PlayStation 4 Error Code NW-31456-9: How to Fix It

Easy 15-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
NW-31456-9
Brand
PlayStation 4
Product Type
game_platform
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-45 minutes
PlayStation 4 error code NW-31456-9 means your console tried to connect to a network but the connection timed out before it could establish a stable link. This usually points to a weak Wi-Fi signal, a router that needs a restart, incorrect network settings on the PS4, or a temporary outage with PlayStation Network (PSN). The good news is that this error is almost always fixable at home without any special tools or technical expertise.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code NW-31456-9

  1. Check PlayStation Network Server Status

  2. Restart Your PS4 and Router

  3. Test Your Internet Connection on the PS4

  4. Move Closer to Your Router or Use a Wired Connection

  5. Change Your DNS Settings to Google or Cloudflare DNS

  6. Check for IP Address Conflicts and Use a Static IP

  7. Update Your PS4 System Software

  8. Rebuild the PS4 Database in Safe Mode

    Do not turn off your PS4 during the database rebuild. Interrupting this process could corrupt your storage.

  9. Restore Default Network Settings

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When to Call a Professional

If you have tried every step above and your PS4 still cannot connect to any network, the console's internal Wi-Fi module may have failed. At that point, a repair technician or Sony's official repair service can diagnose and replace the hardware. Additionally, if your router or modem is consistently failing to provide internet access to all devices in your home, contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) — the problem may be outside your home entirely. Sony's PlayStation Support can also be reached directly at their official support site if the error persists after all software-side fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PS4 error code NW-31456-9 mean?
NW-31456-9 means your PS4 attempted to connect to a network or to PlayStation Network but the connection timed out before completing. It is a network timeout error and is usually caused by a weak Wi-Fi signal, router issues, incorrect DNS settings, or a temporary PSN outage.
Will I lose my game saves if I fix NW-31456-9?
No. The troubleshooting steps for this error — including restarting your console, changing DNS settings, rebuilding the database, and restoring default settings — do not delete your game saves or installed games. Only a full factory reset (Initialize PS4) would erase saved data, and that step is not required to fix this error.
Why does my PS4 keep getting NW-31456-9 on Wi-Fi but not on Ethernet?
This is very common and almost always means your Wi-Fi signal is too weak or inconsistent where your PS4 is located. Walls, distance from the router, and interference from other wireless devices can all degrade the signal enough to cause repeated timeouts. Switching to a wired Ethernet connection is the most reliable permanent solution.
Is NW-31456-9 caused by PlayStation Network being down?
It can be, but not always. If PSN is experiencing an outage or maintenance, this error may appear for many users simultaneously. Always check status.playstation.com first. If PSN is fully operational and other devices in your home can access the internet without issues, the problem is specific to your PS4's network configuration.
Does changing the DNS settings on my PS4 actually help with NW-31456-9?
Yes, in many cases it does. Your Internet Service Provider's default DNS servers can sometimes be slow or unresponsive, causing connection requests to time out before they complete. Switching to faster, more reliable public DNS servers like Google (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) can significantly reduce or eliminate timeout errors.

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