Connect your PS4 using WiFi or ethernet cable

Your PS4 connects to the internet in two ways: through WiFi or with an ethernet cable plugged directly into your router. WiFi is easier to set up if your router is in another room. An ethernet cable gives you a faster, more stable connection if your router is close to your PS4. Either way, the setup takes about five minutes.

Before you start, make sure you have your WiFi password written down, or know where to find it. If you are using an ethernet cable, plug one end into the back of your PS4 and the other end into your router — you do not need a password for this method.

Key Takeaways

  • WiFi setup requires your network name and password, which you can find on your router or in your router's settings.
  • An ethernet cable gives faster speeds than WiFi and is the better choice if your router is within 25 feet of your PS4.
  • The PS4 will test your connection automatically after you enter your settings, and will tell you if something is wrong.
  • If your connection fails, restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plug it back in and try again.

Set up WiFi on your PS4

Go to Settings on your PS4 home screen. Scroll down and select Network, then choose Set Up Internet Connection. The PS4 will show you a list of WiFi networks in range — find yours and select it.

Type your WiFi password exactly as it appears. Passwords are case-sensitive, which means capital letters matter. If you are not sure of your password, check the sticker on the back or bottom of your router — it usually says "WiFi Password" or "Network Key". Once you enter the password, select Next. The PS4 will test the connection and tell you if it worked.

Set up ethernet on your PS4

Plug the ethernet cable into the port on the back of your PS4 labeled "LAN". Plug the other end into any available port on your router. The PS4 should recognize the connection within a few seconds — you will see a cable icon appear on the screen.

Go to Settings on your home screen, then Network, then Set Up Internet Connection. Select Use a LAN Cable. The PS4 will test the connection automatically. If the test passes, you are done — ethernet does not require a password.

What to do if the connection test fails

The most common reason a connection fails is an incorrect password. If you typed your WiFi password and the test failed, go back and try again. Make sure you did not accidentally use a capital letter where there should be a lowercase one, or vice versa. If you are still not sure of the password, restart your router and look for the default password on the sticker.

If the password is correct but the test still fails, restart your router. Unplug it from power for 30 seconds, then plug it back in. Wait two minutes for it to fully restart, then go back to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and try again. If you are using ethernet and the test fails, make sure the cable is plugged firmly into both the PS4 and the router — a loose connection will cause the test to fail.

Check your connection speed

Once your connection is working, you can see how fast it is. Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. The PS4 will run a test and show you your download speed and upload speed. Most games need a download speed of at least 5 Mbps to work smoothly. If your speed is below 5 Mbps, move your PS4 closer to your router if you are using WiFi, or check whether other people in your home are using the internet heavily.

If you are using WiFi and your speed is slow, switching to an ethernet cable will usually make it faster. Ethernet is not affected by walls, distance, or other WiFi networks in your area the way wireless is.

Troubleshoot when your PS4 keeps disconnecting

If your PS4 connects but then loses the connection after a few minutes, the problem is usually your router, not your PS4. Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds. If disconnections keep happening, move your PS4 closer to the router if you are using WiFi — walls and distance weaken the signal. If moving it is not possible, use an ethernet cable instead.

Another reason for disconnections is that your router is overloaded. If many devices are connected to your WiFi at the same time — phones, tablets, computers, other gaming systems — your router may drop the PS4 to prioritize other devices. Disconnect devices you are not using, or use an ethernet cable on your PS4 so it does not compete with WiFi devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for internet to use my PS4?

No. Your PS4 uses the same internet connection you already pay for through your internet service provider. You do not pay PlayStation separately for internet access. However, you do need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online multiplayer games — that is different from internet access.

Can I use my phone's hotspot to connect my PS4?

Yes, but it is not recommended for gaming. Your phone's hotspot will work for downloading games and updates, but online games need a stable connection. Phone hotspots are slower and less reliable than home WiFi or ethernet. If you must use a hotspot, connect your PS4 to it the same way you would connect to any other WiFi network.

What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi?

Your router may broadcast two networks with the same name — one at 2.4 GHz and one at 5 GHz. The 5 GHz network is faster but does not travel as far through walls. The 2.4 GHz network is slower but reaches farther. If your PS4 is in the same room as your router, choose 5 GHz. If it is in another room, use 2.4 GHz or use an ethernet cable.

Why is my PS4 downloading games so slowly?

Slow downloads usually mean your internet speed is low, or other devices are using the internet at the same time. Check your connection speed by going to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. If the speed is below 10 Mbps, restart your router or move closer to it if using WiFi. If the speed is good but downloads are still slow, disconnect other devices from your WiFi.