Why Does My PS4 Randomly Disconnect from the Internet and How to Fix It

Continuous online gaming or streaming on your PS4 can be an enjoyable experience, but random disconnections can swiftly turn it into a frustration. If your PS4 keeps disconnecting from the Wi-Fi network at random times, there are several troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue.

Common Causes and Potential Solutions

Wi-Fi Signal Interference

Several factors can interfere with your Wi-Fi signal, causing your PS4 to disconnect from the internet. These include other electronic devices such as microwave ovens, cordless phones, and even physical obstructions like walls and floors.

Solution: Try moving your router closer to the PS4 or relocating other devices that may be causing interference. Optimal placement can significantly improve the signal strength and stability of the connection.

Network Congestion

If multiple devices are connected to the same network, it can lead to congestion and result in disconnections during gaming sessions. This is especially true if your internet plan is not sufficiently robust to handle multiple high-bandwidth activities simultaneously.

Solution: Limit the number of devices connected to your network while gaming or consider upgrading your internet plan to ensure a more stable and reliable connection.

Router Issues

Your router might need a firmware update or could be malfunctioning, leading to disconnections. This can be particularly relevant if you notice similar connectivity problems on other devices connected to the same network.

Solution: Restart your router to refresh the network settings and check for firmware updates. If the issue persists, consider resetting the router to factory settings, but be aware that this will erase all your saved settings. If the problem still exists, you may need to contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

PS4 Software Issues

Outdated system software on your PS4 can cause connectivity problems. This is especially true if you have not updated the software in a while, as newer updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can help resolve connectivity issues.

Solution: Ensure your PS4 has the latest system software update installed. Check for updates in the settings menu and install them if available.

DNS Settings

Incorrect DNS settings can also lead to connectivity issues. By default, most devices use public DNS servers like Google’s 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.

Solution: Change your DNS settings to these public DNS servers in the PS4 network settings.

NAT Type

An inappropriate Network Address Translation (NAT) type can significantly affect connectivity, especially for online gaming. NAT Type 3 and 4 are generally the most common issues.

Solution: Check your NAT type in the network settings and consider setting up port forwarding on your router to improve compatibility with online gaming services.

ISP Issues

Occasionally, the disconnection could be attributed to your Internet Service Provider (ISP). ISP outages or issues in your area can cause random disconnections.

Solution: Contact your ISP to check if there are any known outages or issues in your area. This can help you determine if the disconnection is a network-wide issue or specific to your connection.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If the above solutions do not resolve the problem, consider connecting your PS4 directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. A wired connection can provide a more stable and reliable internet connection, reducing the chances of disconnections.

Check your Wi-Fi connection: Ensure that your Wi-Fi router is functioning properly and that other devices are able to connect to the network without any issues. Position your PS4 closer to the router: Move your PS4 closer to the router to improve the signal strength and stability of the connection. Reset the network settings: Navigate to Settings Network Set Up Internet Connection and select the Wi-Fi network you want to connect to. Choose the option to set up a new connection and follow the on-screen instructions. Update the system software: Ensure that your PS4 has the latest system software installed. Check for updates in the settings menu. Use a wired connection: Connect your PS4 directly to the router using an Ethernet cable. Restart your PS4 and router: Try restarting both your PS4 and Wi-Fi router to refresh the network connection and resolve any temporary issues.

If the issue persists after trying these troubleshooting steps, it's advisable to reach out to Sony's customer support for further assistance. They can provide specific guidance and troubleshooting steps based on the nature of the connectivity problem you are experiencing.