Last week Sunday, I was excited to hop online and play multiplayer on my PS5, but I kept getting connection errors. Strangely, my phone, laptop, and even my smart TV had no issues connecting to WiFi, yet my PS5 wouldn’t stay connected. I restarted my router, checked my internet, and even tried using a wired connection—but nothing worked. It was frustrating, especially when everything else in my house could access the internet without a problem.
Many PS5 users experience this issue, where their console struggles to connect to the internet while other devices work just fine. This can be caused by router settings, DNS conflicts, firmware bugs, or network congestion. A weak WiFi signal, PlayStation Network (PSN) issues, or ISP restrictions can also be factors.
In this guide, we’ll go through detailed step-by-step fixes to get your PS5 back online and ensure a stable internet connection.
Understanding the Issue
The PS5’s inability to connect to the internet while other devices work fine can be due to several reasons:
Common Causes of PS5 Internet Issues
- Weak WiFi signal or interference from other devices
- Incorrect network settings on PS5
- Router restrictions (firewall, MAC filtering, or bandwidth limits)
- DNS issues preventing PS5 from reaching the internet
- PlayStation Network (PSN) downtime
- ISP issues blocking certain connections
- Firmware bugs in the PS5 or router
Now, let’s go through step-by-step fixes to get your PS5 connected again.
Fixes for PS5 Not Connecting to the Internet
Each fix includes detailed steps to help troubleshoot the issue effectively.
1. Restart Your Router and PS5
Tools Needed: None
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Turn off your PS5 completely (don’t use Rest Mode).
- Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps.
- Unplug your router and modem from the power outlet.
- Wait for at least 5 minutes before plugging them back in.
- Turn your PS5 back on and check if it connects to the internet.
Why This Works:
Restarting both devices clears network congestion, refreshes IP addresses, and fixes minor connection issues.
2. Move Your PS5 Closer to the Router or Use a Wired Connection
Tools Needed: Ethernet cable (for wired connection)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Check your PS5’s WiFi signal strength:
- Go to Settings → Network → Connection Status → View Connection Status.
- If the signal strength is below 50%, your console may struggle to stay connected.
- Move your router closer to the PS5 or vice versa.
- Avoid placing the router near walls, metal objects, or microwaves, as they cause interference.
- If possible, connect using an Ethernet cable:
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into your router and the other into the PS5 LAN port.
- Go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection and select Wired LAN.
Why This Works:
A strong WiFi signal ensures stable connectivity, while a wired connection eliminates interference issues.
3. Manually Set DNS for a More Stable Connection
Tools Needed: None
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select WiFi or LAN, then choose Custom setup.
- Scroll down to DNS Settings and select Manual.
- Enter one of the following DNS servers:
- Google DNS:
- Primary:
8.8.8.8 - Secondary:
8.8.4.4
- Primary:
- Cloudflare DNS:
- Primary:
1.1.1.1 - Secondary:
1.0.0.1
- Primary:
- Save the settings and test your connection.
Why This Works:
Custom DNS settings bypass ISP restrictions and improve connection stability.
4. Check for PlayStation Network (PSN) Issues
Tools Needed: Smartphone or PC
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Visit the PSN Service Status page (status.playstation.com).
- Check if there are any server outages affecting your region.
- If PSN is down, you may have to wait until the issue is resolved.
Why This Works:
If PSN servers are down, your console won’t be able to connect, even if your internet is working fine.
5. Disable MAC Address Filtering on Your Router
Tools Needed: Router admin access
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log into your router settings using a web browser.
- Enter
192.168.1.1or192.168.0.1in the address bar. - Enter your router’s username and password (found on the router label).
- Navigate to Security Settings or MAC Filtering.
- Check if MAC Address Filtering is enabled.
- If enabled, disable it or add your PS5’s MAC address to the whitelist:
- Find your PS5’s MAC address in Settings → System → System Information.
Why This Works:
Some routers block new devices unless they are manually added.
6. Change Your WiFi Band from 5GHz to 2.4GHz
Tools Needed: Router admin access
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Log into your router settings (
192.168.1.1). - Go to Wireless Settings and check the WiFi bands.
- If your PS5 is connected to 5GHz, switch to 2.4GHz for better range and stability.
- Save changes and reconnect your PS5.
Why This Works:
Some routers automatically switch between 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which can cause connection dropouts.
Pros and Cons of Each Fix
| Fix | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Restarting Router and PS5 | Quick and simple | Temporary fix |
| Moving PS5 Closer to Router / Using Wired | Improves signal stability | Not always possible |
| Manually Setting DNS | Faster and more stable internet | Requires manual setup |
| Checking PSN Server Status | Identifies PSN issues | No immediate fix |
| Disabling MAC Filtering | Allows PS5 to connect | Needs router access |
| Switching WiFi Band | Reduces connection drops | May slow down speed |
Conclusion
If your PS5 won’t connect to the internet but other devices do, the issue is likely due to router settings, WiFi interference, or incorrect network configurations. By restarting your router, using a wired connection, adjusting DNS settings, and checking PSN status, you can restore connectivity and enjoy a stable gaming experience.
Which fix worked for you? Let us know in the comments!
