What Does It Mean When My PS4 Says a DNS Server Cannot Be Used?
If you own a PlayStation 4 (PS4) and have encountered the error message “DNS Server Cannot Be Used,” you might be wondering what it means and how to resolve it. This error typically occurs when your PS4 is unable to connect to the internet due to DNS (Domain Name System) issues.
Understanding DNS
DNS, or Domain Name System, translates domain names into IP addresses. Every website you visit has an associated IP address, which is a series of numbers that tells your device where to find the website’s server on the internet. Instead of typing in long and complex IP addresses, we use domain names like google.com or facebook.com.
When you enter a domain name into your web browser, your device sends a request to the DNS server of your Internet Service Provider (ISP). The DNS server then looks up the corresponding IP address for that domain name and returns it to your device. This allows your device to connect to the correct server and load the website.
The Importance of DNS for Your PS4
Your PS4 relies on DNS servers to connect to online gaming services, access digital content, and perform system updates. If there’s an issue with your DNS settings or if your ISP’s DNS servers are experiencing problems, you may encounter the “DNS Server Cannot Be Used” error on your PS4.
Possible Causes of the Error
There are several reasons why you might see this error message on your PS4:
- DNS settings misconfiguration: If your PS4’s DNS settings are incorrect or outdated, it won’t be able to connect properly.
- Issues with your ISP’s DNS servers: Your ISP’s DNS servers may be experiencing technical difficulties or outages.
- Network connectivity problems: If you’re experiencing network connectivity issues, such as a weak Wi-Fi signal or a faulty Ethernet cable, it can affect your PS4’s ability to connect to the DNS server.
How to Fix the “DNS Server Cannot Be Used” Error
If you’re facing this error on your PS4, here are some troubleshooting steps you can take:
1. Check Your Network Connection
The first step is to ensure that your network connection is stable and functioning correctly. Make sure your Wi-Fi signal is strong or verify that your Ethernet cable is securely connected.
2. Restart Your Router and PS4
Restarting both your router and PS4 can help resolve temporary network issues. Power off both devices, wait for a few minutes, and then turn them back on.
3. Update Your PS4’s Software
An outdated system software on your PS4 can cause connectivity problems. Make sure you have the latest software version installed by going to “Settings” > “System Software Update.”
4. Change DNS Settings on Your PS4
You can manually change the DNS settings on your PS4 to use alternative DNS servers like Google DNS (8.8.8 and 8.4.4) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.220.220). Go to “Settings” > “Network” > “Set Up Internet Connection” and choose either Wi-Fi or LAN. Select “Custom” for the setup method and enter the DNS server addresses.
5. Contact Your ISP
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s possible that your ISP’s DNS servers are experiencing problems. Contact your ISP’s customer support for assistance and inform them about the error you’re encountering on your PS4.
Conclusion
In summary, the “DNS Server Cannot Be Used” error on your PS4 signifies an issue with DNS connectivity. By understanding how DNS works and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve this error and get back to enjoying your gaming experience on your PS4.