How to Connect PlayStation 4 to WiFi

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

This guide will walk you though connecting your PlayStation 4 to Wi-Fi.

2. Credentials

In order to connect to a wireless network, you must have the required credentials. These are:

  • Wireless Network Name (SSID)
  • Wireless Network Key (Password)

Finding Network Credentials

Most wireless routers/gateways have a label with the default credentials. If the credentials aren't there, look in the devices documentation.

Default Wi-Fi credentials highlighted on router/gateway sticker.

If your Internet Service Provider (ISP) installed the wireless router or gateway, they might have left you a setup sheet which may have the credentials.

3. Connect to Wi-Fi

To connect your PlayStation 4 to the Wi-Fi network, follow the below steps:

  1. From the PlayStation 4 main screen go up to the function area at the top, then go right to the Settings option.
settings highlighted on the main menu


  1. Then go down to Network.
network highlighted on settings menu


  1. Make sure Connect to the Internet is checked then go to Set Up Internet Connection.
setup internet connection highlighted on Network menu


  1. Select Use Wi-Fi for the way you want to connect to the network.
Use Wi-Fi is highlighted on screen


  1. Choose Easy for how you want to setup the connection.
Easy highlighted on internet connection screen


  1. Wait for the list of Wi-Fi networks to show up, then pick the one you want to connect to. Wi-Fi networks showing a padlock symbol are secured and require a password to connect.
list of wifi networks with one of the example networks selected


  1. If you chose to connect to a secured Wi-Fi network, then type in the connection password using the on-screen keyboard and select Done then press OK.
page asking for Wi-Fi password and shows virtual keyboard


  1. At this point the Wi-Fi connection should be set up and you can back out or you can make sure the Internet connection is established properly by pressing Test Internet Connection.
Internet settings updated with test internet connection highlighted


  1. If the Wi-Fi internet connection was set up successfully, the test results should look like this.
summary of your network connection

4. Check Other Devices

To help troubleshoot the problem we should check if other devices can connect to the wireless network.

5. Check Environment

If other wireless devices are connected to the network and functioning properly, chances are the router is OK. It's possible there is an environmental issue. Do you have a portable wireless device (Smart Phone, Tablet, Laptop, etc.) that you can put in the same area to test and see if that device's wireless connection still functions as intended in that location?

6. Power cycle

If you haven't already, please try power cycling the device you're working with. To do so, simply turn it off, wait 30 seconds and turn it back on again.

7. Incompatible Routers

A small number of routers are not compatible with PlayStation 4 or may require additional steps to connect.

  1. Routers in 5GHz only mode are not compatible with the PlayStation 4.
  2. The vast majority of routers operate on 2.4GHz. The PlayStation 4 operates on 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz networks and won't be able to find your network if your router is set to operate in 5GHz only mode.
  3. If you are having issues connecting, check with your router's documentation to verify you are not using it in 5GHz only mode.

8. What's next?

9. Range Check

The device needs to be within a reasonable range of the router in order to connect and have the best connection speeds.

  • In general, in most homes, you can be up to 30 feet from your router for a decent connection.
  • From 30' to 50' away, the speeds will be slower, and may drop occasionally, but it should be usable.
  • Greater than 50' away, and the signal will most likely be too weak to overcome interference. The speeds will be slow, and the connection may be sporadic.

The above numbers are approximates only. Optimal range may vary based on router make and model.

10. What's next?

11. Relocate Router Check

Your router may need to be relocated to a more centralized location in order to provide better coverage for all your devices.

Good Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the center of a house will provide better coverage to reach all devices. Diagram.

Bad Placement

A house, separated into rooms detailing how placing Wi-Fi in the corner of the house can cause some devices to not have a Wi-Fi signal. Diagram.

12. Router Relocation

Since this appears to be a range issue that can be resolved by putting the router in closer proximity to the device's intended use area, we recommend moving the router to a more centralized location.

13. Range Extender

If wireless signal is not reaching your device, and relocating your router or the device itself to be in closer proximity is not possible or doesn't resolve the issue, a great way to boost wireless signal without replacing existing equipment is to acquire and install a range extender. Range extenders work with your existing wireless router as a type of wireless repeater used to expand the reach of wireless signal in your home.

14. What's next?