How to Fix PS4 Keeps Disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

What We Have Covered in This Article

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Editor Futurescope

PS4 console remains to be one of the best gaming consoles loved by gamers around the world. Its design and features make your gaming experience seem more natural and enjoyable. However, one common issue you are likely to face or have faced already in the PS4 keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi then connects back after 10-15 seconds, all by itself.

PS4 Wi-Fi issues will ruin your gaming experience, something you do not want, right? To enjoy uninterrupted gaming, you should first learn why your PS4 keeps disconnecting from the internet. The causative issues may be from the PS4 side, like outdated firmware, or might be caused by the Wi-Fi router.

By the end of this article, you will have learned why your PS4 keeps disconnecting from the internet. Additionally, we shall share complete troubleshooting steps to fix PS4 that keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi or the internet.

Why PS4 Keeps Disconnecting from WiFi

If you’ve faced connection drop issues on your PS4, you might be unable to pinpoint the cause of the drop-off issue. The most common issue is where the Wi-Fi network signal drops off for 5-10 seconds then reconnects by itself. Any of the following may cause these connection losses:

1. Bad Connection Speed

You might experience a slower connection speed if your Wi-Fi network is overloaded, i.e., connected to many devices. The router distributes internet speed across all the devices, which may cause your PS4 to keep disconnect from Wi-Fi.

2. PS4 Software Updates

PS4 manufacturers, Sony, keeps releasing updates for the PS4 gaming console. These software updates are, at times, faulty and may cause problems with your console. You might realize that after installing a software update, your PS4 starts losing the Wi-Fi connection.

This issue is most common and might be the reason why your PS4 keeps disconnecting from Wi-Fi. However, this article has a helpful answer on how to fix the issue.

3. Technical Issues

Technical problems from your internet service provider, like network outages, may cause your Wi-Fi signals to be weak. Consequently, your PS4 may have technical problems that are causing the connection drop issues.

How to Fix PS4 WiFi Connection Issue

Having figured out what may be causing the connection issues, it’s time for solutions. To enjoy your game of choice or various game releases without any internet interruptions, use any of the following troubleshooting methods to fix the PS4 that keeps disconnecting from WiFi:

1. Select the Frequency Band Manually

There are two versions of PS4, the old PS4 and PS4 Pro; both have similar features though the Pro version is more updated and has additional features. Likewise, frequency bands are into two, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. PS4 Pro can run on any frequency band, but the old version only supports the 2.4 GHz band. If you have updated your PS4 and noted that it randomly disconnects from the internet, the issue may be caused by the automatic band selection feature of the console.

You might experience lagging while playing games with your PS4 since it keeps switching from 2.4 GHz to 5 GHz and vice versa. Before you select the band manually, you need to find out which band is performing better. Try the 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz, then choose the one that performs best. It is imperative to note that the 2.4 GHz band gives you better coverage but with slower speed while the latter does the opposite.

Select the frequency band manually using these steps:

Navigate to the PS4 menu then to Settings
Select Network then Setup Internet Connection and locate the Use Wi-Fi option, then click on Easy
Click on the options menu at the screen bottom
Go to Wi-Fi Frequency Bands and choose between 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz.

2. Reopen the Application

This method is a quick troubleshooting method that can help fix the Wi-Fi drop-off issue. For instance, if you face connection issues while playing FIFA 2021, close the app then open it again:

Click the home button to open the home screen
Tap the options button on the PS4 controller to open the Game menu
Select the close the game option
Reopen the application

3. Troubleshoot your Router

If the connection losses are coming from your Wi-Fi network, rebooting the router is sure to troubleshoot the problem. Unplug your router’s power cable and plug it back in after a few seconds. Alternatively, disconnect all the unnecessary devices connected to the Wi-Fi network of your router. Decongesting the router solves the slow speed issue and ensures that your PS4 receives an optimal connection.

Move the router near the PS4 console or position it in a high position to ensure it receives and effectively broadcasts signals.

If the router is far from the console, use a Wi-Fi extender to boost the signals. Another hack is using a cable connection rather than a wireless connection. Use an Ethernet cable to connect your PS4 to the Wi-Fi network. Ethernet internet can offer a faster connection than a wireless connection.

4. Delete and Re-install the issue-causing game

If you experience the Wi-Fi drop-off issue while playing a specific game like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, delete it entirely from the hard drive, then relaunch it.

You can quickly delete a PS4 game on the console, following these steps:

Go to the Game menu and select the issue-causing game
Tap the options button on your controller
From the menu, select Delete, then confirm to delete

After removing the game, install it again using its compact disk or download it from the PlayStation Store if you have purchased it online.

5. Factory Reset PS4 Console

Resetting your console back to the default setting is a sure way to fix most issues affecting the PS4. However, this will erase your data and configurations. You can back up your PS4 Saves then reset your PS4 in these steps:

Switch off the console
Remove the PS4 power cable, then wait for a couple of minutes
Connect the power cable back into PS4
Long press the power button until you hear the second beep
Use a USB cable to plug in the Dualshock 4 controller
Use the X-icon button to choose Initialize PS4
Wait for the console to reset, then open it again

Alternatively, you can restart the console rather than resetting it and check if it solves the issue. Use the exact steps for factory resetting but select Restart PS4 instead of Initialize PS4.

6. Change the DNS Server Settings

DNS (Domain Name System) changes can fix the connection drop issues and give you faster internet connection speed.

Change your DNS settings by following these steps:

Open the PS4 Settings menu, then navigate to Network, then select the Setup internet connection option
Select Wi-Fi, then Custom
In the IP address settings, select the Automatic option. Do not specify the DHCP Hostname.
Under DNS Settings, select Manual
Key in (8.8.8.8) as the Primary DNS and (8.8.8.4) as the Secondary DNS
Under MTU Settings, select the Automatic option
Choose Do not use under proxy server
Click on test your internet connection

7. Change the IP Address to Static

If you choose the Automatic IP address on your PS4 settings, you will be using the Dynamic IP address. Dynamic IP address keeps changing whenever your internet service provider gives you a new address or when you reboot your Wi-Fi router. This factor makes the Dynamic IP address unstable. The static IP address does not change and offers a more stable address for internet connectivity.

To change the IP Address to static, use the following steps:

Open the Settings Menu then to Network and click on View Connection Status
Take a picture or write down the Subnet Mask, IP address, and Default Gateway, then navigate back to the previous menu.
On the settings menu, click on Set Up Internet Connection, then select Use Wi-Fi
Select Custom then Manual
Key in the first three digits of the IP address you noted down, then choose any number between 2- 255 as your last digit.
Enter the Subnet Mask and Default Gateway that you wrote down
Under MTU Settings, select Automatic
Select Do not Use for Proxy Server
Click on test your internet connection.

After changing the IP address to static, try using the Wi-Fi and see if you have solved the connection drop issue.

8. Rebuild the PS4 Database

If other solutions have not worked for you, try rebuilding the database of your PS4. This method is best known for solving most software-related bugs. Though it may take up to an hour to rebuild, this troubleshooting method is worth your while.

How do you rebuild your PS4 database? Use these steps:

Switch off your PS4 console
Long press the power button for 8-10 seconds
Use a USB cable to connect the Dualshock 4 controller to your console
On the controller, press the PlayStation button
Scroll down and click the Rebuild Database option using the X button.
Wait until the Rebuilding process is complete. The console will automatically boot up.
Connect Wi-Fi, then log in to PlayStation Network to confirm if your current internet issue has been solved.

After rebuilding your PS4 database, you might find some of your games missing. However, you can restore them:

Go to setting and select Account Management
Select Restore Licenses
Click the Restore button

Fixing the PS4 Keeps Disconnecting from Wi-Fi Issue

This article summarizes 8 of the best ways to fix PS4’s disconnecting from Wi-Fi issue. You can use any of the troubleshooting tips to solve the issue and enjoy an uninterrupted gaming experience. Alternatively, you can visit the PlayStation Support center for more information or contact their support team if you cannot solve the issue.