Remote Play is a fairly old feature for PlayStation. It was introduced for the PS3 and would allow you to play games on your PSP. It sucked and since then the feature has been a bit of a background feature that a lot of people don’t even know about.
With the launch of the PS5, a new icon has appeared on the PS4 home screen that allows you to remote play your PS5 from your PS4, pretty awesome! The feature works well for most but the experience is not flawless. For those finding the experience a little laggy, this guide will give you some helpful tips to reduce lag and latency with PS5 remote play lag.
Table Of Contents
- Optimize your Network Connection
- Check your Device Performance
- Adjust your PS5’s Remote Play Settings
- Get NAT Type 1 On The PS5
- Close Unnecessary Applications
- In-depth Network Optimization and Debugging
- Optimizing Windows 10/11 for PS5 Remote Play
- Troubleshooting Android Based Remote Play Lag Issues
- Pinpointing the Problem Area
If any of the steps below have helped you resolve a laggy remote play connection with the PS5, please comment with the device you are using and what you did to fix the issue.
Optimize your Network Connection
The foremost factor affecting your remote play experience is your network connection. Here are some steps you can take to optimize it.
- Check your Internet Speed: PS5 Remote Play requires a minimum of 5 Mbps upload and download speed to function correctly. If possible, aim for speeds above 15 Mbps. You can use services such as SpeedTest to check your internet speed.
- Optimized Ethernet vs. Wireless: Although PS5 supports both wired and wireless connections, an Ethernet (wired) connection provides more speed and reliability than a wireless one.
- Position your Router: For wireless connections, ensure that the PS5 and your device are within a reasonable range of the router, with fewer obstructions possible, such as walls or other devices that might interfere with the signal.
Ensure Both Systems Are On The Same Network
If you are hoping to use your PS4 in one room to play games on the PS5 that is in another room, make sure they are both on the same LAN. Some routers can broadcast multiple networks, quite commonly a 2.4ghz and 5ghz signal. Both are connected to the same router but are not on the same local network. Always aim for wired and if not possible, make sure both devices are on the same wireless network.
Check Network Activity At Home
If you have a busy house, there may be a lot of network traffic. If people in the house are downloading a lot of content, streaming 4k videos and performing other activities that will congest the network, you will find that there may be some hiccups while you use the remote play feature. With modern fibre connections, this is going to be less of an issue but if you are on a copper wire connection
Check your Device Performance
Following are the ways to optimize your device performance:
- System Software Updates: Always keep your PS5 system software up-to-date. Sony regularly releases updates that enhance the stability and performance of their systems.
- Device Compatibility: Make sure the device that you’re using for remote play is compatible and updated. For instance, if you’re using an iPhone, make sure it’s running the latest version of iOS.
Adjust your PS5’s Remote Play Settings
You can change the video quality for Remote Play on your PS5 system to help with lag.
- Go to Settings > System > Remote Play and choose the Lower Video Quality for Remote Play setting.
Get NAT Type 1 On The PS5
NAT type is a measurement of how restricted your home router is. If you have type 3 or even a failed NAT type, your PS5 is going to have a hard time communicating with other devices over a network. To achieve an open NAT you will need to open the following ports on your router.
- TCP: 1935,3478-3480
- UDP: 3074,3478-3479
If you are unsure what this means, check out this detailed guide for getting NAT type 1 on the PS5. This will solve a lot of problems related to remote play, including the inability to link the PS4 to the PS5.
Something worth noting is that most routers will only allow you to open a specific port for one IP. Since PSN uses the same ports on the PS4 and PS5, you will need to pick one. I would suggest you do it for the PS5. Generally, networks are more restrictive for incoming connections than outgoing as this is generally how an attack would be prevented. The PS4 should have less trouble connecting to a PS5 compared to a PS5 accepting connections from a PS4.
Close Unnecessary Applications
Close any unnecessary applications on your PS5 and your device to free up resources for your remote play session. The same goes for the device that you are consuming the remote play stream on, be that a tablet, phone, PC or any other device that can connect to the PS5 using remote play.
In-depth Network Optimization and Debugging
Even after optimizing your network, if you still face lag issues, it may be time to dig deeper into your network configuration and settings. Here are some steps to help you debug and further optimize your network:
Select the Right Router Frequency:
Modern routers come with dual-band frequency, which means they support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. To properly optimize your network, you should:
- Use the 5 GHz band for remote play, as it delivers a higher data rate and works better for gaming. Further, it generally experiences less interference.
- Change your router’s frequency settings via its configuration panel. Refer to your router’s user manual or website for details.
Optimize Wi-Fi Channel Selection:
Neighbor Wi-Fi networks can cause interference, especially on the 2.4 GHz band. Switching to a less congested Wi-Fi channel can significantly improve your gaming experience.
- Use Wi-Fi Analyzer for Windows or a similar application for other platforms to identify the least congested channel in your area.
- Change the Wi-Fi channel in your router’s configuration panel.
Enable Quality of Service (QoS) on your Router:
Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature on some routers that prioritizes specific types of content, such as gaming-related data.
- Locate QoS settings in your router’s configuration panel and enable prioritization for gaming data.
- Make sure to read your router’s user manual to understand how to enable and configure this feature correctly.
Port Forwarding:
Some routers may block certain ports, causing lag or connection issues with remote play. You can manually open these ports to improve your experience.
- The ports required for remote play are: UDP 9296, UDP 9297, and UDP 9303.
- Search for “Port Forwarding” in your router’s configuration panel. Create a new rule and open the above-mentioned ports for your PlayStation 5’s IP address.
- Ensure to double-check your console’s IP address in the PS5’s settings under Settings > System > System Software > System Information.
Network Debugging:
If the lag persists, try these debugging steps to identify connection issues:
- Ping Test: Run a ping test to check for high latency or packet loss. You can use the command prompt or Terminal on your device with the command ping www.google.com to see the response times and packet loss percentages. If the test shows high latency or significant packet loss, the problem could be your network ISP or your router.
- Router Reset: Resetting your router may help resolve temporary network issues. Unplug your router for 10 seconds, and then plug it back in. Wait until the router returns to normal operation before testing remote play again.
- Reboot Device: Restart your PlayStation 5 and your device to ensure that any temporary software bugs aren’t contributing to the lag.
By following these additional network optimization steps and debugging procedures, you should be able to resolve persistent lag issues while using PS5 remote play and enjoy a significantly improved gaming experience.
Optimizing Windows 10/11 for PS5 Remote Play
Some issues with Remote Play lagging may stem from your Windows computer’s configuration and performance. Here are some ways to optimize Windows 10/11 to improve your Remote Play experience and recommended troubleshooting steps if the problem persists.
System Requirements:
Ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for Remote Play:
- A computer with either Microsoft Windows 10 or Windows 11
- Intel Core i5-560M Processor 2.67 GHz or faster
- At least 100 MB of available storage
- At least 2 GB of RAM
- USB port or Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity (for the controller)
- Sound card
- Resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
Update Windows and Graphics Drivers:
Outdated system software or graphics drivers may cause performance issues with Remote Play.
- Updating Windows: Open the Windows settings > Update & Security. Click on Check for updates and install if any are available.
- Updating Graphics Drivers: Open Device Manager > Display adapters. Right click on your graphics driver and select “Update Driver”.
Adjust Power Settings:
Ensuring your PC runs on high performance can help Remote Play performance:
- Go to Windows Settings > System > Power & sleep > Additional power settings. Select the “High Performance” plan.
Close Unnecessary Applications:
Background applications can eat up your system resources causing the lag in Remote Play. It’s best to close these apps before starting your Remote Play.
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and end tasks that are not necessary.
Optimize Remote Play Settings on the PS5 Remote Play App:
With the help of PS Remote Play settings, you can decrease the video and sound quality to get better performance:
- Open PS Remote Play app > Settings. Change the video quality according to your needs.
- You can also lower the framerate from high to normal. Assuming bandwidth is the issue here.
Debugging Issues
If you’re still experiencing issues, here are some debugging steps:
- Firewall/Antivirus Interference: Sometimes, security software may see Remote Play as potentially harmful and interfere with its operation. Temporarily disable your firewall/antivirus and see if the issue persists.
- Software Conflict: Some softwares interfere with Remote Play. Make sure to turn off these types of programs.
- Check DirectX Diagnostics: Running DirectX Diagnostics Tool can help identify any issues with your graphics card or other hardware that might be contributing to the lag. Press Win + R, type dxdiag and press Enter.
- Reinstall PS5 Remote Play App: If nothing works, uninstall and reinstall the PS5 Remote Play app.
By implementing these steps for Windows optimization and troubleshooting, you should have a smoother PS5 Remote Play experience.
Troubleshooting Android Based Remote Play Lag Issues
If you’re experiencing lag issues with Remote Play on your Android phone, there are a few steps you can take to help identify and resolve the issue.
Check for Compatibility and Update
Not all Android devices are able to run PS5 Remote Play smoothly. Make sure your Android device has at least Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or later and 2GB or more of RAM. Also, ensure that all your software is up-to-date. To check for updates:
- Android OS: Go to Settings > System > Advanced > System Update.
- Remote Play App: Go to Google Play Store > My apps & games > Update All. This will update all apps including the Remote Play app if an update is available.
Check Internet Connection
Lag and stuttering in Remote Play are often due to poor internet connection.
- Speed Test: Use a service like SpeedTest to verify the speed of your internet connection.
- Network Type: Wi-Fi connections is recommended over mobile data for Remote Play due to the high bandwidth it requires. Preferably use 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency for better performance.
Disable Battery Optimization
Performance of certain apps may be restricted in order to save battery life. To disable battery optimization:
- Go to Settings > Apps > PS5 Remote Play > Battery > Battery optimization > All apps > PS5 Remote Play > Don’t optimize > Done.
Close Background Apps
If too many applications are running in the background, it might create performance issues.
- To close background apps, tap the square or recent apps button on your Android device and close apps not currently in use.
Keep Device Cool
If your device becomes too hot, its performance can reduce drastically. Keep your phone in a cooler area and don’t use a cover when playing as it can trap heat.
Test with Another Network
Try using another network connection if possible. This could help identify if the problem lies with your Internet Service Provider or your home network.
Round Trip Delay (RTD)
It’s possible that the RTD is too high between your PS5 and Android device. To check this:
- On PS5 go to Settings > Network > Connection Status > Connection Test. Check the RTD figure displayed. It should ideally be below 100 ms. If it’s higher, the lag issues may be due to this.
Reinstall the App
Occasionally problems relate to the app itself. If none of the above steps works, try uninstalling and reinstalling the PS5 Remote Play app.
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and potentially resolve lag issues when using PS5 Remote Play on your Android device.
Pinpointing the Problem Area
If you’re experiencing issues with Remote Play on your PS5, it can be challenging to determine the root cause. This basic troubleshooting guide will help you identify the problem area, be it your network, device, or the PS5 setup itself.
Check Network Connection
First, let’s start by ruling out any network-related issues.
- Speed Test: Conduct a speed test using a website like SpeedTest and ensure you have a minimum of 5 Mbps upload and download speed. Ideally, your speeds should be above 15 Mbps.
- Ping Test: Run a ping test on your computer to check for high latency or packet loss. Use the command prompt with the command ping www.google.com. High latency or significant packet loss may signal network issues.
- Ethernet vs. Wireless: If you’re using a wireless connection, try connecting your PS5 to the router via an Ethernet cable. Wired connections usually provide improved speed and stability.
If your network connection passes these tests, then the problem may lie elsewhere.
Verify Device Compatibility and Configuration
Next, ensure your device meets the minimum requirements for remote play and is configured correctly.
- Device Compatibility: Double-check the compatibility of the device you’re using for Remote Play. Refer to the official Remote Play page for a list of supported devices and system requirements.
- Software Updates: Make sure your PS5, the device you’re using, and the Remote Play app are all updated to their latest versions.
- Power Management Settings: Configure the power settings on your device to use the optimal performance profile.
Inspect PS5 Settings
Take a closer look at your PS5 to ensure it’s configured correctly for Remote Play.
- PS5 Software Update: Make sure your PS5 system software is up-to-date.
- PS5 Remote Play Settings: Go to Settings > System > Remote Play and ensure that Remote Play is enabled.
- Direct Connection: Verify whether the Direct Connection option is enabled or disabled under Settings > System > Remote Play. Try toggling this option and see if it affects your experience.
Test Remote Play with another Device or Network
If none of the above steps identify the issue, try using Remote Play on another device or network.
- Another Device: If you have access to a different compatible device, install the Remote Play app and see if the lag persists.
- Another Network (such as Mobile Hotspot): Connect your device and PS5 to an alternative network, such as your smartphone’s mobile hotspot. This will help you determine if the problem is related to your primary home network.
Reinstall Remote Play App
As a last resort, uninstall the Remote Play app from your device and download the latest version from the official website.
If you’ve gone through all these steps and still cannot pinpoint the problem, it may be time to consult with PlayStation support or an expert to help diagnose and resolve the issue.
By following this troubleshooting guide, you should be able to narrow down and potentially pinpoint the problem area when dealing with PS5 Remote Play issues.
Restart Both Systems
I know this is the most generic response you can possibly give for fixing problems but with the PS5, in particular, being able to suspend games and multitask better, the system having some extra stuff consuming system resources could also cause some things to get a little backed up. Likewise with the PS4. If you find things normally work well and are suddenly acting up, restarting the systems if possible may be all you need to fix the problem.