If PS5 can’t obtain IP address within time limit, then you will get an error message “Can’t connect to the Wi-Fi network”. There might be various possible reasons behind it – the PlayStation network might be down, there might be issues with the router, your router, and PS5 might not be compatible, which is causing interference, the 5GHz frequency brand might be disabled on PS5 or the DNA settings on PS5 might not be configured.
The most basic way to solve this problem is to Power Cycle the router. This will help to establish a stable internet connection. Turn off the router and take out the power cable from the power outlet. Now, leave the router for 10 to 15 minutes. Plug it back again and verify whether the Wi-Fi network is stable. You can identify whether you have a proper internet connection through the blinking green light on the router. Connect the device to the network and start on your next gaming mission.
Irrespective of hardware or software problems, you can easily solve the error. We will help you with alternatives that can help to establish an internet connection without any questions.
1. Verify if the PlayStation network is down
You need to check the PS5 server status. If you get the message that PS5 can’t obtain IP address within time limit or cannot connect to Wi-Fi, then the server is under maintenance. So, to confirm the existence of the problem, you need to check the PSN status.
To proceed – Go to the PlayStation network’s Service Status page. Check the service status – if any issue is being reported. If you find any notification, then you have to wait till the error gets resolved.
2. Set the Wi-Fi frequency band to 5 GHz on PS5
You need to access the Network settings and change it to 5 GHz. However, before that, check whether your PS5 supports this band.
To proceed – Go to the homepage of PS5 and select Settings. Now, locate Network, select it, and click Network Settings. Right beside Settings, you will notice “Set up Internet connection”. You need to expand the Menu to select the option. Finally, check if you are connected to the Wi-Fi network and press the Option key. This will take you to the Wi-Fi menu, where you must choose the Wi-Fi frequency band as 5 GHz.
If the 5 GHz option is not present, that indicates your Wi-Fi router does not support this band. So, before you get any router, you must always go through the configurations, features, and also instruction manual for setup.
3. Restart the PlayStation 5
If you ever encounter any network problem, restarting can fix many temporary errors and eliminate the corrupted cache.
To proceed – Press the PlayStation button on the controller. Select the Power option from the Menu. Now, go to the small menu that appears on the Power icon. Select Restart PS5 from the drop-down list.
Remember not to unplug the power chords while the PS5 is restarting; otherwise, it can lead to hardware failure.
4. Connect the internet cable to PS5
If you are facing connectivity problems with Wi-Fi, then you can switch to Ethernet. This will help you to gain an uninterrupted connection. Turn back the PS5, and there you will find the Ethernet port right beside the power cable and HDMI cable. Plug in one end of the cable to your router and the other end to the PS5. Finally, check whether this works for you.
5. Connect to a different Wi-Fi
It might be possible that this particular Wi-Fi is causing network interference, so you are unable to connect your PS5. In that case, you can switch to a different hotspot or Wi-Fi connection.
To proceed – Go to the PS5 home page and select Settings. Look for the option Network, click on it, and this will take you to Network Settings. Select Settings, and from the expendable Menu, select “Setup network connection”.
Now, you can connect to a stable Wi-Fi by entering the password. Connect and start your gaming experience and notice if you are facing any errors. Remember, this will also help you to confirm whether the previous network was faulty.
6. Update the router firmware
Outdated firmware is unable to fix random internet issues, and it can result in PS5 can’t obtain IP address within time limit. So, update your router firmware. Login into the router page, sign in, and click on the option Software Update. Now, follow the on-screen prompts, and the process will complete automatically.
7. Change your DNS setting on PS5
It has been reported that faulty DNS servers can lead to Wi-Fi issues. So, it is better to change the DNS setting.
To proceed – Go to the Homepage and select Settings. Scroll down to Network and select Network Settings on the new page. Next, select Settings, and from the expanded Menu, select “Setup Internet connection”.
Now, select Connected Network and access the Advanced settings. Next, go to DNS Settings, select it, and from the small menu Manual. Next, for Primary settings, you need to enter 8.8.8.8; for secondary settings, you must enter 8.8.4.4 (this should match Google DNS). Now, save the changes by clicking on OK and also reboot your PS5 to eliminate the error
How to run a Network Test on the PS5 console?
To run a network test on the PS5 console – from the Home menu of the PS5, go to Settings, click Network, and select Connection Status. Now, click on Test Network Connection and wait till the entire process is complete automatically. You might have to follow certain on-screen prompts. This will help to resolve any issue associated with the communication module, and the PS5 can easily obtain the address.