What you need to connect to PlayStation Network

To connect to PlayStation Network (PSN), you need a PlayStation console (PS4, PS5, or PS Vita), an internet connection, and a PSN account. If you already have an account from another PlayStation device, you can sign in with those same credentials. If you are new to PlayStation, you will create a free account during the setup process.

Your internet connection can be wired (ethernet cable plugged directly into your console) or wireless (WiFi). A wired connection is more stable for gaming, but wireless works fine if that is your only option. Make sure your internet is working before you start — test it on another device if you are unsure.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an active internet connection and a PSN account to connect to PlayStation Network, both of which are free to set up.
  • On PS5 and PS4, go to Settings, then Network, then Set Up Internet Connection to choose between wired and wireless.
  • If you do not have a PSN account yet, you can create one during setup or beforehand on a computer or phone.
  • Once connected, you can download games, play online multiplayer, and access services like PlayStation Plus if you subscribe.
  • If your connection fails, restart your console and router, then check that your WiFi password is correct or that your ethernet cable is plugged in firmly.

Connecting on PS5

Turn on your PS5 and go to Settings (the gear icon at the top right of the home screen). Select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection. The console will show you two options: WiFi or LAN Cable.

If you are using WiFi, select WiFi and choose your network name from the list. Enter your WiFi password when prompted. If you are using an ethernet cable, select LAN Cable, plug the cable into the port on the back of your PS5, and the connection should happen automatically. The console will test the connection and tell you if it worked.

Once your internet is connected, you will be asked to sign in to your PSN account. If you already have one, enter your email address and password. If you do not have an account, select Create Account and follow the on-screen steps. You will need to provide an email address, create a password, and set a username (your PSN ID). After that, your PS5 is connected to PlayStation Network.

Connecting on PS4

Start your PS4 and go to Settings from the home menu. Select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection. You will see the same two options: Use WiFi or Use a LAN Cable.

For WiFi, select Use WiFi, pick your network from the list, and type in your password. For a wired connection, plug an ethernet cable into the back of your PS4 and select Use a LAN Cable. The PS4 will test the connection automatically. Once the test passes, you will be prompted to sign in to PSN with your email and password, or to create a new account if you do not have one yet.

Creating a PSN account before you start

You do not have to create your account on the console itself. You can set up a PSN account on a computer or phone before you touch your PlayStation, which can save time. Go to www.playstation.com, click Sign In at the top right, then select Create an Account. Fill in your email, create a password, choose a username (this becomes your PSN ID), and provide your date of birth and region.

Once your account is created and confirmed (you will get a confirmation email), you can sign into it on your console using the same email and password. This is especially useful if you are setting up a console for someone else, because you can create the account with your own email first, then change the password or email address later.

Troubleshooting a failed connection

If your console says the connection test failed, start by checking the basics. Make sure your WiFi password is correct, or if you are using an ethernet cable, unplug it and plug it back in firmly into both the console and your router. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in and waiting for it to fully boot up.

Restart your console as well. On PS5, hold the power button for three seconds until the console beeps, then wait for it to shut down completely before turning it back on. On PS4, go to Settings, select Power Saving Settings, then Set Functions Available in Rest Mode, and make sure Stay Connected to the Internet is checked. Then restart the console.

If the connection still fails after restarting both devices, move your console closer to your router if you are using WiFi, or check whether other devices on your network are working. If nothing else on your WiFi works either, the problem is with your internet service, not your PlayStation — contact your internet provider. If only your PlayStation is affected, try moving it to a different location or switching to a wired connection if possible.

What you can do once you are connected

Once your console is connected to PSN, you can download games from the PlayStation Store, play online multiplayer in games that support it, and chat with friends. You can also back up your game saves to the cloud so they are safe if something happens to your console.

Some features require a PlayStation Plus subscription, which is paid. PlayStation Plus gives you access to online multiplayer, monthly free games, and cloud save storage. You do not need it just to connect to PSN or to play single-player games, but you will need it if you want to play online with other people. You can start a free trial of PlayStation Plus from the Store to see if it is worth it for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for a PSN account?

No, creating and using a PSN account is free. You only pay if you want PlayStation Plus, which is optional and gives you online multiplayer and monthly free games. You can play single-player games and download free titles without paying anything.

Can I use the same PSN account on multiple consoles?

Yes. Sign in with the same email and password on any PlayStation console. Your games, friends list, and save data will follow you. However, only one console can be set as your "primary console" for game sharing — check your account settings if you own more than one.

What if I forgot my PSN password?

Go to www.playstation.com, click Sign In, then select Can't sign in? Enter your email address and follow the steps to reset your password. You will receive a link in your email to create a new password. Use that new password on your console.

Does my internet need to be fast to use PSN?

No. PSN works on most home internet connections. You need at least 2.5 Mbps to download games and play online, and most home internet is faster than that. You can check your speed in Settings on your console — it will tell you your download and upload speeds after running a connection test.

Can I connect to PSN without WiFi or ethernet?

No, you need either a wired ethernet connection or WiFi. There is no way to connect a PlayStation to the internet without one of those two. If you do not have WiFi at home, you can use a mobile hotspot from a phone, but that will use your phone's data plan.