The PlayStation 4 console has long been a popular platform for gamers, but without internet access, its functionality is significantly limited. wireless connection Provides access to online games, digital stores, streaming services, and regular system software updates. The setup process may seem complicated for a beginner, but Sony has provided an intuitive interface that allows you to complete the task in just a few minutes.
Modern home networks often operate on different frequencies, and this is where the first nuance lies. Your console must correctly "see" the router, and the signal must be strong enough to transmit large amounts of data. In this article, we'll cover not only the standard procedure, but also hidden settings, which will help improve download speeds and reduce ping in games.
Before accessing the menu, make sure your router is turned on and sharing internet with other devices. If your smartphone or laptop works successfully via Wi-Fi, the issue lies with the set-top box's configuration or the distance to the access point. Let's start with the basic connection procedure, which applies to all models. PlayStation 4, including Slim and Pro versions.
Basic wireless setup
The first step is always to enter the system's main menu. To do this, press the button PS on the controller to bring up the quick menu, and select the gear icon in the upper right corner of the screen. You need to go to the section Settings, where all the console's system settings are located. This is where the device's network activity is managed.
Inside the settings menu, find the item Net and click on it. A list of available options will open, including "Internet Connection Settings." The system will offer two options: simple and manual. For most users, the ideal one is simple method, which automatically detects the connection type and enters the necessary parameters.
⚠️ Please note: If you are using a guest network at a hotel or cafe, automatic setup may not work, as such networks often require authorization through a browser, which is not available on PS4.
After selecting the simple method, the console will begin searching for available networks within range. Select your SSID (network name) from the list. If the network is password-protected, the system will ask you to enter the security key. Be careful when entering the characters, as letter case It matters. After a successful connection check, the system will generate a report on the connection quality and the assigned IP address.
☑️ Checklist before connecting
Manual tuning and selection of frequency ranges
Sometimes the automatic mode doesn't produce the desired result, especially if you want to use specific DNS settings or a static IP. In this case, you should select "Configure Manually." The first screen will ask you to select the connection type: Wi-Fi or LAN. Select Wi-Fi and proceed to network selection.
It is important to understand the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. Standard 802.11n operates at 2.4 GHz and has a longer range, but lower speed and higher noise levels. Standards 802.11ac and newer routers operate at 5 GHz, providing high speeds, but the signal has poorer penetration through walls. If your router is dual-band, you'll see two names with the same prefix in the network list.
When manually configuring IP address settings, most users leave the "Automatic" option. However, if you're an advanced user and want to assign a static address, you'll need your subnet information. In the "DNS Settings" field, you can also choose to obtain the address automatically or enter it manually, for example, using Google's servers (8.8.8.8) for faster response times.
- 📡 2.4 GHz: It works better if the console is located far from the router or behind several walls.
- 🚀 5 GHz: Ideal for online gaming and fast downloads if your device is in the same room as your router.
- 🔒 Safety: Make sure your network security type is set to WPA2-PSK or WPA3, older WEP protocols may not be supported.
PS4 Wi-Fi Standards Comparison Chart
Understanding your equipment's specifications helps avoid disappointment with slow speeds. Below is a table showing the differences in wireless standard support across consoles and router models.
| Parameter | 802.11n standard | 802.11ac standard | Standard 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz | 5 GHz | 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz |
| Max. speed (theoret.) | up to 600 Mbps | up to 6.9 Gbps | up to 9.6 Gbps |
| PS4 support | Full | PS4 Pro only | Limited (works like AC) |
| Stability in games | Average | High | Very high |
As can be seen from the table, the basic model PlayStation 4 does not support the AC standard, so even when connected to a modern router, the speed will be limited by the capabilities of the built-in module. Model PS4 Pro It is already equipped with a more advanced receiver capable of operating at a 5 GHz frequency using the 802.11ac standard, which provides a noticeable increase in performance in online games.
Optimizing DNS for faster loading times
One of the most common causes of slow game loading and interface response times is your ISP's default DNS servers. Replacing them with public, fast servers often solves the problem. To do this, in the network settings menu, select "Configure Manually," then "DNS Settings," and switch to Manually.
Enter numeric values in the "Primary DNS" and "Secondary DNS" fields that appear. Google and Cloudflare servers are considered the most popular and reliable. They process requests faster than many local providers, reducing latency when connecting to game servers.
Google DNS Primary: 8.8.8.8Google DNS Secondary: 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare DNS Primary: 1.1.1.1
Cloudflare DNS Secondary: 1.0.0.1
After entering the data, be sure to test your connection. If the test is successful, the changes will take effect immediately. This is especially true if you notice that games are downloading in bursts: quickly at first, then the speed drops to almost nothing.
⚠️ Note: Provider interfaces and router settings may be updated. If the addresses listed above stop working, please consult your internet provider's documentation for the latest recommendations.
Troubleshooting connection and signal issues
Even with the correct settings, errors may occur. Error code NW-31297-2 This usually indicates a DNS issue or a temporary outage of the PlayStation Network servers. First, try restarting your router and console. If that doesn't help, check the status of Sony's servers on the official website or through the mobile app.
A weak signal is another common problem. If the connection quality indicator shows one or two bars, don't expect stable gaming. Try moving the console closer to the router or removing any physical obstacles. Metal objects, mirrors, and aquariums can significantly block the signal. Wi-Fi.
- 🔄 Reboot: A complete power off (not sleep mode) often clears the network error cache.
- 📶 Channels: If the airwaves are clogged with neighboring routers, changing the channel in the router settings can improve the situation.
- 🔌 USB adapter: For the base PS4, you can use an external USB Wi-Fi adapter with 5GHz support if the built-in one doesn't cope.
What to do if the console does not see the network?
Make sure MAC address filtering isn't enabled on your router. If it is, add your PS4's MAC address (found in Network -> View Connection Status) to the whitelist of allowed devices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why won't my PS4 connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
The base PlayStation 4 models (Fat and Slim) do not physically support the 5 GHz frequency. They operate only in the 2.4 GHz band. Only the PS4 Pro model has a module that supports 5 GHz and the 802.11ac standard.
How do I find my console's IP address?
Follow the path Settings -> Net -> View connection statusThe list of parameters that opens will display the current IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway.
Is it possible to share internet connection with PS4 from a phone?
Yes, this is possible using the Hotspot feature. However, keep in mind that games are large and can quickly run out of data. Mobile internet often has a higher ping, which is critical for shooters.
What does error NW-31247-4 mean?
This error is often related to incorrect time and date settings in the console or SSL security issues. Check that the correct date and time are set in your system settings and try changing your DNS.