PlayStation 4 Error Code NW-31294-9: How to Fix It

Easy 10-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
NW-31294-9
Brand
PlayStation 4
Product Type
game_platform
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
10-20 minutes
PlayStation 4 error code NW-31294-9 means your PS4 attempted to connect to a WiFi network but failed because the password entered was incorrect, was not accepted by the router, or the saved credentials no longer match. This can happen after a router password change, a network reset, or simply a typo during setup. The good news is this is almost always a software-level fix you can resolve yourself in just a few minutes.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code NW-31294-9

  1. Double-Check Your WiFi Password

  2. Forget the WiFi Network on Your PS4

  3. Re-Enter Your WiFi Password Carefully

  4. Restart Your Router and PS4

    Always fully power off the PS4 rather than using rest mode when troubleshooting network issues, as rest mode can retain corrupted network state.

  5. Check for Router Security Settings That May Block the PS4

  6. Try Connecting via a Mobile Hotspot to Isolate the Problem

  7. Restore PS4 Network Settings to Default

    Do not select 'Initialize PS4' by mistake — that option erases all data. Only use 'Restore Default Settings' for this step.
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When to Call a Professional

You should contact Sony PlayStation Support (1-800-345-7669) if the NW-31294-9 error persists after correctly entering your password, resetting the router, and restoring PS4 default settings — especially if your PS4 cannot detect any WiFi networks at all or the WiFi signal appears weak. This may indicate a hardware fault in the PS4's internal WiFi adapter, which requires a repair technician. If your PS4 is still under warranty, Sony may repair or replace it. Authorized repair centers can diagnose and replace the WiFi/Bluetooth daughter board inside the console.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PS4 keep saying wrong password when I know it's correct?
This is usually caused by a case-sensitivity mistake on the on-screen keyboard, a recently changed router password that the PS4 still has saved incorrectly, or a router security setting like MAC address filtering that is blocking the PS4 even when the password is right. Try forgetting the network on the PS4, restarting your router, and re-entering the password very carefully character by character.
Will error NW-31294-9 delete my PS4 games or save data?
No. Error NW-31294-9 is purely a network authentication error. It has no effect on your installed games, save files, trophies, or PlayStation account data. All your content remains safe on the console while you troubleshoot the WiFi connection.
Can I use a wired ethernet connection to avoid NW-31294-9?
Yes, absolutely. Plugging an ethernet cable directly from your router into the PS4's LAN port bypasses WiFi entirely and eliminates NW-31294-9, which is WiFi-specific. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Use a LAN Cable to configure the wired connection. A wired connection is also faster and more stable for gaming and downloads.
My router password has special characters — could that cause NW-31294-9?
Yes, special characters like @, #, $, !, or spaces can sometimes cause issues when entered through the PS4's on-screen keyboard if a character is accidentally skipped or mistyped. If your password contains special characters, consider temporarily logging into your router admin panel and changing the WiFi password to a simpler alphanumeric one to test the connection, then change it back once you confirm the PS4 connects successfully.
Does NW-31294-9 mean my PS4's WiFi is broken?
Not necessarily. NW-31294-9 specifically means the authentication (password) step failed, which is almost always a software or settings issue, not a hardware failure. A broken WiFi adapter would more commonly show errors where no networks are detected at all, or the connection drops immediately after connecting. If you can see your network on the PS4 but just can't authenticate, your WiFi hardware is almost certainly fine.

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