How to Fix Lag on PS4? 7 Possible Solutions

PlayStation 4 consoles freeze or lag from time to time. Several symptoms might occur when a console freezes (and eventually shuts down) during gameplay or regular operation. These include game lagging when playing online games and freezing linked with specific games or discs.

Rather than a single cause, there are several factors to consider. Causes for freezing and lagging include, among other things:

  • Failure or overflow of a hard drive
  • flaws and faults in the operating system’s firmware
  • Constantly dropping out of the Network
  • Cache overflow
  • Poor airflow
  • The database is a mess

This article will show you How to Fix Lag on PS4 utilizing various methods. Identifying the problem and devising a remedy are your responsibilities.

What’s Causing Your PS4 to Become Laggy and Slow?

A variety of factors can cause your PS4’s sluggishness. Let’s take a look at some of the natural and widespread causes of this phenomenon:

Simple Issues

If your PS4 is running slowly, it could be because of something as simple as an idle home screen. Just like on a PC or laptop, too many files and items on your PS4’s home screen can cause the console to run slowly.

Inadequate Internet Speed

A problem with your console’s network connectivity may be responsible for laggy gameplay when you play an online game—a problem with the PS4 network server or a slow WiFi connection at home. Your PS4 may run slowly or freeze if your internet speed is terrible.

Heating and De-Dusting

As a result, devices are built to be as energy-efficient as possible. As a result of the overheating issue, your PS4 may be running slower. It can happen when you play for a lengthy period or if your gadget has malfunctioned.

Due to the accumulation of dust within your PS4, your system may not be able to cool itself properly. The dust clogs the vents, causing the system to overheat.

Errors And Problems With Software

System performance may suffer as a result of lengthy program installation durations. When a defect or corrupted piece of software is present, it can result in an incorrect installation or problem when updating software. As a result, your PS4 will run more slowly.

Hard Drive Space Issue

To take advantage of new features and updates in the console, you frequently upgrade your games. Compared to the setup, the updates are much larger now. PS4 performance will suffer due to the PS4’s hard drive filling up.

Internal Hardware Errors

Internal hardware components are critical to the console’s overall functioning. Errors can occur if the hardware is not adequately maintained for too long. Your PS4 may be running slowly because you haven’t verified the proper operation of all internal hardware components.

Internal Hard Drive Failure

To figure out why your PS4 is running slowly, go through each component and look for any problems, like the internal hard disc that needs to be formatted at least annually. It’s a necessary component of any system that stores any data. Replace it immediately if your PS4 is experiencing lag due to a malfunctioning hard disc.

If your PS4’s hard drive produces strange noises when you’re using it, you’ve got a defective hard drive. It’s possible that the drive has formed ‘bad sectors,’ or that there have been physical damages. As a result, your PS4’s hard disc is becoming unresponsive.

The External Hard Drive Is Defective

The external drive may be malfunctioning if you feel a dullness while gaming with it due to an incorrect drive installation or an error in the update process. As a result, the PS4’s performance suffers when the external drive malfunctions.


How to Fix Lag on PS4? 7 Methods

So, how can you solve the PS4’s sluggish and lagging performance? You can resolve this problem in several ways, most of which are simple and don’t necessitate extensive technical knowledge. 

On the other hand, you may need to have a PS4 console repaired by a professional in some unusual circumstances. The PS4 lags and slows down from time to time due to a hardware malfunction that you can’t fix. If your matter is challenging to resolve, we wish you the best of luck.

In other words, if you’re having issues with lag and stuttering on your PS4, this is where you should start. In this article, you’ll know How to Fix Lag on PS4. Now your PlayStation 4 will run as fast and smoothly as it did the day you got it, if not better! That’s true, and it’s much better.

How to Fix Lag on PS4

Method 1: Checking the Hard Drive

If your system may experience substantial lag. Checking for errors on the hard drive is a good idea. If you hear strange noises or see strange behavior in the hard disc bay, the hard disc likely has a problem. It’s a good idea to replace the hard disc at this time, as detailed in the following stages. Because this procedure involves dismantling the device, you’ll need to be extra careful.

  1. At least seven seconds after hearing two beeps indicating a successful shutdown of the PS4 is required for a complete shutdown by pushing the power button.
  2. Remove the console’s power cable and any other cables connected to it.
  3. You may remove the hard disc drive bay cover (the shiny section) by sliding it out and away from the left side of the computer.
  4. Ensure the hard disc is correctly inserted and fitted into place on the motherboard before restarting the computer. You can remove the screw and install a new hard drive if you wish. Keep in mind that the replacement hard drive will necessitate the installation of new operating system software.

Method 2: Check Your Network Connection

Having a slow download speed suggests that you are lagging. Increasing your download speed is the best way to fix this issue.

To ensure that your network connection is set up correctly, follow these steps:

  1. Test your Network’s connectivity by launching Settings > Network > Select Test Internet Connection.
  2. Go to “Set Up Network Connection” & select the “Type of connection” you’d want to make now (WiFi or LAN)
  3. Choose Custom, then Network, then pick Automatic in IP Settings.
  4. Select Do not mention in DHCP Host Name.
  5. DNS Settings > Manual is the option.
  6. In terms of DNS, the primary one is 8.8.8.8, and the secondary one is 8.8.4.4, respectively.
  7. Set MTU Settings to 1476, then press Next. Click Next> Don’t Use if you’re using a proxy server; click Next > Don’t Use.
  8. Try out your Internet connection now, please. You should be able to download more quickly this time around. Aim for a download speed of at least 10 megabytes (MB).

If you’re still getting less than 10 megabits per second, disconnect all other WiFi-enabled devices and apps, or get a LAN cable.

Change your router’s WiFi settings from N (300Mbps) to B or G and see if that helps.

Method 3: Update the PS4 & Its Applications

There is a possibility that the PS4 is experiencing freezing and lagging due to outdated firmware. It is possible that you can resolve the issue by installing the newest PS4 software and updating the relevant PS4 programs.

Follow these steps to update PS4 applications:

  1. Select the app that needs to be updated from the PS4 home screen.
  2. On your controller, press the Options button.
  3. From the pop-up menu, select Check for Updates.
  4. To download and install the available updates for that application, follow the on-screen instructions.
  5. Restart your PS4 after it has completed installing all necessary updates.
  6. In the same way, update the PS4’s other apps.

Follow these steps to get your PS4 up to date:

  1. At least 400MB of space on a USB stick is required.
  2. Make a folder called PS4 and a subdirectory called UPDATE in the USB.
  3. You can find PS4 system updates at https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps4/system-software/
  4. Once the updates have been downloaded, place them in the newly created UPDATE folder on the USB drive.
  5. The console has been shut off. Please restart it.
  6. Plugin the USB stick to one of the PS4’s forward-facing USB ports at this point.
  7. Enter the safe mode by pressing and holding the power button for seven seconds.
  8. You’ll see a list of eight options on the safe mode screen.
  9. You can update your system software by clicking on the Update System Software button.
  10. Follow the on-screen directions to complete the remaining steps. Restart your PS4 after it’s finished.

Follow the instructions above to see if the PS4 is lagging or freezing.

Method 4: Free Up Disc Space

If your hard drive is nearing its maximum storage capacity, it may arise. Determine how much free space on the hard drive you have before you begin.

  1. Settings > System Storage Management > Apps > Capture Gallery > Application Saved Data > Themes are the options from the main screen.
  2. Remove the material you don’t want by clicking on it.
  3. To delete an item, press OPTIONS and then pick Delete.
  4. Remove any saved data from the game in question because it may include corrupted data.
  5. Do a test run if the freezing and lagging on PS4 are still a problem.

Method 5: Rebuild Database

The Playstation’s database gets clogged up as you download more and more games. The performance of your console will suffer, especially during loading screens and game starts, if this occurs on your system.

Follow these steps to re-create your Playstation’s database:

  1. Make sure your PlayStation is completely shut down before you begin.
  2. Remove your finger from the power button and hold it for approximately 8 seconds after hearing the second beep.
  3. After that, plug in your controller and hit the PS button to turn it on.
  4. Finally, click on the Rebuild Database option and confirm your choice by pressing the O or X button.
  5. After the complete process, restart your Playstation and see if you still suffer lags while playing games.

Method 6: Check for Signs of Overheating

If your console is experiencing overheating issues, this might cause lag in your games and degrade the overall performance of your system. Allow your console to cool for around 30 minutes after unplugging all cords. Make sure the area where you place it is well-ventilated.

Method 7: Use a Laptop Hotspot to Connect Your Ps4

In the wake of this issue, many gamers suggested connecting the console to a laptop’s WiFi hotspot. Even if it only works for a small percentage of people, it’s still worth a try.


FAQs – How to Fix Lag on PS4

How do I know if my PS4 hard drive is bad?

1: Excessive or unusually high temperatures.
2: Disk errors that occur frequently.
3: PS4 freezes or crashes frequently, whether it’s a startup or while performing tasks.
4: It is unable to open any folders or files.
5: Data that doesn’t exist anymore.

How do you know when your PS4 is dying?

The LED indicator light on the PS4’s side should rapidly pulse blue before becoming white when the console is first powered on. “Blue Line of Death” consoles show a steady stream of pulsing blue lights that indicate a lack of video output before suddenly shutting down.

Can dust make your PS4 slow?

Dust, grit, filth, and whatever else is flying around can build up over time in your PS4’s fan. It doesn’t matter whether you have the normal, Pro, or Slim model. As a result of this buildup, your heat sink may become clogged, and your fan may have to work harder than it should.


Conclusion

After reading the above article, I hope you will get a full grip on How to Fix Lag on PS4?. A variety of factors can cause PS4 lagging and stuttering. Most of the time, it’s simple to solve, but in other circumstances, an expert is needed. To get your PS4 functioning smoothly and fast again, it’s always a good idea to fix it yourself.