December 5th, 2023 | Updated on February 27th, 2024
Here Are 5 Takeaways: How to Fix It When PS4 Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi
- Check PlayStation Network (PSN) Status First
- Restart Modem, Router, and PS4
- Verify Wi-Fi Password and Proximity
- Explore Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
- Backup Data Before Major Changes
Still, enjoying your PlayStation 4 in 2023? Released in 2013, the PS4 remains a reliable piece of hardware, even if it’s not the latest on the gaming scene.
Despite being a decade old, new games continue to roll out for both PS4 models, though we’re well aware that this era will eventually come to a close.
However, one persistent complaint among the PS4 community revolves around its networking, closely followed by grumbles about the less-than-stellar battery life of the DualShock 4 controllers.
Many users express frustration with slow and unreliable Wi-Fi, even when equipped with a top-notch router and speedy internet connection.
A significant factor contributing to this issue is that the original PlayStation 4 exclusively supports 2.4 GHz wireless networks, while most modern setups utilize the faster 5 GHz frequency.
Even considering this limitation, PS4s can still be a bit finicky when it comes to networking.
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Causes Of PS4 Not Connecting To The Internet
Common reasons for PS4 internet connection issues include:
- PlayStation Network (PSN) offline.
- Wi-Fi network loss of internet connectivity.
- Incorrect username or password during connection attempts.
- Incorrectly configured DNS settings on the PS4.
- Signal loss due to excessive distance between PS4 and wireless router.
How To Fix It When Your PS4 Won’t Connect To Wi-Fi
The first step in troubleshooting tech problems often involves the simple yet effective act of turning the devices off and on.
While it may sound basic, it frequently resolves issues more than one might anticipate.
Start by restarting your Wi-Fi router, modem, and PS4. If the problem persists, it’s time to explore other possibilities.
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Ensure your Wi-Fi is functioning properly by checking if other devices, such as your phone, can connect to it.
If your Wi-Fi is operational but the PS4 still struggles, verify that you’ve entered the correct Wi-Fi password in the PS4 settings.
Consider moving the PS4 closer to the router, expanding your Wi-Fi network, or using an ethernet cable for a more stable connection.
If the PS4 can connect to Wi-Fi but is experiencing networking issues, check the status of Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN) using their official status page. Temporary downtime can occasionally disrupt services.
If PSN is operational, you can try adjusting DNS settings on your PS4. Navigate to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use Wi-Fi. Opt for “Custom” instead of “Easy” and input Google’s DNS settings (Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8, Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4).
Test the connection, and if successful, it could indicate a temporary issue with your internet provider’s DNS.
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If problems persist, a factory reset of your PS4 may be considered, though it’s crucial to back up saved games first.
If all else fails, it might be time to explore the possibility of acquiring a new PlayStation.
To restore your PS4 console’s internet connectivity, follow these steps:
- Check PlayStation Network Status: Verify the status of the PlayStation Network (PSN) to rule out any outage issues. Sometimes, gamers mistakenly attribute network problems to their own connectivity, causing unnecessary confusion.
- Restart Modem and Router: Initiate a manual restart of both your modem and wireless router. Wait about five minutes before attempting to reconnect your PS4, ensuring a fresh start for your network devices.
- Restart PlayStation 4: Reboot your PS4 and check if it successfully establishes a connection afterward.
- Verify Wi-Fi Password: Confirm that you’ve entered the correct Wi-Fi password on your PS4. To avoid misdiagnoses, connect another device to the same Wi-Fi network using the same password, checking for successful connectivity.
- Adjust Physical Proximity: Move your PS4 closer to the wireless router, considering that the physical distance between devices can impact Wi-Fi connectivity. Ensure there are no obstructions or interference affecting the Wi-Fi signal.
- Change Wi-Fi Channel: Alter the wireless router’s channel number to mitigate interference from neighboring devices using the same frequency range.
- Modify DNS Settings: Address potential Wi-Fi issues by changing the DNS addresses on your PS4. Adjust these settings and assess if the problem persists.
- Use Wired Connection: If Wi-Fi troubleshooting fails, resort to a reliable hard-wired option, such as connecting your PS4 using an Ethernet cable.
- Factory Reset PS4: As a last resort, consider resetting your PS4 to its default factory settings if all previous steps prove ineffective. Ensure you’ve backed up any essential data before proceeding.
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By systematically applying these recommendations, you increase the likelihood of resolving PS4 internet connection issues.
When dealing with powering devices on and off, consult the manuals or your service provider’s customer support for guidance.
Ensure a complete power cycle by fully shutting down the console and then turning it back on, avoiding the use of Rest Mode.
For Wi-Fi password-related issues, refer to your modem/router manual or contact your service provider’s customer support for guidance on locating or changing the password.
Before attempting data-related steps, such as factory resetting the console, always back up your data and saved games to prevent potential loss.
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If your PS4 is having trouble connecting to the internet, start by checking the status of the PlayStation Network (PSN) to rule out any service outages.
Restart your modem and router, and if the problem persists, reboot the PlayStation 4 itself.
Verify that you’ve entered the correct Wi-Fi password and consider moving the console closer to the router.
If issues persist, try changing your Wi-Fi network’s channel and adjusting DNS settings on the PS4. If all else fails, use a wired connection or, as a last resort, perform a factory reset on the PS4.
Always back up your data before attempting any significant changes. If you encounter difficulties, consult device manuals or reach out to your service provider’s customer support for assistance.
Feature Image Source: Fabian Albert
