How to pre-install a preordered PlayStation 4 game

PS4 Pro Hero with games
PS4 Pro Hero with games (Image credit: Android Central)

Downloading games can take hours, especially if you have a slow internet connection. This isn't ideal when the future is increasingly becoming digital and we want to jump into our games as quickly as possible. Luckily, we can pre-install games that we have preordered on PlayStation 4 so we can start playing as soon as the game unlocks after its release. Here's how to do just that.

The Guide

  1. First, scroll to your Library from the home screen.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Navigate to the Purchased section.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Select the preordered game that you want to pre-install.

At this point, you'll see a page with a countdown timer. If the game supports pre-installation, it should automatically do so within about 48 hours before the game is set to launch.

How to enable automatic downloads

  1. From the home screen, go to Settings.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Scroll down to System.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Select Automatic Downloads.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Make sure that Application Update Files is checked.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

Even after your game is pre-installed, you won't be able to play it early. You still need to wait until the game unlocks on its release date. If you would like to do this process manually instead of having the game automatically download when available, follow the first set of steps again about two days before the game's launch if it's a title that supports pre-installation.

If you're looking for a game to pre-order, here are some ideas.

Jennifer Locke
Games Editor - PlayStation, Android, VR

Jennifer Locke has been playing video games nearly her entire life. You can find her posting pictures of her dog and obsessing over PlayStation and Xbox, Star Wars, and other geeky things.

Latest in Playstation
God of War Ragnarok Kratos reaching out to Atreus
God of War Ragnarök's best moments are commentary on masculinity
God of War Ragnarok Kratos and Atreus
God of War Ragnarök: Beginner's tips and tricks
Ps5 Hero
Sony Q2 financial results see 25 million PS5 units sold, PS Plus loses 1.9 million subscribers
God of War Ragnarok Thor choking Kratos
God of War Ragnarök for PS5 review: A strong adventure with a few loose ends
Silent Hill 2 remake car overview
Silent Hill 2 remake for PS5: Trailers, details, and everything you need to know
Silent Hill 2 remake key art
Silent Hill 2 remake announced, PS5 console exclusive for at least a year
Latest in How-to
Testing Google Pixel 9's camera
Your Pixel 9 lets you connect to remote cameras and film content from different angles. Here's how
Notification Cooldown on Google Pixel
How to enable Notification Cooldown on a Google Pixel
A Google Pixel 9 Pro XL in the bootloader recovery menu.
The March Pixel update has been causing lots of headaches, but going back isn't easy
The Modes menu on a Pixel 9 showing Do Not Disturb turned on
Modes have replaced Do Not Disturb on your Pixel. Here's how to use them
Google Messages blue logo
How to automatically delete OTPs in Google Messages
Weather and Calendar in Morning Brief on Galaxy S25 Ultra
How to set up and use Now Brief on the Galaxy S25