How to Forget Wi-Fi on PS4: A Complete Guide with Instructions and Tips

Saved Wi-Fi networks on PlayStation 4 can cause problems, from automatic connections to slow internet to authentication errors. If you've moved, changed providers, or simply want to clear your network list, deleting (or "forgetting") Wi-Fi on your PS4 is a necessary procedure. Unlike smartphones, where this can be done in just two clicks, Sony's console requires more in-depth settings manipulation.

In this article you will find step-by-step instructions for all versions of PS4 firmware (including PS4 Slim And PS4 Pro), let's look at typical errors like NW-31297-2 or CE-33991-5We'll also provide security recommendations. And if you're planning to sell your console, you'll learn how to completely erase network data without risking password leaks.

Why you should delete old Wi-Fi networks on your PS4

The console automatically saves all connections you've ever joined. This is convenient, but comes with some risks:

• 🔄 Connection conflicts: PS4 may try to connect to the old network instead of the new one, causing lag or errors.
• 🔒 Risk of data leakage: If you sell your console, saved Wi-Fi passwords (in encrypted form) remain in the system's memory.
• 🐢 Slow network search: The more access points you have saved, the longer it takes for your PS4 to scan its surroundings.
• ⚠️ Authentication errors: When changing the router password, the console will endlessly try to connect using the old data.

Removing networks is especially important if you:

• 📦 Moved to a new home with a different provider.
• 🔄 Changed the password on your router (for example, after a hack or security update).
• 💻 Connect your PS4 to a mobile hotspot (smartphone, USB modem) and avoid getting tangled up in networks.

⚠️ Warning: If you use guest network (For example, in a hotel or cafe), delete it after each session. Such networks often have time or traffic limits, and leaving them on may block connections to other access points.

Method 1: Removing Wi-Fi via PS4 Settings (Basic Method)

This is a standard method that works on all models. PS4 (original, Slim, Pro) regardless of the firmware version. Follow the instructions:

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

2. Scroll down and select Net → Setting up an Internet connection.

3. In the list of available networks, find the one you want to delete and click the button OPTIONS (or Triangle on the gamepad).

4. In the context menu, select Delete or Forget the network (depending on the software version). Confirm the action.

If the network you want doesn't appear in the list, but you're sure you've connected to it before:

• 🔍 Try refreshing the list of networks with the button R1 (right on the gamepad).
• 🔄 Restart your router - sometimes the PS4 can't see networks due to a Wi-Fi channel conflict.
• 📡 Make sure your router isn't hiding the SSID (network name). In this case, connecting manually is only possible.

⚠️ Note: On some firmware versions, after deleting a network, the PS4 may automatically prompt you to reconnect. If this happens, simply press Cancel and proceed to setting up a new connection.

Method 2: Reset network settings (if the network is not deleted)

If the standard method does not work (for example, the network remains in the list or an error occurs NW-31201-7), try resetting your network settings to factory defaults. This will remove all saved networks, but will not affect games and user data.

Instructions:

1. Go to Settings → Initialization.

2. Select Restore default settings.

3. In the list of options, check only the item Network settings (don't touch the rest!).

4. Confirm the action. The PS4 will restart and all Wi-Fi networks will be erased.

After reset:

• 🔌 Connect the console to the router via cable (if possible) for initial setup.
• 🔄 Log in Network settings and set up a new Wi-Fi connection from scratch.
• 📱 If you use mobile Internet (USB modem), select Use a mobile device.

Method 3: Removing networks via Safe Mode (for advanced users)

If your PS4 won't boot up properly or your network settings are corrupted, you can use safe modeThis method is also useful if you have forgotten your network password and cannot log in.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Turn off the console by holding the power button until you hear the second beep (about 7 seconds).

2. Connect the controller to the PS4 via USB cable and press the button PS.

3. In the Safe Mode menu, select the item Restore default settings (option 4).

4. Wait for the process to complete. All network settings (including Wi-Fi) will be reset.

Important: Safe Mode also resets your PSN account settings, but keeps your games and saves. Do not select "Initialize PS4" (option 7) unless you plan to perform a full reset!

⚠️ Note: If your PS4 requests a system update after exiting Safe Mode but you don't have an internet connection, connect the console to your router with a cable or download the update to a flash drive from Sony's official website.

How to remove Wi-Fi before selling your PS4

If you are selling or giving away your console to someone else, it is not enough to simply delete networks through the menu. You need to completely erase all data, including saved passwords (even if they're encrypted). Here's how to do it correctly:

1. Back up your game saves to a USB drive or to the PS Plus cloud (if your subscription is active).

2. Go to Settings → Initialization → Initialize PS4.

3. Select Full (not "Quick") - this will delete all data, including network settings, accounts, and licenses.

4. After the reset, reinstall the firmware (PS4 will prompt you to do this automatically).

What will be removed:

• 🔑 All saved Wi-Fi passwords.
• 🎮 User accounts and PSN data.
• 💾 Game saves (if no backup has been made).
• 📁 Network settings, including static IP and DNS.

What to do if you forgot your Wi-Fi password?

If you don't remember your network password but it's saved on another device (such as a smartphone or laptop), find it in that device's settings. On Android: Settings → Wi-Fi → Network name → ShareOn iPhone: Settings → Wi-Fi → (i) next to the network (Face ID/Touch ID required).

Solving common Wi-Fi connection errors

Even after deleting the network, users still encounter problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

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

Reasons:

• 🔌 Incorrect password or security type (for example, the router uses WPA3, but the PS4 only supports WPA2).
• 📡 The Wi-Fi signal is too weak (the level is less than 2-3 bars on the PS4 indicator).
• 🔄 IP address conflict (if there is already a device with the same IP address on the network).

Solutions:

• 🔧 Check your router settings: disable WPA3, leave only WPA2-PSK (AES).
• 📶 Move the router closer to the console or use a signal repeater.
• 🔄 In your PS4 settings, select Connection settings → Custom → Auto (DHCP) for IP.

PS4 can't see the 5GHz network

Some PS4 models (especially earlier versions) do not support 5 GHz networks. To check:

1. Go to your router settings (usually at 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).

2. Check if 5 GHz support is enabled. If it is, but the PS4 isn't seeing the network, try:

• 🔄 Switch the 5 GHz channel to 36, 40, 44, or 48 (these are better supported by older devices).
• 📡 Reduce channel width from 80 MHz to 40 MHz or 20 MHz.

Additional tips for setting up Wi-Fi on your PS4

To avoid problems in the future, follow these guidelines:

• 🔒 Use a static IPIf your router frequently changes IP addresses (DHCP), assign a permanent address to your PS4. This will prevent connection drops while playing. Path: Settings → Network → Connection Setup → Custom → IP Settings (Manual).
• 🌍 Change DNS: Google Servers (8.8.8.8 And 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) often work faster than your provider's DNS. This reduces ping in online games.
• 📡 Divide the networks: If you have many devices, create a separate network for PS4 with traffic priority (QoS) in the router settings.
• 🔄 Update your firmware: Check for system updates regularly (Settings → Software Update). New versions often fix connection errors.

For maximum connection stability:

• 🎮 Connect your PS4 to your router with a cable (if possible). This will reduce ping and eliminate lag.
• 📵 Disable the function on your router WPS - It is vulnerable to hacking and may conflict with PS4.
• ⚡ Use Powerline adapters if cable installation is not possible and Wi-Fi is unstable.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about removing Wi-Fi on PS4

Is it possible to delete a Wi-Fi network on PS4 using an app on a phone?

No, network management on PS4 is only possible through the console menu. Application PS4 Second Screen or PlayStation App do not provide this feature. However, you can use your smartphone to verify the correctness of the password entered (for example, by connecting to the same network).

After deleting the network, the PS4 still tries to connect to it. What should I do?

This may be due to the system cache. Try:

1. Turn off your PS4 by holding the power button until you hear the second beep (7 seconds).
2. Unplug the router from power for 30 seconds.
3. Turn on your router first, then your PS4, and set up the connection again.

If the problem persists, reset your network settings (see Method 2).

How do I find out which networks are saved on my PS4 if I can't see them in the menu?

The PS4 only displays networks that are currently available to connect to. To see all saved networks (including hidden or unavailable ones), you'll need to:

1. Connect to each of them in turn (if you remember the names).
2. Or reset the network settings completely (see Method 2).

Unfortunately, the PS4 doesn't have the ability to view a full list of saved networks like smartphones.

Will removing Wi-Fi affect my games or saves?

No, deleting networks only affects your internet connection settings. Your games, saves, trophies, and user data remain intact. However, if you reset all settings (not just online ones), some game settings (such as brightness or sound) may revert to default values.

Is it possible to restore a deleted network if I forgot the password?

No, once a network is deleted from your PS4's memory, it cannot be restored. You will need:

• Find out the password from the router owner.
• Find the password on another device that has connected to this network (see spoiler above).
• Reset the router to factory settings (by pressing the button Reset on the back panel) if you are its owner.