Is your PS4 showing a DNS server error? No need to worry, as it can be a common issue that can be resolved quickly. This error message can prevent you from accessing your favorite online games and services. Luckily, you can easily fix this error on your own without any technical expertise.
In this article, we will guide you through 5 simple steps to fix the DNS server error on your PSBefore we begin, it’s essential to understand the cause of this error. The error typically occurs when there is an issue with your PS4’s connection to the internet, and it can be caused by several factors such as incorrect DNS settings, network congestion, or issues with your router or modem.
So, if you are tired of seeing the DNS server error on your PS4, keep reading to find out how you can fix it in just 5 simple steps.
Understand the DNS Server Error on PS4
Before we dive into the solution, it’s essential to understand what a DNS server error is and how it affects your PlayStation When you connect your PS4 to the internet, it needs to translate domain names into IP addresses to access web pages, apps, and online games. This process is done by the DNS server, which acts as a phone book for the internet. When your PS4 can’t connect to the DNS server, you’ll see an error message that says, “Cannot connect to the server within the time limit.”
The most common cause of a DNS server error on your PS4 is a problem with your internet connection. Your router might not be working correctly, or your internet service provider could be experiencing downtime. Alternatively, it could be an issue with the DNS settings on your PS4 or firewall settings on your router.
Fortunately, fixing a DNS server error on your PS4 is a straightforward process that you can do at home. In this blog post, we’ll take you through five simple steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue.
But before we get into the solution, let’s look at the reasons why you might be facing a DNS server error on your PS4 in more detail.
What is a DNS server error on PS4?
If you are a PlayStation 4 (PS4) user, you might have encountered the term DNS server error. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a crucial component of the internet that helps translate website names into IP addresses.
A DNS server error on PS4 indicates that your console cannot connect to the internet due to a problem with your DNS server. This error can occur due to various reasons, such as a weak Wi-Fi signal, outdated router firmware, or incorrect DNS settings.
If you are experiencing a DNS server error on your PS4, it can be frustrating, but there are several steps you can take to fix it. In this article, we will explain what a DNS server error is, what causes it, and how you can fix it in 5 simple steps.
So, let’s dive into the details of DNS server errors and how to solve them on your PS4.
Restart Your Router and PS4
If you encounter a DNS server error on your PS4, the first thing you should try is to restart both your router and PSHere are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Turn off your PS4 by holding down the power button for at least 7 seconds until it beeps twice and shuts down.
Step 2: Unplug your router from the power source and wait for at least 30 seconds before plugging it back in.
Step 3: Wait for the router to start up and establish a connection to the internet. This may take a few minutes.
Step 4: Turn on your PS4 and check if the DNS server error is resolved. If the error persists, try the following:
Step 5: Repeat the steps above, but this time, connect your PS4 directly to the router using an ethernet cable instead of relying on Wi-Fi. This can help eliminate any potential wireless connection issues that may be causing the error.
Power Cycle Your Router
If restarting your PS4 did not resolve the DNS server error, then the next step is to power cycle your router. This process can help to refresh your router and eliminate any temporary glitches that may be causing the error. Here are the steps to follow:
- Turn off your router: Locate the power switch on your router and turn it off. If your router doesn’t have a power switch, then you’ll need to unplug it from the power source.
- Unplug the power cable: After turning off the router, unplug the power cable from the back of the device.
- Wait for 30 seconds: Leave the router unplugged for at least 30 seconds to allow any residual power to drain from the device.
- Plug in the power cable: After 30 seconds, plug the power cable back into the router.
- Turn on the router: Turn on the router by pressing the power switch or plugging it back into the power source. Wait for the router to fully start up before testing your PS4 connection again.
Power cycling your router can resolve many issues, including DNS server errors on PSIf this step doesn’t resolve the issue, then move on to the next step.
Restart Your PS4
Turn off the PS4: Hold down the power button on the front of the console until it turns off completely. Alternatively, you can go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Turn Off PS4 to shut it down.
Disconnect the power cable: Once the PS4 is turned off, unplug the power cable from the back of the console and wait for a few minutes.
Plug the power cable back in and turn on the PS4: After a few minutes have passed, plug the power cable back into the PS4 and turn it on.
If your PS4 still displays the DNS server error after restarting, move on to the next step to try changing the DNS settings on your console.
Check Your Wired Connection
If you are still experiencing the DNS server error on your PS4 after restarting your router, you may want to check your wired connection. Start by checking the Ethernet cable that connects your PS4 to your router. Ensure that the cable is not damaged and is firmly plugged into both devices.
If the cable is not the issue, try connecting a different Ethernet cable to see if the problem persists. You can also try connecting your PS4 to a different Ethernet port on your router.
Another possible solution is to try resetting your PS4’s internet settings. To do this, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable > Easy. Follow the on-screen prompts to set up your internet connection again.
Change DNS Settings on Your PS4
If restarting your router and PS4 didn’t solve the DNS server error, you can try changing the DNS settings on your PSHere are the steps:
Step 1: Go to the PS4 Home screen and select “Settings.”
Step 2: Select “Network,” then “Set Up Internet Connection.”
Step 3: Choose either “Wi-Fi” or “LAN Cable” depending on your internet connection type.
Step 4: Select “Custom” and enter the necessary information such as IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway.
Step 5: When asked to choose “DNS Settings,” select “Manual.”
Step 6: Enter the following values for the Primary DNS and Secondary DNS:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
These values are for the Google DNS server, which is known for its reliability and speed. After entering the DNS values, save the changes and test your internet connection to see if the DNS server error has been resolved.
Manually Set Up DNS on Your PS4
If you are still experiencing DNS server errors on your PS4 after restarting your router and PS4, you may need to manually set up DNS on your console. Here’s how:
- Go to the PS4 Home screen and navigate to Settings.
- Scroll down to Network and select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Wi-Fi or LAN depending on your internet connection type.
- Choose Custom and select your preferred Wi-Fi network or LAN cable.
After you have selected your network, you will be prompted to enter your Wi-Fi password or select Automatic for LAN. Then follow these steps:
- For IP Address Settings, choose Automatic.
- For DHCP Host Name, choose Do Not Specify.
- For DNS Settings, choose Manual.
- Enter the Primary and Secondary DNS server addresses you want to use. You can use Google DNS or OpenDNS for this.
- Save your settings and perform a connection test to confirm that the DNS server error on your PS4 has been fixed.
By manually setting up DNS on your PS4, you can ensure that your console is using reliable DNS servers, which can help prevent DNS server errors in the future.
Use Automatic Settings for DNS
If you’re not comfortable manually setting up DNS on your PS4, or if you’re not sure which DNS server to use, you can choose to use automatic settings for DNS. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the “Settings” menu on your PS4.
- Select “Network”.
- Select “Set Up Internet Connection”.
From there, select “Use Wi-Fi” or “Use a LAN Cable”, depending on your connection method. Then select “Easy” for the “IP Address Settings” and “DHCP Host Name” settings. Finally, select “Do Not Use” for the “Proxy Server” setting and select “Test Internet Connection” to make sure the automatic DNS settings are working properly.
By using automatic settings for DNS, your PS4 will automatically connect to a DNS server provided by your internet service provider or the network you’re connected to. This can be a good option if you don’t want to mess around with manual settings or if you’re experiencing DNS issues with a particular DNS server.
Check for DNS Spoofing
DNS Spoofing is a type of cyberattack that changes the IP address of a legitimate website to a fake one. This can lead to phishing scams or theft of personal information. To check if your PS4 is affected by DNS Spoofing, try the following:
- Check your router settings: Make sure that your router is configured to use DNS servers from a trusted source.
- Use a trusted DNS server: Try using a DNS server from a well-known provider like Google or OpenDNS.
- Use a VPN: A VPN can encrypt your internet traffic and protect against DNS Spoofing attacks.
If you suspect that your PS4 is still being affected by DNS Spoofing, you can use an online DNS checker tool to verify the IP addresses of the websites you are trying to access. This will help you identify if there is a problem with your DNS server or if there is a spoofed IP address. Additionally, you can contact your internet service provider for further assistance in resolving any issues with DNS Spoofing.
Try Using Google DNS
If you’re experiencing slow internet speeds or frequent disconnections, you might want to consider switching to Google DNS. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which translates the web address you enter into your browser into the IP address that computers use to communicate with each other.
Google DNS is a public DNS service offered by Google that can provide faster and more reliable DNS resolution. To use Google DNS, you need to change the DNS settings on your router or PSOnce you’ve made the change, your device will start using Google’s DNS servers instead of your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) default servers.
Using Google DNS is simple and easy to set up. Not only can it improve your internet speeds, but it can also protect your online privacy and security by blocking malicious websites and phishing scams.
What is Google DNS?
Google DNS is a free Domain Name System (DNS) resolution service that Google offers to the public. DNS is a technology that translates domain names, like www.example.com, into IP addresses, like 192.168.1.1, that computers can use to communicate with each other over the internet. Google DNS offers an alternative to your Internet Service Provider’s (ISP) default DNS service, which can sometimes be slow, unreliable, or even malicious.
By using Google DNS, you can potentially speed up your internet connection, improve your online security, and bypass certain website restrictions. Google DNS also supports features like DNS-over-HTTPS and DNS-over-TLS, which encrypt your DNS queries and responses, further enhancing your privacy and security online.
To use Google DNS, you can simply update your network settings on your device to point to Google’s DNS servers instead of your ISP’s servers. Google DNS provides two IP addresses to use as DNS servers: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
How to Set Up Google DNS on PS4
If you’re experiencing slow or unreliable internet on your PS4, setting up Google DNS can help improve your connection. Follow these steps to set up Google DNS on your PS4:
- Go to the main menu on your PS4 and select “Settings.”
- Select “Network” and then “Set Up Internet Connection.”
- Select “Wi-Fi” or “LAN Cable,” depending on your connection type.
- Select “Custom” and then select your network name.
- When prompted to choose your DHCP Host Name, select “Do Not Specify.”
- When prompted to choose your DNS Settings, select “Manual.”
- Enter “8.8.8.8” in the “Primary DNS” field and “8.8.4.4” in the “Secondary DNS” field.
- Select “Next” and then select “Test Internet Connection” to ensure your new DNS settings are working properly.
Setting up Google DNS on your PS4 can help improve your internet connection by providing faster and more reliable DNS resolution. This can lead to better online gaming experiences and faster downloads.
Note that if you experience any issues after setting up Google DNS, you can always go back to your previous settings or try using a different DNS provider.
Overall, setting up Google DNS on your PS4 is a simple and effective way to improve your internet connection and enjoy a better gaming experience.
Benefits of Using Google DNS
Faster Internet Speed: Google DNS has a large network of servers, so it can offer faster internet speeds than your default DNS. This means you can browse the internet and play games online with less lag and latency.
Better Security: Google DNS has built-in security features to protect you from cyber threats. It can help block phishing sites and malware, and prevent DNS spoofing.
Improved Reliability: Google DNS has a high uptime rate, which means it is less likely to go down or experience interruptions in service. This can help ensure that your PS4 stays connected to the internet and you can enjoy uninterrupted gameplay.
Disable Firewall on Your Router
If you’re experiencing issues with your PlayStation 4’s network connectivity, one possible solution is to disable the firewall on your router. A firewall is designed to protect your network from unauthorized access and can sometimes interfere with online gaming and other network-intensive activities.
However, before disabling your router’s firewall, it’s important to understand the potential risks involved. Without a firewall, your network may be vulnerable to attacks from hackers and other malicious actors. If you choose to disable your firewall, make sure to take other security measures to protect your network.
To disable your router’s firewall, you’ll need to access your router’s settings page. This can usually be done by entering your router’s IP address into your web browser and logging in with your administrator credentials.
Once you’ve logged in, look for the firewall settings and disable them. Keep in mind that the process may vary depending on your router’s make and model, so consult your router’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for specific instructions.
After disabling the firewall, check if your PlayStation 4’s network connectivity has improved. If the issue persists or you’re uncomfortable with the increased security risk, re-enable the firewall and consider other troubleshooting options.
How to Disable Firewall on Your Router
If you have determined that your router’s firewall is causing issues with your PS4, you may need to disable it. Here are the steps to disable the firewall on your router:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Access your router’s settings | Open your web browser and type your router’s IP address into the URL bar. Enter your login credentials when prompted. |
| 2 | Navigate to the firewall settings | Find the firewall or security settings in your router’s menu. This may be under “Advanced Settings” or “Firewall Settings”. |
| 3 | Disable the firewall | Toggle the firewall off or select the option to disable it. Be sure to save your changes before exiting the settings menu. |
| 4 | Restart your router | After disabling the firewall, it’s a good idea to restart your router. This will ensure that the changes take effect. |
Note that disabling the firewall on your router can leave your network more vulnerable to attacks. Be sure to enable the firewall again once you have resolved your PS4 connectivity issues.
If disabling the firewall on your router does not solve your problem, you may need to consider other troubleshooting options.
Keep in mind that the firewall is an important security feature that helps protect your network from external threats. Only disable it temporarily and in specific situations where it may be causing connectivity issues with your PS4.
Contact Your Internet Service Provider
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and your PS4 still cannot connect to the internet, it may be time to contact your internet service provider (ISP). Your ISP can help you diagnose and resolve any network issues that may be preventing your PS4 from connecting.
Before contacting your ISP, make sure you have all the necessary information ready, including your account details and the troubleshooting steps you have already tried. This will help your ISP identify and resolve the issue more quickly.
When you speak with your ISP, be sure to describe the issue in detail, including any error messages you may have encountered. Your ISP may also ask you to perform additional troubleshooting steps or provide additional information, so be prepared to follow their instructions.
If the issue is with your ISP’s network, they will work to resolve it as quickly as possible. However, if the issue is with your PS4 or your home network, your ISP may direct you to contact Sony support or a professional network technician.
Remember, your ISP is there to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you are experiencing internet connection issues with your PS4.
Call Your ISP for Support
If you’ve exhausted all troubleshooting steps and still can’t resolve your PS4’s network issues, it’s time to call your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for support. They can check if there are any network outages or service disruptions in your area. They can also check if there are any restrictions or limitations on your internet plan that may be causing the issue.
Before calling your ISP, make sure you have your account information and your PS4’s network settings handy. This will help your ISP troubleshoot the issue more efficiently. Be prepared to explain the steps you have taken to resolve the issue so far.
Your ISP may ask you to perform additional troubleshooting steps or may escalate the issue to their technical support team. In some cases, they may send a technician to your home to check the network equipment and wiring.
Ask Your ISP to Reset Your IP Address
If you suspect that your IP address has been compromised, one solution is to have your Internet Service Provider (ISP) reset your IP address. This can help to ensure that any malicious activity that may be associated with your old IP address is stopped. Here’s how to do it:
- Contact your ISP: Call your ISP’s customer support line and explain the situation. Ask them to reset your IP address.
- Verify your account information: Your ISP may ask you to verify your account information, such as your name, address, and phone number.
- Wait for the reset: Once your ISP confirms your request, they will reset your IP address. This process typically takes a few hours.
- Test your connection: After the reset, you should be able to connect to the internet as usual. Test your connection to make sure everything is working properly.
Note that resetting your IP address may not always be necessary or effective in solving your connectivity issues. However, if you suspect that your IP address has been compromised, it can be a helpful step to take to protect your online security.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DNS server error on PS4?
A DNS server error on PS4 is a common connectivity issue that occurs when the console fails to connect to the internet due to problems with the Domain Name System (DNS) server.
What causes a DNS server error on PS4?
A DNS server error on PS4 can be caused by a variety of factors, including network connectivity issues, incorrect DNS settings, firewall or security software, and problems with the DNS server itself.
How can I troubleshoot a DNS server error on PS4?
To troubleshoot a DNS server error on PS4, you can try several things, such as resetting the console, restarting your router, changing your DNS settings, disabling your firewall, or contacting your internet service provider (ISP) for support.
How do I change my DNS settings on PS4?
To change your DNS settings on PS4, go to the Settings menu, select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection. Choose Wi-Fi or LAN depending on your connection, select Custom setup, and enter the appropriate information for IP Address, DHCP Host Name, DNS Settings, and MTU Settings.
What are the benefits of using Google DNS on PS4?
Using Google DNS on PS4 can help improve your internet speed, reduce latency, and provide more reliable and secure connections. It can also bypass certain internet restrictions or content blocking by some ISPs or governments.
How do I contact my ISP for support with a DNS server error on PS4?
You can contact your ISP for support with a DNS server error on PS4 by calling their customer service hotline, chatting online with a representative, or submitting a support ticket through their website. Be sure to provide specific details about your issue and any troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken.