Will Games Download When PS5 Is Off? A Complete Guide to PlayStation 5 Download Features

The PlayStation 5 has revolutionized gaming with its lightning-fast SSD, stunning graphics capabilities, and innovative features that enhance the user experience. Among these features, the ability to download games and updates while the console appears to be “off” has become one of the most convenient aspects of modern gaming. However, many PS5 owners find themselves confused about whether their games will actually download when the console is turned off, and if so, how to properly configure this functionality. This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about PS5 download capabilities, rest mode features, power settings, and optimization strategies to ensure your gaming library stays up-to-date without requiring constant manual intervention.

Understanding PS5 Power States and Download Capabilities

The PlayStation 5 doesn’t simply have an “on” or “off” state like traditional electronics. Instead, Sony has engineered the console with multiple power modes that serve different purposes and consume varying amounts of electricity. Understanding these power states is crucial to comprehending when and how your PS5 can download games and updates. The three primary power states include fully powered on, rest mode, and completely powered off. When your PS5 is fully powered on, downloads occur at maximum speed, utilizing your full internet bandwidth and the console’s processing capabilities. This is the most straightforward scenario where games, updates, and patches download exactly as you would expect.

Rest mode represents the middle ground and is where much of the confusion arises. When your PS5 enters rest mode, it appears to be off the screen goes dark, the console becomes quiet, and the power indicator changes to a pulsing orange light instead of the bright white light that indicates active use. However, rest mode is actually a low-power state where the console remains partially active, maintaining certain functions while consuming significantly less electricity than during full operation. In this state, your PS5 can perform several background tasks, including downloading games, installing updates, charging controllers through the USB ports, and staying connected to the internet for remote downloads initiated through the PlayStation mobile app or web store.

The third power state is completely powered off, which occurs when you select the “Turn Off PS5” option from the power menu. In this state, the console is truly off, consuming minimal standby power, and no downloads or background processes can occur. The power indicator light will be completely off, and the console will require a full boot sequence when you press the power button again. This distinction between rest mode and fully powered off is critical because many users assume their console is downloading games when it’s actually completely shut down, leading to frustration when they discover their games haven’t downloaded overnight.

Configuring Rest Mode for Automatic Downloads

To enable your PS5 to download games while in rest mode, you must properly configure several settings within the console’s system menu. The process requires navigating through multiple options, but once set up correctly, your PS5 will seamlessly download games, updates, and patches without requiring you to leave the console fully powered on. Begin by pressing the PlayStation button on your DualSense controller to access the control center, then navigate to the settings icon located in the top right corner of the screen. Within the settings menu, scroll down to find “System” and select it to access the deeper system configuration options.

Inside the system menu, locate and select “Power Saving” to access all power-related settings for your console. This section contains the critical options that determine how your PS5behaves in rest mode. The first essential setting is “Features Available in Rest Mode,” which contains three important checkboxes that control specific rest mode capabilities. The most crucial option for downloading games is “Stay Connected to the Internet,” which must be enabled for any downloads to occur while in rest mode. Without this setting activated, your PS5 will disconnect from your network when entering rest mode, making downloads impossible until you power the console back on.

Additionally, you should enable “Enable Turning On PS5 from Network,” which allows your console to be awakened remotely for downloads initiated from the PlayStation app or web store. This feature is particularly useful when you purchase games while away from home and want them to begin downloading immediately. The third option in this menu, “Supply Power to USB Ports,” determines whether your USB ports remain active during rest mode for charging controllers and other devices. While not directly related to downloads, this setting enhances the overall convenience of rest mode functionality. After enabling these settings, your PS5 is configured to download games while appearing to be off, provided you place it in rest mode rather than completely shutting it down.

How to Properly Enter Rest Mode for Downloads

Many PS5 users inadvertently prevent downloads by incorrectly powering down their console. The method you use to turn off your PS5 determines whether it enters rest mode or completely shuts down, which directly impacts whether downloads will continue. To properly enter rest mode and ensure your games download, press the PlayStation button on your controller to bring up the control center. Navigate to the power icon, which is located on the far right side of the control center menu. When you select the power icon, you’ll see multiple options presented in a vertical menu.

The options typically include “Enter Rest Mode,” “Turn Off PS5,” and “Restart PS5.” To enable downloads, you must specifically select “Enter Rest Mode” rather than “Turn Off PS5.” When you select rest mode, the screen will go black, and after a few seconds, the power indicator light on your PS5 will change from white to a pulsing orange color. This orange pulsing light confirms that your console has successfully entered rest mode and is capable of downloading games if properly configured. The console will feel warm to the touch if downloads are actively occurring, though it will be significantly cooler than during active gameplay.

It’s important to note that some users configure their controllers or power buttons to automatically enter rest mode with a single press, while others may have quick menu shortcuts set up differently. If you’re unsure whether your console entered rest mode or shut down completely, simply check the power indicator light. An orange pulsing light means rest mode is active and downloads can occur, while no light indicates the console is completely off and downloads will not proceed. Additionally, if you have a disc in the drive, the console may briefly spin the disc when entering or exiting rest mode, which is normal behavior and not cause for concern.

Automatic Update Settings for Seamless Gaming

Beyond manual game downloads, the PS5 offers sophisticated automatic update features that keep your games current without any intervention required. These settings ensure that when you’re ready to play, your games are already updated with the latest patches, fixes, and content additions. To access these settings, navigate to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. Within this menu, you’ll find options for automatic downloads and installations that can save significant time and frustration.

The “Auto-Download” option should be enabled to allow your PS5 to automatically download system software updates when available. This ensures your console always runs the latest firmware version, which can include performance improvements, new features, and security patches. Equally important is the “Auto-Install” option, which allows your PS5 to not only download updates but also install them during rest mode. Without auto-install enabled, updates may download but remain uninstalled until you manually initiate the installation process, which can still result in delays when you want to play.

For game-specific updates, navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates. Here you’ll find options to enable automatic updates for games and applications. When this setting is active, your PS5 will automatically download and install updates for games in your library whenever developers release new patches, even if you haven’t launched those games recently. This feature is particularly valuable for online multiplayer games that frequently require the latest version to access servers. The console prioritizes updates for games you play most frequently, though all installed games will eventually receive updates during rest mode periods.

Optimizing Download Speeds and Network Settings

While rest mode enables downloads to occur when your console is off, several factors influence download speeds and reliability. Understanding these factors and optimizing your network configuration can dramatically reduce download times, allowing you to get into games faster. The PS5’s network capabilities support both wired and wireless connections, though wired Ethernet connections typically provide more stable and faster download speeds compared to Wi-Fi, especially if your router is located far from the console or there are physical obstructions between them.

Key factors affecting PS5 download speeds include:

• Internet connection type and speed: Your internet service provider’s plan directly impacts maximum download speeds, with faster plans enabling quicker downloads
• Network congestion: Downloads are slower during peak usage times when many devices share your home network or when your ISP experiences high traffic
• DNS settings: Changing from your default DNS servers to alternatives like Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) can sometimes improve connection stability and speed
• Router placement and quality: Older routers or those positioned far from your PS5 create bottlenecks that limit download performance
• Background applications: Other devices streaming video, downloading files, or performing bandwidth-intensive tasks compete for available bandwidth

To optimize your network settings, navigate to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Select your network (either Wi-Fi or LAN cable), and choose “Advanced Settings” to access manual configuration options. Here you can manually set your DNS servers, adjust MTU settings, and configure proxy servers if necessary. For most users, changing the DNS settings provides the most noticeable improvement without requiring technical expertise. Additionally, consider using a wired Ethernet connection whenever possible, as this eliminates wireless interference and typically provides the most consistent speeds, which is especially important for large game downloads that can exceed 100 gigabytes.

Remote Download Feature Through PlayStation App

One of the PS5’s most convenient features is the ability to initiate downloads remotely using the PlayStation mobile app or web browser. This functionality allows you to purchase and begin downloading games while away from home, ensuring they’re ready to play when you return. The feature relies on your PS5 being in rest mode with the appropriate settings enabled, specifically the “Stay Connected to the Internet” and “Enable Turning On PS5 from Network” options discussed earlier. When properly configured, your console can receive remote commands and begin downloads even when you’re thousands of miles away.

To use remote download functionality, ensure you have the PlayStation app installed on your smartphone or tablet, available for both iOS and Android devices. Sign in with the same PlayStation Network account linked to your PS5 console. From the app, you can browse the PlayStation Store, purchase games, and add them to your download queue. When you initiate a purchase or download through the app, a signal is sent to your PS5 at home, which wakes from rest mode, connects to the PlayStation Network, and begins downloading the selected content. The console then returns to rest mode once the download completes, maintaining minimal power consumption.

This feature is particularly useful when you see a sale on a game you want, purchase it from work or while traveling, and have it ready to play immediately upon arriving home. The same functionality works through the PlayStation Store website, accessed from any computer browser. Simply log into your account, make your purchase, and the game will automatically queue for download on your primary PS5 console. Keep in mind that remote downloads work most reliably when your console is set as your primary PS5, which is automatically configured for the first console you sign into with your account.

Common Download Issues and Troubleshooting Solutions

Despite proper configuration, some PS5 users encounter situations where games don’t download as expected during rest mode. Understanding common issues and their solutions can help you quickly resolve problems and maintain seamless download functionality. One frequent issue occurs when the console unexpectedly enters full shutdown instead of rest mode, often due to power settings or overheating protection mechanisms. If your console feels excessively hot when entering rest mode, it may automatically perform a full shutdown to protect internal components, preventing downloads from occurring.

Another common problem involves network connectivity dropping during rest mode, which can happen if your internet connection is unstable, your router periodically resets, or your ISP experiences outages. In these cases, the download pauses until connectivity is restored, which may not happen automatically depending on your network configuration. To troubleshoot connectivity issues, try restarting your router, ensuring your PS5 has a reserved IP address in your router settings to prevent DHCP conflicts, and checking that your internet service is functioning properly on other devices.

Some users experience incomplete downloads where games appear to have downloaded but won’t launch, which typically indicates the download process was interrupted or corrupted. In these situations, navigate to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, locate the problematic game, press the Options button on your controller, and select “Delete.” Then restart the download to obtain a fresh, complete version of the game files. Additionally, ensure your PS5 has sufficient storage space available, as the console requires significantly more free space than the game’s listed size to accommodate installation files, which are deleted after installation completes.

Storage Management and Download Queue Priorities

Effective storage management becomes crucial when downloading games in rest mode, as the PS5’s SSD, while fast, has limited capacity in the standard models. The base PS5 comes with 825GB of total storage, with approximately 667GB available for games after system files. This space fills quickly, given that modern games routinely exceed 50GB, with some titles requiring well over 100GB. Understanding how to manage your download queue and storage ensures you can continue downloading games without encountering “insufficient storage” errors during rest mode when you’re not available to delete content.

The PS5 intelligently manages download queues, prioritizing active downloads and those initiated most recently. When multiple games are queued for download during rest mode, the console downloads them sequentially rather than simultaneously, which maintains faster download speeds compared to splitting bandwidth across multiple downloads. If you need to change download priority, you can pause certain downloads from the Downloads/Uploads section of the control center and allow others to proceed first. This granular control ensures that games you want to play immediately receive priority over others that can wait.

Power Consumption and Energy Efficiency Considerations

While rest mode enables convenient downloading capabilities, conscientious users often wonder about power consumption and the environmental impact of leaving their PS5 in rest mode for extended periods. Understanding the actual power usage helps you make informed decisions about when to use rest mode versus completely shutting down your console. Sony designed the PS5 with energy efficiency in mind, and rest mode consumes significantly less power than active use. During gameplay, the PS5 can draw between 100-200 watts depending on the intensity of the game and graphical demands. In contrast, rest mode typically consumes between 1.5-2.5 watts when idle, increasing to approximately 40-50 watts during active downloads.

For perspective, leaving your PS5 in rest mode for an entire month when not actively downloading consumes roughly 1.5-2 kilowatt-hours of electricity, which costs approximately $0.15-$0.25 based on average U.S. electricity rates of $0.10-$0.13 per kWh. Even accounting for periodic downloads during rest mode, the annual cost of keeping your PS5 in rest mode overnight and when away from home typically amounts to just a few dollars. This minimal cost is generally considered worthwhile given the convenience of always-updated games and the ability to remotely initiate downloads.

However, if you’ll be away from your console for extended periods of several weeks or months, completely shutting down the PS5 reduces power consumption to near zero and provides the additional benefit of protecting against potential power surges during storms or electrical issues. For most users with regular gaming habits, rest mode offers the best balance of convenience and efficiency, allowing seamless downloads while maintaining minimal environmental impact and electricity costs. The key is ensuring you’ve properly configured rest mode settings to avoid situations where the console remains fully powered on when you intended to put it in rest mode, which would result in significantly higher power consumption.

Conclusion:

The PlayStation 5’s ability to download games while appearing to be off represents a significant quality-of-life improvement over previous console generations, eliminating the need to leave your console fully powered on for hours or even days while downloading large modern games. By properly configuring rest mode settings, enabling automatic updates, optimizing network connectivity, and understanding how to troubleshoot common issues, you can ensure your games are always up-to-date and ready to play the moment you want to experience them. The answer to whether games will download when your PS5 is off ultimately depends on proper setup and using rest mode rather than complete shutdown.

Taking the time to configure these settings correctly pays dividends in convenience, reduced frustration, and more time spent actually playing games rather than watching progress bars. Whether you’re downloading a massive 150GB title overnight, receiving automatic patches for your favorite multiplayer games, or remotely initiating downloads through the PlayStation app while away from home, the PS5’s download capabilities work seamlessly when properly implemented. As gaming continues to evolve with ever-larger file sizes and frequent content updates, understanding and utilizing these features becomes increasingly important for maintaining an optimal gaming experience on Sony’s latest console.