Do you ever wish you could magically make your Playstation 4 run faster? We can relate.
Slow downloads + nonstop game lag = inevitable rage-quitting
Check out these tips for a few accessible changes that could speed up your PS4 console and improve gameplay: switching to a hardwired connection, freeing up disk space, rebuilding your database, and upgrading to an SSD.
1. Use a hardwired internet connection
If your Wi-Fi connection is lagging behind or your downloads aren’t up to speed, switching to an Ethernet cable could be a game changer. While Wi-Fi is convenient, it’s not always as strong or reliable as a hardwired connection for getting faster internet on your PS4. A faster connection will boost download speeds, and reduce latency and ping.
To connect your PS4 to your network with an Ethernet cable:
- Connect an open port on your router to your PS4 console with an Ethernet cable.
- Power on both your router and your PS4.
- On the PS4 home menu, select Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Use LAN Cable.
- Select Easy. The automatic basic settings are fine for most users.
2. Free up disk space
Low disk space is also a culprit in slowing down PS4 performance. Games likely take up the most space, so deleting ones that you’re not currently using can give you a big speed boost. Luckily, your game saves will be retained so you can always reinstall and play again without losing any of your progress.
To remove games from your PS4:
- On the PS4 home menu, select Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Select System Storage to delete games stored on the PS4's internal hard drive.
- Select Extended Storage to delete any games saved on an attached external drive.
- Select Applications.
- Use the controller to highlight the game you want to delete from the list of installed games.
- Press Options on the controller, and then select Delete and OK.
You can also try deleting other types of data, such as saved data from games that you don’t plan to play again, or screenshots and video clips from your Capture Gallery.
Another great way to free up disk space is with a external SSD, such as the Crucial X10 Proor Crucial X9 Pro. Moving some of your games to an external SSD puts less pressure on your PS4’s hard drive, and also lets you play those games on multiple devices.
3. Rebuild PS4 database
Another wise move as you level up to a faster PS4 is rebuilding your system’s database. This process doesn’t delete files (unless they’re corrupted), but instead reorganizes your system to give you easier file access. The end result? A more efficient and responsive console. If you struggle with home screen delays, slow load times, data corrupted errors, frame rate drops and stuttering, then this option may be your best bet.
To rebuild your PS4 database:
- Shut down your PS4 fully. Don’t use rest mode.
- Connect your DualShock to the console via USB.
- Press and hold the power button until it beeps twice, indicating you’ve entered safe mode.
- Select Rebuild Database. Make sure not to select the Initialize PS4 option, which would erase all your data.
- The screen will go black during the rebuilding process. Depending on how much data you have on your system, the rebuilding process can take some time. Don’t turn your console off before it’s completed.
- When it’s finished, the console will reboot to the sign-in screen.
4. Upgrade to an SSD
If you’re challenged by slow load times, upgrading to a solid state drive (SSD) is a surefire way to increase your console’s speed. Every time you load a game, your hard drive has to access its files. Upgrading to an SATA SSD like the Crucial MX500 or BX500 slashes load and boot times and gets you on the battlefield ASAP. SSDs also run cooler, are less noisy and use less energy than hard drives.
To find the SSD that works best for you:
- Use the Crucial® Advisor tool to access a list of drives that are compatible with your system.
- Take a look at a comparison of different SSD options to see which fits your gaming needs.
- Check out this video for a demo of SSD installation and the noticeable improvements in performance.
While there's no magic trick that's guaranteed to make your PS4 run faster and smoother, these simple changes can significantly boost your speed. Decide which option works best for you, or try them all to go from a lagger to a leader.
