How to Improve Wi-Fi for Online Gaming on PS5

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through practical, step-by-step ways to reduce lag, lower ping, and stabilize your connection for online gaming on a PS5. You’ll learn how to optimize your router placement, adjust console settings, and choose the best Wi-Fi bandâ€”no advanced networking knowledge required. First, gather the items below and make sure you can access your router’s admin page (the address and password are usually on a sticker on the router).

What You’ll Need

A PS5 console with the latest system software installed (check under Settings > System > System Software).
Access to your router’s admin settings (web browser or app).
The Wi-Fi password for your network.
Optional: an Ethernet cable (Cat 5e or better) if you can run one temporarily for testing.
Optional: a smartphone to run a free speed test app.

Step-by-Step

Restart your router and PS5. Unplug the router’s power for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully boot (lights stabilize). Turn off your PS5 completely (not Rest Mode) and turn it back on. This clears temporary glitches and re-establishes a clean connection.
Move your PS5 closer to the router. The single biggest Wi-Fi improvement is reducing physical distance and obstacles. Place the console in the same room as the router if possible, with no walls, large metal objects, or fish tanks between them. Even moving it a few feet can help.
Use the 5 GHz band instead of 2.4 GHz. The 5 GHz band is faster and less congested, which is crucial for gaming. To do this:
1. On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
2. Select your Wi-Fi network. If you see two networks with the same name (one with “5G” or “5GHz” in the name), choose that one.
3. If you only see one network, log into your router’s admin page and enable a separate 5 GHz SSID (network name) in the wireless settings. Save the changes and reconnect.
Change the DNS settings on your PS5. A faster DNS server can reduce the time it takes to connect to game servers. Use Google’s public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1):
1. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
2. Select your network, choose Advanced Settings.
3. Set DNS Settings to Manual.
4. Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses, then click OK.
Prioritize gaming traffic with QoS (Quality of Service). If your router supports QoS, it can prioritize your PS5’s traffic over other devices (like streaming or downloads). Log into your router, find QoS settings (often under “Bandwidth Control” or “Traffic Management”), enable it, and set your PS5’s priority to High. You may need to add your PS5’s MAC address (found in PS5 settings under Network > View Connection Status).
Reduce interference from other devices. Cordless phones, baby monitors, and microwave ovens can disrupt Wi-Fi, especially on 2.4 GHz. Keep your PS5 and router away from these devices. Also, if you have many smart home gadgets, try turning them off temporarily to see if your connection improves.
Update your router’s firmware. Outdated firmware can cause stability and performance issues. Check your router’s admin page for a “Firmware Update” or “Administration” section. If an update is available, install it and restart the router.
Consider a Wi-Fi extender or mesh system. If your PS5 is far from the router and moving it isn’t an option, a Wi-Fi extender or a mesh Wi-Fi system can extend coverage. Place the extender halfway between the router and console, and connect your PS5 to the extender’s 5 GHz network if possible.
Try a wired connection (Ethernet) as a test. If you can temporarily connect an Ethernet cable from your router to your PS5, run a connection test (Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection). If the wired connection is significantly faster and more stable, it confirms that Wi-Fi is the bottleneck. For permanent improvement, consider a powerline adapter or professional installation.

Common Mistakes

Using the 2.4 GHz band when 5 GHz is available. 2.4 GHz has longer range but lower speed and more interference. Many users unknowingly stay on it because they don’t realize there are two networks.
Placing the router in a cabinet or behind a TV. Enclosed spaces and metal surfaces block Wi-Fi signals significantly.
Ignoring firmware updates. Router manufacturers regularly release updates that fix bugs and improve performance; skipping them leaves you with known issues.
Not restarting the router after changes. Some settings (like QoS or DNS) only take effect after a reboot.
Assuming more bars equals better. A strong signal (bars) doesn’t guarantee low ping; interference and congestion can still cause lag.

Tips

Run a speed test on your PS5 (Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection) before and after each change to see what actually helps.
If your router is older (more than 3-4 years), it may not support modern Wi-Fi standards. Upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 router can noticeably improve gaming performance.
Use the 5 GHz band for gaming and keep other devices (phones, laptops) on the 2.4 GHz band to reduce congestion.
If you have a lot of devices on your network, try disconnecting some during gaming sessions to free up bandwidth.
For competitive gaming, a wired connection is always superior. If you can’t run a cable, consider a powerline adapter that uses your home’s electrical wiring.

Troubleshooting

If your ping is still high or you’re experiencing lag after following these steps, try these:

Check if other devices are hogging bandwidth. Pause large downloads, video streaming, or cloud backups on other devices. You can also use QoS to automatically limit them.
Test with a different device. Connect a laptop to the same Wi-Fi and run a ping test (open Command Prompt and type “ping 8.8.8.8”). If the ping is high there too, the problem is your network, not your PS5.
Change the Wi-Fi channel on your router. In a crowded area, neighboring networks can interfere. Log into your router and manually set the 5 GHz channel to a less crowded one (e.g., 36, 40, 44, or 48). You can use a free app like Wi-Fi Analyzer to see which channels are least used.
Disable IPv6 on your router. Some games and networks have issues with IPv6. In your router’s settings, look for IPv6 and disable it, then restart the router and PS5.
Contact your ISP. If your internet plan has low upload speed or high latency, no amount of Wi-Fi tweaking will fix it. Run a speed test on a wired connection to see if you’re getting the speeds you pay for. If not, your ISP may have an issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Wi-Fi extender reduce ping?

It can, if the extender improves the signal strength significantly. However, extenders often add a small amount of latency themselves. A mesh system is generally better for gaming than a simple extender.

Is 5 GHz always better than 2.4 GHz for gaming?

For most cases, yes, because it has higher speed and less interference. The exception is if you’re far from the routerâ€”5 GHz has a shorter range. If you’re more than 15-20 feet away with walls in between, 2.4 GHz might be more stable.

Why is my ping high even with a strong Wi-Fi signal?

High ping can be caused by network congestion (other devices using bandwidth), distance to the game server, or issues with your ISP. A strong signal doesn’t guarantee low latency.

Can I use a mobile hotspot for PS5 gaming?

Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. Mobile hotspots often have high latency, data caps, and inconsistent speeds, which can lead to poor gaming performance.

How do I find my PS5’s MAC address?

Go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status. The MAC address is listed there. You’ll need it for QoS settings or MAC filtering on your router.

Should I enable UPnP on my router for PS5?

UPnP can help with open NAT types, which is good for online gaming. However, it can be a security risk. If you know how to set up port forwarding manually, that’s safer. Otherwise, enabling UPnP is generally fine for a home network.

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