How to set up a Sony PlayStation console and connect it to the internet

Connect the console to a display and power, then choose Wi-Fi or Ethernet in its network settings. The menu path depends on whether you have a PS5 or PS4.

Before you start

• Your PlayStation console, a display, and a power outlet.

• For Wi-Fi, the network name (SSID) and password. If you do not know them, check with the router owner, internet provider, or network administrator.

• For a wired connection, a LAN cable and a router or network port to connect it to.

• A PlayStation account if you want to sign in to PlayStation services. You can sign in with an existing account or create one during setup.

Keep your router and its settings accessible. PS5 consoles do not support IPv6-only network connections; a router set to IPv6-only needs to be changed to use IPv4.

Set up the console

PS5: connect the display and power

1. Attach the base or feet appropriate for your PS5 model before using the console. The instructions differ among model groups. For a CFI-1000 model group console, the supplied guidance says to attach the base; newer model groups use horizontal feet, and vertical stands are sold separately.

2. Connect the included HDMI cable from the console’s HDMI OUT port to an HDMI input on your display.

3. Connect the AC power cable to the console and an electrical outlet, then turn on the console.

4. Follow the on-screen first-time setup. It prompts you to connect a controller, choose a language, set up internet, and adjust display and Rest Mode settings.

For detailed, model-specific setup, see PlayStation’s PS5 getting-started guide.

PS4: continue to network setup

Use the console’s on-screen setup if you are setting it up for the first time. The supplied PS4 reference confirms the network menu paths below, but does not provide first-time hardware-setup instructions. For the LAN port location, check the instructions for your specific console model rather than assuming it is in the same place across models.

Connect to the internet

Choose Wi-Fi if you want to avoid a cable. Choose wired LAN if you can connect the console to your router with a LAN cable.

PS5: connect over Wi-Fi

1. Open Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.

2. Select your Wi-Fi network from the new and saved networks, then choose Connect.

3. If the network has a padlock icon, enter its password. The PlayStation guide lists WPA, WPA2, WEP, and WPA3 passwords for PS5 connections.

4. Follow any on-screen prompts and wait for the console to connect.

If your network is not listed, scroll down and select Set Up Manually. If your access point supports WPS, you can instead select Set Up Using WPS Button and follow the prompts. These are alternatives, not requirements.

On PS5 consoles in the CFI-7000 model group, you can enable Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for a compatible access point: highlight that access point, press the options button, choose Advanced Settings, and turn on Multi-Link Operation. This feature is not listed for other PS5 model groups.

PS5: connect with a LAN cable

1. Connect a LAN cable between the console and your router or network connection.

2. Open Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.

3. Select Set Up Wired LAN > Connect and follow the on-screen prompts.

PS4: connect over Wi-Fi

1. Open Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.

2. Select Use Wi-Fi > Easy.

3. Choose your network and enter its password if prompted. A padlock icon indicates a password-protected network. The PS4 guide lists WPA, WPA2, and WEP passwords.

4. If the network is missing, scroll down and choose Set Up Manually.

If your access point supports WPS or AOSS, the PS4 menu also offers Set Up Using WPS Button or Set Up Using AOSS. Follow the console’s on-screen instructions if you choose either option.

PS4: connect with a LAN cable

1. Connect a LAN cable between the console and your router or network connection.

2. Open Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.

3. Select Use a LAN Cable > Easy and follow the prompts.

See PlayStation’s internet connection instructions if you need more detail on these network options.

Sign in and check the connection

Once the console is online, sign in with your PlayStation account to access PlayStation services, or create an account if you do not have one. On PS5, the setup guidance says you will be prompted to sign in after the system software is up to date. If an update notification appears, follow the console’s prompt.

On PS4, a successful connection prompts you to Test Internet Connection. Run that test and review its result. The supplied PS5 instructions do not specify the same test prompt, so follow the connection status or prompts shown on your PS5.

Internet setup itself is separate from a PlayStation Plus subscription. PlayStation’s PS5 guidance says you can subscribe to Plus to play online with friends and access other benefits. Check the game and subscription details for the online features you want; this guide to PlayStation Plus covers managing a subscription. The supplied source material does not specify prices or which individual games require a subscription.

Troubleshooting

• The console cannot find the Wi-Fi network: Confirm the router is broadcasting the network, then try Set Up Manually from the internet setup menu.

• The password is rejected: Recheck the SSID and password, including capitalization, and confirm the network’s security details. Ask the router owner, internet provider, or network administrator if you are unsure.

• Wi-Fi or wired setup does not connect: Check that the LAN cable is connected at both ends if you are using wired LAN. For PS5, also check that the router is not set to IPv6-only; PS5 supports IPv6 but requires IPv4 rather than an IPv6-only connection.

• A PS5 Pro connection is unreliable: The PlayStation guidance recommends trying the connection both with and without MLO, if enabled. MLO applies to the CFI-7000 model group and a compatible access point.

• The console still cannot reach PlayStation services: Check PlayStation Status for a service issue or maintenance. If the problem continues, use the troubleshooting links on PlayStation’s internet connection support page.