PS5 download history and checking what's downloading

Atsu rides a horse along the coast in Ghost of Yotei

(Image credit: PlayStation)

Finding your PS5 download history isn't the most straightforward thing to do within the PlayStation 5 UI, but it's important information so you need to know where to go for it so you can check on the status of any game installations, patches, and system updates that are heading to your console. This can show you what's downloading, the speed, and approximately how much longer it will take until completion, so you can plan what you do next. In the past this data was discovered in the notifications section, but that isn't the case here.

To find your downloads, you'll need to check somewhere else entirely, which we'll lay out for you below. With that info, you can manage all of your downloads and see exactly how long you need to wait until that new game is installed.

How to access your PS5 download history

To access your PS5 download history, tap the PS button at any time to bring up the Control Center row of icons along the bottom of the screen. Highlight Downloads/Uploads, which is the downward pointing arrow, then press X to show the current download in progress. Here, you can press Options to quickly pause all downloads/uploads, which can help if you're having network connection quality problems with online games, or press X on an individual item for further options.

On the Downloads/Uploads screen, you can see all of your ongoing and pending downloads and uploads. Unlike with the PS4, your PS5 will only actively download one game or application at a time, though by highlighting an item in your PS5 download history then pressing X you can choose the option to Start Download/Copy and prioritize it over any other downloads, or Cancel and Delete it entirely if it's no longer required.

Iain originally joined Future in 2012 to write guides for CVG, PSM3, and Xbox World, before moving on to join GamesRadar in 2013 as Guides Editor. His words have also appeared in OPM, OXM, PC Gamer, GamesMaster, and SFX. He is better known to many as ‘Mr Trophy’, due to his slightly unhealthy obsession with amassing intangible PlayStation silverware, and he now has well over 900 Platinum pots weighing down the shelves of his virtual award cabinet. He does not care for Xbox Achievements.

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