Will changing my PS5 DNS lower my ping during online games?

No, changing your DNS mainly affects how fast domain names resolve. It does not directly lower your in-game ping or increase your bandwidth.

Which DNS servers do users recommend for the PS5?

Google DNS (8.8.8.8 primary, 8.8.4.4 secondary) and Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 primary, 1.0.0.1 secondary) are the most common recommendations for speed and reliability.

Can changing the DNS on my PS5 fix connection error messages?

Yes, manually setting your DNS can resolve specific errors like "DNS server cannot be found" that prevent you from connecting.

Does changing the DNS on my console affect other devices in my house?

No, modifying the DNS directly on the PS5 only affects that console. You would need to change the settings on your router to affect other devices.

Does a Custom DNS Improve PS5 Connection Speed

Changing your DNS settings on a PS5 can make your connection feel more stable and help you log into servers faster, especially if your internet provider's default DNS is slow or unreliable.

It will not increase your overall bandwidth or lower your in-game ping, so it cannot fix lag spikes caused by network congestion.

Users often recommend Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) for better routing to game servers.

Does a Custom DNS Improve PS5 Connection Speed — infographic

Manually configuring DNS settings on your PS5 can potentially improve connection speed or stability, especially if your Internet Service Provider's (ISP) default DNS is inefficient or experiencing issues.

Potential Benefits of Custom DNS

Faster resolution to game servers and CDNs: Changing DNS can help resolve domain names quicker, which might lead to slightly faster initial connections to game servers or PlayStation's Content Delivery Networks (CDNs). "The main reason is because Google Public DNS server (8.8.8.8) uses EDNS Client Subnet (ECS) and might reply with a different (closer) CDN IP because of it."

Improved stability and reduced lag: If your ISP's DNS is slow or unreliable, switching to a public DNS like Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1, 1.0.0.1) can make your connection feel more stable. "If your ISP DNS is bad, switching can make things feel more stable tho."

Troubleshooting connection errors: Manually setting DNS can sometimes resolve specific connection errors, such as "DNS server cannot be found," which some Users have experienced. "You have to set you DNS to manual then first dns put 8.8.8.8 and second 1.1.1.1"

Limitations of Custom DNS

Minimal impact on overall bandwidth or ping: While DNS affects how fast initial connections are made, it generally does not directly increase your internet bandwidth or lower your in-game ping. "It won’t magically fix lag or lower your ping in most cases, it mainly affects how fast stuff resolves (like logging into servers)."

Not a universal fix for all issues: Random lag spikes or general network congestion are typically related to your ISP or home network setup, rather than DNS. "Real talk, random lag spikes are usually your ISP or network congestion, not DNS."

No effect on other devices: Manually changing DNS on your PS5 will only affect your console, not other devices on your network, unless you configure the DNS settings directly on your router. "No, no other devices will be affected."

Recommended DNS Servers

Google DNS: Many Users recommend Google DNS, using primary 8.8.8.8 and secondary 8.8.4.4, for its speed and reliability. "Try Google (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1)."

Cloudflare DNS: Cloudflare DNS, with primary 1.1.1.1 and secondary 1.0.0.1, is also highly recommended for its speed and privacy. "1.1.1.1/1.0.0.1 is still the best"

Does manually configuring DNS on your PS5 seem like a worthwhile step to try for your connection issues?

Best for: PS5 owners experiencing slow server logins or unstable connections due to poor ISP DNS.