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PS4 Disconnecting From The Internet? Learn to Fix It Yourself

By Author Jonah Matthes

Posted on Last updated:

WiFi issues with the PlayStation 4 certainly aren’t unheard of. In fact, internet connectivity issues are a shared experience and source of frustration among many users. Thankfully, these problems are usually fairly straightforward to troubleshoot and solve.

To fix a PS4/Internet issue, start by restarting your PS4 and router. Then, try updating your console software, and after that turn your attention to your DNS server and router. If you’re still experiencing problems, you may need to contact PlayStation Support or your internet provider (ISP).

You can be comforted by the fact that you’re not alone if you’re experiencing WiFi issues or slow-downs. These issues have interrupted many, many games. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of solutions for you to try. Let’s take a look.

Why Does My PS4 Keep Disconnecting From the Internet?

PS4 Close Up

Your PlayStation 4 can disconnect from the internet for a variety of reasons. Poor internet quality, outdated firmware, issues with your ISP, and modem problems can all cause connectivity issues. Sometimes these things can be as simple as a bum ethernet cable, which you can replace easily and cheaply enough (on Amazon).

Other times, the issue can be a little deeper requiring us to do some troubleshooting to figure out the root cause, which could be any of:

Poor Internet Quality

Poor internet quality can cause your PS4 to lose connection and disconnect from WiFi. You may notice this problem if you live with multiple people who are all using the internet at the same time.

Software Updates

One of the most common reasons that PS4s lose an internet connection is software updates. You may have noticed your console losing connection after an update or right before.

Technical Difficulties

Issues caused by your internet service provider or physical environment can also cause you to disconnect from WiFi. Problems such as bad weather, service updates, and other may cause you to lose connection unexpectedly.

Modem Issues

Internet connectivity issues may be caused by your modem. Your WiFi signal can be abruptly disconnected because your modem isn’t communicating with your ISP adequately.

Methods to Fix PS4 WiFi Connection Issues

Modern wi-fi router on light commode near brick wall

WiFi and related internet issues are a shared experience among PS4 users whose gaming sessions often get interrupted. Thankfully, there are multiple methods to troubleshoot and resolve your PS4 WiFi issues. Follow along with the steps below to begin solving your problem.

Restart Your Console

Have you tried turning the console on and off again? This may be an obvious option, but if you haven’t tried already, restart your console. Many users have reported that this option solves the problem.

  1. Turn off your PS4 by pressing and holding the power button for 30 seconds until you hear two beeps.
  2. Unplug the power cables, HDMI cables, and any other cords.
  3. Wait 3-5 minutes, plug the system back in, and reboot.

If your PS4 has reconnected to the internet, you’re good to go. If not, follow the troubleshooting steps below.

Restart Your Router

The second part of the troubleshooting process is to manually restart your router. You may be experiencing disconnection problems due to temporary errors. Follow the steps below to start solving the issue.

  1. Open the Power tab from the Quick Menu of your PS4 and choose Turn Off PS4.
  2. Once your console is powered off, unplug all the power cables and turn off your router.
  3. Afterward, unplug the power cables from your router and wait 15-30 minutes.
  4. Next, plug the power cables of both the console and router back in. Turn on your router.
  5. Once the router lights have stabilized, ensure no other devices are connected to the WiFi.
  6. Next, turn on your PS4 and see if the WiFi connection issue is resolved.

If your PS4 is still having connectivity issues, ensure other devices in your home can connect to the WiFi.

Edit the DNS Settings

WiFi connectivity issues can be the result of improper configurations in the DNS settings. Your router could be shutting off the PS4 connection due to a lack of response from the DNS server. Follow the steps below to begin troubleshooting.

  1. Open the PS4 Settings and select Network.
  2. After, choose Setup Internet Connection and then click on Use WiFi.
  3. Next, select Custom and select Automatic in the IP Address Settings menu.
  4. Afterwards, in the DHCP Host Name, choose Do Not Specify. In the DNS Settings menu, choose Manual.
  5. Next, type in the Primary and Secondary DNS as below:

    Google:
    Primary: 8.8.8.8
    Secondary: 8.8.4.4

    Cloudfare:
    Primary: 1.1.1.1
    Secondary: 1.0.0.1
  6. Afterwards, in the MTU Settings, choose Automatic, and in the Proxy Server Window, choose Do Not Use.
  7. Finally, hit the Test Internet Connection option, and afterward, check if the WiFi issue has been resolved.

Reconfigure Your Router Settings

Another way you can troubleshoot WiFi issues is by configuring your router settings. Misconfigured settings can include outdated software, dual-band issues, firewall problems, etc. The steps may differ by router brand, but the general instructions are similar.

To begin, you’ll need to disable your network’s second band.

  1. Open a web browser on your computer and head to the web portal of your router.
  2. Login using your information and open the Settings.
  3. After, select Wireless and enable the option for 5GHz.
  4. Next, ensure the 2.4GHz option is disabled and save the changes.
  5. Afterwards, restart your router and check if the WiFi issues have been resolved.
  6. If the issue persists, check to see if disabling 5GHz and using 2.4GHz resolves the issue.

If you are using both bands on your router, then you may need to force the PS4 to use a single frequency band.

  1. Select the PS4 Settings menu and choose Network.
  2. Afterward, open Settings and move forward to Set Up Internet Connect.
  3. Find WiFi and select Easy.
  4. Next, press the Options button on your controller and choose WiFi Frequency Bands.
  5. Select the 5GHz frequency band and save the changes.
  6. Finally, check to see if your connection issues have been resolved.

If your issue hasn’t been solved, try connecting your PS4 to the 2.4GHz band. If the problem continues, you may need to use a different channel on the band.

Update Your Software

Installing the latest system software update may or may not resolve your issue. However, this is a necessary part of the troubleshooting process. Here are the steps to update your system software on the PS4:

  1. Select Settings from the home menu using your PS4 controller.
  2. Choose System Software Update.
  3. Select the option Update Now.
  4. Follow the prompts provided, choose Next, and wait for the download to complete. You’ll see the license agreement when the download is finished.
  5. Accept the software update.
  6. The software update should begin to install. Your PS4 may restart during the update.

Restore Your PS4 to the Default Factory Settings

Another way you can troubleshoot internet connectivity issues is by restoring your PS4 to the default factory settings in safe mode. Follow the steps below to begin.

  1. Hold down the Power button until your PS4 turns off.
  2. Keep holding the Power button down until your PS4 enters Safe Mode. You’ll know you’ve entered Safe Mode after hearing a beep.
  3. Press the PS button on your controller.
  4. You’ll see the options Change Resolution, Rebuild Database, and Restore Default Settings.
  5. Select either Rebuild Database or Restore Default Settings.
  6. Select Restart.

Rebuild Database won’t delete anything unless there’s a corrupted game file. Restore Default Settings will delete all data not backed up on the Cloud, so use this solution only as a last-ditch effort to fix your PS4.

Steps to Connect PS4 With an Ethernet Cable

Flat blue ethernet patchcord isolated on white background

You may want to connect your PS4 to the internet using an ethernet cable if you have the option. Here’s how to connect your console with an ethernet cable:

  1. Connect your ethernet cable from your router to the ethernet ports on your PS4.
  2. Turn on your PS4 and router.
  3. Bring open the PS4 Settings menu.
  4. Go to Network, then Set Up Internet Connection, Use LAN Cable, and select Easy.

How Do You Solve Other Network Problems?

WiFi issues are a common experience for gamers and internet users across the globe. Thankfully, there are a few general tips you can implement to solve network issues.

  • Disable any extraneous apps that don’t need to be running.
  • Pause and resume your downloads.
  • Put your console into rest mode.
  • Use a wired connection if you have the option.
  • Move your PS4 away from any external devices like streaming boxes.

Takeaway

WiFi and connectivity issues are a shared experience. Sometimes these issues can be complicated to figure out and troubleshoot. However, the problem is usually fixable and straightforward to solve.

If you’re still experiencing issues, you should contact PlayStation Support and your internet service provider for further assistance.