Why Does My PS4 Say a DNS Server Is Not Set?
If you are a PlayStation 4 (PS4) user, you may have encountered an error message stating “DNS server is not set.” This error can be frustrating, especially if you are in the middle of an intense gaming session or trying to download updates for your favorite game.
But fear not! In this article, we will explore why this error occurs and provide solutions to fix it.
What is a DNS Server?
DNS stands for Domain Name System. It acts as a translator between human-readable website addresses (like www.example.com) and their corresponding IP addresses (a series of numbers like 192.168.0.1). When you enter a website address into your web browser or PS4, the DNS server translates that address into the associated IP address, allowing your device to connect to the desired website or online service.
Common Causes of the “DNS server is not set” Error
There can be several reasons why your PS4 displays this error message. Let’s take a look at some common causes:
- Incorrect DNS Settings: If you manually configured your PS4’s network settings and entered incorrect DNS information, it can result in the “DNS server is not set” error.
- Internet Service Provider (ISP) Issues: Sometimes, your ISP might experience temporary outages or technical difficulties with their DNS servers.
- Routers or Modem Problems: Faulty routers or modems can cause issues with DNS resolution and result in the error message.
Solutions to Fix the “DNS server is not set” Error
Now that we know the possible causes, let’s explore some solutions to resolve this error:
1. Restart Your PS4 and Router
Before diving into advanced troubleshooting, start with the basics. Power off your PS4 and unplug both your router and modem from the power source.
Wait for a few minutes, then plug them back in and power on your devices. This simple step can often fix temporary connectivity issues.
2. Check Network Settings on Your PS4
If restarting didn’t work, it’s time to verify your PS4’s network settings:
- Navigate to Settings: Go to the main menu of your PS4 and select “Settings. “
- Select Network: Scroll down and choose “Network.
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- Select Set Up Internet Connection: Choose “Set Up Internet Connection” and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Select Custom: When prompted to select a connection method, choose “Custom. “
- Select Automatic IP Address Settings: For IP Address Settings, choose “Automatic” unless you have specific requirements.
- Select Automatic DNS Settings: For DNS Settings, select “Automatic.” This will allow your PS4 to automatically obtain DNS information from your ISP.
- Select Do Not Use Proxy Server: Lastly, ensure that you select “Do Not Use” when asked about proxy servers.
3. Manually Configure DNS Settings
If the automatic settings did not resolve the issue, you can try manually configuring DNS settings:
- Follow Steps 1-4 from the previous solution: Navigate to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Custom.
- Select Manual IP Address Settings: In the IP Address Settings, choose “Manual” instead of “Automatic.”
- Enter Preferred and Alternate DNS Addresses: Enter the primary and secondary DNS addresses provided by your ISP. If you don’t have this information, you can try using public DNS servers like Google DNS (Primary: 8.8.8, Secondary: 8.4.4) or Cloudflare DNS (Primary: 1.1.1, Secondary: 1.
After entering the DNS addresses, follow the remaining on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
4. Contact Your ISP
If none of the above solutions worked, it’s possible that your ISP is facing technical issues with their DNS servers. Contact them to inquire about any known problems or for further assistance in resolving the issue.
In conclusion, encountering a “DNS server is not set” error on your PS4 can be frustrating but is usually easy to fix by following these troubleshooting steps.
Note: If you are unsure about making changes to your network settings or need additional help, it’s always recommended to consult with a technical expert or contact PlayStation support for guidance.