Released in 2013, PlayStation 4 or PS4 is one of the most powerful gaming consoles in the last decade. Although its predecessor, PS3, already had Wi-Fi and Ethernet support, the PS4 was the first PlayStation to support wireless controllers. Wi-Fi is an essential tool for most consoles and computers.
Some users of the PS4 have however reported that their PS4 keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi. This leads to limited access to games and basic features (often resulting in PlayStation 4 Error Code WS-37469-9). This guide will show why your PS4 console keeps losing internet connection and how to fix it.
Read this guide to know more.
Table of Contents
Common Reasons Why PS4 Keeps Disconnecting From Wi-Fi
As mentioned earlier, PS4 and its variants, such as the PS4 pro sometimes suffer from Wi-Fi issues. Various factors contribute to this annoying internet problem. Here are the most common reasons why your PS4 keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi:
- Incorrect Router Configurations – Wi-Fi issues on devices can sometimes be caused by faulty configurations. Choosing the right frequency, firewall settings, and DNS settings can affect a stable Wi-Fi connection.
- Outdated PS4 Firmware – Software updates for PS4 contain fixes on some problems. Downloading and installing the latest firmware can help to solve this Wi-Fi issue on PS4.
- Corrupted PS4 Data – The PS4’s database is important for the console to do its basic functions. Corrupted system data can sometimes affect its Wi-Fi feature, which leads to frequent disconnections.
- Weak Wi-Fi Signal – Wireless connections can be affected by interferences. If the router is on the other side of the room or is blocked by another Wi-Fi router, it can weaken the Wi-Fi signals from the router and lead to connection issues.
How to Fix PS4 Wi-Fi Disconnecting Issue
If you’re using the console away from the router, you can try relocating the PS4 to a close distance to the router to receive strong Wi-Fi signals. However, if it’s already near the router and you’re still experiencing the same issue, try following these fixes. Make sure to go over them one by one and see which fix helps you the most.
Fix #1: Perform a Connection Test on the PS4
A connection test will check if the PS4 has a stable Wi-Fi connection. It will also diagnose network problems that are causing the console to disconnect to Wi-Fi. To do a connection test on PS4, follow these steps:
- Open the PS4 console and go to Settings > Network.
- Choose Test Internet Connection.
- Once the test is over, check if you still have the same Wi-Fi issue.
If you’re having issues with one Wi-Fi network, you can try connecting the PS4 to another Wi-Fi connection or a mobile hotspot connection and see if the issue persists.
Fix #2: Power Cycle the PS4
Power cycling a PS4 can solve most bugs and glitches that you’re experiencing on the console. It re-initializes all internal components of the console and reverts them to a stable starting point. To power cycle a PS4, proceed to these steps:
- With the PS4 turned on, go to Power > Turn Off PS4.
- Once it’s turned off, unplug the PS4 from its power source and wait for thirty minutes. You can also do the same for the router.
- After enough time has elapsed, plug in the power cables for both the PS4 and the router.
- Turn on the router and make sure that no other devices are connected to it.
- Next, turn on the PS4 and connect it to Wi-Fi. Check if you’re still being disconnected.
Fix #3: Change the Wi-Fi Frequency on the PS4
The newer PS4 variants, such as the PS4 Pro, supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency, compared to the old PS4 model, which only supports 2.4 GHz by default.
Although the 2.4 GHz is set by default for most devices, a 5 GHz frequency offers a faster rate of data transfer, given that the router is close to the PS4. You can try changing the PS4 from a 2.4 GHz connection to a 5 GHz one and see if it solves this Wi-Fi issue. Please see our guide on 2.4 vs 5 ghz wifi.
To change the Wi-Fi frequency on PS4, follow the steps below:
- Open the PS4 and go to Settings > Network > Set up Internet Connection.
- Select Use Wi-Fi and choose Easy.
- Choose Options > Wi-Fi Frequency Bands and select 5 GHz.
- Reboot the PS4 and see if the Wi-Fi connection is more stable.
Fix #4: Update the PS4 Firmware to the Latest Version
Updating the PS4 firmware is always beneficial in several ways. Most software updates have fixed various reported problems by many users, including Wi-Fi issues. To update the PS4 firmware to the latest version, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings > System Software Update.
- Choose Update Now and wait until the update is fully installed on the console.
- Once the PS4 reboots, check if the Wi-Fi issue is gone.
Fix #5: Change DNS Settings on the PS4
Domain name system or DNS is a crucial part of the console’s network settings. It helps the PS4 to communicate to the router seamlessly. Changing it can solve most network problems and help the console to have a stable wireless connection.
To change the DNS settings on a PS4, proceed to these steps:
- Launch Settings and go to Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Use Wi-Fi > Custom > Manual.
- Under IP Address Settings, select Automatic.
- Next, under DHCP Host Name, select Do Not Specify.
- Then, under DNS Settings, choose Manual and enter the following DNS values:
Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 8.8.4.4
Cloudflare
Primary: 1.1.1.1
Secondary: 1.0.0.1
- Under MTU Settings, select Automatic. Then, under Proxy Server, choose Do Not Use.
- Reboot the console and run the connection test. See if the Wi-Fi connection is now stable.
Fix #6: Restore Default Settings on PS4
More often than not, unstable Wi-Fi connections are caused by improper configurations on the PS4 console. Restoring the settings on the PS4 to their factory state can help solve this Wi-Fi issue permanently.
Note: This will only affect the system settings of the PS4. Apps and app content will not be deleted; however, some saved game progress can potentially be affected.
To restore default settings on PS4, follow these steps:
- Turn off the PS4, then press and hold its Power button until you hear a second beep from the console.
- Release the Power button. The console will now boot under Safe Mode.
- From the Safe Mode options, select Restore Default Settings (fourth option).
- Wait for the console to reset. After it reboots, check if the Wi-Fi issue persists.
Fix #7: Rebuild the Database on the PS4
Using a PS4 with a new database will solve most of its problems. Keep in mind that this process will only delete all corrupted data and will not harm user data. This also prompts the console to delete excess temporary data such as cache, cookies, and other similar data.
To rebuild the database on the PS4, follow the steps below:
- Turn off the PS4, then press and hold the Power button until you hear a second beep. The console will now boot to Safe Mode.
- Release the Power button and from the Safe Mode options, select Rebuild Database (fifth option).
- Wait for the process to finish. Depending on the size of the PS4’s internal memory, it can take from a few minutes to an hour.
- After it’s finished, check if the Wi-Fi issue is solved.
Note: If your PS4 is stuck in safe mode after this, just reset it & it should leave safe mode.
Final Thoughts
The PS4 console is a powerful device to play your favorite games and watch various media content. However, it’s mainly possible if you have a stable Wi-Fi connection. Therefore, this guide should be able to help you to solve Wi-Fi issues on PS4 and its other models. If all else fails, you can try a wired connection from the PS4 to the router.