{"id":36967,"date":"2026-03-16T00:43:34","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T07:43:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/?p=36967"},"modified":"2026-03-16T00:50:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T07:50:35","slug":"dns-for-playstation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.privateinternetaccess.com\/blog\/dns-for-playstation\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Change DNS Settings on PS5 & PS4: What to Use and Why"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you\u2019ve never changed the DNS settings on your PS5, the console is likely using your ISP\u2019s default servers, which can sometimes slow connections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Default DNS can cause matches to drop for no reason, game updates to time out, the PlayStation Store to load slowly, and \u201cCan\u2019t connect to the server\u201d errors to appear, even when your internet connection is stable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is DNS, and What Does It Do on a PS5?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Domain Name System (DNS)<\/a> helps your PS5 find and connect to gaming servers (or anything else you\u2019re trying to access online via your console, like a website or the Spotify app).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Think of DNS as your console\u2019s network translator. When you start an online game like Call of Duty<\/em><\/a>, the PS5 needs the IP address of the game server before it can connect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To find the IP, the PS5 contacts your network\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/strong> DNS doesn\u2019t affect your actual internet speed or the in-game lag once you\u2019re connected. A good DNS helps your PS5 locate servers faster, reducing wait times before gameplay starts.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Why You Should Change Your DNS on Your PS5<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the improvements you\u2019ll see if you switch to an optimized DNS on your PS5:<\/p>\n\n\n\n