PS5 Download Stuck or Paused? 8 Fixes That Work

A stuck download is frustrating at any time. It matters more before a big launch: GTA 6 preload opens on November 12, 2026 for digital buyers, and launch is November 19. Rockstar has not published an official install size, so assume the download will be large and fix any problem now.

These eight fixes go from easiest to hardest. After each one, check whether the progress bar moves.

Fix 1: Check PlayStation Network status

Before you change anything on your side, check whether the problem is on PlayStation's side. Sony publishes a service status page. If it reports an outage or maintenance, nothing you do will help. Wait until service returns, then try again.

Fix 2: Pause and resume the download

This is the quickest fix and it works more often than you would expect.

1. Open the control center.
2. Go to Downloads/Uploads.
3. Select the game download.
4. Choose Pause, wait a few seconds, then choose Resume.

Pausing keeps what has already downloaded, so you lose nothing.

Fix 3: Test your internet connection

Go to Settings, then Network, then Connection Status, and select Test Internet Connection. If the test shows a problem, fix the connection first. Our guide on how to test your internet speed on PS5 and Xbox explains what the results mean, and the guide to speeding up PS5 downloads lists ways to improve it.

Fix 4: Restart the console and the router

Turn off the PS5 completely, not just rest mode. Then turn off your modem and router. Sony's guidance is to leave them off for about five minutes before you turn them back on. Wait for the internet light to come back, then start the console and check the download.

Fix 5: Check that you have enough free space

A download can stall or refuse to start when there is not enough room.

1. Go to Settings, then Storage, and note how much space is free.
2. In your Game Library, select the game, then More (the three dots), then View Product. The minimum free space needed is shown on the right of the screen.
3. Compare the two numbers. If you are short, delete games you do not play. Our step-by-step guide on how to clear space on PS5 covers this.

Sony notes that installing can need more free space than the finished game takes, so leave a margin. See the full guide to the "not enough space" error.

Fix 6: Update the system software

An old system version can cause download problems. Go to Settings, then System, then System Software, then System Software Update and Settings, and check that you are up to date.

Fix 7: Rebuild the database in Safe Mode

If nothing has worked, Sony suggests starting the console in Safe Mode and choosing Clear Cache and Rebuild Database. Sony's support site explains how to start Safe Mode for your console model. Rebuilding can take a while, so do not turn the console off while it runs.

Fix 8: Cancel and delete, then download again

As a last step, go back to Downloads/Uploads, select the download and choose Cancel and Delete. Then find the game in your Game Library and start the download again. You will download the whole file again, so use this only after the other fixes.

What to avoid

• Do not restart the download over and over. Each restart can waste time. Try the fixes in order.
• Do not delete other games in a hurry unless the space check showed you are short.
• Do not change advanced network settings unless you know what they do. Sony advises asking your internet provider if you are unsure.

How long should you wait before you act?

Not every pause is a fault. A download can look frozen for a short while when the connection dips or when the server is busy. If the progress bar has not moved for several minutes and the connection test passes, try the pause and resume fix. If it stays at the same figure after that, move down the list. Waiting longer rarely helps once the console has stopped receiving data.

If it keeps happening

A download that stalls again and again points to something that is not fixed yet. Look at these in turn:

• The connection. Test it at different times of day. If it fails only at certain times, your provider may be busy then.
• Wi-Fi. A cable removes a whole class of problems. See Wi-Fi or Ethernet for PS5 and Xbox.
• Storage. A drive that is nearly full can cause trouble. Check your free space and clear some room.
• Your provider. If a wired connection is also unstable, tell your provider what you see.

Write down what you tried and the results. That saves time if you need to contact support.

Prepare before November 12

If you want to avoid trouble on preload day, do these now:

• Check your free space with our 30-second storage check.
• Test your connection.
• Read the preload guide for the timeline.

The short version

• Check PlayStation Network status, then pause and resume.
• Test the connection, restart the console and router, and check free space.
• Update the system software, rebuild the database, and cancel and redownload only as a last step.

See our Fixes & Errors hub for more guides.

We update this guide when Sony changes these steps.