DNS Speed Test

Why Change DNS on PS4

Your PS4 uses whatever DNS server your router gives it. Usually that is your ISP's DNS, which is fine for basic browsing but terrible for gaming. ISP DNS servers get overloaded during peak hours, adding latency to every network request your console makes.

Faster DNS means faster downloads. When you buy a game from the PlayStation Store, your console needs to resolve the download server's address. With a slow DNS, that resolution takes longer. The difference between a 20ms DNS and a 200ms DNS adds up when your console is resolving dozens of CDN endpoints.

Better DNS can also reduce lag in online games. Call of Duty, Fortnite, and Apex Legends all make DNS lookups during matchmaking. A faster resolver shaves milliseconds off every lookup, and those milliseconds matter in competitive play.

Changing DNS on PS4 is safe, free, and reversible. If you do not like the result, switch back to automatic in seconds.

Before You Start

Decide which DNS servers you want to use. Here are the best options for PS4 gaming:

• Cloudflare — 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Fastest globally, no logging.
• Google — 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Reliable, massive infrastructure.
• Quad9 — 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112. Blocks malicious domains.

If you want to base your choice on data, run our DNS speed test first. It measures real response times from your location across 17+ providers.

You will also need to know whether your PS4 uses Wi-Fi or a wired connection. The steps are the same for both, but you select a different option during setup.

Step-by-Step: Change DNS on PS4

1. Turn on your PS4 and log into your profile.
2. Go to Settings from the main menu (the briefcase icon).
3. Scroll down to Network and select it.
4. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
5. Choose your connection type: Use Wi-Fi or Use a LAN Cable. Wi-Fi users then select Easy or Custom. Pick Custom.
6. For Wi-Fi: select your network name, enter the password. For LAN: the cable is already detected.
7. On the IP Address Settings screen, leave it on Automatic.
8. On the DHCP Host Name screen, leave it on Do Not Specify.
9. On the DNS Settings screen, change from Automatic to Manual.
10. Enter your Primary DNS and Secondary DNS. For Cloudflare: primary 1.1.1.1, secondary 1.0.0.1.
11. On the MTU Settings screen, leave it on Automatic.
12. On the Proxy Server screen, leave it on Do Not Use.
13. Select Test Internet Connection to verify everything works.

The test takes about a minute. It will show NAT type, download speed, upload speed, and your new DNS servers. If NAT Type is 2 or 1, you are good. Type 3 means restricted connectivity.

Best DNS Servers for PS4

Not all DNS servers perform the same for gaming. Here is what I recommend based on testing:

Cloudflare is usually the best pick for PS4. It has the lowest global latency and a strict no-logging policy. Google DNS is a close second with slightly better uptime in some regions.

Verify Your DNS Settings

After setting up your connection, the PS4 will run a network test automatically if you selected Test Internet Connection. Check that the DNS settings show your chosen servers. If it still shows automatic addresses, go back and make sure you selected Manual on the DNS step.

You can also test DNS performance with a website on your phone or computer while connected to the same network. Visit 1.1.1.1/help to verify Cloudflare, or dns.google for Google DNS. The PS4 does not have a browser-based verification tool, but the network test results are reliable.

For a proper benchmark, run our DNS speed test from another device on the same network. That gives you a before-and-after comparison.

Frequently Asked Questions