How to Fix Common PS5 Network Errors: A Complete Walkthrough for Gamers

Published On - December 3, 2025

Olivia Brown Blog

As gaming evolves, stable and fast internet connectivity has become essential for an optimal experience on consoles like the PlayStation 5 (PS5). However, even with powerful hardware and a next-gen interface, the PS5 isn’t immune to occasional network hiccups. Whether it’s during online matchmaking, streaming, or simply downloading games, connection issues can disrupt gameplay and test the patience of even the most seasoned gamer.

TL;DR: If you’re facing PS5 network errors, start by checking your internet connection, restart your console and router, and verify PSN status. DNS adjustments and software updates also fix most issues. Advanced solutions include setting up a static IP, port forwarding, or using a wired connection for stability. This guide explains all of these steps in detail to help restore seamless connectivity.

Understanding Common PS5 Network Errors

Before diving into troubleshooting, it helps to identify what type of network error you’re facing. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues:

  • WS-116420-4: PS5 can’t connect to Wi-Fi or the network is congested.
  • NW-102307-3: Failed DNS settings or unstable IP configuration.
  • CE-105799-1: Connection to PlayStation Network (PSN) fails.
  • WV-33898-1: Internet service temporarily unavailable or under maintenance.

While these may seem cryptic, each code offers clues that help guide the resolution process.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix PS5 Network Errors

1. Check Internet Connection & PSN Status

Before altering any settings, ensure that the issue isn’t with your internet service provider (ISP) or a temporary server outage.

  1. Go to Settings > Network > Connection Status on your PS5 to test your connection.
  2. Visit PlayStation’s Network Service Status page to confirm PSN is not undergoing maintenance.

If everything seems fine externally, proceed to console-level troubleshooting.

2. Restart Your Console and Router

Often, a simple restart works wonders:

  • Turn off the PS5 completely, not just in Rest Mode.
  • Unplug the power cable from both the router and the console for at least 2 minutes.
  • Reconnect everything and power on both devices. Attempt to reconnect.

3. Use a Wired Connection

Wi-Fi is convenient, but it’s prone to interference. If connecting over Ethernet is an option, it can instantly stabilize the connection.

To do this:

  1. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into your router and the other into your PS5.
  2. On your console, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and select Wired LAN.
  3. Follow prompts to test and confirm the new setup.

Many users report a dramatic improvement in speed and lower latency after switching to a wired configuration.

4. Manually Set DNS Servers

Sometimes, default DNS servers provided by ISPs can be unreliable. Switching to public DNS like Google or Cloudflare often resolves connectivity issues.

Here’s how to manually set DNS servers:

  1. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
  2. Select your network, then choose Advanced Settings.
  3. Change DNS Settings to Manual.
  4. Enter the following values:
    • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
    • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
  5. Save and test your internet connection.

Alternate DNS addresses like Cloudflare’s (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) are equally effective.

5. Update Your PS5 Software

New firmware versions often fix known bugs, including network issues. Make sure your system is up-to-date:

  1. Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
  2. Select Update System Software.
  3. If updates are available, install them and restart your PS5.

This step is essential, especially after Sony rolls out platform-wide fixes.

6. Modify MTU Value (Advanced)

If standard fixes don’t work, try changing the MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit), which controls packet size during internet exchange.

  1. Navigate to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
  2. Under Advanced Settings, set the MTU to 1473 (default is usually 1500).

Smaller packets can sometimes pass through congested networks more efficiently.

7. Assign a Static IP Address

Dynamic IPs can lead to occasional disconnections. Assigning a static IP helps maintain a consistent connection, especially for online games.

To assign a static IP:

  1. Find your router’s IP address using your PC or mobile device.
  2. Log in via a web browser.
  3. Assign a static IP to your PS5 using its MAC address (found under Settings > Network > View Connection Status on your PS5).

Then input the values manually under your PS5’s Advanced Settings during connection setup.

8. Port Forwarding for Stable Online Play

A strong multiplayer experience often requires specific ports to be open. Here are the default PlayStation Network ports:

  • TCP: 1935, 3478-3480
  • UDP: 3074, 3478-3479

Steps to forward these ports:

  1. Log into your router’s admin panel.
  2. Navigate to the Port Forwarding section.
  3. Assign the above PSN ports to your console’s static IP address.
  4. Save and reboot the router.

This step can resolve NAT issues and improve matchmaking and voice chat reliability.

When All Else Fails: Factory Reset or Sony Support

If nothing works, you may want to consider a network settings reset or even a factory reset:

  1. To reset network settings: Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection and start fresh.
  2. For factory reset: Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options and choose Reset Your Console (use this as a last resort).

If you’re still facing issues, contact Sony Customer Support. It’s possible your console has a hardware-related network issue.

Preventive Tips for a Smoother Network Experience

  • Place your console closer to the router or use Wi-Fi extenders if you can’t use Ethernet.
  • Minimize interference from other devices using the same frequency band (like microwaves or cordless phones).
  • Schedule downloads during off-peak hours to make the most of your available bandwidth.
  • Enable Quality of Service (QoS) settings on your router to prioritize gaming traffic.

Conclusion

Facing network errors on the PS5 can be frustrating, but with a systematic approach, most issues can be resolved without professional help. By understanding the root causes—from DNS failures to hardware interference—you can restore your online gaming experience with confidence and stability.

Master these troubleshooting techniques, and you’ll spend more time immersed in your favorite games and less time battling your network.