How to Prevent Downloading Games from a Disc on a PS4

For many PS4 users, understanding how to manage their game installations and prevent accidental or unintended downloads from discs is crucial. This guide will walk you through several effective steps to ensure that your PS4 only plays games from physical discs without any unintended downloads. Additionally, we will discuss how you can use parental controls to manage these settings.

Disabling Automatic Updates

When the PS4 is set to automatically download updates or game patches, it can be prone to downloading unintended content. Here’s how you can disable these automatic updates:

Go to Settings > System > Automatic Downloads. Uncheck the options for Application Updates and System Software Updates to prevent automatic downloads when a disc is inserted.

Managing Game Settings

When you insert a disc, the PS4 may prompt you to download updates for the game. Here’s how to manage these prompts:

When prompted, choose to Decline game updates. If you are prompted to Install the Game or Download Additional Content, select Cancel or choose not to proceed with the installation.

Disabling Internet Connection

If you want to prevent any downloads while you play, disconnecting your PS4 from the internet is a practical solution:

Go to Settings > Network > Disconnect from Internet.

Setting Up Parental Controls

Parental controls offer a robust way to manage game downloads and other settings. Here’s how to set up these controls:

Go to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management. Set restrictions for game downloads and other relevant settings.

General Tips for Disc Management

To avoid downloading games from discs accidentally, ensure that you:

Only use physical discs for game installations. Avoid digital versions of games that may prompt automatic downloads.

Understanding and managing these settings is crucial for maintaining the integrity and functionality of your PS4 system. By following these steps, you can ensure that your PS4 only plays games from physical discs and prevents any unintended downloads or installations.