PlayStation Error Code NW-31298-5 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

NW-31298-5 means your PlayStation cannot connect to the PlayStation Network (PSN). The console is having trouble reaching Sony's servers — either your internet connection has an issue, or there is a problem with your router, DNS settings, or PSN itself.

Affected Models

PlayStation 4
PlayStation 4 Slim
PlayStation 4 Pro
PlayStation 5

Common Causes

Your internet connection has dropped or is unstable
The DNS settings on your PS4 or PS5 are pointing to slow or unresponsive servers
Your router's firewall is blocking the ports PlayStation uses
PSN is experiencing an outage or maintenance window
Your IP address has a conflict with another device on the network

How to Fix It

Check the PlayStation Network status first. Visit status.playstation.com on your phone or computer. If PSN is down, there is nothing to fix on your end — wait for Sony to resolve it.

PSN outages are common causes of network errors. Always rule this out before changing any settings.
Restart your router and modem. Unplug both devices, wait 30 seconds, then plug the modem in first. Wait two minutes, then plug the router back in.

This forces your connection to refresh and often resolves temporary network issues.
Change the DNS settings on your PlayStation. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection. Choose your connection type, then select Custom. Set Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 (Google) and Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4.

Custom DNS servers are often faster and more reliable than those provided automatically by your ISP.
Check that the correct PlayStation Network ports are open on your router. PSN requires TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480 and UDP: 3478, 3479. Log into your router and check its firewall or port settings.

Many routers block these ports by default. Enabling UPnP on your router is an easier alternative to manual port forwarding.
Restore your PS4 or PS5 network settings to default. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and run the setup wizard from scratch. Choose Easy/Automatic settings.

Misconfigured manual network settings can cause persistent connection failures. Starting fresh often resolves them.

When to Call a Professional

If this error keeps appearing after all fixes, contact your internet service provider. They can check whether your modem and line are delivering a stable connection. For persistent issues, Sony's PlayStation Support can also run diagnostics on your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if PSN is down?

Go to status.playstation.com on your phone or computer. Sony lists the current status of all PSN services there. If you see any service marked as 'Experiencing Issues' or 'Offline', that is your answer. You can also check social media — PSN outages are widely reported quickly.

Will changing DNS affect anything else on my PlayStation?

No. Changing DNS only affects how your PlayStation looks up server addresses. It does not change your internet speed, affect your account, or cause any side effects. If the new DNS causes problems, you can always go back to Automatic settings.

My Wi-Fi works on my phone but not my PlayStation. Why?

Your phone and PlayStation connect differently. Some routers treat gaming consoles as unknown devices and apply stricter rules. Try moving the PlayStation closer to the router, or connect via a wired Ethernet cable to rule out Wi-Fi signal issues.