Fixing PS4 DNS Error NW-31253-4 – Multiple Solutions

Written by Oliver in PlayStation Error Codes

Another annoying PS4 error message that can come up is the DNS error NW-31253-4. This usually means the PS4 cannot connect to the internet because the DNS servers are invalid or not working.

This error message is easily resolved usually by manually configuring the DNS servers on your PS4 console. By using Google’s DNS (8.8.8.8; 8.8.4.4) or another well known DNS service, you can usually get your PS4 back online.

The process is quick and easy. This issues seems to resolve the issue for most users who try it; perhaps 8 out of 10 from the feedback we have seen. If you try this, plus all the other options below, and you still can’t get online, then leave a comment and we’ll try and offer some more suggestions for you.

https://youtu.be/cN9W0-ZhCX4

 

The video above shows you the steps to take to fix this error code. Here are the steps in bullet form:

  • Go to Settings….Network……Set Up Internet Connection
  • Select Wi-Fi or LAN depending on your connection. Plug into your router and use wired if the Wi-Fi doesn’t work.
  • Choose Custom setup.
  • Run through all the settings as they are, without changing them, until you get to DNS Settings
  • For DNS Settings, switch to Manual
  • Input these Google DNS servers: Primary:8.8.8.8 Secondary: 8.8.4.4 or you can also use these:
      • Open DNS Servers: Primary 208.67.222.222 Secondary 208.67.220.220
      • Cloudflare DNS Servers: Primary 1.1.1.1 Secondary 1.0.0.1
      • See also our article on the Best DNS For Gaming.

Manually setting the DNS servers like this manages to get the majority of PS4 users with this error message back online.

What If This Solution Doesn’t Work?

This DNS solution seems to work for the vast majority of people who try it looking through the forums. However, if it doesn’t seem to work, here are some other steps to take:

  • Make sure you are setting everything as default/automatic except the DNS when configuring the connection. For wired connections select Custom rather than Easy to begin with but IP address, DHCP, etc can all be clicked though as default/automatic/whatever setting they are on. Only switch to Manual for the DNS settings.
  • Try quick resetting/restarting your PS4 and router.
  • Try full resetting your router and PS4, powering them off fully and unplugging them for 15 minutes before plugging them back in.
  • Try also factory resetting your router, pressing the reset button or pin that’s usually underneath or on the side.
  • Use some form of Port Forwarding to make sure all ports on your router are open to your games console. See our article for different ways to do this.
  • Also try resetting your PS4 settings back to default in Safe Mode. See this video for a how to do it. You need to select Option 4 – Default Settings. This doesn’t delete any data.
  • Check with other users in your house and neighbors. Are they also having problems? It could be a wider problem with the internet from your ISP.
  • If you are connecting to your main router through an intermediary device, like a second router or a switch, try removing this and connecting directly to your main router.
  • If other people in the house are having trouble on the Wi-Fi then your router may be broken. Contact your ISP to have it repaired or replaced.

If you manage to fix this message by setting your DNS, but then you get the CE-33984-7 error code instead, this usually means you are also trying to manually configure the IP address as well as the DNS servers. Remember, you only need to manually set the DNS; leave the IP Address and all other settings as Automatic/Default or basically on whatever option they are on. You only switch to manual for the DNS settings.

Anyone else still struggling to get online with this error code after trying all these things, then post in the comments.

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