Table of Contents

Why Won’t My PS4 Connect to the Internet? Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

Quick answer

This page answers Why my PS4 won’t connect to the Internet? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Your PlayStation 4 (PS4) is your portal to immersive gaming worlds, thrilling online multiplayer battles, and a wealth of entertainment apps. But what happens when that connection to the digital realm is severed? A PS4 that refuses to connect to the internet is frustrating, but thankfully, the problem is often fixable. The reasons for connectivity issues range from simple glitches to more complex network configurations. A failed internet connection could stem from:

Incorrect login credentials: Double-check your username and password.
Faulty DNS settings: Your PS4 might not be using the correct DNS server addresses.
Weak Wi-Fi signal: Distance and obstructions can weaken the signal between your PS4 and router.
PlayStation Network (PSN) outages: The PSN service itself might be temporarily down.
Router issues: Your router could be experiencing problems, requiring a reboot or firmware update.
Outdated PS4 system software: An outdated operating system can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
IP address conflicts: Another device on your network might be using the same IP address as your PS4.
Firewall restrictions: Your router’s firewall might be blocking your PS4’s access to the internet.
Problem with the network cable: If using an Ethernet cable, it may be damaged or not connected correctly.

This article will guide you through troubleshooting these common causes and getting your PS4 back online, so you can dive back into your favorite games.

Diagnosing the Connection Problem

Before diving into fixes, it’s crucial to pinpoint where the connection is failing. Here’s a systematic approach:

Check PlayStation Network Status: Visit the official PlayStation Network Service Status page. This will immediately tell you if the problem lies with Sony’s servers.
Test Internet Connection on PS4: Navigate to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. This diagnostic tool will attempt to connect to the internet and identify any specific errors. Pay close attention to each step of the test:
- Obtain IP Address: If this fails, there might be an issue with your router or the PS4’s network settings.
- Internet Connection: If the IP address is obtained, but the internet connection fails, it means your PS4 isn’t reaching the wider internet.
- PlayStation Network Sign-In: If the connection to PSN fails, the PSN servers could be down.
Examine Your Router:
- Restart Your Router and Modem: This is the classic first step for a reason. Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, plug the modem back in, wait for it to fully power on, and then plug the router back in.
- Check Router Lights: Refer to your router’s manual to understand what the indicator lights mean. Are any lights flashing red or indicating an error?
- Router Firmware: Ensure your router has the latest firmware. Check your router manufacturer’s website for instructions on how to update it.

Potential Solutions to Internet Connectivity Issues

Once you have a better idea of where the problem lies, you can start applying these solutions:

Verifying Login Credentials

Ensure that you are logging in using correct user name and password. If the username/password is incorrect, change them.

Correcting DNS Settings

Incorrect DNS settings are a common culprit. Try these steps:

Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
Choose Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable, depending on your connection type.
Select Custom.
For IP Address Settings, choose Automatic.
For DHCP Host Name, choose Do Not Specify.
For DNS Settings, choose Manual.
Enter these common public DNS servers:
- Google DNS: Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8, Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
- OpenDNS: Primary DNS: 208.67.222.222, Secondary DNS: 208.67.220.220

Strengthening the Wi-Fi Signal

A weak Wi-Fi signal can lead to intermittent disconnects or a complete inability to connect.

Move the PS4 Closer: Reduce the distance between your PS4 and the router.
Eliminate Obstructions: Walls, furniture, and electronic devices can interfere with the Wi-Fi signal. Try to minimize these obstacles.
Consider a Wi-Fi Extender: If you can’t move the PS4 or router, a Wi-Fi extender can boost the signal strength in distant areas.

Resetting Network Configuration

Resetting the network settings will forget all previously connected network settings, and can resolve some connectivity issues. Go to Settings > Initialization > Restore Default Settings.

Troubleshooting IP Address Conflicts

An IP address conflict occurs when two devices on your network are assigned the same IP address.

Restart Your PS4: This will force the PS4 to request a new IP address from the router.
Restart Your Router: This will clear the router’s DHCP lease table and assign new IP addresses to all connected devices.
Set a Static IP Address: You can assign a static IP address to your PS4 to prevent future conflicts. You’ll need to access your router’s configuration page to find an available IP address outside the DHCP range. Then, configure your PS4’s network settings to use this static IP address, subnet mask, default gateway, and DNS servers.

Addressing Firewall Issues

Your router’s firewall might be blocking your PS4’s access to the internet.

Check Router Settings: Consult your router’s manual to learn how to access the firewall settings.
Allow PS4 Traffic: You may need to create rules to allow traffic to and from your PS4’s IP address or specific ports used by PlayStation Network. (Consult the Sony documentation).
Temporarily Disable Firewall: As a troubleshooting step, you can temporarily disable the firewall to see if it resolves the issue. However, remember to re-enable it afterward for security reasons.

Updating PS4 System Software

An outdated operating system can cause all sorts of problems, including network connectivity issues. To update PS4 system software, go to Settings > System Software Update. Your PS4 will check for updates and download/install them if available.

Ethernet Cable Issues

If you are using a wired connection, check the Ethernet cable to make sure that it isn’t damaged.

Contacting Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)

If you’ve tried all the above steps and still can’t connect, there might be an issue with your ISP. Contact them to inquire about outages or other problems in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about PS4 internet connectivity issues:

1. What does error code NW-31253-4 mean on my PS4?

This error code typically indicates a DNS server issue. Try changing your DNS settings to Google DNS or OpenDNS as described earlier in this article.

2. My PS4 says “Cannot connect to the Wi-Fi network within the time limit.” What should I do?

This usually means that the PS4 is having trouble associating with your Wi-Fi network. Check your Wi-Fi password, restart your router, and make sure the PS4 is within range of the router.

3. Why is my PS4 connected to Wi-Fi but has no internet access?

This suggests that your PS4 is connecting to your router but not to the wider internet. Restart your router and modem, and check if there are any ISP outages in your area. Also, verify that your router’s DNS settings are correct.

4. How do I reset my PS4’s network settings to default?

Go to Settings > Initialization > Restore Default Settings. This will reset all your network settings, requiring you to set up your internet connection again.

5. What are the recommended DNS settings for PS4?

Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220) are popular and reliable options.

6. Why does my PS4 keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

This could be due to a weak Wi-Fi signal, interference from other devices, or outdated router firmware. Try moving the PS4 closer to the router, eliminating obstructions, and updating your router’s firmware.

7. How do I find my PS4’s IP address?

Go to Settings > Network > View Connection Status. Your PS4’s IP address will be listed there.

8. Can a VPN affect my PS4’s internet connection?

Yes, VPNs can sometimes interfere with your PS4’s internet connection. Try disabling the VPN to see if it resolves the issue.

9. Is it better to use Wi-Fi or a wired connection for my PS4?

A wired (Ethernet) connection is generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, especially for online gaming.

10. How do I update my router’s firmware?

Consult your router manufacturer’s website for specific instructions on how to update the firmware.

11. What if the PlayStation Network is down?

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do except wait for Sony to resolve the issue. Check the PlayStation Network Service Status page for updates.

12. My PS4 is getting an IP address but still can’t connect to the internet. What could be the problem?

This indicates that the issue might be with the default gateway or DNS settings. Double-check these settings in your PS4’s network configuration.

13. What ports does PlayStation Network use?

PlayStation Network uses various TCP and UDP ports. Check Sony’s documentation for an exhaustive list.

14. Is there a limit to how many devices can connect to my router?

Yes, most routers have a limit to the number of devices they can support. This limit can vary depending on the router model. If you have too many devices connected, it can cause connectivity problems.

15. Where can I find more information about using games for education?

For more information about the educational potential of games, please visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or use the anchor text GamesLearningSociety.org.

By systematically troubleshooting your PS4’s internet connection and addressing the most common causes, you should be able to get back online and enjoy your gaming experience.