If you’re asking, “why does my PlayStation 4 keep disconnecting from WiFi,” you’re not alone.
Many players experience this frustrating issue, which can disrupt gameplay and streaming.
This guide will walk you through several solutions to improve your Wi-Fi connection, from optimizing your network settings to using a wired connection, so you can start gaming without interruptions.
Let’s get started!
To fix frequent Wi-Fi disconnections on your PlayStation 4, optimizing your network settings and adjusting the Wi-Fi frequency are key steps. Additionally, addressing signal interference and ensuring a stable connection can significantly improve performance.
Why Does My PlayStation 4 Keep Disconnecting From WiFi?
Quick Tip: You can use the PS4 built-in network tester throughout this guide, by going into the Settings → Network → Test Internet Connection.
1. Optimize the Wi-Fi Connection
#️⃣Method 1/8
A stable Wi-Fi connection is essential for uninterrupted gaming on a PS4, but various factors can weaken or disrupt your signal. From testing your internet speed to reducing the load on your Wi-Fi signal, optimizing the connection involves a combination of inspections and adjustments.
Below, we’ll guide you through five practical steps to enhance your Wi-Fi connection and minimize disconnections during gameplay.
1️⃣Test Your Wi-Fi Connection:
Begin by checking if the Wi-Fi network is functioning properly. Use a phone, tablet, or laptop to connect to the same network your PS4 uses. Open a web browser and try accessing websites to confirm connectivity.
For a more detailed analysis, use a tool like Ookla Speed Test to measure your internet speed. If the connection is unstable, the issue may be with your internet service or router, not the PS4.
2️⃣Test Your Broadband Supply:
To verify the reliability of your broadband connection, use a Windows PC connected to the same router as your PS4, either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
Open the Command Prompt (CMD) and type the command:
- ping 8.8.8.8 -t
This will start pinging Google’s DNS server. Observe the results for any “Request Timed Out” messages, which indicate packet loss or connection fluctuations.
Well, a consistent stream of successful pings suggests your broadband supply is stable, while timeouts may highlight issues with your internet service or router.
3️⃣Power Cycle the Wi-Fi Router:
Power cycling your Wi-Fi router can resolve temporary connectivity issues.
Follow these steps to reset your router effectively:
- Turn off the router using its power button or by unplugging it.
- Wait for 30 seconds to allow the router to fully power down.
- Plug the router back in, turn it on and wait for ~30 seconds.
This simple process refreshes the router’s memory and resolves minor glitches that may be causing your PlayStation 4 to disconnect from Wi-Fi.
4️⃣Shorten the Signal Proximity:
The strength of your Wi-Fi signal weakens with distance and obstructions, such as thick walls or furniture. So, to verify a stable connection, position your PlayStation 4 no more than 10–15 feet from the router. Avoid placing the router in closed spaces or behind thick walls.
If moving the PS4 closer isn’t an option, consider relocating the router to a central, unobstructed location. A short signal proximity reduces interference and improves Wi-Fi connectivity reliability.
5️⃣Limit the Connected Devices:
Having too many devices connected to the same Wi-Fi network can strain bandwidth, causing connectivity issues. Thus, disconnect unused devices like smartphones, tablets, or smart home gadgets from the router.
Prioritize the PlayStation 4 by limiting connections during gaming sessions. You can also enable Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to allocate more bandwidth to the PlayStation for a smoother, uninterrupted experience.
Note: For better signal strength, ensure the router’s antennas are upright and properly aligned to enhance Wi-Fi coverage.
2. Switch the PS4 Wi-Fi Frequency
#️⃣Method 2/8
Note: Skip this step if your Wi-Fi network router is not dual-band (only has one Wi-Fi network).
The PlayStation 4 can connect to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi frequencies, but each has its strengths and limitations. The 2.4 GHz frequency offers a slower connection but has a longer range and better penetration through walls and obstacles.
On the other hand, the 5 GHz frequency delivers higher speeds but struggles with range and physical barriers. Since gaming often prioritizes stability over raw speed, it’s generally better to connect your PS4 to the 2.4 GHz frequency for a more consistent Wi-Fi network experience.
👉How to Change PS4 Wi-Fi Network?
- Navigate to the Settings menu on your PS4 home screen.
- Scroll down and select Network from the available options.
- Select Set Up Internet Connection and select Use Wi-Fi.
- Choose the “Easy” setup option for a simple network scan.
- Wait for the list of available networks to show on the screen.
- Then, identify and select the router’s 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the network password when prompted and confirm it.
- Lastly, test the connection to verify the setup was successful.
By connecting to the 2.4 GHz network, you can ensure greater stability, especially if your router is far from the PS4 or there are multiple obstacles in between.
👉Dual-Band Router Only Has One Wi-Fi?
If you have a dual-band router but only see one Wi-Fi network, it’s likely because of a feature called “Smart Connect” or “Band Steering” that combines the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz into one.
This can cause your router to automatically provide the correct Wi-Fi frequency to connected devices. If you want to separate the bands or configure them manually, you can log into your router’s settings to make adjustments.
To access your router’s admin settings, follow these steps:
- Open a web browser on any device connected to your router.
- Type your network router’s IP address into the address bar.
- Alternatively, try http://192.168.100.1/ or http://192.168.1.1/.
- Use Username: admin and Password: admin or password.
- Once logged in, navigate to the “Wireless Settings” section.
Look for any of the following options that are responsible for merging both networks into one:
- 👉Smart Connect
- 👉Band Steering
- 👉Automatic Band
- 👉Unified Wi-Fi
- 👉Combine Bands
Note: Disabling these features will allow you to manually configure separate 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks for your devices.
3. Configure the PS4 DNS Settings
#️⃣Method 3/8
If your PlayStation 4 keeps disconnecting from WiFi, configuring your DNS settings can help improve stability and speed. DNS settings act as the phonebook for the internet, translating web addresses into IP addresses, and changing them can sometimes resolve the connection issues.
Here are the steps to change your DNS settings on the PS4:
- On your PS4, head to the Settings menu from the main screen.
- Go down and select Network and Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select either Wi-Fi or LAN depending on your connection type.
- Select Custom and choose Automatic for IP Address Settings.
- Then configure the DNS settings as we have listed them below:
👉DHCP Host Name – Do Not Specify
👉Under DNS Settings, select Manual
👉Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8 (Google DNS)
👉Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4 (backup DNS)
👉Select Do Not Use for Proxy Server
👉Set the MTU settings to Automatic
Changing your DNS settings can sometimes help reduce lag or improve speeds, but it may not fix all connection issues. So, when you’re ready, test the Wi-Fi connection on your PlayStation 4.
4. Change Wi-Fi Network Channel
#️⃣Method 4/8
Sometimes, Wi-Fi interference from other nearby networks can cause your PS4 to disconnect or experience slow speed. One way to resolve this issue is by changing the Wi-Fi network channel.
Wi-Fi channels are like lanes on a highway, and selecting a less congested Wi-Fi channel can help avoid interference from other routers in your area. This method involves logging into your router’s settings, using a Wi-Fi Analyzer App to identify the least crowded wireless channels.
1️⃣Open Router’s Admin Page:
Open a web browser on your PC or smartphone and enter your router’s IP address in the address bar. Typically, the URL is something like http://192.168.100.1/ or http://192.168.1.1/, and sign-in using the default credentials which are often admin/admin or admin/password.
2️⃣Download a Wi-Fi Analyzer:
Install a Wi-Fi analyzer app on your smartphone or PC. For Android and iPhones apps like “WiFi Analyzer” or “NetSpot” for PC can help you identify the least crowded channels.So, use the app to scan your area and identify which Wi-Fi channels are being heavily used by nearby routers.
3️⃣Select an Empty Wi-Fi Channel:
Based on the analysis, choose a Wi-Fi channel with less interference. Channels 1, 6, and 11 are generally recommended for the 2.4 GHz band, as they do not overlap. Go back to your router’s settings, find the channel selection under Wireless Settings, and manually choose the channel.
After changing the Wi-Fi channel, reconnect your PS4 to the network and check the connection. You might need to try a few different channels to find the best performance for your Wi-Fi setup.
5. Reduce Wi-Fi Signal Interference
#️⃣Method 5/8
Wi-Fi interference can significantly affect your PlayStation 4’s ability to stay connected to the internet. It can be caused by both physical obstructions and other wireless signal interference.
Let’s break down how to address each type of interference:
⚠️Addressing Physical Interference:
Physical barriers such as solid walls, furniture, and other obstructions can weaken your Wi-Fi signal. The placement of both your PS4 and router plays a key role in the Wi-Fi signal strength.
- Avoid thick walls between PS4 and router
- Keep the PlayStation 4 in an open space
- Maintain line of sight between the devices
- Elevate the router to improve the coverage
- Minimize physical obstructions in the setup
⚠️Addressing Wireless Interference:
The wireless interference is caused by other electronics that operate on the same or similar frequencies. This can disrupt the connection between your router and PS4.
- Keep electronics away from the router
- Avoid placing router near microwaves
- Keep wireless phones away from router
- Minimize RF signal devices near router
- Limit the number of Bluetooth devices
By addressing both physical and wireless interference, you can improve your PS4’s Wi-Fi performance and maintain a stable connection.
6. Reset the PS4 Network Settings
#️⃣Method 6/8
If you’re facing persistent connection issues, resetting the network settings on your PS4 can often resolve underlying problems. This process ensures that any network-related errors are cleared, allowing for a fresh setup of your Wi-Fi connection.
Here’s how to reset the network settings on PlayStation 4:
- Go to Settings on the PlayStation 4
- Scroll down and select the Network.
- Select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Pick Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable.
- Proceed by selecting Custom setup.
- Choose “Restore Default Settings”.
- Confirm & wait for the network reset.
🗨️ Reminder: After resetting, you’ll need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network by entering your password or configuring your wired connection.
7. Factory Reset Your PS4 Console
#️⃣Method 7/8
If you’ve tried all other troubleshooting steps and your PS4 continues to disconnect from Wi-Fi, a factory reset might be the solution. This step restores the console to its default state, which can help eliminate any underlying software issues.
Important: Make sure to back up any saved games or important data before proceeding!
Here’s how to factory reset your PlayStation 4 in easy steps:
- Go to Settings on your PlayStation 4.
- Scroll down and select “Initialization”.
- Choose “Restore Default Settings”.
- Then choose the “Initialize PS4” option.
- Wait for the console to complete the reset.
- Once the reset is done, the PS4 will restart.
🗨️ Reminder: After the reset, you will need to set up your Wi-Fi connection again, along with any other preferences and data.
8. Switch PS4 to Wired Connection
#️⃣Method 8/8
If your PS4 continues to disconnect from Wi-Fi, switching to a wired Ethernet connection might be a more reliable solution. So, by connecting directly to your router, you avoid issues like signal interference and distance limitations, leading to a more consistent Wi-Fi network experience.
Here’s how to switch from Wi-Fi to Wired on your PlayStation 4:
- Plug one end of the Ethernet cable into the LAN port of your PS4.
- Plug the other end into an available LAN port on your Wi-Fi router.
- Then, go to Settings → Network → Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Use a LAN Cable when prompted for the type of connection.
- Finally, follow all the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
After switching to a wired connection, your PS4 should experience more stable internet speeds, reducing the chances of Wi-Fi disconnections.
🛜One More Thing - Share a Hotspot!
If your PS4 keeps disconnecting from WiFi, you can use your smartphone’s hotspot feature to connect your PS4 to the internet. This will instantly reveal whether the issue is with the router’s Wi-Fi or something else is preventing the console from staying connected to the Wi-Fi network.
For Android:
- First, enter in the Settings app on your Android device.
- Go to Connections → Mobile Hotspot and Tethering.
- Turn on Mobile Hotspot → Set a Network Name (SSID.
- Connect the PS4 to the hotspot just like a Wi-Fi network.
For iOS:
- Open Settings on your iPhone.
- Then, go to Personal Hotspot.
- Turn on Allow Others to Join.
- Choose a Password if required.
- Connect the PS4 to the hotspot.
Wrapping Up:
Now you know why does my PlayStation 4 keep disconnecting from WiFi. So, optimizing your Wi-Fi connection and switching to a wired connection can often resolve the issue.
Additionally, adjusting your PS4’s DNS settings and reducing Wi-Fi interference are key steps in ensuring a stable connection.
