PS5 DNS error: how to fix CE-118527-4 and NW-102261-2

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A "DNS error" on PS5 means the console can't turn a server name into an address, or the DNS server is slow or unreliable. PlayStation documents it as CE-118527-4 and NW-102261-2. Start by checking PSN status, restarting the console and router, and setting DNS to Automatic or to a public DNS.

Applies to:PlayStation 5CE-118527-4 and NW-102261-2 (PlayStation does not name a system software version)
On this page

What it means

"DNS error" is not one single code on PS5. It is a label for several network failures where the console cannot look up a PlayStation server's address, or the DNS server answers too slowly. The result is that PSN, the store or your games can't be reached.

PlayStation documents these cases under different codes: CE-118527-4 ("There was a problem resolving the hostname") and NW-102261-2 ("Unable to connect to the server"). PlayStation's PS4 page for NW-31253-4 also describes a delayed or unstable DNS response, which shows the same kind of fault. The fixes below go from the quickest and safest to the more involved.

Symptoms and causes

You are likely dealing with this problem if:

  • The connection test or PSN sign-in fails.
  • Games or the PlayStation Store can't reach their servers.
  • The console shows CE-118527-4 or NW-102261-2.

The usual causes, most common first:

Wrong manual DNS or IP settings
If IP Address Settings or DNS Settings on the console were set to Manual with incorrect values, the console can't resolve names. PlayStation lists this first for CE-118527-4.
Slow or unstable DNS server
The DNS server your provider hands out by default can respond late or unreliably.
Provider maintenance or temporary trouble
PlayStation lists internet provider maintenance or temporary problems as a cause, so sometimes the fix is to wait.
Router, modem or weak connection
A router or modem fault, or a weak or interrupted Wi-Fi signal, can stop the console reaching servers.
Router blocking PlayStation ports
Some router settings block the ports PlayStation services use.
PlayStation server outage or maintenance
If the problem is on PlayStation's side, nothing on your network will fix it.
IPv6-only router
PS5 supports IPv6 but does not work on IPv6-only networks, so the router needs IPv4 enabled.

How to fix it

Work through these in order. They start with the quickest, safest checks and move to deeper repairs; stop as soon as the problem is gone.

1.Check the PlayStation Network status page

Easy

If PSN is down or under maintenance, no setting on your side will help, and you can stop troubleshooting.

  1. Open the PlayStation Network service status page from a phone or computer and look for outages or maintenance.
  2. If there is an outage, wait and try again later.

2.Run the connection test

Easy

The test shows whether the console gets an IP address and reaches the internet and PSN.

  1. On the PS5, go to Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection.
  2. Note which step fails, then continue with the fixes below.

3.Restart the console, router and modem

Easy

This clears a stuck connection or a temporary fault on the router or modem.

  1. Restart the PS5.
  2. If you can, connect the console with a LAN cable. Otherwise move it closer to the router and clear obstructions between them.
  3. Power off the router and modem, wait at least 5 minutes, then power them back on.
  4. Run Test Internet Connection again.

4.Check the DNS and IP settings on the console

Easy

Incorrect manual values are the first cause PlayStation lists for CE-118527-4. Automatic is the simplest known-good setting.

  1. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection and choose your Wi-Fi network, or choose Set Up Wired LAN.
  2. Choose Advanced Settings.
  3. If IP Address Settings or DNS Settings is set to Manual, either correct the Primary and Secondary DNS values or set them to Automatic.
  4. Run Test Internet Connection again.

5.Switch to a public DNS server

Moderate

PlayStation recommends changing DNS for NW-102261-2. This can help when your provider's default DNS is slow or unstable.

  1. Pick a public DNS service and look up its primary and secondary addresses on that service's own official documentation.
  2. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection, pick your Wi-Fi network or Set Up Wired LAN, then choose Advanced Settings.
  3. Leave IP Address Settings on Automatic. Set DNS Settings to Manual.
  4. Enter the primary and secondary addresses you looked up, finish the setup and run Test Internet Connection.

6.Check the router, ports and IPv6

AdvancedChanges settings

A router that blocks PlayStation ports, or an IPv6-only setup, can cause these errors even when DNS is fine.

Before you start: Note the current router settings before changing them, so you can undo a change. Firmware updates and port rules are done in the router's own menus and vary by manufacturer.

  1. In the router settings, make sure these ports are not blocked (list from PlayStation's NW-102261-2 page). TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480. UDP: 3478, 3479, 49152 to 65535.
  2. Update the router firmware using the manufacturer's instructions.
  3. If the router is IPv6-only, switch it to IPv4, since PS5 does not support IPv6-only networks.

7.Set a static IP address as a last resort

AdvancedChanges settings

PlayStation lists a manual IP address as a further step for NW-102261-2.

Before you start: Wrong values will stop the console connecting at all. If that happens, set IP Address Settings back to Automatic.

  1. Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection, choose your connection, then Advanced Settings.
  2. Set IP Address Settings to Manual and enter values valid for your home network. If unsure, contact your internet provider or check the router's manual.

8.Ask your provider or wait

Easy

Provider maintenance or temporary trouble can cause these errors and clears by itself.

  1. Ask your internet provider whether there is maintenance or an outage in your area.
  2. If there is, wait and retry later.

Check that it worked

  • Test Internet Connection completes, including the PSN sign-in step.
  • You can sign in to PlayStation Network and open the PlayStation Store.
  • The game that failed now connects to its servers.

If it still fails

  • Try another network, such as a phone hotspot, to see whether the fault is your router or provider.
  • Contact your internet provider about DNS or connection stability.
  • Contact PlayStation Support through the official PlayStation support pages, quoting the exact error code.

Questions

Will changing DNS always fix it?

No. It helps when the default DNS is slow or unreliable, but the cause can also be the router, the provider or PlayStation's servers.

Sources

  1. How to fix NW-102261-2 (PS5)Official · PlayStation
  2. PS5 Error Code CE-118527-4Official · PlayStation
  3. How to fix NW-31253-4 (PS4)Official · PlayStation
  4. How to set up an internet connection on PlayStation consolesOfficial · PlayStation

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