DNS Server Not Responding PS4? – Here’s How To Fix

Kevin Wood Updated on
dns server not responding ps4

When a DNS server not responding PS4 error appears on your screen you can safely assume that there is something wrong with the connection.

To solve the DNS error on your PS4 you should first restart the PlayStation and manually insert the correct DNS number values. Then you should disable the MTU setting and inspect your network router and whether your WiFi is intact.

Let’s now learn more about the DNS, what does it mean, and why it’s causing you problems?

What Does “PS4 DNS Server Not Responding” Mean?

The DNS (Domain Name System), is essential for mapping IP addresses to the domain names. 

After undergoing the PS4 connection to a WiFi, with incorrect DNS credentials, error messages will occur, indicating a failed setup.

In general, there are a couple of DNS errors you can get on your PS4. Most of them can be by tweaking the DNS settings.

However, there are many more solutions that you should attempt so let’s jump into the chronological fix guide and solve the problem in minutes!

How To Fix DNS Server Not Responding PS4?

fix dns server not responding ps4

When connecting your PS to the internet, the DNS settings must be correct for the wireless connection to be formed and secured.

We’ve extracted the best-working solutions for issues with the DNS server on your PS4 console so let’s jump right in!

Here’s how to fix PS4 when the DNS server is not responding:

Solution #1 Set Up DNS Settings Manually

The very first step is to set up the DNS settings manually. When the DNS server isn’t responding, then the values of the DNS settings within are incorrect.

We will familiarize you with how to use Google’s values for DNS settings, which are recommended by Sony.

set dns manually

Here’s how to set up the DNS settings to the correct values manually:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Head to Network.
  3. Choose “Set up an Internet connection”.
  4. Choose “WiFi”.
  5. Select “Custom”.
  6. Press on “Manual”.
  7. At the “primary DNS” field, insert “8.8.8.8”.
  8. At the “secondary DNS” field, insert “8.8.4.4”
  9. Save the changes you’ve made and connect your PS4 to WiFi.
Alert: Ensure that while you’re tweaking the DNS settings, your router is up and running.

Solution #2 Disable The MTU Setting

The MTU setting (Maximum Transmission Unit), determines the network’s packet sizes that can be transmitted to your PS4.

This feature is only used for stronger networks and if your internet is not good enough, it could cause interference with the DNS values.

Here’s how to turn off the MTU setting on your PS4:

  1. Go to “Set up internet connection” in the console’s network tab.
  2. Select “Manual” in the setup field.
  3. Go to “MTU settings”.
  4. At the value’s field, type “1473” (if it doesn’t work, try with “1450”).
  5. Tap on “Next”.
  6. Choose “Do not use” on the following screen.
  7. Save the changes and exit the screen.
Tip: If you wish to revert the settings later, make a backup!

Solution #3 Run Sony’s Online Troubleshooter

use online troubleshooter

Before we go any further, it’s suggested to run Sony’s online troubleshooter.

This software is designed to search for issues with the wireless connectivity, storage, settings configuration, and DNS values.

Here’s how to solve the problem by using the Sony’s troubleshooter:

  1. On your mobile device, computer or laptop, go to the Sony website.
  2. Login to the account that your PS4 uses.
  3. Head to “Fix & Connect tool”.
  4. Press on “Run Troubleshooter”.
  5. Wait for any DNS errors to be identified and fixed.
Note: Ensure that your PS4 is turned on while running Sony's online troubleshooter.

Solution #4 Hard Reset Your PS4 Console

reset ps4 console

A simple, yet effective fix against DNS server issues with the PS4 is the hard reset.

Also known as a “power cycle” this method will completely discharge your console and reboot the operating system.

Here’s how to hard reset your PS4 console in easy steps:

  1. Turn OFF your PS4 using the controller.
  2. Unplug the console’s power adapter.
  3. Wait for 5 minutes.
  4. Press and hold the power button of the console for 60 seconds.
  5. Re-attach the power adapter after.
  6. Run the console and test the DNS setting.
Note: Make sure to wait for at least 5 minutes for your console to get properly discharged.

Solution #5 Fix Network Problems

Perhaps, the DNS server not responding PS4 may be related to issues with the network, rather than your PS4 console.

Unidentified network issues with your router/modem can cause IP conflicts and impact the DNS values, preventing the PS4 from connecting.

fix network problem

Here are the best ways to fix network-related issues in your setup:

  • Hard reboot the router – disconnect the device from the for 5 minutes
  • Reduce network usage – prevent network activity on connected devices
  • Test your internet WiFi – check whether you’ve got internet or not
  • Call ISP for help – your internet could be down so you should call the service provider.

The best way to determine whether your network is OK, would be by connecting another device and checking whether online applications would work.

You can try streaming or simply browsing the internet before testing your PlayStation DNS server responses.

Tip: Make sure to test your PS4’s connection to another WiFi. You can share a hotspot from your smartphone and connect to the Playstation.

Solution #6 Clear The PS4’s Cache

Many users have suggested clearing the app cache of PS4 to fix the DNS problem.

The “not responding” error message could have something to do with filled temporal memory, a.k.a the cache of your PS4.

By clearing the cache data, you will not only relieve the memory of your PS4 but also boost the performance.

Here’s how to clear your PS4 console’s cache in easy steps:

  1. Go to the home screen of your PS4.
  2. Launch an application and hold the L1 + R1 buttons to clear the cache.
  3. Repeat this process for all applications that appear on your PS4’s home screen.
  4. Once you’re done, restart the console and test the DNS settings.
Tip: If you’ve got hidden games (not shown in the home screen), go to the Library and repeat the process for those apps as well.

Solution #7 Factory Reset PS4

factory reset ps4

The most powerful way of solving any network complications with your PS4 is by performing a factory reset on the device.

This will erase all data and content stored on your PS4 and revert all settings back to their factory values.

When you’re certain that you want to reset your console, follow these instructions:

  1. On your PS4, go to Settings.
  2. Press “Initialization”.
  3. Choose “Initialize PS4”.
  4. Tap on “Full”. (the “Quick” option is considered partial reset”)
  5. Confirm that you want to reset your console.
  6. Let the PS4 initialize for a few minutes from now on.

On the screen where you choose the reset type, there is also a “Quick” option, except for the “Full reset”.

The “Quick” reset is considered to be a partial reset that doesn’t initialize all of your console’s contents. It’s strongly recommended to perform a “Full” reset.

Alert: Do not unplug your console while the factory reset is still going or use the controller to avoid further software problems.

Quick Recap:

To fix the PS4 “DNS Server Not Responding” error you should manually adjust the primary and secondary DNS number values. Then you should proceed with resolving internet issues on your side and conclude by performing a factory reset.

Read Next: How To Improve PS4 WiFi Connection?

Bottom Line:

DNS server not responding PS4 is a problem that will prevent the console from connecting with the WiFi.

The main suspect remains the DNS numerical values so you should manually adjust them the right way.

In addition, you should inspect your internet WiFi and whether the connection is currently available.

When the DNS error problem continues to persist you should contact Sony for further assistance in regard to the issue.