PlayStation · Apps

Control automatic downloads and background game updates

PlayStation can automatically fetch game and app updates, previously purchased content, and system files in the background — including while the console is in Rest Mode — so titles are ready to play the moment you sit down.

What you should know

  • Found under Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Automatic Downloads (PS5) or Settings → System → Automatic Downloads (PS4).
  • Separate toggles exist for application updates, content you've purchased or added to your library, and content added to your wish list.
  • Rest Mode has its own "Stay Connected to the Internet" and "Supply Power to USB Ports" settings that must be enabled for background downloads to continue while the console is asleep.

Why it matters

Without auto-updates enabled, a game can demand a large day-one patch the moment you launch it — auto-downloads move that wait to overnight instead of the moment you want to play.

Best practices

  • Enable automatic application updates so patches install overnight via Rest Mode rather than blocking play time.
  • Disable auto-downloads if you're on a slow or metered connection and prefer to control when large patches happen.

Common problems and fixes

A game update is stuck or stalled
Open the Notifications tab, select the download, and choose Resume, or delete and restart the download if it stays stuck.
Downloads don't continue in Rest Mode
Check Settings → System → Power Saving → Features Available in Rest Mode and confirm "Stay Connected to the Internet" is enabled.

Tips and tricks

  • From the Notifications tab you can reorder queued downloads, pausing a large update to let a smaller one finish first.

Frequently asked questions

Can I download an update over cellular via mobile hotspot?

Yes, but large updates can consume significant mobile data — Wi-Fi or wired is strongly recommended for anything beyond small patches.