How to Change DNS Settings on PS5 & PS4: What to Use and Why

Updated on Mar 16, 2026 by Vianca Meyer

If you’ve never changed the DNS settings on your PS5, the console is likely using your ISP’s default servers, which can sometimes slow connections.

Default DNS can cause matches to drop for no reason, game updates to time out, the PlayStation Store to load slowly, and “Can’t connect to the server” errors to appear, even when your internet connection is stable.

This guide explains what DNS does on your PS5, how to change it, and which DNS servers offer a good level of performance and privacy. 

What Is DNS, and What Does It Do on a PS5?

Image showing a PS5 sending a request to a DNS server that resolves the IP and connects to a game server.

The Domain Name System (DNS) helps your PS5 find and connect to gaming servers (or anything else you’re trying to access online via your console, like a website or the Spotify app).

Think of DNS as your console’s network translator. When you start an online game like Call of Duty, the PS5 needs the IP address of the game server before it can connect.

To find the IP, the PS5 contacts your network’s assigned DNS server (typically provided by your ISP). This DNS server then looks it up and sends it back to your PS5, which then connects to the game server.

Having a fast and reliable DNS means your PS5 can find and connect to these servers quicker, which can reduce waiting times and delays when joining lobbies or syncing with game servers.

Note: DNS doesn’t affect your actual internet speed or the in-game lag once you’re connected. A good DNS helps your PS5 locate servers faster, reducing wait times before gameplay starts.

Why You Should Change Your DNS on Your PS5

If your console freezes during game downloads, the PlayStation Store takes forever to load, or you get random disconnects mid-match, you might need to consider switching to a better DNS. 

Here are some of the improvements you’ll see if you switch to an optimized DNS on your PS5:

  • Join game servers and access the PlayStation Store faster: A fast DNS resolves domain names more efficiently than a slow one, which can reduce delays when connecting to multiplayer lobbies, loading the PlayStation Store, or downloading system and game updates.
  • Fix “Cannot connect to server” and other common errors: Some DNS servers fail to respond or return bad data, which can lead to failed downloads, update issues, or connection issues.
  • Increase your privacy, even on shared networks: Some DNS providers operate on a no-logs basis, meaning they don’t track the games you play, servers you connect to, or apps you launch. Many ISP DNS services record these requests for analytics or troubleshooting.
  • Improve lookup speed and reliability: Public DNS services often provide consistently fast and reliable domain lookups.

How to Change DNS Settings on Your PS5 (Step-by-Step)

  1. From your PS5 home screen, navigate to the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings.
PS5 home screen highlighting the gear icon in the top right for accessing Settings.
  1. Scroll down and select Network from the list of options.
PS5 Network settings screen with “Set Up Internet Connection” highlighted.
  1. From the Network menu, select Set Up Internet Connection.
PS5 Settings screen under Network with “Set Up Internet Connection” selected.
  1. Then, press the triangle button on your PlayStation controller or the Options button. A pop-up window will appear; select Advanced.
PS5 network screen showing the “Set Up Internet Connection” option selected.
  1. In Advanced Settings, scroll to DNS Settings and change it from Automatic to Manual.
PS5 Advanced Settings with automatic DNS highlighted.
  1. Set your primary and secondary DNS servers. If you’re not sure which to choose, check out these popular DNS servers for PS5 here.
PS5 manual network setup screen with “DNS Settings” set to Manual and highlighted for editing.

Expert Tip: Restart your PS5 to clear any cached DNS data. Optionally, disconnect and reconnect your network to refresh the connection.

How to Check If Your DNS Is Working on Your PS5

After changing your DNS settings on PS5, you can check that everything’s working directly on your console:

1.Go to Settings (gear icon on the top-right of your home screen) and select Network.

    PS5 Network settings screen with “Set Up Internet Connection” highlighted.

      2. Scroll to (and select) View Connection Status.

      PS5 Network menu showing “View Connection Status” highlighted beneath the connection summary.

      3. This screen shows the DNS servers your PS5 is using. Check that the primary and secondary DNS match what you entered earlier.

      PS5 connection status screen displaying Primary DNS and Secondary DNS values in the network details list.

      4. Head back to the Network menu, scroll down, and choose Test Internet Connection.

      PS5 Network settings screen with Wi-Fi connection status and “Test Internet Connection” selected.

      5. If the test completes successfully, the DNS change is working correctly. You’ll also see your NAT type and estimated upload/download speeds.

      PS5 internet test results screen showing successful connection status, NAT type, and upload/download speeds.

      How to Change DNS Settings on PS4

      1. From your PS4 home screen, scroll up and select the Settings icon (a toolbox icon) in the top menu bar.
      2. Scroll down and choose Network, then select Set Up Internet Connection.
      3. Pick either Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable, depending on how your console is connected to the internet.
      4. When prompted, select Custom (not Easy) so you can manually adjust your DNS settings.
      5. The IP address settings should be set to Automatic.
      6. When asked for the DHCP Host Name, choose Do Not Specify.
      7. Under DNS settings, switch to Manual and then enter the DNS server addresses of your choice.
      8. Set MTU settings to Automatic.
      9. When prompted, choose Do Not Use for Proxy Server.
      10. Once setup is complete, the system will prompt you to Test Internet Connection. Run it to confirm that your DNS is working correctly.

      The Best DNS Servers for PS5 in 2026

      Not all DNS providers offer the same performance, privacy standards, or features. Here’s a breakdown of popular options worth considering:

      DNS ProviderPrimary / Secondary IPsSpeedPrivacyNotable Features
      Cloudflare1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1FastNo logsFast DNS resolver, privacy-focused, supports DNS over HTTPS/TLS
      Quad99.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112ModerateNo logsBlocks access to malicious websites, privacy-focused, supports DNS over HTTPS/TLS
      Google DNS8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4FastLogs queriesReliable, low-latency, widely used
      NextDNS45.90.28.190 / 45.90.30.190GoodCustomizableSupports ad-blocking and parental filters
      OpenDNS208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220FastSome loggingOffers content filtering and phishing protection
      Comodo Secure DNS8.26.56.26 / 8.20.247.20ModerateSome loggingFocuses on blocking harmful or fraudulent websites

      Expert Tip: No single DNS is universally “the best” for everyone. Your physical distance to the server, local routing, and even your ISP’s peering agreements can shape your real-world speed. That’s why testing a few options is often the smartest move. A quick switch in your settings can show you which provider gives you the smoothest experience. Here’s a closer look at the best DNS servers for gaming.

      💡 Private Internet Access uses its own DNS servers by default. If you’re using PIA on your router for your console, your DNS traffic is going through our private DNS servers; no need to change settings separately.

      Router-Level DNS for PlayStation: Why and When to Use It

      If you have multiple consoles or devices (like a second console, a smart TV, or a PC), updating the router’s DNS might be a better move. Router-level DNS automatically applies the same settings across your entire home network.

      Heads up: Changing DNS at the router level removes per-device customization. If you only care about DNS changes on your PS5, setting it manually on the console gives you more control.

      For stronger privacy, Private Internet Access can be installed directly on your router to encrypt DNS requests and all network traffic. This setup keeps your activity hidden from your ISP and covers every connected device (not just your PS5) without needing to configure each one individually.

      How to Make Your PS5 & PS4 DNS Queries More Private

      If you actually want privacy, you need to encrypt your DNS traffic. Two main options exist: encrypted DNS (such as DNS-over-HTTPS) or a VPN that manages DNS internally. 

      The challenge is that PlayStation consoles don’t support encrypted DNS or VPN apps natively. Because of this, the practical solution is to set up the VPN on a compatible router so it protects every device connected to the network.

      PIA works on most routers that support OpenVPN configuration. But if you don’t want to deal with manual configuration, you can buy a router preconfigured with PIA from FlashRouters. These are plug-and-play: you just log in, enter your PIA account, and the whole network is protected, including your PS5 or PS4.

      From here, PIA will encrypt all of your DNS queries as part of the overall VPN tunnel. It uses its own private DNS servers, and it even includes built-in DNS leak protection.

      FAQ

      What are the best DNS settings for PS5 in 2025?

      It depends on what problem you need the DNS settings to solve and where you are in the world. If you’re after speed, Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 is a strong choice of DNS server. For added protection against malware, Quad9 is worth trying.

      How do I manually change DNS settings on a PS5?

      To change the DNS settings on your PS5, start in your console’s network settings. Choose your current connection (Wi-Fi or LAN), hit Advanced Settings, and switch DNS to Manual. Then enter your primary and secondary DNS addresses. That’s it. No extra tools needed; just a few quick menu taps.

      Which DNS servers offer the fastest performance for PlayStation gaming?

      The closer the server, the faster your console can talk to it. Some of the fastest DNS servers that are excellent for gaming on a PS5 are Cloudflare and Google DNS, which consistently score well in DNSPerf’s global speed tests. But in some regions, services like NextDNS or even your ISP’s DNS might edge them out. It’s best to run a speed test to find your best match.

      Can switching DNS on PS5 reduce lag or improve connection stability?

      Only if DNS is the bottleneck. A slow server can delay matchmaking, game store loading, or content downloads. But it won’t lower your ping or fix rubberbanding. For a smoother overall connection, combine DNS changes with a good-quality gaming VPN. Connecting to a VPN server close to your gaming server can help to stabilize your connection.

      Is it safe to use public DNS like Google or Cloudflare on PS5?

      Yes, in most cases. Major providers like Cloudflare and Google are stable and transparent about data collection. Still, they’re not private by design. If you care about that, use a VPN with encrypted DNS (like Private Internet Access). It keeps your traffic out of your ISP’s hands and locks down DNS leaks.

      VPN Service