Updated July 2026

How to Change DNS on PS5

Change DNS settings on your PlayStation 5 to speed up downloads and reduce lag. Takes under two minutes.

Why Change DNS on PS5

The PS5 is a powerful console, but its network setup still relies on whatever DNS server your router hands out. ISP DNS servers are rarely optimized for gaming. They handle general web traffic for thousands of subscribers, and during peak hours that shared load shows up as slow lookups and timeouts.

Faster DNS means faster game downloads. PS5 games can be 100GB or more. Your console makes dozens of DNS lookups while connecting to the PlayStation Network and CDN servers. A slow DNS adds delay to every one of those lookups. Switching to Cloudflare or Google DNS can shave seconds off the connection phase.

DNS also affects online matchmaking. Games like Call of Duty, FIFA, and Fortnite query DNS when finding servers. A faster resolver means faster matchmaking connections. It is not going to fix a bad internet connection, but it removes one variable from the equation.

The change is free and reversible. If it does not help, switch back to automatic.

Before You Start

Pick your DNS provider first. Here are the best options for PS5:

  • Cloudflare — 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1. Fastest globally, zero logging.
  • Google — 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4. Rock solid reliability.
  • Quad9 — 9.9.9.9 and 149.112.112.112. Blocks malware domains.

Run our DNS speed test first to see which provider performs best from your location.

Step-by-Step: Change DNS on PS5

  1. Turn on your PS5 and go to the home screen.
  2. Select the Settings gear icon in the top right.
  3. Go to Network > Settings.
  4. Select Set Up Internet Connection.
  5. Highlight your active connection (Wi-Fi or LAN) and press the Options button on the controller.
  6. Select Advanced Settings from the menu.
  7. Change DNS Settings from Automatic to Manual.
  8. Enter your Primary DNS and Secondary DNS. For Cloudflare: primary 1.1.1.1, secondary 1.0.0.1.
  9. Select OK to save the settings.
  10. Press the Options button again and select Test Connection.

The PS5 will test internet connectivity and show your NAT type, connection speed, and the DNS servers being used. NAT Type 1 or 2 is what you want. If it shows Type 3, your router might have firewall restrictions.

Best DNS Servers for PS5

Provider Primary / Secondary Why Use It
Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 Lowest latency, privacy first
Google 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 Best uptime, global infrastructure
Quad9 9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112 Security, blocks phishing
OpenDNS 208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220 Parental controls, filtering

Verify Your DNS Settings

After running Test Connection on the PS5, check the DNS field in the results. It should show your manually entered addresses. If it shows something else, go back through the steps and make sure you selected Manual DNS.

You can also use a device on the same network to test your chosen DNS. Visit Cloudflare's help page or Google's DNS checker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing DNS on PS5 improve download speeds?

It helps with the initial connection to download servers. Your actual download speed is capped by your internet plan and PSN server capacity. But faster DNS reduces the overhead time before the download starts.

Can I use Google DNS on PS5?

Yes. Set Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and Secondary to 8.8.4.4. Google DNS is one of the most reliable options.

How do I revert DNS on PS5?

Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Press Options on your connection, select Advanced Settings, and change DNS back to Automatic.

Will this affect my other devices?

No. The DNS change only applies to your PS5. Other devices keep using the router's DNS.