PlayStation 4 Error Code NW-31250-1: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
Error Code
NW-31250-1
Brand
PlayStation 4
Product Type
game_platform
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
PlayStation 4 error code NW-31250-1 means your console is unable to confirm or connect to the DNS (Domain Name System) server, which is required to translate website and server names into IP addresses so your PS4 can reach the internet. This typically happens when your router assigns incorrect DNS settings, your ISP's DNS servers are temporarily down, or your network configuration has become corrupted. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable at home by adjusting your PS4's network settings or switching to a public DNS server.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code NW-31250-1

  1. Restart Your PS4 and Router

  2. Test Your Internet Connection on PS4

  3. Set Up Your Network Connection Manually with Custom DNS

  4. Check and Disable PS4 Proxy Settings

  5. Change the MTU Value Manually

  6. Switch from Wi-Fi to a Wired (LAN) Connection

  7. Update PS4 System Software

  8. Restore Default Network Settings on PS4

    This step resets all PS4 settings (not just network) to defaults. Your games, saved data, and user accounts will NOT be deleted, but you will need to reconfigure other settings like display, audio, and accessibility preferences.
  9. Check PlayStation Network (PSN) Server Status

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When to Call a Professional

You should contact Sony PlayStation Support (1-800-345-7669) or live chat at playstation.com/support if: the error persists after trying all steps above, your PS4's network card may be physically damaged (e.g., after a power surge or physical drop), or your console is still under warranty and you do not want to risk voiding it. Contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) if multiple devices in your home are experiencing DNS failures — this would indicate a problem at the ISP level rather than with your PS4.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PS4 error code NW-31250-1 mean?
Error NW-31250-1 means your PS4 cannot confirm or reach its configured DNS (Domain Name System) server. DNS is required to translate server names (like PlayStation Network's servers) into IP addresses. Without a working DNS connection, your PS4 cannot connect to PSN or the internet even if your local network is fine.
What is the best DNS setting for PS4?
The most commonly recommended DNS settings for PS4 are Google's public DNS servers: Primary 8.8.8.8 and Secondary 8.8.4.4. Cloudflare's DNS (Primary 1.1.1.1, Secondary 1.0.0.1) is another excellent option and is often slightly faster. Both are free, reliable, and frequently improve connection stability compared to your ISP's default DNS servers.
Will changing DNS on PS4 improve gaming performance?
Switching to a faster public DNS server like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can reduce the time it takes to resolve server addresses, which may slightly improve connection reliability and reduce lobby join times. However, it does not directly reduce in-game ping or latency in the same way that a wired connection or choosing nearby game servers would.
Why does my PS4 keep getting NW-31250-1 even after fixing it?
If the error keeps returning, the most common causes are: your router periodically reassigning DNS settings that override your PS4's manual configuration, an unstable ISP connection with recurring DNS server outages, or a Wi-Fi signal that is too weak and causing intermittent connectivity drops. Try setting a static IP address for your PS4 in your router's DHCP reservation settings, or switch to a wired Ethernet connection for a permanent fix.
Does NW-31250-1 mean my PS4 is broken?
No, error NW-31250-1 is a network configuration or connectivity issue — not a hardware failure. It means your console cannot reach a DNS server, which is almost always caused by incorrect settings, a temporary router or ISP issue, or a PSN outage. Following the steps in this guide to set manual DNS values resolves the error for the vast majority of users without any repairs needed.