For users that don’t know how to improve PS4 WiFi connection, this post will be the easiest way to boost your network speed.
There are many ways to improve the PS4 connectivity and also increase the strength and speed of your WiFi.
There are a couple of quick ways to boost the WiFi speed and some more complex methods that truly work.
Let’s learn more…
To boost your PS4 WiFi connection speed, you’ll need to hop on the 5 GHz WiFi when available and use a quieter WiFi channel. Moreover, you should port-forward their modems to their PlayStation 4 to open a private WiFi connection.
What Are The Ways To Improve PS4 WiFi?
There are efficient ways to increase the speed of the WiFi on your PlayStation 4. Based on your network speed, the enhancement could be limited.
In that regard, you can only remove suppressors that decrease the WiFi speed and boost the performance.
Here are ways to instantly boost your PS4 WiFi
- Stop ALL PS4 network activity.
- Disconnect devices from the WiFi.
- Relocate the PlayStation 4.
This is what you can do to enhance the connection quickly. However, the long solution to a bad PS4 WiFi connection includes many more methods.
Let’s jump directly into the steps tutorial to really boost the connectivity and feel the difference.
How To Improve PS4 WiFi Connection?
To not only improve your PS4 connectivity and also boost the WiFi speed in general, but you should also follow the steps below to learn how to do it.
We’ve explained everything in a step-by-step guide so you would find out how fast your network really is and how to get the most out of your WiFi.
Here are the steps to boost the WiFi speed on your PS4 console in easy steps:
Step #1 Use 5GHz WiFi On PS4
To notice a significant change in the speed of the WiFi on your PS4, you should get paired up with a 5GHz WiFi network.
Sadly, the original PS4 does not support 5Ghz broadband so if you’ve got the slim or pro models you’re going to be able to connect.
This is the speed of the different frequencies compared:
- The 2.4 GHz WiFi can only reach up to 60-70 Mbps.
- The 5 GHz WiFi reaches up to 200 Mbps, based on your internet speed.
Another factor is your router and how much Mbps per second the device can receive and transmit.
When you’re using a dual-band router and have 200 Mbps internet speed, connect your PS4 to the stronger band of the network (the 5GHz WiFi).
Notice: For 5GHz WiFi networks, your PS4 must be as close to the router as possible for a reliable signal.
Method #2 Configure The DNS
You can also boost the strength of the WiFi reaching your PS4 by adjusting the DNS settings of the console.
The primary and secondary DNS is responsible for reaching the server that hosts the application or game you’re playing on your PS4.
Here’s how to change the DNS of your PS4 in easy steps:
- Log in to your PS4 console.
- Go to the Settings tab.
- Find the “Network Settings” tab.
- Press on “WiFi”.
- Select “Custom”.
- Make sure that your PS4 is connected to the WiFi.
- On the DNS screen, press “Automatic Settings”.
- Press on “Manual” to enter the values of the DNS manually.
- On the “Primary DNS” field, enter 1.1.1.1.
- On the “Secondary DNS” field, enter 1.0.0.1.
- Test the WiFi strength of your PS4.
Pro Tip: If these DNS values don’t increase your WiFi speed, try out the Google DNS: Primary Value: 8.8.8.8, Secondary Value: 8.8.4.4.
Step#3 Change The WiFi Channel
Rather than increasing the strength of your PS4, you should check if your network has been dragged down.
When many devices are connected, they fill up the WiFi channel making the network drop or have high MS.
You can either disconnect as many devices as possible and prevent network activity such as downloading or changing the WiFi channel.
Here is how to change to a non-busy WiFi channel:
- Enter your router’s control panel.
- Click on Advanced Options.
- Go to Wireless and choose your WiFi band.
- Change to a different Channel.
The 5Ghz WiFi will have fewer channels available to choose from. Test several channels to determine where your signal will be faster.
Tip: Test one of the higher number channels as less activity is expected there.
Step #4 Port Forward A PS4 Port
Another way for how to improve your WiFi connection on PS4 is to open and forward PS4 ports to your router/modem.
The port forwarding is just a method to assign a static IP address to your PS4 server, so the router can have a private port connection.
Here’s how to port forward your PS4 with the router in easy steps:
- On your PS4, go to Settings.
- Go to “Network”.
- Press “Connection Status”.
- Write down the IP address of your console and the MAC address.
- Go to your router’s settings (paste the default gateway of your network in your browser).
- Once in the settings of the router, assign the status IP of the console in the “Networking” tab.
- Locate the rules of port forwarding
- Add ports for TCP 80, 443, 3478, 480, UDP 3478, 3479.
- Reboot your PS4 and the router.
- Check if the WiFi has improved on your console.
Notice: Open the PS4 ports on your source computer’s firewall to prevent issues with the port forwarding.
Step #5 Reposition The PlayStation 4
The PS4 gaming console has a small encasing making the machine compact allowing us to position them wherever we want.
This sometimes is the core problem for low-speed connectivity with your WiFi.
Everything that it takes for your WiFi to be slower, is when you have the console positioned in enclosed areas, surrounded by other devices on top.
Attempt to take your PS4 to a higher point in your room and make sure to remove TV antennas in the nearby area.
Tip: In case the speed of your WiFi did not increase even with the console in a wide-open area, test the WiFi with your smartphone at the same spot.
Why Is a PS4 Wired Connection Better Than WiFi?
The PlayStation is a gaming console and games require fast internet and a reliable connection.
Even when you’re watching movies, you need good internet to stream uninterrupted.
This is why the wired connection is better since the WiFi is dependent on several other services.
The WiFi can be interrupted, impacted by interference, and is dependent on your router.
As long as with the wired connection, your machine will have internet as long as internet bills are paid.
Here’s how to install the wired connection on your PS4:
- Get an Ethernet cable.
- Connect it to the back Ethernet input on your PS4.
- Plug the other end of the cable into one of the blue slots on your router.
- On your PS4, go to Settings > Network > Wired > Setup.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to set up the wired connection of your PS4.
Tip: If your router is not close enough to the PS4, you can buy an extended Ethernet cable (10-15 meters).
Quick Recap – How To Improve PS4 WiFi?
The short answer is to reposition your PS4 in an open area for the WiFi signal strength to increase. The long answer is to inspect your network and make everything possible to boost the WiFi speed and PS4 connectivity.
Read Next: How to Fix PS4 Controller Yellow Light of Death?
Last Thoughts:
Now that you know how to improve PS4 WiFi connection, you’re ready to get the most out of your network.
You should keep in mind that when no change was made by applying the step tutorial above, the problem could be related to your internet base speed.
Check your ISP contract and what your internet speed should be and then run a speed test to identify whether values will match. Contact your service provider for more help.
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.