PlayStation Error Code NW-31451-4 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

NW-31451-4 means your PlayStation failed to connect to your Wi-Fi network. The console can see your network but cannot establish a stable connection. This is usually a Wi-Fi password issue, a router problem, or a signal strength issue.

Affected Models

PlayStation 4
PlayStation 4 Slim
PlayStation 4 Pro

Common Causes

The Wi-Fi password entered on the PS4 is wrong or has been changed since last connection
The PS4 is too far from the router and the Wi-Fi signal is too weak to maintain a connection
The router has reached its maximum number of connected devices and is rejecting new ones
The router's firmware has a bug that causes connection issues with game consoles
The PS4's Wi-Fi module has developed a fault and cannot maintain a stable wireless connection

How to Fix It

Forget the Wi-Fi network on your PS4 and reconnect. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Wi-Fi. Select your network and enter the password carefully.

Passwords are case-sensitive. A single wrong letter or missed capital will prevent connection.
Restart your router. Unplug it from power, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. Wait 2 minutes for it to fully restart, then try connecting again.

Routers can get stuck in bad states after extended uptime. A restart often resolves connection rejections.
Move your PS4 closer to the router, or move the router closer to the PS4. Walls, floors, and appliances all weaken Wi-Fi signals.

Test the connection right next to the router to rule out signal strength as the cause.
Try a different Wi-Fi frequency band. If your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks, try connecting the PS4 to the one it is not currently using.

5 GHz is faster but shorter range. 2.4 GHz is slower but reaches farther through walls.
Test with an Ethernet cable. If the PS4 connects via cable but not Wi-Fi, the problem is confirmed to be wireless rather than a network or account issue.

A $10 Ethernet cable and a powerline adapter set (around $30) can give you a reliable wired connection anywhere in the house.

When to Call a Professional

If the PS4 connects fine via Ethernet cable but fails on Wi-Fi consistently, the console's Wi-Fi module may be faulty. Wi-Fi module replacement is a technical repair — contact a game console repair shop. Repairs typically cost $50 to $80. A cheaper long-term fix is using a powerline adapter to bring a wired connection to your PS4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my PS4 keep disconnecting from Wi-Fi?

Frequent Wi-Fi drops are usually caused by weak signal, router congestion, or an overloaded router. Placing the PS4 closer to the router and reducing the number of connected devices helps. For gaming, a wired Ethernet connection is always more reliable than Wi-Fi.

Can too many devices on my Wi-Fi cause this error?

Yes. Most home routers can handle 20 to 30 connected devices before performance degrades. If you have many smart home devices, phones, tablets, and computers all connected, the router may struggle. Disconnecting unused devices can free up capacity and improve your PS4's connection.

Is a powerline adapter a good alternative to Wi-Fi for PS4?

Yes — powerline adapters are an excellent choice for consoles. They use your home's electrical wiring to carry a network signal, giving you a wired connection without running cables through walls. A basic set costs around $30 and provides a much more stable connection than Wi-Fi for online gaming.