provide the most stable and fastest internet speeds for your PS4
- Changing your PS4’s DNS settings to 8.8.8.8 (primary) and 8.8.4.4 (secondary) can significantly boost connection speed
- Rebuilding your PS4’s database and freeing up storage space can also improve overall performance
As an avid gamer with years of experience optimizing my PS4’s internet connection, I know how frustrating slow downloads, high ping, and lag can be when you just want to jump into your favorite online game. Thankfully, there are several proven methods to boost your PS4’s internet speed and improve your overall gaming experience.
Use a Wired Ethernet Connection
While Wi-Fi is convenient, a wired Ethernet connection will always provide faster and more stable speeds for your PS4[1][4][7]. Simply connect an Ethernet cable from your router directly to your PS4. If your router is in a different room, consider using a powerline adapter or MoCA adapter to extend the wired connection[15].
Change Your PS4’s DNS Settings
Changing your PS4’s DNS (Domain Name System) settings can significantly improve connection speeds[1][7][12]. The most popular DNS servers are Google’s Public DNS:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
To change your DNS settings:
- Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection
- Select either Wi-Fi or LAN Cable depending on your connection
- Select Custom
- Enter the Primary and Secondary DNS settings above[1][7]
If Google’s DNS doesn’t improve your speeds, you can also try Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or use Namebench to find the best DNS servers for your location[1][12].
Rebuild Your PS4’s Database
Rebuilding your PS4’s database can help with slow load times, lag, and other performance issues[4]. This process reorganizes your hard drive to make it run more efficiently. To do this:
- Turn off your PS4 completely (not Rest Mode)
- Hold the power button until you hear two beeps and enter Safe Mode
- Select option 5, Rebuild Database[4]
This process can take a few hours, but it’s worth doing every few months to keep your PS4 running smoothly.
Free Up Storage Space
If your PS4’s hard drive is nearly full, it can slow down your system and impact gaming performance[4]. Regularly uninstall games you’re no longer playing and delete old screenshots and videos from your capture gallery. Consider upgrading your PS4’s internal hard drive or using an external drive for more storage space[4].
Forward Ports on Your Router
Port forwarding directs traffic to specific devices on your network, which can help reduce lag for online gaming[7]. To set up port forwarding for your PS4:
- Look up your router’s default gateway IP address
- Log in to your router’s settings and locate the port forwarding section
- Enter the PS4 ports to forward (TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480 and UDP: 3478, 3479)[7]
Enable Quality of Service (QoS)
If you have multiple devices on your home network, enabling Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router can prioritize traffic to your PS4 for smoother gaming[7]. Each router has different steps for enabling QoS, so consult your router’s documentation.
Use Rest Mode for Downloads
Set your PS4 to download games and updates automatically in Rest Mode[4]. This allows downloads to complete faster by avoiding any bandwidth competition from other devices or activities. To enable this:
- Go to Settings > Power Saving Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode
- Check the box for “Stay Connected to the Internet”[4]
By implementing these optimizations, you’ll be well on your way to faster downloads, lower ping, and a much smoother online gaming experience on your PS4. Remember, while Wi-Fi is convenient, nothing beats the speed and reliability of a wired Ethernet connection for gaming[1][4][15].
