Why Is My PS5 Lagging? How to Fix Lag With Sony’s Own Steps

Sony doesn’t publish one support page about “lag”. Its support site does cover the two problems people usually mean by it: an unreliable connection during online play, and performance drops on the console itself. This guide collects Sony’s own fixes for both, checked on September 15, 2026.

Part 1: Fix Online Lag (Connection Problems)

1. Check whether PlayStation Network is down

Before changing anything at home, Sony suggests checking the PlayStation status page (status.playstation.com) for any server failure or maintenance.

2. Use a wired connection if you can

Across its connection-error pages, Sony’s advice is to restart the PS5 and connect to the internet with a wired connection as much as possible, then configure the network settings again. To switch to a LAN cable:

1. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
2. Select Set Up Wired LAN > Connect.

3. On Wi-Fi, move the console closer to the router

If you’re using a wireless connection, Sony suggests bringing the PS5 closer to your router and removing anything that might block the connection between them.

4. Restart and update your router

Turn off your router, wait at least 5 minutes, and then turn it back on. Sony also suggests updating your router’s firmware. Your router’s maker can tell you how.

5. Run Sony’s connection test

Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection to check that the PS5 is connected to the internet properly. If it isn’t, review and configure your network settings again.

6. Check your network setup

• Multiple routers: if you’re using multiple NAT routers, Sony says to remove them.
• IPv6-only networks: PS5 consoles support IPv6 connections but not IPv6-only networks. If your router is set to IPv6-only, change it to use IPv4.
• PS5 Pro: if you’re having connection issues, Sony suggests trying with and without Multi Link Operation in the advanced network settings.

For more on wireless problems, see our guide to troubleshooting PS5 Wi-Fi issues.

Part 2: Fix Performance Drops and Stutter

1. Choose Performance Mode in Game Presets

Many PS5 games let you choose between smoother motion and sharper graphics. Sony describes Performance Mode as making motion in your game smoother, while Resolution Mode gives higher graphic quality. To set your default:

1. From the home screen, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
2. Select Game Presets and choose Performance Mode.

This only applies to PS5 games that offer these modes, and some games may ignore the preset.

2. Clear the system software cache in Safe Mode

Sony’s Safe Mode page says to select Clear System Software Cache if you’re experiencing system feature issues or performance drops. It sits under the Clear Cache and Rebuild Database option.

1. Turn off your console by holding the power button for three seconds.
2. Once it’s off, press and hold the power button again. Release it after the second beep, about seven seconds after the first.
3. Connect the controller with the USB cable and press the PS button.
4. Select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database, then Clear System Software Cache.

In the same menu, Rebuild Database scans the drive and creates a new database of all content on the system. Sony warns that some Safe Mode options result in the loss of data, so back up to a USB drive or Cloud Storage before using them. Our PS5 Safe Mode guide covers the other options.

3. Keep the console cool

Sony doesn’t list overheating as a cause of lag. It does say a louder fan during some games is normal and simply means the fan is working faster to cool the system. To help prevent overheating, Sony recommends:

• Keep the air vents on the sides and back of the PS5 unblocked.
• Leave at least 10cm of free space around each side of the console.
• Don’t place the console in a narrow or cramped space.
• Unplug the AC power cable from the rear of the console, then clear dust from the vents with a low-powered vacuum cleaner.

More in our guide to what to do when a PS5 overheats, and our fix for the PS5 “Repairing Console Storage” loop.

Sources

• PlayStation Support – PS5 error NW-102468-1
• PlayStation Support – PS5 error NW-102265-6
• PlayStation Support – PS5 error CE-117722-0
• PlayStation Support – PS5 error NW-102655-9
• PlayStation Support – How to set up an internet connection on PlayStation consoles
• PlayStation Support – How to customize game presets on PS5 consoles
• PlayStation Support – How to use Safe Mode on PS5 and PS4 consoles
• PlayStation Support – PS5 console is making noise