Why you might change your PS5's DNS

Your PS5 uses DNS (Domain Name System) to translate website addresses into the numbers it needs to connect to the internet. By default, it uses the DNS servers your internet provider assigns. Changing this setting lets you use a different DNS service — one that blocks malware, filters adult content, or straightforward runs faster for gaming.

The most common reasons to change DNS on PS5 are to use a faster service like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8), to enable parental controls through a DNS filter, or to troubleshoot connection problems. You might also change it if your ISP's DNS is slow or unreliable.

The process takes about five minutes and requires only your PS5 controller and access to the Settings menu. You do not need to restart your console or disconnect anything physical.

Key Takeaways

  • DNS settings on PS5 are found in Settings > Network > Internet Connection Settings, then under the connection you currently use.
  • You can set primary and secondary DNS addresses, and common alternatives include Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) and Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4).
  • After entering new DNS addresses, your PS5 will test the connection automatically — if the test fails, the console reverts to your previous settings.
  • DNS changes take effect when ready and do not require a console restart, though you may need to restart individual games or apps.

Step-by-step: changing DNS on PS5

Start from the PS5 home screen. Press the PS button on your controller to open the control center, then scroll right to find Settings (the gear icon). Select Settings, then scroll down to Network.

In the Network menu, select Internet Connection Settings. You will see your current connection listed — either Wi-Fi or LAN (wired). Select that connection. The console will show you the current settings, including your DNS servers. Choose the option to change DNS settings.

Your PS5 will ask whether you want to use automatic DNS or manual DNS. Select Manual. You will now see two fields: Primary DNS and Secondary DNS. Enter your primary DNS address in the first field (for example, 1.1.1.1 for Cloudflare). Enter your secondary DNS address in the second field (for example, 1.0.0.1).

After entering both addresses, select Test Connection. Your PS5 will verify that the new DNS servers work. If the test passes, the settings save automatically. If it fails, the console will revert to your previous DNS settings and ask you to try again.

Common DNS services and what they do

Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) is designed for speed and privacy. It does not log your browsing activity and is often faster than ISP DNS for gaming. This is a good default choice if you straightforward want reliable, fast DNS without filtering.

Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) is widely used and reliable, though Google does collect some data about your queries. It works well for gaming and general browsing.

Quad9 (9.9.9.9 / 149.112.112.112) blocks known malware and phishing sites automatically. It is useful if you want extra security without setting up a separate filter.

OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 / 208.67.220.220) offers family filtering options if you want to block adult content or specific categories of websites. You can configure filtering rules on their website after setting the DNS on your PS5.

What to do if DNS changes break your connection

If you enter a DNS address and the test fails, your PS5 automatically reverts to the previous setting. You will see an error message on screen. This usually means the DNS server you entered is unreachable, the address was typed incorrectly, or that particular service is temporarily down.

Double-check that you typed the address correctly — DNS addresses are numbers separated by periods, with no spaces. If you are certain the address is correct, try a different DNS service. Cloudflare and Google are the most reliable starting points because they have global server networks and rarely go offline.

If changing DNS does not solve the problem you were trying to fix, revert to automatic DNS by going back to Internet Connection Settings, selecting your connection, and choosing Automatic DNS. Then contact your internet provider to check whether your connection itself is stable.

DNS and gaming performance

Changing DNS can improve your connection speed slightly, but it will not fix lag during gameplay. DNS only affects how quickly your PS5 finds the address of a game server — once connected, your actual internet speed and network stability determine your ping and performance.

If you are experiencing lag in online games, the problem is usually your internet speed, network congestion, or distance to the game server, not DNS. Changing DNS might help if your ISP's DNS is very slow, but it is rarely the main cause of poor gaming performance.

DNS changes are most noticeable when loading games, downloading updates, or browsing the PlayStation Store. You may see faster load times if you switch from a slow ISP DNS to Cloudflare or Google, but the difference is usually a few seconds at most.

Reverting to automatic DNS

If you want to go back to your ISP's default DNS, the process is the same. Go to Settings > Network > Internet Connection Settings, select your connection, and choose Automatic DNS. Your PS5 will when ready use the DNS servers your internet provider assigns.

There is no downside to reverting — your connection will work exactly as it did before you made the change. You can switch between manual and automatic DNS as many times as you want without any risk to your console or account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing DNS affect my PlayStation Network account or games?

No. DNS changes only affect how your PS5 finds servers on the internet. Your account, game saves, and installed games are not touched. You can change DNS back and forth without any impact on your data or account security.

Do I need to change DNS on every device, or just my PS5?

Each device has its own DNS settings. Changing DNS on your PS5 affects only that console. If you want the same DNS on your phone, computer, or other devices, you will need to change them separately — or change the DNS at your router level, which affects all devices connected to it.

What if I enter the wrong DNS address by mistake?

Your PS5 tests the connection after you enter the address. If it is wrong or unreachable, the test fails and the console automatically reverts to your previous DNS setting. You will not get stuck with a broken connection.

Can I use different DNS servers for different games?

No. Your PS5 uses the same DNS setting for all internet traffic. You set one primary and one secondary DNS address, and that is what the entire console uses. If you want different DNS for different purposes, you would need to change the setting manually each time.

Is it safe to use a public DNS service like Cloudflare?

Yes. Public DNS services like Cloudflare and Google are used by millions of people and are find. They do not have access to your game accounts or personal data — they only translate website addresses into IP numbers, the same job your ISP's DNS does.