PS5 lag: common causes and how to fix it

It's Saturday night, and you're deep into an Elden Ring™ quest on your PlayStation®. As you're exploring a castle, the screen freezes. A few seconds go by, and it happens again. What's wrong with your PS5™? Is this part of the game?

No, Margit the Fell Omen isn't messing with your gameplay. It's a problem with your device, but Asurion Experts can walk you through fixing it. Whether you're wondering how to stop your PS5 from overheating or how to clear your PS5's cache, we keep your favorite tech products running smoothly. Here's how to fix PS5 network lag so you can get back to your game.

Common causes of PS5 lag

Network lag ranks as one of the most common PS5 problems. It's usually caused by one of the following:

• Unstable Wi-Fi: Slow internet makes it difficult for the PS5 to display games in real time.
• Network Congestion: Too many connected devices on a Wi-Fi network can cause games to lag during peak play times.
• Outdated Firmware: Failing to update the PS5 with the latest system software can result in performance problems.
• Incorrect Domain Name System (DNS) settings: Misconfigured settings can disrupt gameplay.

How to improve PS5 network connection

One easy way to resolve PS5 network lag is to use a wired connection rather than a wireless one. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your PS5 and the other into your router, then try playing your game. 

If that doesn't help, hold the router's Power button to turn it off. Wait 30 seconds before turning it back on. Restarting the router clears any temporary software bugs that may interfere with connectivity.

Make sure you have the most current system software installed on your PS5 console. To check for updates, follow these steps.

1. Open Settings > System.
2. Click System Software > System Software Updated and Settings.
3. Click Update System Software if the option appears. 

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Adjusting NAT type and MTU settings

Network Address Translation (NAT) type affects router–server communication. If you frequently use the PS5 for online games, too-strict NAT settings can cause performance issues. 

Here's how to find out what NAT setting your PS5 uses.

1. Open Settings > Network > Connection Status.
2. Click Test Internet Connection.
3. Locate the NAT type in the results. 

If NAT is Type 3, try changing it to Type 1 or 2 to fix PS5 lag. Read your router's instruction booklet to find how to enable Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) through your advanced settings. 

Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) settings affect how the PS5 communicates with your router. Lowering the MTU can improve lag.

1. Open Settings > Network > Settings.
2. Click Set Up Internet Connection. 
3. Click the name of the network you're using.
4. Click Advanced Settings > MTU > Manual.
5. Enter 1473. 

If PS5 lag continues, you can reduce MTU to 1450. It's best not to drop MTU below that. 

Optimizing router placement and bandwidth

A PS5 far from your Wi-Fi router may struggle to maintain a strong connection. Move the router closer to your device to improve the connection. Walls (especially brick ones) can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal, so it's best to place the router in a central, open area in your home.

Most newer routers are dual-band or tri-band, which means they have different frequencies you can use to connect your nearby devices. Too many devices can lead to internet connection issues. If you have a dual-band or tri-band router, connect the PS5 to the 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency. 

1. Open Settings > Network > Settings.
2. Click Set Up Internet Connection. 
3. Locate the Wi-Fi network you want to use. 
4. Click Connect. Enter the password if prompted. 

Checklist for improving PS5 lag

• Use a wired Ethernet cable rather than a wireless connection.
• Disconnect unused devices from the network if using Wi-Fi.
• Adjust NAT and MTU settings.
• Switch to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequency on your router.

If you continue to experience PS5 lagging with an Ethernet cable, try factory resetting the device. A factory reset restores your PS5 to its out-of-the-box settings and erases problematic files and settings that interfere with connectivity. Learn how to do a factory reset on the PS5 in this guide. 

Still experiencing lag? What to do next

If these solutions don't fix PS5 lag, it's time to get in touch with an Asurion Expert near you. Contact us today to schedule a repair.

FAQs

How to fix input lag on PS5?

Try using an Ethernet cable to improve internet connection stability on your PS5.

How do I optimize my PS5 network?

If your PS5 experiences frequent freezes, try switching the Wi-Fi frequency you use in your home. Most newer routers provide faster 5 GHz frequencies.

How to fix slow Wi-Fi on PS5?

Move the router closer to your PS5 to optimize its connection speed.

How do I make my PS5 connection more stable? 

Use an Ethernet cord if your PS5 won't stay connected to Wi-Fi during gameplay.