What is PS4 DNS?
PS4 DNS, or the Domain Name System on your PlayStation 4, is essentially the phonebook for your console's internet connection. It translates website addresses (like playstation.com) into numerical IP addresses that your console uses to connect to online services. This process is crucial for accessing online games, the PlayStation Store, and other online features.
When your PS4 wants to connect to an online service, it first uses the DNS to find the IP address of that service's server. Think of it like looking up a phone number in a phonebook. Without the DNS, your console wouldn't know where to find the online content it needs. The DNS servers are provided by your internet service provider (ISP) by default, but you can often change them to potentially improve performance or bypass censorship.
Several references highlight the importance of DNS for your PS4's online functionality. For example, a Playstation error code NW-31253-4 specifically indicates issues with the DNS server response. https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/error-codes/ps4/nw-31253-4/ Other sources such as https://nordvpn.com/blog/how-to-change-dns-on-game-consoles/ discuss how changing your DNS settings can impact performance, although older consoles may have limited customization options.
Changing Your PS4's DNS Settings
You can sometimes improve your online gaming experience by changing your PS4's DNS settings to use a different DNS server. Popular choices include Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare's 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Examples of this can be found on Reddit threads discussing optimal DNS settings for PS4 performance, such as https://www.reddit.com/r/PS4/comments/308fcr/psa_ps4_network_options_for_better_speeds_google/. However, changing your DNS settings might not always result in noticeable improvements.
Troubleshooting PS4 DNS Issues
If you experience problems connecting to online services, one of the first troubleshooting steps is often to check your PS4's DNS settings. Resetting your PS4's network settings or contacting your internet service provider can also help resolve DNS-related issues. This is also emphasized in https://techjury.net/blog/a-dns-server-cannot-be-used-on-your-ps4/ regarding DNS errors.
