Gamers often find themselves in situations where wired internet is unavailable, the main router is too far away, or is temporarily down. In such situations, a smartphone can become a full-fledged network source for the console. Internet Sharing Using a hotspot is a temporary but effective solution for downloading updates or playing online games.
There are a few things to consider before you begin setting things up. For example, PlayStation 4 Sensitive to signal quality and ping stability, which directly depends on your mobile operator and phone model. Proper device configuration will help avoid connection drops during important matches.
In this article, we'll cover the steps for different operating systems in detail. You'll learn how to minimize latency and maximize data transfer speeds. Remember that connecting via a mobile network uses up your data plan's data, so keep an eye on your remaining data plan.
Preparing your smartphone for modem mode
The first step is to properly configure your mobile device. Regardless of the operating system, you need to enable the hotspot feature. This will allow the console to see your phone as a regular device. Wi-Fi router.
Make sure your smartphone's data plan is enabled and you have a good signal strength. If you're in an area with poor reception, your console's connection speed will be extremely slow. It's also worth checking that you haven't enabled data saving mode, which could block background game apps.
For users Android The path to the settings may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell. It's usually located in the "Connections" or "Network and Internet" section. On devices iOS This feature is located in the cellular menu and is called "Tethering".
- 📱 Turn on your mobile internet and make sure you have a balance or gigabyte package.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone's battery to at least 50%, as Wi-Fi sharing drains power quickly.
- 📶 Check the signal level in the place where the console will be located.
- ⚙️ Set a strong password in advance to protect your personal network from unauthorized connections.
⚠️ Caution: Using 4G/5G internet can significantly heat up your smartphone. We recommend removing the case or placing the device on a cool surface.
Setting up a hotspot on Android devices
For owners of smartphones based on Android You need to go to Settings and find "Wi-Fi Hotspot." Here you can change the network name (SSID) and set a password. It is recommended to use the encryption standard WPA2 PSK, as it provides the best compatibility with gaming consoles.
The choice of frequency band is important. Modern phones allow you to switch between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. PlayStation 4 The 5 GHz band is preferable if supported, as it is less congested and offers higher speeds. However, it has a shorter range.
Some manufacturers add additional optimization features. For example, you can limit the number of connected devices or set a disconnection timeout. Make sure the "Hide Device" feature is disabled so the console can easily find the network.
Settings → Connections → Mobile hotspot and tethering → Mobile hotspotOnce enabled, your phone will begin broadcasting a signal. Now you can proceed to setting up the game console itself. Keep in mind that updating your phone's firmware can also affect the stability of the hotspot.
Internet organization on iPhone (iOS)
For ecosystem users Apple We're lucky with the interface's simplicity. To share the internet, simply go to cellular settings and toggle the "Tethering" slider. The system will automatically prompt you to turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi if they're turned off.
It is important to note that PlayStation 4 The password may require manual entry, even if the devices have been previously paired. The password can be viewed or changed in the modem menu. For best compatibility, it is recommended to use a complex character set, avoiding special characters that the console may not process correctly.
One of iOS's features is the ability to connect via USB, but for wireless connectivity, we only use Wi-Fi. Make sure "Maximum Compatibility" is enabled if you're having trouble detecting the network on older consoles.
- 🍏 Go to Settings → Cellular → Personal Hotspot.
- 🔐 Copy or remember the Wi-Fi password displayed on the screen.
- 📡 Leave the settings screen open until the connection is established.
- 🔄 If you experience problems, try turning airplane mode off and on again.
⚠️ Note: The iOS interface is updated periodically. The layout of menu items may differ slightly in new versions of the operating system.
Step-by-step guide to connecting your PlayStation 4 to the network
Once the smartphone is configured and transmitting a signal, we take the controller DualShock 4 and turn on the console. Go to the main menu and select "Settings." Next, go to the "Network" section, where you need to select "Set up an Internet connection."
The system will offer two options: using a LAN cable or Wi-Fi. Select "Use Wi-Fi." The console will begin searching for available networks. Your access point should appear in the list, with the name you specified on your phone.
Select your network and enter the password. If all the information is entered correctly, PlayStation 4 will attempt to establish a connection. This process includes obtaining an IP address, checking the internet connection, and testing the NAT speed. Successful completion of all steps is confirmed by a corresponding message on the screen.
☑️ Connection checklist
In some cases, manual configuration of IP addresses and DNS may be required. If automatic mode doesn't work, select "Custom" settings and try entering Google's DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). This often helps resolve traffic routing issues.
| Parameter | Recommended value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IP address | Automatically | Allows the router (phone) to issue an address |
| Subnet mask | Automatically | Standard network parameter |
| Gateway | Automatically | Your smartphone's address |
| DNS | Manually (optional) | 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 for stability |
| MTU | Automatically | Data packet size |
Problems with speed and NAT type
One of the most common issues when playing over a mobile internet connection is a strict NAT type (Type 3). This limits voice chat and connection to some servers. This is due to the specifics of mobile operators that use CGNAT technology.
To improve the situation, you can try changing the connection port in the network settings. PlayStation 4Select "Custom" when setting up Wi-Fi and manually specify the ports recommended for PlayStation Network. However, there's no guarantee this will work with a mobile connection.
It's also worth considering that download speeds can be unstable. Peak network loads in the evening can reduce speeds to a minimum. In this case, it's best to download large updates at night or in the morning, when the network is less congested.
PlayStation Network Ports:TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480
UDP: 3478, 3479
Why is NAT Type important?
The NAT type determines how your console interacts with other players. Type 1 (Open) is ideal, Type 2 (Moderate) is fine for most games, and Type 3 (Strict) causes connection errors and voice chat issues.
Optimization and useful tips
For maximum comfort, try to position your smartphone as close to the console as possible. Walls and metal objects can block the signal, especially at 5 GHz. The ideal distance is no more than 3-5 meters of direct line of sight.
Close all heavy apps on your phone before starting a game. YouTube, Instagram, or file downloads can eat up your bandwidth, leaving your console with minimal resources. Traffic priority must be given to game data packets.
If you're planning a long gaming session, connect your smartphone to a charger. Using a hotspot with the screen on and Wi-Fi active drains the battery very quickly. Also, monitor the device's temperature.
- 🚀 Disable automatic app updates on your phone while playing.
- 📶 Use the 5 GHz band to reduce latency (ping).
- 🔌 Keep your phone connected to a power source.
- 🌙 Download large files at night.
⚠️ Please note: Mobile carrier plans may have restrictions on tethering. Check your plan's terms to avoid being blocked or unable to pay.
Is it possible to play online games via 3G network?
Technically, this is possible, but highly discouraged. 3G speeds aren't sufficient for stable online gaming; ping will be extremely high, leading to constant lag and connection drops. Use at least 4G (LTE).
Why can't my PS4 see my phone's hotspot?
Check that the network name (SSID) isn't hidden in your phone's settings. Also, make sure your phone isn't using compatibility mode only for older devices if you have a modern PS4. Try restarting both devices.
How much traffic does an online game consume?
Gaming itself consumes a small amount of data, typically around 50-100 MB per hour. Most of this is spent downloading game updates, patches, and content from the PlayStation Store.