The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →A PlayStation may fail to connect because of a Wi-Fi signal problem, a home router or ISP issue, incorrect network settings, or a temporary PlayStation Network outage. Check service status and run the console’s connection test first; the test result and any error code help identify which part of the connection needs attention.
Find out where the connection is failing
- Check PlayStation Network status. Visit the PlayStation Network service status page. If it reports an outage or maintenance, wait and try again rather than changing your router settings.
- Run the console’s internet connection test. On PS5, open Settings > Network > Settings > Test Internet Connection. On PS4, open Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. Note which step fails and write down the full error code.
- Compare with another device. If phones or computers on the same network also cannot reach the internet, the issue is more likely with the router, modem, or ISP than with the PlayStation.
For a new or changed connection, use the console’s setup flow. On PS5, go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set up Internet Connection. On PS4, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use Wi-Fi. The PS4 Easy option lists saved and detected networks; if yours is missing, choose Set Up Manually. Custom lets you adjust connection settings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Restart the console and home network
Restart the PlayStation. Then turn off the router and modem, leave them off for at least five minutes, and power them back on. Once the network is available again, run the console’s connection test. PlayStation recommends this wait in its PS5 NW-102650-4 troubleshooting guidance and PS4 NW-31205-1 troubleshooting guidance.
Check Wi-Fi signal, then test with Ethernet
If you use Wi-Fi
- Move the console closer to the router and reduce walls or other obstructions between them.
- Check whether other devices are using substantial bandwidth, particularly if the connection becomes unstable during downloads or streaming.
- If the network name does not appear during setup, try the PS4 manual setup option or check that the router is broadcasting the intended Wi-Fi network.
PlayStation’s PS4 NW-31291-6 guidance specifically identifies weak Wi-Fi signal as a possible cause and recommends moving the console nearer the router.
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
Try a wired connection
If possible, connect the console to the router with an Ethernet/LAN cable and run the test again. A wired connection is also a useful diagnostic: if it works while Wi-Fi does not, focus on wireless signal, placement, or the router’s wireless settings. PlayStation’s PS4 Pro quick-start guide recommends LAN for a more stable network connection, but Ethernet cannot resolve a PlayStation Network outage or an ISP fault.
Use the error code to choose the next step
Network errors do not all point to the same cause. Match the complete code shown by your console to its official support instructions rather than applying DNS or router changes indiscriminately.
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output, 4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Disc Version; Wireless controller; USB cable, HDMI cable, AC power cord. Nogtox PVT HDMI_cable
| Console and code | What the code indicates | Where to focus |
|---|---|---|
| PS4 NW-31291-6 | Wi-Fi signal may be too weak to connect. | Test the connection, restart local network equipment, improve placement, and reduce obstructions. Official steps. |
| PS4 NW-31205-1 | The connection is unstable or too weak to reach a PlayStation server. | Check bandwidth use, Wi-Fi placement, router firmware and support, and only then the router settings described on the page. Official steps. |
| PS4 NW-31253-4 | The DNS server response is delayed or unstable. | Restart the network, check for ISP maintenance, and verify any DNS settings you entered manually. Official steps. |
| PS5 NW-102650-4 | The console is unable to connect to the server. | Check service status, restart, test Ethernet, improve Wi-Fi placement, and follow the page’s later router and DNS steps if needed. Official steps. |
For other codes, use PlayStation’s full PS5 and PS4 error-code index to locate the matching support page.
Update router software before changing advanced settings
Check whether the router has a firmware update and whether your ISP or router provider offers device-specific connection guidance. PlayStation advises checking router/modem support with the provider. If the problem continues, DNS, IP, or port settings may be relevant, but use the instructions for your exact console and error code; a setting that helps one fault can be unnecessary or unsuitable for another.
Rank #3
- 🚀 CPU: 3.5GHz, 8-core AMD Zen 2
- 🚀 Storage: Custom 825GB SSD
- 🚀 RAM: 16GB GDDR6
- 🚀 GPU: 10.3 teraflop RDNA 2 GPU
DNS changes
For PS4 NW-31253-4, PlayStation advises checking ISP maintenance and verifying manually entered DNS settings. For PS5 NW-102650-4, its support page says temporarily changing DNS may help. Do not assume a public DNS address is a universal fix; if you entered DNS values yourself, verify them or return to automatic settings as appropriate for your network.
Port settings
Port forwarding is not a first-line fix. PlayStation lists the following ports on particular error pages, and the guidance should not be treated as a blanket instruction for every connection problem:
- For PS5 NW-102650-4, the page lists TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, and 3480; and UDP 3478, 3479, and 49152–65535.
- For PS4 NW-31205-1, the page lists TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, and 3480; and UDP 3478 and 3479.
Consult the relevant PS5 error page or PS4 error page, and ask your ISP or router provider for help before changing router rules.
Quick Recap
What the test results suggest
- Service status shows an incident: wait for PlayStation Network service to recover, then test again.
- Other devices also lack internet: restart the modem and router; if service remains unavailable, contact your ISP.
- Ethernet works but Wi-Fi fails: investigate signal strength, obstacles, router placement, and wireless settings.
- Only the PlayStation fails and the code mentions DNS: check ISP maintenance and any manually configured DNS values before considering other settings.
- The connection test identifies a server or network error: follow the official support instructions for that exact code and console.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
