How to Test Your Internet Speed on PS5 and Xbox
Before you can estimate how long a big download will take, you need to know your real speed. The number on your internet bill is a promise. The number on your console is what you actually get.
This guide shows how to test it on PS5 and Xbox, and what to do with the result. It matters for the GTA 6 preload, which opens on November 12, 2026 for digital buyers. Rockstar has not published an official install size, so your speed is the one number you can know today.
On PS5
- Go to Settings.
- Choose Network.
- Choose Connection Status.
- Select Test Internet Connection.
The console tests the connection and shows the result, including the download speed. If the test reports a problem, restart the console and the router, then try again.
On Xbox
- Press the Xbox button to open the guide.
- Go to Profile & system, then Settings.
- Choose General, then Network settings.
- Select Test network speed & statistics.
The Xbox test shows your download speed and also more detailed statistics. Microsoft's support guidance suggests comparing the detected speed with the speed in your internet plan, and checking the detailed statistics if the result looks low.
What the numbers mean
- Download speed. How fast data comes in. This is the figure that decides how long a game takes to download.
- Upload speed. How fast data goes out. It matters for sending clips and screenshots, not for downloading games.
- Lost data (packet loss). Ideally zero. If you see some, the connection is unstable.
- Latency. How long data takes to travel. It matters for online play more than for downloads.
Speed is shown in megabits per second (Mbps). Divide by 8 to get megabytes per second (MB/s). A 100 Mbps connection tops out at about 12.5 MB/s.
Use the result
Take the download figure and try it in our download time calculator with a few example sizes. Or read how long the GTA 6 download will take at each speed. Remember that the real GTA 6 size is unknown, so treat the answer as a range.
Get a reliable number
One test is only a snapshot. To get a number you can trust:
- Run it more than once. Results vary.
- Run it at different times of day. Evenings are often slower than mornings.
- Pause other devices that use the network while you test.
- Compare Wi-Fi with a cable. If a cable is much better, Wi-Fi is the weak point. Read Wi-Fi or Ethernet for PS5 and Xbox.
If the result is far below your plan
Work through the fixes in order:
- Use a cable, or move closer to the router.
- Pause other devices.
- Restart the console and router. Sony's guidance is to leave the modem and router off for about five minutes.
- Check the status page for PlayStation Network or Xbox for outages.
Our guide on speeding up PS5 downloads has the full list, and the stuck download fixes help if a download stops completely.
If a cable still gives you far less than you pay for, contact your internet provider and give them the numbers.
Before November 12
- Test your speed now, and again in a week.
- Estimate your download time with the calculator.
- Read the preload timeline.
The short version
- PS5: Settings, Network, Connection Status, Test Internet Connection.
- Xbox: Settings, General, Network settings, Test network speed and statistics.
- Test more than once, at different times, and compare Wi-Fi with a cable.
See our Network & Download Speed hub.
We update this guide when console makers change the menus.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I test my speed on PS5?
Go to Settings, then Network, then Connection Status, and select Test Internet Connection.
Where do I test my speed on Xbox?
Open the guide, go to Profile and system, then Settings, General, Network settings, and choose Test network speed and statistics.
Why is the result lower than my plan?
Wi-Fi, other devices on your network and busy times can all lower it. Try again with a cable and at different times of day.
Should I trust one result?
No. Run the test more than once and at different times, then use a middle figure.