If you cannot connect to the WiFi network within the time limit, your device may not be able to link with the selected WiFi access point within the allotted time.
Routers usually have a time limit of a few seconds to complete the linking process. This keeps the network functioning properly for all devices that connect to it.
To connect to the WiFi network within the time limit, you need to restart your router. This often fixes most errors. The WiFi connection is likely unstable or not strong enough, so you have to ensure your internet is working.
This error message arises when the data request isn’t fulfilled within an amount of time.
However, this does not offer clues about what is causing the issue and how to troubleshoot the problem to solve it.
Cannot Connect to the WiFi Network Within the Time Limit Error on PS4 and PS5 – Causes
If your device cannot connect to the WiFi network within the time limit, go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection and check the network status.
Multiple reasons can cause the issue.
1. No Connection to the Proxy Server
The server is taking too long to respond to a request for data from the PS4 or PS5.
2. IP Configuration Failure
The router assigns an IP address to any connecting device. If it cannot do so, the device cannot join a WiFi network within a time limit.
3. The Router Cannot Connect to Device
Your router can’t connect to your PS4 or PS5 if the software is out of date. It is likely that there is something wrong with the DNS cache. Your internet could also be down, or your Ethernet cable does not link properly
Now that you know what may cause the issue let us explore how to fix it.
How to Fix the Cannot Connect to the Network Within the Time Limit?
Use the following suggestions to troubleshoot the connectivity issue and get back online playing with your PS4 or PS5.
Solution #1: Check Your Internet Connection
Confirm your internet is working correctly. If you cannot connect to the Internet, you may need to contact your internet service provider (ISP).
- Start your console and go to the Settings menu.
- Choose Network.
- Choose Test Internet Connection.
- Take a screenshot of the result.
Solution #2: Use a Wired Connection
If your internet has a poor signal, Connect your PS4 or PS5 to your router directly using an Ethernet cable instead of WiFi.
- Go to Settings.
- Choose Network.
- Choose Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Use a LAN cable.
Note: If you select Easy and follow the on-screen prompts, the console automatically selects the standard settings.
Solution #3: Check the PlayStation Network Status
The PlayStation network may be temporarily unavailable or undergoing maintenance. View the status by following these steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Click Network.
- Select View Status of PlayStation Network Services.
Note: Make sure the router is not blocking the ports your console uses to connect with the PSN servers. The port numbers that need to be forwarded are TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480 and
UDP: 3478, 3479.
Solution #4: Test Your Internet Connection
Testing the internet connection with your PS4 or PS5 can provide insight into any issues you might be experiencing, including failure to connect to the WiFi network within the time limit.
- Start your PS4 or PS5.
- Select Settings.
PS4 – far right on the PlayStation main screen
PS5 – upper right corner next to your Profile picture
- Select Network.
- Choose Test Network Connection.
- Take a screenshot of the result.
If the connection fails, try reconnecting to your router. Go to Settings > Set up Internet Connection. Make sure you enter the correct password. If this does not work, contact your internet service provider (ISP).
Solution #5: Set a DNS Server Manually
If you normally allow your console to assign a DNS server on its own, you may need to set it up manually.
Or, if you typically use a particular server, try to change its settings and see if it solves the problem.
First, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and choose WiFi or LAN > Custom.
- Choose Automatic under IP Address Settings.
- Choose Do Not Specify in DHCP Host Name.
- Select Manual under DNS Settings.
- Enter preferred Primary DNS, then select Done.
- Enter desired Secondary DNS, select Done.
Choose Next,and then select Automatic in MTU Settings. Click Do Not Use under Proxy Server. Finally, Choose Test Internet Connection to verify connectivity.
Solution #6: Reboot Your Router and PS4/PS5
If the above solutions did not work, reboot your devices. This has worked for many users in fixing their inability to connect to WiFi within the limited time issue.
Resetting your router and PS4 or PS5 allows you to establish a new connection with your internet service provider (ISP) without any bugs.
- Unplug your router and PS4 or PS5 for about two minutes.
- Plug the router and console back in and turn your PS4 or PS5 on.
- Check to see if you can connect to the Internet.
Note: Make sure you restart the devices that are affected in the process for an accurate fix.
Solution #7: Update Your Router Firmware
An update may be necessary to fix the issue if you have had your console for a long time.
It keeps your PS4 or PS5 working in order. It includes bug fixes, security updates, new features, and more.
How to set up automatic updates:
- Using the controller, select Settings.
- Click Power Save Settings.
- Choose Features, which you can find in Rest Mode.
- Make sure you enable turning on from the network and stay connected to the internet.
How to update manually:
- Using the control, go to Settings.
- Choose System Software Update.
- Choose Update Now.
- If updates are available, click Next and wait for the download to complete. You’ll see the license agreement at the end of the update.
- Choose Accept, and the update should install on its own.
Note: Your console may restart at least once during the update.
If you have not sorted out the issue with the above solutions, contact PlayStation Support.
The failure to connect to a network within a limited time can be specific to your device, and only tech support can fix this.
Restarting your router is the simplest yet most effective way to resolve your connection issue. All you need to do is turn off the router altogether, leave it for a couple of minutes, and log in to your PlayStation account to see if the problem is solved.
Read Next: Is Satellite Internet Good For Gaming?
Last Thoughts
If your PlayStation 4 or 5 cannot connect to the WiFi network within the time limit, this post can help you identify the cause of the problem and determine the best course of action to fix the issue.
If you have exhausted all possible solutions but can’t resolve the issue, contact PlayStation 4 or 5 Support for further assistance. They can also help answer if you have any questions about your device.
Finally, our blog can help with your other difficulties with another Playstation device, whether it’s about an issue that needs fixing or simply how to set up your console
Finn Wheatley holds a Master’s Degree in Computer Science from UCL, London. He helped small data science consultancy firms, helping large corporations to grow their data capabilities, deploy advanced machine learning-based analytics and troubleshoot tech-related issues. Check out more about him here.