Your PS4 throws a DNS error, fails the connection test, or reaches the internet but refuses to sign in to PlayStation Network. That usually comes down to stale network state, invalid DNS settings, delayed DNS responses, Wi-Fi instability, blocked PSN traffic, or a missing system update. Start with the quick reset, then let the console test the connection, and only enter DNS servers manually after the automatic setup fails.
1. Restart the PS4 and refresh the router
Start here when the error appeared suddenly. Sony's DNS error guidance begins with refreshing the console and network equipment, and it takes only a few minutes.
- 1.Turn off the PlayStation 4 console.
- 2.Turn off or unplug the router or modem.
- 3.Wait at least 5 minutes.
- 4.Turn the router or modem back on first.
- 5.Turn the PS4 back on.
- 6.Open Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection.
2. Read the PS4 connection test results
- 1.Open Settings.
- 2.Select Network.
- 3.Select Test Internet Connection.
- 4.Check Obtain IP Address, Internet Connection, PlayStation Network Sign-In, NAT Type, Connection Speed (Download), and Connection Speed (Upload).
- 5.Follow the PS4 on-screen instructions for any failed item.
The connection test shows where the failure sits, so run it before changing DNS values. A failed IP address or PSN sign-in problem needs a different fix. When PlayStation Network Sign-In fails but the internet test passes, check PlayStation service status in a browser at status.playstation.com/en-us before editing local network settings.
3. Rebuild the connection with Easy setup
Easy setup returns DNS to the network-provided automatic settings: open Settings, select Network, select Set Up Internet Connection, then choose the connection type. For Wi-Fi, select Use Wi-Fi > Easy, choose the Wi-Fi network, and enter the Wi-Fi password when prompted. For Ethernet, select Use a LAN Cable > Easy. Select Test Internet Connection when setup finishes.
Use this after a failed test, after a bad manual DNS entry, or when you do not know which DNS numbers are currently saved. Keep Easy setup as the default unless your ISP or network administrator gave you specific manual network values.
4. Enter verified DNS servers manually
Manual DNS is the next move when Easy setup still produces delayed, unstable, or invalid DNS results. Public DNS is also Sony-supported as a troubleshooting option for PS4 DNS errors.
- 1.Open Settings.
- 2.Select Network.
- 3.Select Set Up Internet Connection.
- 4.Select Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable.
- 5.Select Custom.
- 6.At IP Address Settings, select Automatic.
- 7.At DHCP Host Name, select Do Not Specify.
- 8.At DNS Settings, select Manual.
- 9.Enter Google Public DNS as Primary DNS 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS 8.8.4.4, or enter Cloudflare as Primary DNS 1.1.1.1 and Secondary DNS 1.0.0.1.
- 10.After entering DNS, at MTU Settings select Automatic and at Proxy Server select Do Not Use, unless your ISP or network administrator gave you different values.
- 11.Select Test Internet Connection.
5. Correct PS4 DNS error codes directly
For NW-31246-6, the saved DNS settings are invalid. Open Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection, then return to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Custom and correct Primary DNS and Secondary DNS. To clear the bad entries instead, use Set Up Internet Connection > Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable > Easy.
For NW-31254-5, verify Primary DNS and Secondary DNS when manual settings are active. Check whether the ISP has maintenance or a DNS outage, and contact the ISP when the PS4 cannot obtain an IP address or the DNS settings changed unexpectedly.
For PS4 browser error WV-33898-1, check the URL first. Then check PlayStation service status, test a wired connection, restart the console and router, and use DNS Settings > Manual with verified DNS values when the server problem remains in the browser.
6. Rule out Wi-Fi instability with LAN
- 1.Connect an Ethernet cable to the PS4 LAN port and the router.
- 2.Open Settings.
- 3.Select Network.
- 4.Select Set Up Internet Connection.
- 5.Select Use a LAN Cable.
- 6.Select Easy.
- 7.Select Test Internet Connection.
A weak wireless link creates DNS timeouts and server errors even when the DNS numbers are correct. A wired test separates DNS trouble from Wi-Fi trouble.
If LAN works, rebuild Wi-Fi from Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use Wi-Fi > Easy. Choose the Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and move the PS4 and router closer together with fewer obstructions between them. For a hidden or missing network, scroll down to Set Up Manually and confirm the SSID, password, and security method. On PS4 systems that support 5 GHz, press the OPTIONS button on the Wi-Fi network selection screen to choose the band.
With a compatible router, you can also use Set Up Using WPS Button or Set Up Using AOSS from the Wi-Fi setup screen, then press the matching button on the router when the PS4 prompts you.
7. Clear router and network blocks
Sony lists these PS4 and PSN ports: TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480, and UDP 3478, 3479. On shared, school, office, hotel, or firewall-managed networks, the console can pass DNS but still fail to reach PlayStation Network.
Open the router or firewall admin interface and allow PlayStation Network traffic through those ports. On a managed network, ask the network administrator or ISP to allow that traffic.
If you prefer to change DNS for every device through the router, sign in to the router admin console, find the DNS server settings, record the existing DNS addresses, replace them with verified provider DNS addresses, save, then restart or reconnect the PS4 and run Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection.
8. Update system software and reset settings last
- 1.Open Settings.
- 2.Select System Software Update.
- 3.Let the PS4 download the later update file when one is available.
PS4 network features require current system software. Sony lists PS4 system software version 13.52 as current in July 2026.
If an update download is stuck, open Notifications from the function area, highlight the update file, press the OPTIONS button, select Delete, then return to Settings > System Software Update. If the console cannot update normally, start Safe Mode by turning off the PS4, holding the power button until the second beep, connecting the controller with a USB cable and pressing the PS button, then selecting Update System Software. For USB updating, use Sony's official PS4 system software page only, format the USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT, create PS4 > UPDATE folders, save the file as PS4UPDATE.PUP, then select Update System Software > Update from USB Storage Device > OK in Safe Mode.
Use Safe Mode Restore Default Settings after recording any network values you need. It restores default factory settings without deleting games, apps, or saves. Do not use special MTU numbers as a DNS fix, and do not use Rebuild Database as a DNS repair step. Initialize PS4 and Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) are last-resort factory reset options because they delete user data.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest fix for a DNS PS4 problem?
Restart the PS4, unplug the router or modem for at least 5 minutes, restart the router first, restart the PS4, then run Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection.
Should PS4 DNS be automatic or manual?
Use automatic DNS through Easy setup first. Switch to manual DNS only when Easy setup still returns delayed, unstable, or invalid DNS results.
Which public DNS servers are verified for PS4 setup?
Verified IPv4 options include Google Public DNS 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4, and Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
What does PS4 error NW-31246-6 mean?
NW-31246-6 means the DNS settings are invalid. Correct Primary DNS and Secondary DNS in Custom setup, or recreate the connection with Easy setup to return DNS to automatic.
Do MTU changes or Rebuild Database fix PS4 DNS errors?
Sony's current DNS guidance does not use special MTU values as a consumer DNS fix. Rebuild Database is documented for rebuilding the content database, not repairing DNS.
