5 ways to fix your PS4 when it won't connect to Wi-Fi

Updated

2021-04-05T15:59:42Z

Playstation 4 PS4 controller

Here are the five most common solutions for when your PS4 won't connect to the internet.
Charnsitr/Shutterstock
  • If your PS4 won't connect to the internet, the PlayStation Network may be offline.
  • You should also make sure to check your Wi-Fi connection and reset or move your router and modem.
  • You can also try adjusting your PS4's DNS settings as a final resort to fix connection issues.
  • Visit Insider's Tech Reference library for more stories.

If your PS4 is unable to connect to the internet, you won't be able to take advantage of many of the console's most important features, like multiplayer gaming, streaming video, and installing new games.

Here's how to troubleshoot your connection issues and fix your PS4.

Why won't my PS4 connect to the internet?

You can use several different methods to troubleshoot your PS4 controller if it won't charge.
Alex Pantling/Getty Images

If your PS4 won't connect to Wi-Fi or the internet, it's likely one of the following reasons:

  • The PlayStation Network may be offline
  • Your router may not be connected or having larger connectivity issues
  • There may be password issues — either with your Wi-Fi or console
  • You may need to change your DNS settings on your PlayStation

Check whether the PlayStation Network is online

Ensure the PlayStation Network is online before you try more extensive troubleshooting steps.
Dave Johnson/Business Insider

If you can get online but can't access the PSN, your first step should be to make sure it's online.

You can go to the PSN Network Status Page on another device to see if the status is green. If it's down, you might just need to wait a while for the issue to be fixed.

Determine if other devices can connect to the internet

Check to see if your phone or computer is connected to the internet.
Casezy Idea/Shutterstock

If your PS4 is having trouble connecting to the internet, you might want to narrow down where the problem is right away by determining if the issue is with your PS4 or with your Wi-Fi network.

  • See if other devices are working: Check to see if other devices on your home network, like computers and tablets, are connecting to the internet.
  • Check your connection type: You should also make sure that devices on the same kind of connection are working — for example, if your PS4 is connected to the router with a wired Ethernet cable, then plug a computer into the router as well. If the PS4 is using Wi-Fi, connect to Wi-Fi with your phone and see if it works.
  • Reboot your modem and router: If your other devices can't connect either, it's time to power off your modem and router, wait several minutes, and turn them back on. For extra measure, reboot your PS4 after rebooting your router and modem. That means fully powering it down and turning it back on.

Check your PS4's internet connection to the router

Try playing with your PS4 Ethernet cables and ports, or move the console closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Jomic/Shutterstock

Your PS4 connecting may not always be an issue with your console. It may be your wired or wireless connection creating your gameplay disruptions — including your device settings.

Here are a few tips on how to test whether it's your console or your internet connection.

Swap your Ethernet cord: If you are connecting via Ethernet, try swapping out the cable to see if it's the issue. Another option is to try plugging your cable into a different Ethernet port on the router in the case that the current port has blown.

Move your PS4 console closer to your wireless router: You may be experiencing intermittent signal loss due to the distance — or even walls — between your console and router. You should first try to move them closer if they aren't already, and if that doesn't work, try rebooting both your modem and router.

Re-enter your PS4's Wi-Fi password

Go to Settings and choose to set up your internet connection to ensure your Wi-Fi settings are correct.
Dave Johnson/Business Insider

If you are using Wi-Fi, be sure you are using the correct Wi-Fi password. You can also re-enter it on your PS4 to see if that refreshes your connection. Here's how.

1. Using the PS4 controller, select "Settings."

2. Select "Network" and then select "Set Up Internet Connection."

3. Select "Use Wi-Fi"

4. Select "Easy."

5. Choose your Wi-Fi network from the list, enter the password, and wait for it to connect.

Dave Johnson

Freelance Writer

Dave Johnson is a technology journalist who writes about consumer tech and how the industry is transforming the speculative world of science fiction into modern-day real life. Dave grew up in New Jersey before entering the Air Force to operate satellites, teach space operations, and do space launch planning. He then spent eight years as a content lead on the Windows team at Microsoft. As a photographer, Dave has photographed wolves in their natural environment; he's also a scuba instructor and co-host of several podcasts. Dave is the author of more than two dozen books and has contributed to many sites and publications including CNET, Forbes, PC World, How To Geek, and Insider.

More: Tech How To PS4 PlayStation 4 Troubleshooting

Chevron icon It indicates an expandable section or menu, or sometimes previous / next navigation options.

Deal icon An icon in the shape of a lightning bolt.

For you