If you find you are experiencing any performance issues or frame rate drops in-game, we have put together some solutions that may help resolve them.

We would recommend working your way through these steps as your first port of call to make sure your system is running optimally before seeking further support.
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Common Performance Issues

  • Low frames per second (FPS)
  • Graphical glitches and errors
  • An uneven of jerky gameplay experience
  • Poor video quality in-game

Restart your PlayStation

This seems like a simple one, and you've likely already tried it. But it goes without saying that restarting your PlayStation is the first step you should try when experiencing any peformance issues. By completely powering off the PlayStation console and then turning it back on, you can effectively clear caches and potentially resolve any lagging issues experienced on the PlayStation. 

To restart your PlayStation:

  1. Remove any accessories you have connected to the PS console
  2. Press and hold the Power button on the front of the console until it turns off
  3. Unplug the console for 2-5 minutes
  4. Plug it back in and reboot the console
  5. Retest the game and see if the issue persists

Check your Cable Connections

If you continue to experience lag on your PS console even after restarting it, it is advisable to inspect the cables and connections for any potential issues. Loose cables, whether it be the controller or power cables, can negatively impact the performance of your console. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct a thorough examination of these cables when encountering the error.

To begin, carefully inspect the controller and power cables for any visible signs of damage, such as fraying or wear. Additionally, examine the power supply of the console for any indications of damage. Ensure that all cables are securely and correctly seated, making certain they are tightly connected.

By performing these checks and ensuring proper cable connections, you can effectively address any cable-related issues that may be contributing to the lag on your PlayStation console.

Make sure your console is clean

If you have owned your PlayStation for a while, it is likely that dust and grime have accumulated inside the system - if left unaddressed, this can negatively affect performance. The debris can trap heat, causing the system fans to work harder and reducing overall efficiency.

To improve your system's performance and ensure it runs cooler, it's important to clean out the dust. Additionally, while performing this maintenance, make sure your PS is positioned in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it in an enclosed space that traps heat and ensure that the console's vents are not blocked by placing it too close to other surfaces or objects. 

Ensure your games are updated

It is advisable to install any available updates for all your games. Developers frequently release patches designed to address issues such as frame rate slowdowns and lengthy loading times.

In most cases, your PS will automatically update games you frequently play and check for updates when launching games that haven't been played in a while. However, if your system is not consistently connected to the internet, you can manually initiate the update process.

  1. From your home screen, highlight the game you wish to update
  2. Press the Options button on your controller
  3. In  the menu that appears, select Check for Update
  4. The system will then search for any available updates for the selected game
  5. If updates are found, follow the prompts to download and install them 

Free up space on your SSD

A full hard drive can be another contributor to slow PS performance. 

To create more space on your PS, it is recommended to remove old games and unused apps. PlayStation suggests the following steps:

  1. On your PS5, go to Settings > Storage > Games and Apps.
  2. Press the X button on your controller and select Select Items to Delete
  3. Check the boxes next to the games and apps you wish to remove.
  4. Choose Delete to confirm the deletion.

By following these instructions, you can easily free up storage on your PS by removing unnecessary games and apps.

Clear the System Software Cache/Rebuild Database

You can also try clearing the system software cache and rebuilding the database, which may help improve the situation. To perform these tasks, you'll need to boot your console into Safe Mode. Here's how you can do it:

  1. Shut down the console by holding the power button for three seconds 
  2. Press and hold the power button again until you hear one beep 
  3. Continue holding the button for approximately seven seconds until you hear a second beep
  4. Release the button after the second beep 

Your console should now be in Safe Mode.
Please note: the PS's Bluetooth won't function in this mode, so connect a controller to the console using a USB-C cable. 

  1. Press the PS button on the front of the controller to activate it 
  2. Navigate through the Safe Mode options
  3. Locate the Clear Cache and Rebuild Database option and select it
  4. Choose Clear System Software Cache to initiate the process

This process may help resolve any performance-related issues you're experiencing. Additionally, going back through the same steps and selecting the Rebuild Database option can be useful also.