To lower ping on PS5 or Xbox, connect the console with an Ethernet cable, stop background downloads, choose the closest server in the game, and enable QoS on your router. Consoles don't have as many settings as PCs, so the network around them matters even more. Here's the full process.
Step 1: Test your connection the right way
PS5: Settings → Network → Connection Status → Test Internet Connection. Xbox Series X|S: Settings → General → Network settings → Test network speed & statistics.
Both tests measure a nearby test server, not your game's servers. Use them to check packet loss and NAT type, then use each game's own network stats for real in-game ping.
Step 2: Go wired
This is the biggest single improvement for consoles. Consoles are often in the living room, far from the router, behind a TV, and that's the worst spot for Wi-Fi.
- Best: an Ethernet cable directly to the router.
- Good: powerline or MoCA adapters if a cable isn't possible.
- If you must use Wi-Fi: 5 GHz, router in the same room, and nothing blocking it.
The full comparison is in Wi-Fi vs Ethernet.
Step 3: Stop background downloads
Consoles love to download updates while you play.
- PS5: check the Downloads/Uploads list from the Control Center and pause anything running. Consider turning off automatic uploads of game clips and screenshots.
- Xbox: open My games & apps → Manage → Queue and pause updates.
Also pause downloads on other devices in the house.
Step 4: Fix your NAT type
A Strict (Xbox) or Type 3 (PS5) NAT can block connections to other players, causing failed matchmaking, broken parties and lag in peer-to-peer games.
- Enable UPnP in your router settings, which is usually enough.
- If not, forward the ports listed on PlayStation or Xbox support pages.
- Restart the console and test again.
See router settings for gaming for how to do this safely.
Step 5: Enable QoS or SQM on the router
If ping spikes when someone else is streaming or uploading, your router is queueing traffic. Turn on QoS and give the console priority, or better, use SQM to remove bufferbloat entirely.
Step 6: Choose the right server in each game
Many console games let you set the region: Fortnite's matchmaking region, Call of Duty's settings, and so on. Pick the closest one manually instead of leaving it on Auto.
Step 7: Try DNS — but know what it does
Changing DNS on the console (for example to 1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8) can speed up store and matchmaking lookups. It doesn't change in-game ping. Try it if menus feel slow, not for gameplay.
Step 8: Consider a console booster
If your home network is clean but ping to the game server is still high, the route is the problem. Consoles can't run booster apps directly, but there are workarounds:
- Router-based boosting. GearUP and LagoFast offer console options using a supported router or device.
- PC connection sharing. Some boosters can route a console's traffic through a PC running the app.
Setup details change, so follow each provider's current console guide and use the free trial first.
Console ping checklist
| Step | Done? |
|---|---|
| Ethernet or powerline | ☐ |
| Background downloads paused | ☐ |
| NAT Open / Type 2 | ☐ |
| QoS/SQM on router | ☐ |
| Closest region in game | ☐ |
| Booster tested if the route is bad | ☐ |
For game-specific fixes, see Fortnite and Roblox, or the general how to reduce ping guide.
Strict NAT on your console? See NAT type explained.
