In the gaming community, speed is crucial, especially when it comes to downloading your favorite titles. PlayStation 4 (PS4) users have long debated whether enabling rest mode significantly boosts download
speeds. If you’re wondering, “Does the PS4 download games faster in rest mode?” you’re in the right place. This post dives into the truth behind this common gaming hack, providing actionable insights to enhance your PS4 download experience.
Does the PS4 Download Games Faster in Rest Mode?
The short answer is yes—but there’s more to it. While anecdotal evidence suggests that downloads can be faster in rest mode, the real impact depends on various factors like network speed, ongoing activities, and background processes. Let’s explore this in more depth.
Why Rest Mode Improves Download Speeds
Rest mode is a feature that allows your PS4 to stay in a low-power state, performing background tasks like downloading updates or games. When in rest mode, your PS4 isn’t using resources for gameplay or other intensive tasks, which can potentially lead to more efficient downloads. Here’s why:
- Reduced System Load: In active mode, your PS4 manages many tasks simultaneously. It runs games, processes updates, and handles network connectivity, which divides your system’s resources. In rest mode, these tasks aren’t running, allowing the system to focus on the download.
- Background Functionality: When in rest mode, the PS4’s background download feature keeps downloading updates or games. It also prevents bandwidth from being used up by activities like streaming video or gameplay, thus boosting download speeds.
- Network Focus: Rest mode minimizes background tasks that could slow your download. By reducing these operations, your network is less divided, and your PS4 can download files more efficiently.
Factors That Affect PS4 Download Speeds in Rest Mode
Although rest mode can help, there are additional factors that influence download speeds:
- Internet Speed: Your internet connection is the biggest factor in determining download speed. If you have slow internet, you may not see a huge difference even in rest mode.
- Server Traffic: High traffic on PlayStation servers can also slow down downloads, regardless of your system’s state. Busy hours might impact your download speed more than whether your PS4 is in rest mode.
- Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi: A wired Ethernet connection is typically faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, so connecting your PS4 directly to your router can improve download speeds, especially in rest mode.
- Other Devices on the Network: If multiple devices are streaming or downloading files at the same time, your PS4’s download speed may slow down, regardless of whether it’s in rest mode or not.
How to Enable Rest Mode on Your PS4 for Faster Downloads
To ensure you’re getting the maximum benefit from rest mode, follow these steps to set up your PS4:
- Go to Settings: From your PS4 home screen, head to the “Settings” menu.
- Select Power Save Settings: Choose “Power Save Settings” and then “Set Functions Available in Rest Mode.”
- Enable Stay Connected to the Internet: This option allows your PS4 to stay online and continue downloading while in rest mode.
- Turn on Rest Mode: After setting the proper options, you can put your PS4 in rest mode by holding the PS button and selecting “Enter Rest Mode.”
Once in rest mode, your PS4 will download games and updates more efficiently, ensuring you can get back to gaming faster.
FAQs on PS4 Download Speeds in Rest Mode
Q: Does my PS4 always download faster in rest mode? A: While rest mode can optimize download speeds by reducing background activity, your internet connection and network traffic still play a larger role.
Q: Can I play games while downloading in rest mode? A: No, you can’t play games in rest mode, but this is precisely what frees up resources for faster downloads.
Q: Is it necessary to use an Ethernet cable in rest mode for faster downloads? A: It’s not necessary, but using an Ethernet connection typically results in faster download speeds compared to Wi-Fi.
Q: Does putting the PS4 in rest mode use much power? A: Rest mode uses very little power, making it an energy-efficient way to download games overnight or while you’re away.
Benefits of Using Rest Mode for Downloads
- Quicker Access to Games: By using rest mode, you can save hours in downloading time, especially with larger games or updates.
- Energy-Efficient: Your PS4 consumes less energy in rest mode, saving both time and electricity compared to leaving it fully powered on.
- Hands-Off Operation: You can let downloads happen automatically without having to keep your PS4 fully on, allowing it to update itself quietly in the background.
Conclusion: Should You Use Rest Mode for Faster Downloads?
While rest mode isn’t a magical fix, it can certainly help speed up downloads by optimizing your PS4’s performance and minimizing background tasks. Combining rest mode with other best practices—like using an Ethernet connection and scheduling downloads during off-peak hours—can result in faster and more efficient downloads.
If you’re tired of waiting for your favorite games to finish downloading, give rest mode a try. It’s a simple, effective way to boost download speed and make the most of your gaming time.