The PlayStation 5 brings next-gen gaming to life with incredible visuals and lightning-fast load times. However, none of that matters if your Wi-Fi connection isn’t up to par—especially when playing fast-paced online multiplayer games where speed and stability are crucial. A slow or laggy connection can be the difference between a clutch win and a devastating loss. Fortunately, boosting your PS5’s Wi-Fi speed is possible with a few smart tweaks and considerations.
TLDR:
To boost your PS5’s Wi-Fi speed, begin by optimizing your home network—either by placing your console closer to the router or upgrading to a better one. Tweaking your PS5 network settings and reducing interference from other devices can drastically improve performance. If possible, switching to a wired Ethernet connection or powerline adapter can make a significant difference. Regular maintenance, like updating firmware and rebooting devices, also plays an important role.
1. Move Your PS5 Closer to the Router
One of the easiest changes you can make is to reduce the distance between your PS5 and your Wi-Fi router. Wireless signals weaken as they pass through walls and floors. If your router is in another room or far from your console, you might experience high ping or connection drops.
- Shorten the distance: Try relocating your router or your PS5 to get them closer together.
- Ensure line of sight: Avoid thick walls and large furniture directly between the PS5 and the router.
- Reduce interference: Keep both devices away from metal objects and electronic appliances like microwaves and cordless phones.
2. Upgrade Your Router for Modern Performance
If your router is more than five years old, it might be time for an upgrade. Gaming demands robust bandwidth and low latency—two areas where older routers can struggle. Opt for a newer router that supports Wi-Fi 6 or 6E, as these standards boast improved speed, reduced latency, and better device handling.
Recommended features in a gaming-friendly router:
- Dual-band or tri-band support: Separates devices across multiple frequencies to reduce congestion.
- QoS (Quality of Service): Prioritizes traffic from your PS5 to minimize lag during gameplay.
- Beamforming: Focuses your signal toward your PS5 instead of broadcasting in all directions.
- Gaming-specific brands: Look into routers from Netgear’s Nighthawk series or ASUS’s ROG line that cater to gamers.
3. Connect Via Ethernet or Powerline Adapter
When it comes to stability, nothing beats a wired connection. If it’s feasible, connect your PS5 directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. This completely eliminates interference and provides consistent speed—perfect for competitive multiplayer gaming.
If your router is too far from your PS5 to run a long cable, consider a powerline adapter. These devices use your home’s electrical circuitry to transmit data, effectively simulating a wired connection without needing to drill holes or run cables across hallways.
4. Optimize Your PS5 Network Settings
Your PlayStation 5 lets you tweak network configuration for better performance. Follow these steps to get the most out of your wireless setup:
- Choose the correct frequency: On a dual-band network, connect your PS5 to the 5 GHz band instead of the more crowded 2.4 GHz.
- Set up a static IP: This helps your router identify the PS5 more effectively and improves port forwarding reliability.
- Use custom DNS servers: Switching to faster DNS providers like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can reduce lookup times during gameplay.
- Enable port forwarding: This assists in ensuring smooth data flow for PS5 multiplayer games. Forward ports like:
- TCP: 1935, 3478-3480
- UDP: 3478-3479
5. Limit Network Traffic From Other Devices
Your home network has a limited amount of bandwidth. Devices like smart TVs, PCs, or other consoles streaming content or downloading apps can hog bandwidth, leaving your PS5 with less to work with. To avoid lag during intense online matches:
- Pause large downloads: Postpone software updates or large file transfers while gaming.
- Enable QoS on your router: Give priority to your PS5’s traffic manually through router settings.
- Disconnect idle devices: Remove unnecessary phones and tablets from the Wi-Fi while gaming.
6. Perform Regular Router Maintenance
Much like your PS5, your router benefits from occasional maintenance. Keeping it up to date will guarantee it’s running at peak efficiency. Here’s how:
- Update firmware: Manufacturers often release updates that improve speed, security, and performance.
- Reboot periodically: Give your router a quick restart once a week to clear any memory leaks or congestion issues.
- Factory reset (if necessary): If speeds remain sluggish, a full reset can sometimes resolve long-standing issues.
7. Use a Mesh Wi-Fi System if You Have a Large Home
If you have a house with multiple floors or rooms, a traditional router might not effectively reach your PS5. A mesh Wi-Fi system uses multiple nodes spread throughout your home to create a seamless, strong signal everywhere.
Mesh systems like Google Nest, Eero, or ASUS ZenWiFi eliminate dead zones and automatically configure to the most reliable path and frequency for connected devices. Place one node near your PS5 for the strongest signal possible.
8. Consider Using a Gaming VPN (With Caution)
Using a VPN can sometimes reduce latency by routing your traffic through optimized gaming servers. However, VPNs may also increase ping in some scenarios if not configured correctly.
If you’re interested in using a VPN for gaming purposes:
- Use a VPN-compatible router: Install the VPN at the router level to ensure security and speed across all devices.
- Select a VPN with gaming servers: Choose services known for low-latency routing like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
- Avoid free VPNs: These are often overcrowded and can worsen your connection instead of improving it.
9. Monitor Speed & Optimize Regularly
Use your PS5’s built-in speed test tool under Settings → Network → Test Internet Connection to periodically monitor download and upload rates. If values consistently fall short of your ISP-provided plan, consider contacting your provider for troubleshooting or a plan upgrade.
Making a habit of checking for fluctuations allows you to notice patterns and take action, whether it’s reconfiguring router settings or adjusting how devices are connected at home.
Final Thoughts
Improving your PS5’s Wi-Fi speed isn’t just about adding expensive hardware—it’s about being smart with what you already have. By properly positioning your router, fine-tuning network settings, and managing bandwidth, you can significantly boost online performance. And, when affordable, investing in routers or mesh systems designed for gamers can elevate your experience even further.
After all, every millisecond counts when you’re in a heated online battle. Happy gaming!
