What does DNS stand for on PS4?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

DNS stands for Domain Name System. It is an essential component of the internet infrastructure that translates domain names into IP addresses. In simpler terms, it acts as a phone book for the internet, allowing users to access websites by typing in a memorable domain name instead of a complicated string of numbers.

When you connect your PS4 to the internet, it relies on DNS servers to translate the domain names of the websites or online services you want to access into the corresponding IP addresses. This translation is crucial for establishing a connection and accessing the desired content.

Without DNS, you would need to remember and input the IP addresses of every website or service you want to access, which would be impractical and inconvenient. DNS servers take care of this translation process behind the scenes, making the internet more user-friendly and accessible.

Now, let’s delve into the error message you might encounter on your PS4 related to DNS. When your PS4 attempts to connect to the internet, it usually relies on the DNS servers provided by your internet service provider (ISP) by default. However, there can be instances where these default DNS servers are not working properly or are experiencing issues.

In such cases, your PS4 may display a DNS error message, indicating that it is unable to connect to the internet or access certain online features. This error message can vary, but it typically includes phrases like “DNS server cannot be used” or “DNS error has occurred.”

There can be several reasons for a DNS error on your PS4. It could be due to temporary issues with your ISP’s DNS servers, network congestion, or problems with your internet connection. Sometimes, changing your DNS settings to use alternative DNS servers like Google DNS or OpenDNS can resolve the issue.

To change your DNS settings on the PS4, you can follow these steps:

1. Go to the PS4 home screen and navigate to “Settings.”
2. Scroll down and select “Network.”
3. Choose “Set Up Internet Connection” and select either Wi-Fi or LAN, depending on how you connect to the internet.
4. Select “Custom” for the connection method.
5. Follow the on-screen prompts until you reach the “DNS Settings” section.
6. Choose “Manual” and enter the IP addresses of the alternative DNS servers you want to use (e.g., 8.8.8.8 for Google DNS).
7. Complete the setup process and test your internet connection to see if the DNS error has been resolved.

Changing the DNS settings on your PS4 can sometimes improve your internet connection’s stability and speed, as well as resolve DNS-related issues. However, it is worth noting that DNS errors can also be caused by other factors, such as router settings, firewall configurations, or even temporary server outages on the websites or services you are trying to access.

DNS (Domain Name System) is a crucial component of the internet infrastructure that translates domain names into IP addresses. A DNS error on your PS4 indicates an issue with the DNS servers your console is using. By changing your DNS settings or troubleshooting other potential causes, you can often resolve these errors and regain access to the internet and online features on your PS4.