If you are facing slow internet speed, high ping, frequent disconnections, or online gaming lag on your PlayStation 5, then changing PS5 DNS Settings can make a noticeable difference. Many PS5 users do not realize that DNS plays a very important role in how fast your console connects to game servers, downloads updates, and accesses PlayStation Network services.
In this complete guide, we will deeply explain what PS5 DNS settings are, how DNS works, why default DNS may be slow, and how to change DNS on PS5 step by step. We will also discuss the best DNS settings for PS5, when DNS helps, when it does not, and common mistakes to avoid. This article is written in simple English, so even beginners can follow it without confusion.
What You Will Learn in This Article
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What DNS is and how it works
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What PS5 DNS settings mean
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Why changing DNS can improve PS5 speed
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Best DNS servers for PS5 gaming
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Step-by-step guide to change DNS on PS5
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DNS for faster downloads
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DNS for online gaming and low ping
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Common DNS problems and fixes
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Frequently asked questions
What Are PS5 DNS Settings?
PS5 DNS Settings refer to the Domain Name System configuration used by your PlayStation 5 to connect to the internet. DNS works like a phonebook for the internet. Instead of remembering IP addresses, DNS converts website names and server names into IP addresses that devices can understand.
When your PS5 connects to:
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PlayStation Network
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Online multiplayer servers
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Game update servers
It uses DNS to find the correct server location.
If DNS is slow or unreliable, your PS5 may experience:
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Slow downloads
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Connection timeouts
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Lag in online games
What Is DNS? (Very Simple Explanation)
DNS stands for Domain Name System.
Example:
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You type
playstation.com -
DNS converts it into an IP address
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Your PS5 connects to the correct server
Without DNS, devices cannot easily access internet services.
Why Default DNS Is Often Slow on PS5
Most internet connections use DNS provided by:
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Your ISP (Internet Service Provider)
ISP DNS servers may be:
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Overloaded
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Far from gaming servers
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Not optimized for gaming
This is why many PS5 users experience slow speed even with fast internet plans.
Changing PS5 DNS settings to a public DNS can improve:
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Speed
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Stability
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Response time
How PS5 DNS Settings Improve Internet Performance
Changing DNS does not increase your internet plan speed, but it can:
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Reduce connection delays
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Improve server response time
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Speed up downloads
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Improve online gaming stability
This is especially helpful for:
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Online multiplayer games
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Large game updates
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PlayStation Store browsing
When DNS Helps and When It Does Not
DNS Helps When:
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ISP DNS is slow
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ISP DNS is unstable
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You experience frequent disconnects
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Download speeds fluctuate
DNS Does NOT Help When:
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Internet plan speed is low
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Wi-Fi signal is weak
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Router is outdated
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Network is overloaded
DNS is one part of the internet experience.
Also Read:- How to Connect Your PS5
Best DNS Servers for PS5 (Recommended)
Here are the most trusted DNS servers for PS5 users.
Google DNS (Most Popular)
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Primary: 8.8.8.8
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Secondary: 8.8.4.4
✅ Stable
✅ Fast
✅ Good for downloads and browsing
Cloudflare DNS (Best for Gaming)
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Primary: 1.1.1.1
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Secondary: 1.0.0.1
✅ Very low latency
✅ Excellent for gaming
✅ High privacy
OpenDNS
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Primary: 208.67.222.222
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Secondary: 208.67.220.220
✅ Reliable
✅ Good security
Quad9 DNS
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Primary: 9.9.9.9
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Secondary: 149.112.112.112
✅ Security focused
✅ Blocks malicious domains
Best DNS for PS5 Gaming (Low Ping)
For online gaming:
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Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) is usually best
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Offers fast response time
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Reduces matchmaking delay
However, results may vary depending on your location.
How to Change PS5 DNS Settings (Step-by-Step)
Now let us configure PS5 DNS Settings manually.
Step 1: Open Network Settings
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Turn on your PS5
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Go to Settings
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Select Network
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Open Settings
Step 2: Set Up Internet Connection
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Choose Set Up Internet Connection
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Select Set Up Manually
Step 3: Choose Connection Type
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Select Wi-Fi (or LAN if using cable)
Step 4: Select Manual Settings
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Choose Manual IP
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Select Automatic for IP Address
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Select Automatic for DHCP
Step 5: Configure DNS Manually
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Choose Manual DNS
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Enter DNS values
Example (Cloudflare):
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Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1
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Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1
Step 6: Complete Setup
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Set MTU to Automatic
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Proxy to Do Not Use
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Save settings
Step 7: Test Internet Connection
PS5 will run a network test showing:
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Internet connection status
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Download speed
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Upload speed
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NAT type
Best DNS Settings for Faster PS5 Downloads
For faster downloads:
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Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS
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Use wired LAN if possible
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Pause background apps
DNS improves server lookup speed, which helps downloads start faster.
PS5 DNS Settings for Online Gaming
DNS affects:
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Matchmaking speed
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Server connection time
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Lobby joining
Lower DNS latency = smoother gaming experience.
LAN vs Wi-Fi for DNS Performance
LAN Connection:
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More stable
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Faster response
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Better for gaming
Wi-Fi Connection:
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Convenient
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Slightly higher latency
DNS works best with LAN connection.
Common PS5 DNS Problems and Fixes
Problem 1: Internet Not Connecting After DNS Change
Fix:
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Re-enter DNS correctly
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Restart PS5 and router
Problem 2: Slower Speed After Changing DNS
Fix:
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Try a different DNS server
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Test Google vs Cloudflare
Problem 3: NAT Type Failed
Fix:
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Enable UPnP in router
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Use ISP DNS temporarily
Is It Safe to Change PS5 DNS Settings?
Yes. Changing DNS is:
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Completely safe
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Does not void warranty
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Reversible anytime
Public DNS servers are widely used.
Also Read:- Why PS5 WiFi Not Working
How to Reset PS5 DNS to Default
If needed:
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Go to network setup
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Choose Automatic DNS
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Save settings
This restores ISP DNS.
DNS vs Internet Speed – Truth Explained
DNS does NOT:
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Increase bandwidth
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Change your internet plan
DNS DOES:
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Improve responsiveness
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Reduce delays
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Improve stability
How to Test Best DNS for Your Location
Best DNS depends on:
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Country
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ISP
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Distance to DNS server
Test different DNS for:
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Download speed
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Ping
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Stability
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does changing DNS really help PS5?
Yes, especially if ISP DNS is slow.
Which DNS is best for PS5?
Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) for gaming, Google DNS for downloads.
Can DNS reduce lag?
It can reduce connection delay, not server lag.
Should I use DNS on Wi-Fi or LAN?
Both, but LAN performs better.
Final Thoughts – Should You Change PS5 DNS Settings?
Changing PS5 DNS Settings is one of the simplest and safest optimizations you can do for better internet performance. While DNS alone cannot fix every problem, it often improves connection stability, download speed, and online gaming experience—especially if your ISP DNS is slow.
If you play online games regularly or download large updates, testing different DNS servers like Cloudflare or Google DNS is highly recommended. Combined with a stable internet connection and proper router setup, DNS changes can noticeably improve your PS5 experience.


