Struggling to get your PS5 online? You’re not the only one.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the exact steps to fix WiFi connection issues, from quick fixes to deeper settings, so you can get back to gaming without the hassle.
Why Your PS5 Might Be Having WiFi Issues?
I've encountered several possible reasons as to why a PS5 won't hook up to the WiFi.
The most frequent offenders are weak signal quality, the wrong network configuration, old firmware versions, conflicting IP addresses, and sometimes neighboring devices' interference.
In certain instances, the router's ISP settings or its security filters could be blocking the console completely.
How to Fix PS5 Not Connecting to WiFi?
Restart Everything: Your PS5 and Router
Let’s kick things off with the simplest fix; restarting your devices. Power cycling clears temporary glitches that may be affecting your network connection.
First, turn off your PS5 completely (not just Rest Mode) and unplug it from the power outlet. Do the same with your router and modem.
After waiting about 30 seconds, plug everything back in and turn the devices on. Once both are fully rebooted, try reconnecting the PS5 to your WiFi.
This simple reset resolves most connectivity problems without needing to dive deeper into settings.
Re-Enter Your WiFi Password Correctly
As obvious as it sounds, many WiFi connection issues boil down to mistyped passwords. On the PS5, access network settings and re-select your wireless network.
If asked, make sure you type the password just as it is spelled, with paying close attention to uppercase letters, symbols, as well as numbers.
Remember, WiFi passwords are case-sensitive, so even one incorrect character can prevent your PS5 from connecting.
Run a Network Test on Your PS5
To figure out whether your console is even reaching the internet, you should run a built-in connection test.
Go to your PS5’s network settings and run the “Test Internet Connection” feature. This checks for a stable link to both your router and the PlayStation Network. If this test fails, it may display an error code.
These codes can help identify whether the issue lies with your DNS settings, NAT type, or general connectivity.
Official list of PS5 error codes - here.
Improve Your Console’s Position for Better Signal
Where you place your PS5 in the room actually matters more than you might think. WiFi signals hate obstacles; walls, bulky furniture, even your microwave can mess with the connection.
So, if your PS5 is buried in a corner far from the router, that’s probably why your online gaming feels like a lagfest.
Try moving your console closer to the router, and aim for a spot with fewer things blocking the signal. Even just putting your PS5 on a shelf or raising it off the floor can make a noticeable difference.
If rearranging your setup sounds like a hassle, don’t worry, consider grabbing a WiFi range extender or upgrade to a mesh system. They’ll boost your home’s WiFi coverage so your PS5 gets a steady, strong signal no matter where it’s hanging out.
Try Switching Between 2.4GHz and 5GHz Bands
Give switching between the 2.4GHz and 5GHz WiFi bands a shot. Modern routers come with both options.
If your PS5 is acting up on one band, just hop into your network settings and flip over to the other. Sometimes that simple switch can fix your connection headaches.
Rebuild the PS5 Database via Safe Mode
Sometimes the issue isn’t your WiFi at all, it’s your PS5’s internal software. You can resolve certain bugs by rebuilding the system database.
Turn off the console entirely and hold the power button for roughly seven seconds, until you hear two beeps.
This will reboot the PS5 into Safe Mode. Connect your PS5 controller via USB and press the PS button. Now select “Rebuild Database.”
Doing this won’t erase your games or saves. It just clears corrupted data that could be interfering with your system’s operations, including network connectivity.
Forget and Reconnect to Your Network
Your PS5 may be holding onto a corrupted or outdated connection profile. Open the PS5’s network settings and choose the WiFi network you’ve connected to in the past.
Press the Options button on your controller and choose “Forget.” Now, reconnect to the network as if you’re doing it for the first time by selecting the network again and re-entering the password.
This gives your PS5 a fresh start with a clean network handshake.
Install Any Pending System Software Updates
Outdated firmware can cause compatibility problems with newer routers or result in unstable connections.
To check for updates, go to the system settings on your PS5 and choose “System Software Update.” If an update is available, download and install it.
After rebooting your console, attempt to connect to WiFi again. Updates often include critical networking fixes and performance enhancements, so never skip them.
Check Your Router’s Configuration
Your PS5 might be blocked by your router without you realizing it. Log in to your router’s admin panel using a desktop or laptop. (commonly 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
Check if MAC address filtering is enabled. Enabling this will prevent unknown devices from joining the network. If you have MAC filtering turned on, add your PS5’s MAC address to the approved list as a bypass.
Also review firewall settings, device connection limits, and WiFi protocols. Try switching your security protocol to WPA2 if WPA3 is causing issues, as some devices have trouble with newer encryption standards.
Use a Wired Ethernet Cable as a Temporary Fix
If nothing seems to work over WiFi, consider using an Ethernet cable. Connect one end to the PS5 and the other to your router.
Wired connections are way faster and more stable, something you’ll need for online gaming or large downloads.
If the wired connection works fine, it goes to show that your WiFi is the issue and not your internet connection or console hardware.
Reset Network Settings to Start Fresh
If your settings have been messed up by previous tweaks or system glitches, consider resetting your PS5’s network settings.
Head to the system reset options and choose to reset just the network configuration. This erases all saved networks and restores factory network defaults—without touching your games or saved data.
It’s a solid middle-ground option before attempting a full factory reset.
Manually Set a Static IP Address
In some cases, DHCP servers (the thing that gives devices IP addresses) can fail or conflict with other devices.
To solve this, assign a static IP to your PS5. Go to network settings, choose “Set Up Internet Connection,” and then go into Custom settings.
From there, manually enter an IP address outside your router’s typical range (e.g., 192.168.1.210 if your router uses 192.168.1.100-200).
Doing this can eliminate conflicts and will make sure your PS5 always has a dedicated connection slot.
Change DNS Settings for Better Speed and Reliability
Your Internet Service Provider's default DNS servers may be slow or unreliable and switching them to public DNS services like Google DNS or Cloudflare can fix any hidden issues.
Go into the advanced settings of your network connection and select Manual for DNS configuration.
Enter Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1). This small change often boosts connection speed and reduces disconnection errors.
Consider a Router Upgrade or Firmware Update
Finally, sometimes the root of the problem is your router itself because outdated firmware tends to result in performance issues, especially with newer devices like the PS5.
Log in to your router’s admin dashboard and check if any firmware updates are available. You may have to manually install the update if you see an update button available.
If your router is more than five years old, you might benefit from a hardware upgrade, especially to a gaming-optimized router that prioritizes bandwidth for consoles.
Summary
PS5 WiFi issues can be frustrating, but they’re rarely permanent.
Most problems can be fixed with a few adjustments, from simple restarts and password checks to more technical tweaks like static IP addresses and router settings.
Always start with the basics, then move to the more advanced solutions if needed. And if you’re still stuck after trying it all, don’t hesitate to reach out to PlayStation Support or your ISP.
With a bit of patience and the steps above, you'll be back online and ready to game in no time.
Also Read: How to Fix the Black Screen of Death on Your PS5: A Step-by-Step Guide
