PlayStation 4 Error Code NW-31297-2: How to Fix It

Easy 5-20 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
NW-31297-2
Brand
PlayStation 4
Product Type
game_platform
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
5-20 minutes
PlayStation 4 error code NW-31297-2 appears when your PS4 cannot connect to your WiFi network because the password entered does not match what your router requires. This is one of the most common PS4 network errors and is almost always caused by a typo, a recently changed router password, or a mismatch between saved credentials and your current network settings. The good news is this error is easy to fix yourself in just a few minutes with no special tools required.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code NW-31297-2

  1. Confirm Your WiFi Password Is Correct

  2. Forget the Saved WiFi Network on Your PS4

  3. Re-enter Your WiFi Password Carefully

  4. Restart Your Router and PS4

  5. Check for Special Characters in Your WiFi Password

    Changing your router password will disconnect all devices on that network. Be prepared to reconnect your phone, laptop, smart TV, and any other connected devices to the updated network.

  6. Try Connecting via Custom Setup or 5GHz vs 2.4GHz Band

  7. Use a Wired LAN Connection as a Test

  8. Rebuild the PS4 Database and Check for System Software Issues

    Rebuilding the database does not delete your games or saves, but back up your save data to PS Plus cloud storage or a USB drive before proceeding as a precaution.
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When to Call a Professional

You should seek professional help if error NW-31297-2 persists after successfully entering the correct password on multiple networks (for example, your home WiFi and a mobile hotspot both fail). This may indicate a hardware fault with the PS4's internal WiFi module or antenna. In that case, contact PlayStation Support at support.playstation.com or take your console to an authorized Sony repair center. Do not attempt to open the PS4 to inspect the WiFi card yourself, as this requires soldering skills and will void any remaining warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PS4 error code NW-31297-2 mean?
Error NW-31297-2 on PS4 means the console attempted to connect to your WiFi network but was rejected because the password is incorrect or doesn't match what the router expects. It is essentially a failed authentication error.
I'm entering the right password but still getting NW-31297-2 — why?
This can happen if the PS4 still has the old incorrect password cached. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection, highlight your network, press Options and choose 'Forget', then re-enter the password from scratch. Also double-check that CAPS LOCK isn't affecting your input on the on-screen keyboard.
Does NW-31297-2 mean my PS4 WiFi is broken?
Not necessarily. In the vast majority of cases, this error is simply a wrong password or a cached credential problem and is fixed within minutes. Hardware failure of the WiFi chip is rare and would typically show additional symptoms like being unable to detect any networks at all.
Can I fix NW-31297-2 without changing my router settings?
Yes. In most cases you only need to forget the saved network on the PS4 and re-enter your correct password. You only need to change router settings if your password contains unusual special characters that the PS4 keyboard cannot properly input.
Will rebuilding the PS4 database delete my games and saves?
No, rebuilding the database reorganizes the file system but does not delete your installed games or saved data. However, it is always best practice to back up your save files to a USB drive or PS Plus cloud storage before performing any Safe Mode operation.

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