Connect your PS4 to a TV first, then to the internet

Your PS4 needs two connections to work: one to your television and one to the internet. The TV connection is straightforward — use an HDMI cable between the PS4's HDMI port and any HDMI input on your TV. The internet connection can be wired (Ethernet cable plugged into the back of the PS4) or wireless (connecting to your home Wi-Fi network). Most people use Wi-Fi, which takes about five minutes to set up once you know your network password.

The PS4 will guide you through both connections when you turn it on for the first time. If you are setting up a used console or one that has been reset, the same setup screens will appear. You do not need a PlayStation Network account to make these connections work — that comes later if you want to play online games or download content.

Key Takeaways

  • Connect an HDMI cable from the PS4 to your TV before powering on the console for the first time.
  • Use either an Ethernet cable for a wired connection or your Wi-Fi network name and password for wireless internet.
  • The PS4 will walk you through internet setup automatically when you first turn it on; you only need to enter your network password.
  • If your Wi-Fi password contains special characters or spaces, type it exactly as it appears on your router or in your account.

What you need before you start

Gather these items before you begin: the PS4 console itself, a power cable (included with the console), an HDMI cable (also included), and either an Ethernet cable or your home Wi-Fi network password. The HDMI cable that comes in the box is standard and works with any modern TV. If you are using Wi-Fi, you will need the exact name of your network (called the SSID) and the password — this is usually on a sticker on the back or bottom of your router, or you can find it in your router's settings on a computer or phone.

If you do not have the Wi-Fi password, you can look it up by logging into your router's admin page (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 in a web browser) or by calling your internet provider. Some routers also have a WPS button that lets you connect without typing the password, though this is less common on newer models.

Connecting the PS4 to your TV

Plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI port on the back of the PS4 — there is only one, so it cannot go in the wrong place. Plug the other end into any HDMI input on your TV. Most TVs have multiple HDMI ports; it does not matter which one you use. Make sure your TV is set to the correct input (your TV remote should have an "Input" or "HDMI" button that cycles through available connections).

Plug the power cable into the PS4 and into a wall outlet or power strip. You will see a light on the front of the console — it may be white or blue depending on the PS4 model. Press the power button on the front of the console. The screen should show the PlayStation logo and then move to the setup screen. If you see nothing on your TV, check that the TV is on the correct HDMI input.

Connecting to Wi-Fi during setup

When the setup screen appears, you will see an option to connect to the internet. Select "Wi-Fi" (not "Ethernet" unless you have a cable running to your console). The PS4 will scan for available networks and show you a list. Find your network name in the list and select it.

When prompted, enter your Wi-Fi password using the on-screen keyboard. The password is case-sensitive, meaning uppercase and lowercase letters are different — if your password is "MyNetwork123", typing "mynetwork123" will not work. Take your time and type it exactly as it appears. Once you enter the password, the PS4 will connect to the internet and move to the next setup step.

If your network does not appear in the list, select "Enter Manually" and type the network name yourself. This sometimes happens if your router is set to hide the network name. After entering the name, you will still need to enter the password.

Using an Ethernet cable instead of Wi-Fi

If you want a wired connection, plug an Ethernet cable into the port on the back of the PS4 (it looks like a wider phone jack) and into your router. During setup, select "Ethernet" instead of "Wi-Fi". The PS4 will detect the cable and connect automatically — you do not need to enter any password.

A wired connection is generally more stable and faster than Wi-Fi, especially if your router is far from the PS4 or if you have many devices on your network. However, it requires running a cable, which is not practical in every living room. If you are having trouble with Wi-Fi connection, switching to Ethernet is worth trying.

What to do if the connection fails

If the PS4 cannot connect to Wi-Fi, first check that you typed the password correctly. The most common mistake is mixing up uppercase and lowercase letters or missing a space or special character. Try connecting again and type the password very slowly, character by character.

If that does not work, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Wait for the lights to stabilize (usually about a minute), then try connecting the PS4 again. If you still cannot connect, check that your router is broadcasting the network name (some routers have a setting to hide it). You can also try "forgetting" the network on the PS4 and connecting again from scratch — go to Settings, then Network, then Wi-Fi, find your network, and select "Forget".

If the Ethernet cable is not working, make sure both ends are plugged in firmly — the connectors should click into place. Try a different Ethernet cable if you have one available, as the cable itself can be faulty.

Testing your connection

After the PS4 connects to the internet, the setup process will usually test the connection automatically. You will see a message saying "Connection successful" or similar. If you want to test the connection later, go to Settings, then Network, then Test Internet Connection. The PS4 will check both your internet speed and your connection to PlayStation's servers.

A successful test means your PS4 can reach the internet and download updates. You do not need a fast connection for basic gaming — even 5 Mbps is enough to play online games. Downloading large games or updates will be slower on a weak connection, but the console will still work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PlayStation Network account to connect to the internet?

No. The internet connection itself does not require an account. You only need a PlayStation Network account if you want to play online multiplayer games, download content from the store, or use streaming apps. You can set up the account later.

Can I move the PS4 to a different room and reconnect to Wi-Fi?

Yes. The PS4 will remember your Wi-Fi network, so when you move it, go to Settings, then Network, then Wi-Fi, and select your network again. You will need to enter the password once more. If the network is out of range, you can forget it and connect to a different network instead.

What if my TV does not have an HDMI port?

Older TVs without HDMI cannot connect to a PS4. The PS4 only outputs video through HDMI. If your TV is very old, you would need to replace it or use a different display that has HDMI input.

Is it safe to use Wi-Fi, or should I always use Ethernet?

Wi-Fi is safe and works fine for most people. Ethernet is slightly more stable and faster, but it requires running a cable. Choose whichever is practical for your setup. Both are secure as long as your router password is strong.

How do I know if my internet is fast enough for the PS4?

The PS4 works with most home internet speeds. You can check your speed by running the Test Internet Connection in Settings. For online gaming, 5 to 10 Mbps is usually enough. For downloading large games, faster is better, but the console will work either way.