HowToFixWiFiSimple fixes  •  Better connection
Wifi Guide

How to Upgrade Ps4 Wifi? through Network Settings Menu Now

Introduction If you have ever wondered How to Upgrade Ps4 Wifi? through the Network Settings menu, you are in the right place. The PlayStation 4 is a fantastic console, but its wireless performance can sometimes feel outdated, especially as home networks have

HowToFixWiFi

Introduction

If you have ever wondered How to Upgrade Ps4 Wifi? through the Network Settings menu, you are in the right place. The PlayStation 4 is a fantastic console, but its wireless performance can sometimes feel outdated, especially as home networks have evolved to faster routers, dual-band signals, and modern security standards. Whether you want a more stable connection for online multiplayer, faster downloads for large game files, or simply fewer dropped connections during a raid, upgrading your PS4 WiFi setup is one of the most effective improvements you can make.

The good news is that you do not need any special tools or technical expertise to get started. Sony built a straightforward Network Settings menu directly into the PS4 interface, and most WiFi upgrades can be completed in just a few minutes. In this guide, we will walk through everything from the basics of what “upgrading PS4 WiFi” actually means, to step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, best practices, and answers to the most common questions players ask. By the end, you will know exactly how to get the strongest, fastest, and most reliable wireless connection your console can deliver.

Table of Contents

What Does Upgrading PS4 WiFi Mean?

When people search for How to Upgrade Ps4 Wifi?, they are usually not asking about replacing hardware. Instead, they want to improve the wireless connection the console uses to reach the internet. “Upgrading” in this context can mean several things: switching from a slow 2.4GHz network to a faster 5GHz band, updating your WiFi password after a router change, reconfiguring DNS settings for better performance, or simply reconnecting to a stronger signal after moving your console or router.

The PS4 supports standard 802.11 b/g/n WiFi on the 2.4GHz band, and the PS4 Pro also supports 802.11ac on the 5GHz band. That means the console itself has a fixed wireless capability, but the way you connect it to your home network can still be optimized dramatically. By working through the Network Settings menu, you can ensure the console is always using the best available signal, the correct security protocol, and the most efficient network configuration.

Why Upgrade Your PS4 WiFi?

A weak or poorly configured WiFi connection can ruin an online gaming session. Lag, rubber-banding, voice chat dropouts, and painfully slow game downloads are all common symptoms of a suboptimal wireless setup. Upgrading your PS4 WiFi through the Network Settings menu helps address these problems without spending money on new equipment.

  • Faster downloads: Large game updates and digital titles download much quicker on a stable, high-speed connection.
  • Lower latency: Better WiFi reduces ping, giving you a competitive edge in shooters, fighting games, and racing titles.
  • More reliable multiplayer: Fewer disconnects mean fewer abandoned matches and lost progress.
  • Improved streaming: Services like Netflix, YouTube, and Twitch run smoother with a strong connection.
  • Better security: Reconfiguring your connection ensures you are using modern WPA2 or WPA3 encryption rather than outdated protocols.

Before You Start: Requirements

Before diving into the Network Settings menu, make sure you have the following ready:

  1. Your WiFi network name (SSID) and password.
  2. A PS4 controller that is powered on and connected.
  3. Access to your router, in case you need to check the band or password.
  4. The PS4 system software updated to the latest version.
  5. A stable power source for both the console and router.

It is also a good idea to restart your router before making changes. A quick reboot clears temporary glitches and ensures the network is broadcasting cleanly when the PS4 searches for available signals.

How to Upgrade PS4 WiFi Through Network Settings Menu

Here is the core process for upgrading your PS4 WiFi connection. Follow these steps carefully, and you will have an optimized wireless setup in minutes.

Step 1: Open the Settings Menu

From the PS4 home screen, use your controller to navigate to the top menu bar. Scroll right until you find the Settings icon, which looks like a toolbox. Press the X button to open it.

Step 2: Select Network

Inside Settings, scroll down and select Network. This is where all internet-related options live, including WiFi setup, connection testing, and advanced configurations.

Step 3: Choose Set Up Internet Connection

Select Set Up Internet Connection. The PS4 will ask how you want to connect. Choose Use WiFi to proceed with a wireless setup.

Step 4: Choose Easy or Custom

You will see two options: Easy and Custom. For most users, Easy is the right choice because it automatically detects the best settings. If you want finer control over IP address, DNS, MTU, and proxy settings, choose Custom. For a straightforward WiFi upgrade, Easy is recommended.

Step 5: Select Your WiFi Network

The PS4 will scan for available networks. A list of nearby WiFi networks will appear. Select your home network from the list. If your network is hidden, choose Enter Manually and type the SSID exactly as it appears on your router.

Step 6: Enter Your Password

Type in your WiFi password carefully. Passwords are case-sensitive, so double-check capital letters and special characters. Press the Options button on your controller to confirm.

Step 7: Test the Connection

After the password is accepted, the PS4 will attempt to connect. Once successful, it will display your IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway. Select Test Internet Connection to verify speed and NAT type. A successful test confirms your WiFi upgrade is complete.

Setting Up a New WiFi Connection

Sometimes upgrading means starting fresh, especially after replacing your router or changing your internet provider. Setting up a new connection follows the same path as above but with a few extra considerations.

When you reach the network selection screen, make sure you pick the correct band. If your router broadcasts separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks, they may appear as two entries, sometimes with “_5G” appended to the name. Choose the 5GHz option if your PS4 supports it and you are close to the router. If you are far away or separated by walls, the 2.4GHz band may actually be more reliable despite being slower.

After connecting, run the test multiple times at different times of day. Network congestion varies, and a connection that works well at noon might struggle during peak evening hours.

Changing Your PS4 WiFi Password

If your router password changed, the PS4 will fail to connect until you update it. Many people mistakenly think they need to delete the entire network profile, but the PS4 handles this gracefully.

Go to Settings, then Network, then Set Up Internet Connection, choose WiFi, and select your network again. When prompted, enter the new password. The console will overwrite the old credentials automatically. If the old password keeps being used, restart the PS4 and try again, as the system sometimes caches the previous entry.

Upgrading to a 5GHz Band

One of the most impactful WiFi upgrades you can make is switching from 2.4GHz to 5GHz. The 5GHz band offers significantly faster speeds and less interference from household devices like microwaves, Bluetooth speakers, and baby monitors. However, it has a shorter range and struggles more with walls and floors.

To upgrade, simply select the 5GHz network during the connection setup. If you do not see a 5GHz option, check your router settings to ensure the band is enabled. On the PS4 Pro, 5GHz is fully supported. On the original PS4 and PS4 Slim, only 2.4GHz is available, so upgrading to 5GHz is not possible on those models without external solutions.

If your console does not support 5GHz but you want better performance, consider moving the router closer, using a WiFi extender, or switching to a wired Ethernet connection, which remains the gold standard for gaming.

Improving WiFi Speed and Stability

Beyond simply connecting, there are several tweaks that can improve your PS4 WiFi experience:

  • Use a wired DNS: In Custom setup, set DNS to 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare) for faster name resolution.
  • Adjust MTU: Leave MTU at Automatic unless your ISP specifies otherwise. Manual MTU changes rarely help and can hurt.
  • Disable proxy: Unless you specifically need a proxy, leave it set to Do Not Use.
  • Position the console: Keep the PS4 in an open area, away from metal objects and other electronics.
  • Update router firmware: Router updates often improve WiFi stability and security.
  • Reduce interference: Keep the router away from microwaves and cordless phones.

WiFi Standards Comparison Table

Understanding WiFi standards helps you set realistic expectations for your PS4 WiFi upgrade. Here is a comparison of the most common standards:

Standard Band Max Speed PS4 Support Best For
802.11b/g 2.4GHz 54 Mbps Yes Basic browsing
802.11n 2.4GHz / 5GHz 600 Mbps Yes (2.4GHz only on base PS4) Gaming, streaming
802.11ac 5GHz 1300+ Mbps PS4 Pro only Fast downloads, low latency
802.11ax (WiFi 6) 2.4GHz / 5GHz / 6GHz 9600+ Mbps No Future-proofing, many devices

As you can see, the PS4’s wireless hardware has limits. Even with the best router, the console cannot exceed its supported standard. That is why a wired connection or a PS4 Pro on 5GHz is the best path to top-tier performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with careful setup, problems can arise. Here are solutions to the most common issues players face when upgrading PS4 WiFi:

No Networks Found

If the scan returns no networks, restart the router and PS4. Ensure the router is broadcasting and not in stealth mode. Move the console closer to the router temporarily to rule out range issues.

Wrong Password Error

Double-check capitalization and special characters. If the password recently changed, reboot the PS4 to clear cached credentials. Resetting the network settings on the console can also help.

Slow Speeds Despite Good Signal

Check for background downloads on other devices. Run a speed test on a phone connected to the same network. If phone speeds are also slow, the issue is with your ISP or router, not the PS4.

NAT Type Issues

A strict NAT type can cause multiplayer problems. Enable UPnP on your router, or set up port forwarding for PS4 ports (TCP/UDP 1935, 3478-3480). Restart the console after changes.

Frequent Disconnects

Interference is the usual culprit. Switch channels on your router (try 1, 6, or 11 on 2.4GHz). Keep the console ventilated, as overheating can affect WiFi modules.

Tips and Best Practices

To get the most out of your PS4 WiFi upgrade, follow these best practices:

  • Always test your connection after making changes.
  • Keep your PS4 system software updated.
  • Use a wired connection for competitive gaming whenever possible.
  • Label your WiFi networks clearly if you have multiple bands.
  • Periodically reboot your router to clear memory and refresh connections.
  • Avoid placing the router inside cabinets or behind TVs.
  • Use WPA2 or WPA3 security, never WEP or open networks.
  • If you have many devices, consider a mesh WiFi system for better coverage.

A stable connection is more important than the fastest connection. Consistency beats peak speed every time in online gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I upgrade the PS4 WiFi hardware itself?

No. The WiFi module inside the PS4 is not user-upgradeable. You can only optimize how the console connects to your network. If you need better wireless performance, consider a WiFi extender, mesh system, or switching to Ethernet.

Does the PS4 support 5GHz WiFi?

The PS4 Pro supports 5GHz (802.11ac). The original PS4 and PS4 Slim only support 2.4GHz (802.11n). Check your model before expecting 5GHz speeds.

How do I know if my WiFi upgrade worked?

Run Test Internet Connection from the Network menu. Compare download and upload speeds before and after. You should also see improved stability during online matches.

Should I use Easy or Custom setup?

Easy is best for most users. Custom is useful if you need to set a static IP, custom DNS, or specific MTU. For a simple WiFi upgrade, Easy is recommended.

What is the best DNS for PS4?

Google DNS (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) are popular choices. Results vary by region, so test a few options to find the fastest for you.

Can I use a WiFi extender with my PS4?

Yes. A WiFi extender can boost signal to a distant console. Place it halfway between the router and PS4 for best results. Some extenders create a separate network name, which you then select during setup.

Why does my PS4 keep disconnecting from WiFi?

Common causes include interference, weak signal, outdated router firmware, or overheating. Try changing router channels, moving the console, and ensuring proper ventilation.

Is Ethernet better than WiFi for PS4?

Yes. A wired Ethernet connection is always more stable and lower latency than WiFi. If possible, connect your PS4 directly to the router with a cable.

Conclusion

Learning How to Upgrade Ps4 Wifi? through the Network Settings menu is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to improve your gaming experience. By selecting the right band, entering credentials correctly, optimizing DNS and other settings, and troubleshooting common issues, you can transform a frustrating, laggy connection into a smooth, reliable one. Remember that the PS4’s hardware sets a ceiling on wireless performance, so if you have a PS4 Pro, take advantage of 5GHz, and if you are on an original or Slim model, consider a wired connection or mesh system for the best results. With the steps and tips in this guide, you are well equipped to get your console online and performing at its best. Happy gaming!