Online gaming on your PS4 can be a blast, but it’s essential to keep an eye on your data usage, especially if you’re using a hotspot or have limited bandwidth. In this guide, we’ll break down how much data online gaming typically consumes on a PS4 and provide tips on how to monitor and optimize your data usage.
How To Check Data Usage on PS4
Online gaming data usage can vary based on several factors, including the game you’re playing, your gaming habits, and the quality of the game’s graphics. Here’s a rough estimate of the data usage for online gaming on a PS4:
- Multiplayer Online Games: On average, multiplayer online games can use anywhere from 20MB to 100MB of data per hour. Games like Fortnite or Call of Duty tend to be on the higher end due to their graphics and the frequency of data updates.
- Single-Player Games: Single-player games typically use less data as they don’t require constant communication with game servers. You can expect these games to use around 10MB to 50MB of data per hour.
- Updates and Downloads: Downloading or updating games can consume a significant amount of data. Game updates can range from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes, depending on the game and the updates available.
How To Monitor Data Usage on PS4
To monitor your data usage on your PS4, follow these steps:
- Go to Settings: On your PS4, navigate to the main menu and select “Settings.”
- Network: Scroll down and choose “Network.”
- View Data Usage: Select “View Data Usage” to see a breakdown of your data usage for both downloads and uploads.
- Check Game-Specific Usage: Some games also provide information about their data usage. To check this, go to the game’s settings or options menu and look for data usage statistics.
How To Reduce Data Usage
If you’re concerned about data usage, here are some tips to help you reduce it:
- Limit Background Downloads: Disable automatic downloads and updates in the background. You can do this by going to “Settings” > “System” > “Automatic Downloads.”
- Download During Off-Peak Hours: Schedule your game downloads and updates during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower data traffic.
- Monitor Your Data: Keep an eye on your data usage regularly to identify any unusual spikes.
- Use a Wired Connection: Whenever possible, use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi, as it can be more stable and use less data.
- Adjust In-Game Settings: Some games allow you to adjust settings like graphics quality, which can impact data usage. Lowering graphics settings can help reduce data consumption.
- Turn Off Voice Chat: In multiplayer games, turning off voice chat when not needed can save data.
Remember that your overall data usage will also depend on other internet activities like streaming, browsing, and video conferencing. Be mindful of your data cap and adjust your gaming habits accordingly.
While online gaming on your PS4 does consume data, it’s generally not excessively high. By monitoring your usage and following these tips, you can enjoy your gaming sessions without worrying too much about data consumption. Happy gaming!
