How to Fix It When Your PS4 Wi-Fi Is Slow

If your PlayStation 4 Wi-Fi connection speed is slow, it can cause all sorts of issues, from network lag while playing a video game to slow download speeds. It's frustrating, but you can make your PS4 download faster and resolve Wi-Fi issues with a few troubleshooting tips.

Causes of Slow Wi-Fi on PS4

There are a number of possible reasons why your PS4 encounters slow internet when connected over Wi-Fi. These reasons can include:

• Interference, such as brick walls or other structural issues, makes it difficult for the console to detect (and connect) to the internet.
• A connection that's overloaded with multiple devices streaming at the same time.

While it's difficult to know exactly why your internet is slow on PS4, there are a variety of ways to troubleshoot this issue and fix it.

How to Fix Slow Wi-Fi on PS4

Slow Wi-Fi issues can strike whether you're playing on an original PS4, the Slim version, or a PS4 Pro. These fixes work on any version of the console, though some may be more effective than others.

1. Use an Ethernet cable. This is the easiest fix for dealing with a slow Wi-Fi connection. All it requires is connecting the PS4 to the router with an Ethernet cable. You don't need to worry about any interference, and you get the best connection, upload, and download speeds for your PS4.

   Using an Ethernet cord means the PS4 won't be connected over Wi-Fi. You'll have a better connection to the internet since the device is plugged directly into the router.

2. Reboot the modem/router. A simple reboot can often fix a connectivity issue. Unplug the PS4 console for a few minutes and reboot it as well.

3. Move the router closer to the console. The distance can make a PS4's Wi-Fi connection unstable, especially if there's interference from internal walls or other obstacles. The closer your PS4 is to your router, the easier it is to keep a stable Wi-Fi connection.

   If you have brick internal walls in your home, moving closer to the router is especially important since it can be hard for a signal to get through. At the very least, keep the console and router in the same room.

4. Disable PS4 Remote Play. In some isolated cases, disabling the Remote Play feature can fix connection issues. This is because Remote Play creates a mini-network to connect to other devices. By disabling it, you free up the PS4 to concentrate on the game you're playing. Go to Settings > Remote Play Connection Settings, then clear the Enable Remote Play check box.

5. Use a 5 GHz network. You can avoid interference by changing Wi-Fi channels. 5GHz gives a stronger signal that can handle more devices connected to a network. Both the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro support 5 GHz. To make the switch, go to Settings > Network > Setup Internet Connection > Use Wi-Fi > Easy. Then press the Options button and select Wi-Fi Frequency Bands. Select 5GHz and press X.

   If you have to use a 2.4 GHz connection, disconnect other devices—such as consoles, computers, and phones—from the Wi-Fi network while playing online.

6. If none of the above options work, contact your internet service provider (ISP) or visit the PlayStation support page.