Are you experiencing lag sometimes on your PS5 and don’t know why? This article details the cause of the issue and steps to resolve it.
First of all, let’s take a look at some of the factors that cause lag while using your PlayStation 5. In the future, we will provide various fixes to resolve the issue.
There is a FAQ section at the end that covers frequently asked questions on the topic.
Why is my PlayStation 5 slow?
There are several potential reasons for the PS5’s delay. Here are some common factors that can cause this problem:
1. System software problem
If you notice your PlayStation 5 running slowly, never dismiss the possibility of a system software issue. If your PS5 system has bugs, some games may render improperly or experience occasional lag.
Software problems may occur if there is a problem with an ongoing background process or system update. Alternatively, there may be compatibility issues with certain game titles due to outdated system software versions.
It’s also not uncommon for some updates to affect driver compatibility for peripherals, such as controllers or VR devices. In these cases, you may experience input lag or poor performance if your drivers are not properly optimized.
2. Lack of storage space
As you know, games access data from console storage when they run. Certain games may require significant amounts of storage space due to their design and data size.
Therefore, limited storage space may affect the smooth operation of your console, resulting in longer gameplay loading times. Moreover, if your storage is almost full, your system will have a hard time managing your files efficiently.
Basically, low storage can limit console operations such as downloading game updates, system updates, and accessing virtual memory. If any of these processes run into problems, your PlayStation 5 may start lagging.
3. High graphics settings impact
With the advent of virtual reality (VR) and 4K gaming, achieving optimal graphics performance in these high-end games has become the standard. If your PS5 is not configured in a performance mode suitable for the graphical requirements of open-world games, you may experience delays.
Moreover, some graphically demanding games do not require the PS5 to be set to maximum performance mode for smooth gameplay. Otherwise, you may experience lag during gameplay.
Overall, inaccurate graphics settings can have a huge impact on PS5 performance, especially if they don’t suit your gaming needs.
4. Internet connection problems
If you experience lag on your PS5, it can be linked to network issues like latency and congestion, especially in online gaming scenarios.
If multiple devices are sharing the same network, network congestion can occur, slowing down your internet speed. Likewise, even in a wired setup, being too far away from the router can affect your connection.
Even if you have a wired connection, problems with your Internet connection can occur due to issues such as cable wear or damage, or excessive use by multiple users at the same time.
A poor connection can cause latency, which can cause a delay between button presses and screen actions.
5. Overheating
Overheating is a serious problem for electronic devices, and the PS5 is no exception. If your console’s components get hot, this can directly affect its response time to user input.
Likewise, overheating can cause crashes, freezes, sudden game outages, or unresponsive consoles. These instances can sometimes cause console lag.
How to Fix Issues When Your PlayStation 5 Lags
If you’re experiencing lag on your console, here are some practical steps you can take to fix the problem:
1. Check your router and restart it.
Lagging on your PS5 can be a frustrating experience, but the problem may lie in network-related issues such as congestion. If you have multiple devices on your network, your internet speed may noticeably slow down.
A practical step to solve this is to reduce the number of connected devices. So, try restarting your router to clear the existing data traffic and establish a new connection.
This approach is also effective when you have a poor internet connection or various network-related issues. However, make sure your wired or wireless connection is stable and free of interference.
2. Console software update
Sometimes bugs or outdated system software can cause your PlayStation 5 to slow down. Over time, this may affect gameplay and performance.
To fix this issue, you’ll need to make sure your PS5 system software is up to date. Having the latest software will help your PS5 run smoothly and meet the ever-changing demands of new games.
Updates to PS5 will also improve compatibility with controllers and VR devices. For optimal performance, make sure all processes are completed during the update and restart the console afterwards.
3. Restart the console
Restarting your console is a simple, efficient, and quick fix for PS5 lag issues. If the console has been running for a while with multiple background processes, performance may be slow.
In such cases, restarting the console is effective in resetting ongoing processes and refreshing the system. Think of it like rebooting your computer or smartphone to get a fresh start and better performance.
Additionally, as with most electronic devices, software glitches or bugs can cause delays. A restart can quickly resolve these or other issues of the same nature.
4. Upgrade storage space
One potential cause of constant lag on your PS5 is lack of storage space. Limited storage space makes it difficult to quickly access and load game data on your console.
In most cases, the PlayStation 5 console will have around 1TB of storage space upon purchase. It also has an NVMe drive slot to upgrade the storage space up to 8TB.
To avoid lag, you can upgrade your console’s storage to a larger size. With enough storage space, your PlayStation 5 can accommodate multiple AAA games.
Essentially, upgrading your storage allows for faster access, faster load times, and switching. You can also download game updates and system updates seamlessly.
5. Contact Sony Support
In situations where you have tried everything to fix PS5 lag and the issue persists, go to the manufacturer. This means contacting Sony support to better analyze the problem and find a solution.
Chat directly with an expert to troubleshoot and identify the exact issue with your console. Whether it’s a software glitch or a hardware malfunction causing the delay, our support team can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Ultimately, your support team should have the means or the right guide to restore your PlayStation 5 to optimal functionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
A connection speed of 10Mbps or faster is recommended for game downloads, but for the best gaming experience on PS5, aim for at least 50Mbps.
Sony offers a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription that offers a variety of benefits including online multiplayer gaming, free monthly games, and more. Currently, this subscription costs $17.99 per month or $159.99 per year.
Not at all. PS5 is designed to be a more powerful and advanced gaming console than its predecessor, PS4.
Yes, you can enjoy Netflix and other streaming apps on PS5.
Yes, it will definitely help you solve problems like lag and improve performance. Clearing your PS5 cache will likely remove old and possibly corrupted data.
my final thoughts
Experiencing lag while playing games on PS5 can be a major disappointment. It’s even more frustrating when you don’t know how to solve a problem. This is especially true if you’re a new gamer.
On the positive side, this article presents some factors that can cause your PlayStation 5 to perform poorly. It also highlights possible fixes to resolve the delay issue.
Nonetheless, if you believe your lag issue is caused by factors not covered in this article, please contact PlayStation Support.
I hope you find this article informative and helpful. If so, kindly share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.
For more articles on similar topics, feel free to visit our Technical Comments section.
Other Useful Resources
- xtrium.com – Why is my PS5 lagging on good internet? – Editing guide!
- candid.technology – Why is my PS5 delayed? quick fix
- sortatechy.com – How to Fix PS5 Lagging Issues
- helpfixthat.com – Why is my PS5 delayed? 9 Simple Solutions
- online-tech-tips.com – Why is your PlayStation 5 (PS5) lagging and 10 ways to fix it?