Why Does My PS5 Take Forever To Update Solutions To Speed It Up

Waiting for a PS5 update can feel like watching paint dry—especially when you're eager to jump into a new game or patch. Many users report that their console takes an unusually long time to download and install system updates, sometimes stretching into hours. The good news: this isn’t always a sign of hardware failure. More often than not, the delays stem from network, storage, or configuration issues that are entirely fixable.

The size of modern game patches and system updates has grown significantly. A single update can exceed 10GB, with major titles pushing past 100GB. When combined with suboptimal internet speeds, background downloads, or fragmented data on your SSD, the result is frustratingly slow progress. But understanding the root causes allows you to take control and drastically reduce update times.

Understanding Why PS5 Updates Take So Long

Before jumping into fixes, it's essential to understand what contributes to lengthy update times. Several factors influence how quickly your PS5 receives and installs updates:

• Internet connection speed: Download speed directly impacts how fast data reaches your console. Even if your plan promises high speeds, real-world performance may vary due to router placement, interference, or ISP throttling.
• Network congestion: Multiple devices streaming, downloading, or gaming simultaneously can consume bandwidth, leaving little for your PS5.
• Update file size: System software updates and game patches have ballooned in size. For example, the April 2023 system update was over 1.5GB, while games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II routinely release 40–60GB patches.
• Storage drive performance: While the PS5 uses a custom NVMe SSD, performance can degrade slightly over time, especially if the drive is nearly full or cluttered with fragmented data.
• Background processes: Automatic downloads, voice commands, and connected apps may run in the background, consuming system resources.

“Large update sizes are inevitable in next-gen gaming, but network optimization can cut download times by 50% or more.” — Marcus Tran, Senior Network Engineer at GameNet Labs

7 Proven Ways to Speed Up Your PS5 Update Process

You don’t need to accept slow updates as a fact of life. With a few strategic adjustments, you can significantly improve your PS5’s update performance.

1. Use a Wired Ethernet Connection Instead of Wi-Fi

While Wi-Fi offers convenience, it introduces latency, signal drops, and variable speeds. A wired Ethernet connection provides a stable, high-speed link between your router and PS5. This simple change often doubles or triples download speeds.

Tip: If running a cable isn't practical, consider using a Wi-Fi 6 router placed within line-of-sight of your console for stronger signal penetration.

2. Schedule Updates During Off-Peak Hours

ISPs often experience peak traffic during evenings and weekends. Running updates late at night (between 10 PM and 6 AM) reduces competition for bandwidth and can lead to faster downloads. You can set automatic downloads to occur during these windows via:

1. Settings → System → Power Saving → Set Features Available in Rest Mode
2. Enable “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Keep Using Rest Mode”
3. Go to Notifications → Downloads/Uploads → Enable automatic downloads

3. Pause Other Downloads and Devices

If someone else in your household is streaming 4K video or downloading large files, your PS5 will struggle to get its fair share. Temporarily pausing other activities ensures maximum bandwidth allocation.

4. Clear Corrupted Temporary Files

Occasionally, incomplete downloads leave behind corrupted cache data that interferes with new updates. Booting into Safe Mode and rebuilding the database can resolve this:

1. Turn off your PS5 completely.
2. Hold the power button until you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds).
3. Select “Option 5: Clear Cache and Rebuild Database” from the Safe Mode menu.
4. Wait for the process to complete—it may take 10–30 minutes depending on stored data.

This doesn’t delete your games or saves but reorganizes the drive for better read/write efficiency.

5. Upgrade Your Internet Plan or Router

If your current internet speed is below 100 Mbps, upgrading your plan can yield dramatic improvements. Additionally, older routers may bottleneck even fast connections. Look for models supporting Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) or use a mesh network system for consistent coverage.

6. Use Rest Mode Efficiently

Leaving your PS5 in Rest Mode allows it to download updates silently in the background. However, ensure that:

• Rest Mode is enabled under Power Saving settings.
• Your router doesn’t disconnect idle devices after inactivity.
• UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is enabled on your network to maintain open ports.

7. Manually Install Updates via USB (When Necessary)

In extreme cases—such as unstable internet or recurring failed downloads—you can download the update file directly from Sony’s website and transfer it via USB. Here’s how:

1. Visit PlayStation’s official system software page.
2. Download the latest full update file (PUP format).
3. Format a USB drive to FAT32 and create the folder path: PS5 > UPDATE > PS5UPDATE.PUP
4. Insert the drive into your PS5 and go to Settings → System → System Software → Update Using USB Drive.

This method bypasses your internet connection entirely and is ideal for users with data caps or unreliable service.

Do’s and Don’ts of PS5 Update Management

Do	Don't
Use Ethernet whenever possible	Rely solely on distant Wi-Fi signals
Schedule updates overnight	Run updates during family streaming hours
Keep 10–20% of SSD free	Fill your drive to near capacity
Rebuild database periodically	Ignore error messages during failed updates
Use a quality surge protector	Power cycle the console mid-update

Real-World Example: How One Gamer Cut Update Time by 60%

Daniel, a competitive Fortnite player from Austin, used to wait over two hours for weekly patch updates. His home had gigabit internet, yet his PS5 rarely exceeded 15 Mbps downloads. Frustrated, he investigated and discovered his router was located in the garage, separated by two concrete walls.

He moved the router closer to the entertainment center and connected the PS5 via Cat 6 Ethernet. He also disabled automatic downloads on his kids’ tablets during update windows. The result? His download speed jumped from 15 Mbps to 85 Mbps, reducing a typical 2-hour update to just 45 minutes—a 63% improvement.

“I didn’t realize how much physical distance and device clutter were affecting my gaming,” Daniel said. “Now I’m always ready when seasonal updates drop.”

Checklist: Optimize Your PS5 for Faster Updates

Action Checklist:

• ✅ Connect PS5 to router via Ethernet cable
• ✅ Test internet speed directly on the console (Settings → Network → Test Internet Connection)
• ✅ Schedule automatic downloads during off-peak hours
• ✅ Free up at least 50GB of storage space
• ✅ Rebuild database via Safe Mode every 2–3 months
• ✅ Disable auto-downloads on other devices during updates
• ✅ Consider upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router if wiring isn’t feasible
• ✅ Prepare a USB drive for manual updates as backup

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a PS5 update normally take?

A typical system update (1–2GB) should take 5–15 minutes on a 100+ Mbps connection. Larger game patches (20GB+) may require 30–90 minutes depending on speed. Anything longer usually indicates a network or hardware issue.

Can a full hard drive slow down updates?

Yes. When the SSD is over 90% full, the PS5 struggles to allocate temporary space for decompressing update files. Keeping 10–20% free improves both installation speed and overall system responsiveness.

Is it safe to turn off the PS5 during an update?

No. Interrupting a system update can corrupt the operating system and potentially brick the console. Always let updates complete unless the system freezes for over an hour. In such cases, perform a forced restart using Safe Mode.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Gaming Experience

Slow PS5 updates don’t have to be part of your routine. Most delays stem from correctable network inefficiencies, not inherent flaws in the console. By optimizing your connection, managing bandwidth, and maintaining your system, you can transform multi-hour waits into quick background tasks.

Don’t settle for lagging behind every patch cycle. Implement these strategies today and reclaim your playtime. Whether you're preparing for a new DLC drop or staying competitive in online multiplayer, a faster update process means less downtime and more gaming.

💬 Have a tip that sped up your PS5 updates? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help another gamer skip the wait!