Game console PlayStation 4 Requires a constant and stable internet connection to function properly. Without network access, it's impossible to update system software, download game patches, or use cloud saves. Users often need to change connection settings, for example, after replacing a router, changing a password, or moving to a new home with different service providers.
Changing your network isn't difficult, but it does require careful entry. Even a single character in your password or an incorrect security type will prevent you from logging into the network. In this guide, we'll walk you through all the steps involved in the reconfiguration process. wireless connection, and we will also consider methods of manual parameter input for complex cases.
If your console was previously connected to a different access point, it may attempt to automatically reconnect to it each time it's turned on. This can cause delays or errors if the router is turned off or out of range. Correct network configuration will help you avoid these problems and ensure minimal ping in online games.
Preparing the equipment and checking the router
Before you begin setting up your console, you need to make sure your signal source is working properly. Make sure your Wi-Fi router It's turned on and transmitting a signal. If you've just changed providers or installed new equipment, check if the internet is working on other devices, such as smartphones or laptops. This will help rule out issues with your service provider.
It's important to know the type of security your network uses. Modern routers most often use the standard WPA2-PSK or newer WPA3. Console PlayStation 4 supports these protocols, but when using older encryption methods such as WEP, you may experience connection or data transfer speed issues.
- 📶 Make sure the router is within line of sight or close to the console for the best signal.
- 🔑 Prepare the exact password for your Wi-Fi network in advance to avoid entering it incorrectly.
- 📡 Check if the 2.4 GHz band is overcrowded by neighboring networks, which can reduce speed.
It's also worth paying attention to the frequency range. If your router is dual-band, it can broadcast two networks: 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. For gaming, it's preferable to use 5 GHz, as this range is less crowded and provides higher speeds, although its range is somewhat shorter.
⚠️ Note: If your router uses MAC address filtering, you will need to find the console's physical address and whitelist it in your router settings before attempting to connect.
Step-by-step instructions: connecting to a new network
To begin the network change process, navigate to the console's main menu. Navigation is accomplished using the controller. DualShock 4You need to find the settings icon, which is usually located on the right side of the top menu bar. This is the control center for all system settings.
Enter the section Settings and scroll down to the item NetThis is where all the settings related to your internet connection are located. Select the option Set up an Internet connectionThe system will offer two methods: using a LAN cable or Wi-Fi. Select Use Wi-Fi.
Next, select the setup type. For most users, the best option is Easy mode. In this case, the system will automatically try to find available networks and prompt you to enter a password. If you select Special (or manual) mode, you will have to specify IP addresses and DNS yourself, which is required less often.
☑️ Check before connection
After selecting a method, the system will scan the airwaves and display a list of available networks. Find your access point name (SSID) in the list. If the network is hidden, select the option to enter the name manually. Once selected, enter the password, being careful about the case of the letters.
Manual configuration of IP and DNS addresses
In some cases, automatic address acquisition may not work correctly, especially if static rules are configured on the network or address conflicts occur. In these cases, you will need to use the manual entry method. Select Special when setting up a connection to access advanced options.
The first step in manual mode is to configure the IP address. You can leave the value as is. Automatically, if your router correctly distributes addresses via DHCP. However, if you want to assign a permanent address to the console within the local network, select Manually and enter the details that match your subnet.
Particular attention should be paid to DNS settings. Often, changing your provider's default DNS servers to public ones (for example, from Google or Cloudflare) can speed up store response times. PlayStation Store and improve connection stability.
| Parameter | Importance for Google DNS | Significance for Cloudflare |
|---|---|---|
| Primary DNS | 8.8.8.8 | 1.1.1.1 |
| Additional DNS | 8.8.4.4 | 1.0.0.1 |
| MTU | Automatically (or 1500) | Automatically (or 1500) |
| Proxy server | Do not use | Do not use |
Parameter MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) is best left on automatic. Changing this value is only necessary in rare cases where your provider uses non-standard packet sizes, which can lead to connection interruptions in games.
Managing saved networks and priorities
Console PlayStation 4 Remembers all the networks it's ever connected to. If you frequently move between home and office, or your neighbors have a network with a similar name, the console may try to connect to the wrong source. Managing the list of known networks helps avoid confusion.
To remove an old or unnecessary network, go to Settings → Net. Select the option here. Set up an Internet connection, and then find the button or option responsible for managing saved configurations. In some software versions, this may be hidden in the action menu (the Options button on the controller).
- 🗑️ Delete networks you no longer use to clean up your list.
- 🏠 Make sure your home network is prioritized if you use multiple access points.
- 🔒 Hidden networks require you to manually enter the SSID each time you connect for the first time after a reset.
If you changed the password on your router but didn't update it on the console, PS4 will return a connection error. In this case, find the saved network in the list, select it, and click the delete or change settings button to enter a new security key.
Solving common connection errors
Even with the correct settings, errors may occur with codes indicating various problems. Code NW-31274-3 often indicates an incorrect password or security type. NW-31247-2 may indicate problems with DNS or inability to obtain an IP address.
If the console sees the network but won't connect, try rebooting your router. Sometimes a simple reboot of your ISP's equipment resolves stuck sessions. It's also worth checking if your router has a limit on the number of connected devices.
⚠️ Note: If the error occurs only in certain games or apps, the issue may not be Wi-Fi related, but rather the status of the PlayStation Network servers. Check the service status on the official website.
If you experience persistent connection loss, try changing the Wi-Fi channel on your router. Switching from channel 6 to 1 or 11 (in the 2.4 GHz band) can significantly improve signal stability in apartment buildings.
What should I do if my console doesn't see the 5GHz network?
Not all PlayStation 4 models support the 5 GHz band. The base model (Fat) only supports 2.4 GHz. The Slim and Pro models support both bands. If you have a Fat model, look for a network without a 5G adapter.
Optimizing speed for online gaming
For a comfortable gaming experience, not only the connection is important, but also the signal quality. Ping (delay) and jitter Latency fluctuations (latency instability) impact gameplay more than maximum download speed. To improve these metrics, minimize the number of active downloads on other devices.
Use a wired connection if possible, even a short cable. EthernetA cable running from the router to the console will provide a much more stable signal than even the most powerful Wi-Fi adapter. This will eliminate interference from microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, and neighboring routers.
If using a cable is not possible, try placing the console closer to the router or use Wi-Fi repeater To boost the signal in the gaming area, make sure there are no thick concrete walls or metal structures between the console and the router antenna.
Keep your console's system software updated regularly. Sony continually releases patches that improve network performance and fix known connectivity issues. You can check for updates in the section Settings → System software.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I find my PS4's MAC address for router setup?
The MAC address can be found in the menu Settings → System → System informationThe address of the wired (Ethernet) and wireless (Wi-Fi) adapter will be listed there. For Wi-Fi filtering, use the second address.
Why won't my PS4 connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi?
The original PlayStation 4 (CUH-1000/1100 series) does not support the 5 GHz band. It only operates on the 2.4 GHz frequency. The Slim and Pro models support both bands.
Is it possible to share Wi-Fi from a phone to a PS4?
Yes, you can use tethering on your smartphone. However, keep in mind that games and updates consume a lot of data, which can quickly exhaust your mobile data allowance.
How to reset all network settings on PS4?
There's no one-click reset for the network, but you can delete all saved connections by going into the network settings and deleting them one by one, or by performing a full system initialization (which will also delete all data).