How to Connect Your PS5 to the Internet

Connect your PS5 to Wi-Fi or ethernet in three steps

Your PS5 needs an internet connection to download games, play online, and access streaming apps. You can connect using Wi-Fi or a wired ethernet cable — Wi-Fi is easier to set up if your router is nearby, but ethernet is more stable if you're far from the router or have thick walls between them.

The setup takes about five minutes and you only need to do it once. After that, your PS5 remembers the connection and reconnects automatically when you turn it on.

Key Takeaways

Wi-Fi setup requires your network name and password, which you can find on your router or in your internet provider's paperwork.
Ethernet requires a cable plugged directly into the PS5's port on the back, but gives you a faster and more stable connection.
If you don't know your Wi-Fi password, you can reset it through your router's admin panel or call your internet provider for help.
Once connected, your PS5 automatically checks for system updates and downloads them in the background.

Connect using Wi-Fi

Step 1: From the PS5 home screen, go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Scroll down and select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection.

Step 2: Choose Wi-Fi. Your PS5 will scan for networks and show you a list of available ones. Find your network name — this is usually printed on a sticker on your router, or you can check your internet bill or account page online.

Step 3: Select your network and enter the password. The password is also on your router's sticker, or in your account with your internet provider. Type it carefully — passwords are case-sensitive, meaning capital and lowercase letters are different. Once you enter it, select Done and wait for the connection to complete. You'll see a checkmark when it's successful.

If you don't see your network in the list, your router may be too far away, or there may be interference from walls or other devices. Move closer to the router and try again, or consider using ethernet instead.

Connect using ethernet

Step 1: Get an ethernet cable. Any standard ethernet cable works — they're inexpensive and available at any electronics store or online. You don't need anything special or expensive.

Step 2: Plug one end into the ethernet port on the back of your PS5 (it's a rectangular port below the power outlet). Plug the other end into an available port on your router.

Step 3: Go to Settings on your PS5, select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection. Choose Use a LAN Cable. Your PS5 will detect the connection automatically — you don't need to enter any passwords. You'll see a checkmark when it's connected.

Ethernet is faster and more reliable than Wi-Fi, especially if your router is far away or if you have walls between your PS5 and router. The trade-off is that you need a cable running across your room or through your house.

What to do if the connection fails

If you see an error message or the connection doesn't complete, restart both your PS5 and your router. Turn off your PS5 completely, unplug your router for 30 seconds, plug it back in, and wait for it to fully restart (usually two to three minutes). Then turn your PS5 back on and try the connection again.

If you're using Wi-Fi and it still doesn't work, double-check that you're typing the password correctly. Passwords are case-sensitive and spaces count. If you're not sure of the password, you can reset it through your router's admin panel — look for a button labeled Reset on the router itself, or log into your router's settings through a web browser on your computer or phone. Your internet provider can also help you reset the password.

If you're using ethernet and it doesn't work, try a different cable — the cable itself may be damaged. Also make sure the cable is plugged firmly into both the PS5 and the router; loose connections are common and easy to miss.

Check your internet speed

Once you're connected, you can see how fast your connection is. Go to Settings, select Network, then Connection Status. You'll see your download speed in Mbps (megabits per second). Most games and streaming apps work fine with 10 Mbps or higher. If your speed is much lower, you may have interference (with Wi-Fi) or too many devices using the internet at once.

If your speed is consistently slow, move your PS5 closer to the router, switch to ethernet, or contact your internet provider to check whether you're getting the speed you're paying for.

Update your PS5 after connecting

After your PS5 connects to the internet, it will automatically check for system updates. You may see a notification that an update is available. Let it download and install — this usually takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on the update size and your internet speed. Don't unplug your PS5 during an update.

You can also manually check for updates by going to Settings, selecting System, then System Software, and choosing Update System Software. This ensures you have the latest features and security fixes before you start playing.

Troubleshoot Wi-Fi connection problems

If your Wi-Fi keeps disconnecting or is very slow, try these steps in order. First, restart your PS5 and router as described above. Second, move your PS5 closer to the router — Wi-Fi signal gets weaker the farther away you are, and walls block it. Third, check whether other devices in your house are using a lot of bandwidth — streaming video, downloading large files, or video calls can slow everything down.

If the problem continues, your router may need to be reset to factory settings. This erases all your saved networks and passwords, so only do this as a last resort. Hold down the Reset button on the back of your router for 10 to 15 seconds until the lights blink. Then set up your Wi-Fi again from scratch. If you're not comfortable doing this, contact your internet provider — they can walk you through it or send a technician.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone's hotspot to connect my PS5?

Yes, you can use your phone's mobile hotspot as a Wi-Fi network. Go to your phone's settings, turn on the hotspot, and connect your PS5 to it the same way you would any other Wi-Fi network. Keep in mind that this uses your phone's data plan, so large game downloads or online play will count against your monthly limit.

Do I need to pay for internet to play PS5 games offline?

No. You can play single-player games without internet. However, you do need internet to download the game in the first place, and some games require an internet connection even for single-player mode. Multiplayer games always require internet.

What's the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi?

Most routers broadcast two frequencies: 2.4 GHz has longer range but is slower, while 5 GHz is faster but doesn't go as far. For PS5, either works fine. If your router shows both networks, try 5 GHz first for better speed, but switch to 2.4 GHz if the signal is weak or keeps dropping.

Can I change my Wi-Fi network after I've already connected?

Yes. Go to Settings, select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection, and choose Wi-Fi. Your PS5 will show the list of available networks again. Select a different one and enter its password. Your PS5 will forget the old network and connect to the new one.

Why does my PS5 say "Cannot connect to the internet" even though other devices work?

This usually means the PS5 is having trouble with your specific network settings. Try restarting both the PS5 and router. If that doesn't work, go to Settings, select Network, then Advanced Settings, and check that your IP address is set to Automatic. If it's set to Manual, change it back to Automatic and try connecting again.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.