How to Enable Wi-Fi on PS4: 4 Methods + Error Fixes

Console PlayStation 4 (including models Slim And Pro) supports internet connection via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. Without a stable connection, you won't be able to download games from PlayStation Store, play online modes, or install system updates. However, many users encounter problems when first connecting—the console doesn't detect the network, asks for a password again, or returns errors like NW-31297-2.

In this article, we will look at all the current methods for turning on Wi-Fi on PS4, including manual adjustment, using the button WPS on the router, as well as diagnostics of common errors. These instructions are suitable for all console firmware versions, but please note: the menu interface may differ slightly depending on your regional settings.

1. Preparing to connect: What to check before setting up Wi-Fi

Before turning on Wi-Fi on your console, make sure the problem isn't caused by external factors. 90% of connection errors are not connected with the most PS4, but with the settings of the router or provider.

• 📶 The router is turned on and distributing Wi-Fi.: Check the indicators on the device. If the Wi-Fi light is off or flashing red, reboot the router using the button. Reset (hold for 10 seconds).
• 🔒 The network password is known: If you forgot it, look at the sticker on the back of the router (refers to the factory password) or reset the router to factory settings.
• 📡 Console in coverage area: PS4 It doesn't support Wi-Fi 6, so if the router is in another room behind several walls, the signal may be too weak. The optimal range is up to 10 meters without obstacles.
• 🔌 No IP conflicts: If you have many devices connected (smartphones, smart speakers), try disconnecting them during setup. PS4.

Also pay attention to router operating modeSome models (for example, TP-Link Archer C6 or ASUS RT-AX55) activate the function by default Smart Connect, which automatically switches devices between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies. PlayStation 4 works better on frequency 2.4 GHz — If your router supports separate configuration, create a separate network for the console.

2. Method 1: Connect to Wi-Fi via PS4 settings

This is a standard method that works on all console models. The instructions are valid for all firmware versions. 10.00 and newer.

1. Turn on your console and go to the main menu. Select the icon Settings (suitcase icon in the top bar).

2. Open the section Net, then select Setting up an Internet connection.

3. The system will prompt you to select a connection method - click Use Wi-Fi.

4. Find the name of your Wi-Fi network in the list of available networks. If the network is not listed, click Refresh (button Options on the gamepad).

5. Select your network and enter the password. Use the on-screen keyboard or connect a USB keyboard for convenience. Register is important! If the password contains characters like ! or @, switch the keyboard layout to English.

6. After entering the password, select Easy setup (recommended for most users). The system will automatically detect IP and DNS settings.

7. Wait for the connection test to complete. If successful, you will see a message Internet connection successful.

If an error occurs during the testing phase NW-31201-7, this means the console can't obtain an IP address. Try manually entering a static IP address in the network settings (more on this in the errors section).

Make sure the router is turned on|

Check Wi-Fi password|

Disable VPN on other devices|

Restart your console before configuring.

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3. Method 2: Connecting via WPS (without entering a password)

Function WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) allows you to connect PS4 To access your router without entering a password, simply press the button on the router body. This method works if:

• 🔘 Your router supports WPS (most modern models do).
• 🔄 The function is not disabled in the router settings.
• ⏱️ You have 2 minutes to press the button on your router after starting the search on the console.

Instructions for connecting via WPS:

1. On the console, go to Settings → Network → Set up Internet connection.

2. Select Use Wi-Fi, then press Easy setting.

3. In the list of networks, select WPS (push the button on the router).

4. Press the physical button WPS on the router body (usually it's labeled and located on the back or side). Hold it for 2-3 seconds until the indicator light starts flashing.

5. Return to the console and wait for the message Connection established.

Attention: If after pressing WPS the console displays an error NW-31294-9, this means that:

• 🕒 Timeout expired (please try again soon).
• 🔌 WPS is disabled in the router settings (go to the router's web interface at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 and activate the function).

4. Method 3: Connecting via Ethernet cable (if Wi-Fi doesn't work)

If PS4 If you stubbornly can't see Wi-Fi or the connection keeps dropping, a temporary solution would be to connect via network cable. This is also useful for:

• 🎮 Online gaming (lower ping).
• 📥 Fast download of large updates (up to 1 GB/s versus 50–100 Mbps over Wi-Fi).
• 🔧 Diagnosing router issues (if the internet works via cable but not via Wi-Fi, the problem lies in the wireless network settings).

How to connect via cable:

1. Connect the console and the router with a patch cord (the cable usually comes with the router). Plug it into the port LAN on the router and the connector Ethernet on the back panel PS4.

2. On the console, go to Settings → Network → Set up Internet connection.

3. Select Use a LAN cable.

4. Select Easy setup and wait for the test to complete.

If the internet still doesn't work after connecting the cable, check if DHCP is enabled on the router. To do this, go to the router's web interface (usually at 192.168.0.1) and find the section LAN or DHCP — the parameter must be enabled.

5. Table: Comparison of PS4 Internet Connection Methods

For online games like Call of Duty: Warzone or Fortnite It is recommended to use cable connection This will reduce latency (ping) and minimize lag. If you're downloading games or streaming video, a stable Wi-Fi connection is sufficient.

6. Resolving Wi-Fi connection errors on PS4

If your console won't connect to the network or displays an error, use these instructions. We've compiled the most common error codes and ways to correct them.

Error NW-31297-2 (Unable to connect to the network)

Reasons:

• 🔄 Incorrect password.
• 📵 The router blocks the new device (MAC address filtering is enabled).
• 🔌 IP settings failure.

Solutions:

1. Reboot your router and console.
2. Check your password (enter it manually, do not copy it).
3. In the router settings, disable MAC address filtering (section Wireless → MAC Filter).
4. On PS4 Manually enter the IP address:

   Settings → Network → Connection Setup → Configure Manually
   IP address: 192.168.0.X (where X is a number from 10 to 99)
   Subnet mask: 255.255.255.0
   Gateway: 192.168.0.1
   DNS: 8.8.8.8 (or 1.1.1.1)

Error NW-31201-7 (Failed to obtain IP address)

This error occurs when the router's DHCP server doesn't assign an IP address to the console. Solutions:

• 🔄 Reboot your router.
• 🔧 In the router settings, check if DHCP is enabled (section LAN or DHCP Settings).
• 📱 Disconnect other devices from the network (the IP address pool may be exhausted).

Error CE-33992-6 (DNS server not responding)

The problem is related to the provider's DNS servers not working. Solutions:

1. In the settings PS4 Please specify alternative DNS:

   Settings → Network → Connection Setup → Configure Manually → DNS
   Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google)
   Secondary DNS: 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)

2. Reboot your router and console.

3. Check if your provider is blocking gaming traffic (relevant for some regional operators).

7. Additional settings to improve the connection

Even if Wi-Fi is on PS4 turned on, the connection may be unstable. Here are some tips for optimization:

• 📶 Change Wi-Fi channel: in the router settings (section Wireless) select a channel 6 or 11 for the 2.4 GHz frequency - they are less susceptible to interference.
• 🔒 Disable WEP encryption: if your router uses an outdated protocol WEP, change it to WPA2-PSK (or WPA3, if supported).
• 🔄 Enable QoS for gaming: in the router settings, find the section QoS (Quality of Service) and set the priority for PS4 by MAC address.
• 📵 Disable Wi-Fi power saving: some routers have an option Wi-Fi Power Saving - deactivate it.

If you play online games, it is also recommended:

• 🎮 Use wired connection (LAN cable).
• 🔌 Connect the console to the router via Powerline adapter (if it is impossible to lay the cable).
• 📡 Update your router firmware to the latest version.

Attention: if you use PS4 Pro, please note that this model supports Wi-Fi standard 802.11ac (5 GHz), but only on channels up to 149Some routers (for example, ASUS RT-AX88U) by default use the channels above 149 - in this case, set the channel manually 36, 40 or 48.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Settings → System Software → System Update