Check What Is Causing the Problem
Before changing any settings on your PS5, it helps to narrow down whether the disconnection issue is specific to the console or affects other devices on the same network. If your phone, laptop, or tablet also drops the Wi-Fi connection regularly, the problem is most likely with your router or internet service. If only the PS5 disconnects, the issue is probably related to the console’s network settings, its position relative to the router, or interference in the room.
A simple way to test this is to use another device next to your PS5 and see if it maintains a stable connection over the same period. Also, try moving the PS5 closer to the router temporarily. If the disconnections stop, the distance or obstacles between the console and the router are likely the main cause.
Common factors that can cause Wi-Fi disconnections on the PS5 include:
- Wireless interference from other electronics, thick walls, or metal objects
- The console being placed too far from the router
- Outdated router firmware or PS5 system software
- Network congestion from too many devices using the same band
- Incorrect DNS or IP settings
- Router settings that limit the number of connections or prioritize other devices
- Power-saving features on the PS5 that reduce Wi-Fi activity
Starting with the most straightforward fixes will save you time and reduce the risk of making unnecessary changes.
Fixes to Try in Order
1. Restart Your PS5 and Router
Restarting both devices clears temporary data and can resolve many intermittent connection problems. This is the safest first step and does not delete any settings or saved data.
To restart the PS5 properly:
- Press the PlayStation button on the controller to open the control center.
- Go to Power and select Turn Off PS5. Wait until the console is completely off and the light bar turns off.
- Unplug the power cord from the back of the PS5 or from the wall outlet.
- Wait at least 60 seconds before plugging it back in.
To restart the router:
- Unplug the router’s power cable.
- Wait at least 30 seconds.
- Plug the router back in and wait for all lights to return to normal, which may take a minute or two.
Once the router is fully online, turn on the PS5 and test the Wi-Fi connection. If the disconnections stop, the issue was likely a temporary glitch.
2. Move the PS5 Closer to the Router or Reduce Obstacles
Wi-Fi signals weaken as distance increases, and they are easily blocked by walls, floors, large furniture, and appliances. If the PS5 is in a different room from the router, or if it is enclosed in a cabinet or entertainment center, the signal quality may be poor enough to cause frequent disconnections.
Try moving the PS5 to the same room as the router, or at least to a location with a direct line of sight to the router. Even a few feet can make a noticeable difference. Avoid placing the console near metal surfaces, microwaves, cordless phones, or other electronics that emit radio signals.
3. Switch Between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Bands
The PS5 supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. The 2.4 GHz band travels farther and passes through obstacles better, but it is more prone to interference and congestion. The 5 GHz band offers faster speeds and less interference, but its range is shorter and it does not penetrate walls as well.
If your router broadcasts both bands under the same network name (SSID), the PS5 will choose the band automatically, which may not always be the most stable option for your setup. You can check which band the PS5 is connected to in the network settings, though the exact method to force a specific band depends on your router. A common approach is to temporarily rename one of the bands (for example, adding “-5G” to the 5 GHz SSID) so you can connect the PS5 to the band you want to test. After testing, you can change the name back if needed.
If you are far from the router, try the 2.4 GHz band. If you are close to the router, try the 5 GHz band. Test each for a few hours to see which one stays stable.
4. Update the PS5 System Software
Sony periodically releases system software updates that include network stability improvements and bug fixes. An outdated system version may contribute to Wi-Fi disconnections.
To check for updates:
- Go to Settings from the PS5 home screen.
- Select System.
- Select System Software.
- Select System Software Update and Settings.
- Choose Update System Software and follow the on-screen instructions.
If an update is available, install it and restart the console. After updating, test the Wi-Fi connection again.
5. Update the Router Firmware
Router manufacturers release firmware updates to fix bugs, improve security, and enhance network stability. An outdated router can cause disconnections for all connected devices, including the PS5.
The process for updating router firmware varies by manufacturer and model. You usually need to log into the router’s administration page through a web browser, find the firmware update section, and either check for updates automatically or upload a downloaded file. If you are unsure how to do this, check the router’s manual or the manufacturer’s support website.
6. Change the DNS Settings on the PS5
Sometimes the default DNS servers provided by your internet service provider can be slow or unreliable, which may cause connection timeouts. Changing to a public DNS server can improve stability.
To change DNS settings on the PS5:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select Settings.
- Select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select the Wi-Fi network you are connected to and press the Options button on the controller.
- Select Advanced Settings.
- Set DNS Settings to Manual.
- For Primary DNS, enter 8.8.8.8 (Google Public DNS) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare DNS).
- For Secondary DNS, enter 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare).
- Select OK and test the connection.
This change only affects the PS5 and does not alter any other devices on your network. If the problem persists, you can revert to Automatic DNS settings at any time.
7. Disable Power Saving Features for Wi-Fi
The PS5 includes power-saving options that may reduce Wi-Fi activity when the console is in rest mode or when it has been idle for some time. While these settings are designed to save energy, they can sometimes interfere with maintaining a stable connection.
To adjust these settings:
- Go to Settings.
- Select System.
- Select Power Saving.
- Select Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Make sure Stay Connected to the Internet is enabled. This keeps the network connection active while the console is in rest mode.
If you are experiencing disconnections during active gameplay, you can also try disabling the option to turn off the Wi-Fi after a period of inactivity, if such an option is available in your system version. The exact menu names may vary slightly depending on the system software version.
8. Use a Wired Connection Instead
If none of the wireless fixes resolve the problem, connecting the PS5 directly to the router with an Ethernet cable is the most reliable solution. A wired connection eliminates Wi-Fi interference, signal weakness, and band congestion entirely. The PS5 supports standard Ethernet, and a stable wired connection can also improve download speeds and latency in online games.
If running a long cable from the router to the PS5 is not practical, you can also consider powerline adapters, which use your home’s electrical wiring to carry network signals. These can provide a more stable connection than Wi-Fi in many cases, though results vary depending on the quality of the electrical wiring in your home.
If the Problem Continues
If you have tried all the steps above and the PS5 still disconnects from Wi-Fi, the issue may be related to a hardware problem with the console’s wireless module, a persistent router compatibility issue, or a problem with your internet service.
Here are a few additional actions to consider:
- Test with a different router. If you have access to another router, set it up temporarily and connect the PS5 to it. If the disconnections stop, the original router may be the source of the problem.
- Reset your router to factory settings. This clears all custom configurations, including any changes that might be causing conflicts. Make sure you know how to reconfigure your internet connection afterward.
- Contact your internet service provider. They can check for line issues, signal problems, or outages that may affect your connection.
- Contact PlayStation Support. If the console is still under warranty and a hardware defect is suspected, Sony’s support team can guide you through diagnostic steps and arrange for repair or replacement if necessary.
Wi-Fi disconnections on the PS5 can be frustrating, but in most cases, the problem can be resolved by adjusting the console’s placement, updating software, or changing a few network settings. Going through the fixes in the order listed above will help you identify the cause without making unnecessary changes to your setup.
