For a PS4 download that will not start or crawls, Sony's own steps are to open Notifications, then Downloads, select the download and choose Pause then Resume; if that fails, Cancel and Delete it and find the game in the Library again. Then check the PlayStation status page, that the system software is current under Settings, System Software Update, and that there is enough free space. To download while you are away, set the PS4 to Stay Connected to the Internet in rest mode and tick System Software Update Files under Automatic Downloads.
Differential
Likely causes of “PlayStation 4 (Slim and Pro) downloads or updates very slowly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A download that is stuck rather than slow
What separates it The progress bar has not moved and the download looks paused
How to confirm In Notifications choose Downloads, select it and Pause then Resume, as Sony says
- 2
A PlayStation Network problem
What separates it Downloads for several games crawl at once while other internet use is fine
How to confirm Check the PlayStation status page and wait for any alert to clear
- 3
Not enough free space
What separates it The download fails partway or will not start and the hard drive is nearly full
How to confirm Check the game's minimum free space in the PlayStation Store Details and compare it with Settings, Storage
- 4
Wi-Fi limiting the speed
What separates it Speed is fine on a phone but the PS4 downloads slowly
How to confirm Test with a LAN cable straight to the router; if it is fast wired, improve the Wi-Fi
- 5
A corrupted database or license problem
What separates it A game shows a padlock or will not resume and the list looks wrong
How to confirm Start Safe Mode, choose Rebuild Database, and use Restore Licenses; make the PS4 your primary console if the game is shared
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- The game's name, its size and how much has downloaded
- Whether downloads run in rest mode or only when you play
- The speed a phone or PC gets on the same network
- Whether the PS4 is on Wi-Fi or a LAN cable and which series it is
Try in this order
0 of 7 completedPause and resume the download
ReversibleFrom the function screen choose Notification, then Downloads, select the download and press Pause, then Resume. Sony gives this as the first fix for a download that will not start.
Cancel and start again
ReversibleIf that does nothing, choose Cancel and Delete to remove the game from the download list, then find the game in your Library and download it again.
Check the PlayStation status page
ReversibleOpen the status page on a phone. An alert for PlayStation Network or the store means downloads may be slow or unavailable for everyone.
Check free space
ReversibleIn the PlayStation Store open the game, scroll to Details and read the minimum free space. Compare with Settings, Storage. If space is short, delete games or add USB extended storage.
Update the system software
ReversibleGo to Settings, System Software Update. Sony lists having the latest software among the first checks for a download that will not start.
Let the PS4 download in rest mode
ReversibleUnder Settings, Power Saving Settings, Set Features Available in Rest Mode, tick Stay Connected to the Internet. Under Settings, System, Automatic Downloads, tick System Software Update Files and enable automatic updates for games.
Try a LAN cable
ReversibleConnect an Ethernet cable and set up a wired connection under Settings, Network. If the download speeds up, improve the Wi-Fi or leave the console wired.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Hard drive sizes
- Sony's model notes list the PS4 Slim with a 500GB or 1TB hard drive and the PS4 Pro with a 1TB drive; both can be replaced with a larger drive.
- Where the LAN port is
- It differs by series; Sony's guide has separate diagrams for the CUH-7000, CUH-2000, CUH-1200 and CUH-1000 series.
- Tools and supplies
- An Ethernet cable, a phone for the status page and a USB cable for the controller in Safe Mode.
- Model number
- If you contact Sony give the model number, such as CUH-2000 or CUH-7000, and the game name; a part number is not needed.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If the download stays stuck after Cancel and Delete, a database rebuild and a wired connection, contact PlayStation support
- !If the console loses power during an update, use Safe Mode to update the system software instead of unplugging repeatedly
- !If a speed test is slow on every device, the fault is with your provider
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Where the manufacturer's article stops. Older PS4 series share these steps. The repair price in the model notes is the PS4 HDMI port range from VideoGame911 and iFixScreens.
PS4 download steps and locked game checks.
PS4 automatic downloads and rest mode connection.
PS4 rest mode behavior.
Exact questions
Common questions
Why is my PS4 download slow or stuck?+
Pause and resume it from Notifications, Downloads, then check the PlayStation status page, storage and system software. Compare wired and Wi-Fi speed.
Can the PS4 download while in rest mode?+
Yes. Sony says the console can download and install content in rest mode when set to stay connected to the internet.
How do I find a game's required space?+
Open the game in the PlayStation Store and scroll to Details; the minimum free space is shown on the right.
What does the padlock on a PS4 game mean?+
Sony says it can be a license problem. Check you are signed in to the account that bought it, that a PlayStation Plus game is still available, and that the console is your primary PS4 if the game is shared.
Should I unplug the PS4 to fix a stuck download?+
No. Do not disconnect power while the console is working; use Cancel and Delete and start again.
Does the PS4 Pro download faster than the Slim?+
Not on Sony's own guidance: both use the same steps. A LAN cable is the reference test for any PS4.
What is Rebuild Database?+
A Safe Mode option that scans the drive and creates a new database of all content, useful for system feature issues; it does not delete games.