How to Fix PS4 Error Code NW-31291-6 | WiFi Connectivity Error

Cannot connect to a Wi-Fi network. Wi-Fi signal strength may be too weak.

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PS4 users may encounter the NW-31291-6 message as a result of a sudden error. Playing a game can be interrupted by an error message that says the PS4 cannot connect to the WiFi Network. As a result, their PS4 cannot connect to that router at all. PS4 won’t detect the Wi-Fi router on the network, or signal strength is too weak.

Users who receive this error are sometimes extremely frustrated, since their connection might have been working on Wi-Fi fine for months or years before it suddenly drops, resulting in this error code NW-31291-6.

Interestingly, people who report this error get this error while connecting to other Wi-Fi networks, including mobile hotspots, without issue on the same console.

It just seems to be the specific router in their home that they can’t connect to, and only the PS4 has this problem (other devices in the home are usually fine connecting to the same router). Also, the normal quick solutions, like resetting your console and router, don’t seem to work with this error code NW-31291-6.

It is generally considered to be a result of the PS4 connecting to the router over the 5Ghz Wi-Fi band. This error is usually fixed by moving the PS4 from this band to 2.4GHz. If the problem persists, switching to Google DNS (8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4) can also help.

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Below are some of the most common solutions to fix error NW-31291-6 on PS4.

  • In Settings, go to Network, and then set up an Internet connection.
  • If Wi-Fi is available, choose Easy/Auto setup
  • It should display the available networks
  • The Wi-Fi bands are displayed when you click the Options button
  • Alternate between 5GHz and 2.4GHz
  • It should now be possible for your PS4 to reconnect to your Wi-Fi.

There are several quick fixes recommended by PlayStation, such as quick resets and hard resets, such as unplugging the console for 5 minutes and the router and “moving the router closer to the console.” It is usually best to change the Wi-Fi band your PS4 is connected to, since these steps seldom solve this particular issue.

During this article, we’ll consider this solution first, then explore some other alternatives that might fix the issue.

Solution #1 – Set your router’s frequency to 2.4 GHz

In order to solve this problem, players with this error code are usually advised to set their Wi-Fi connection either to automatic or 2.4GHz band when they set up their connection. Several users report that switching off the PS4’s 5GHz frequencies has solved error code NW-31291-6 on the PS4. Generally speaking, this solution seems to work best in the majority of cases.

You just need to configure your PS4’s Wi-Fi connection to only connect to the 2.4 GHz band. Nowadays, the vast majority of routers have dual bands, meaning that devices can connect over two frequencies – 2.4GHz and 5GHz. A connectivity error sometimes appears when the 5 GHz band is used.

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To get started, follow these steps:

  • To set up your Internet connection on your PS4, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection
  • If you’re using Wi-Fi, choose that option
  • By selecting Easy, a list of Wi-Fi networks should appear, but may not due to this error.
  • You will find the Options button on the right side of your Dualshock, just out of the way of the main four buttons (square, x, etc.)
  • You will be able to select three choices – Automatic, 5GHz Only, and 2.4GHz Only – from the Wi-Fi frequency bands menu.
  • From 5.GHZ, switch to Automatic or only 2.4GHz
  • If your Wi-Fi network reappears on the screen, there is a good likelihood of it working again. The PS4 should now be able to locate it!
  • Configure the network. Now this error NW-31291-6 usually resolved by doing this, and the PS4 will reconnect normally to the router.

Solution #2 – Changing the frequencies manually on the router

If your PS4 could not obtain an IP address from the SSID (WiFi network name), the NW-31291-6 error may appear. Perhaps the problem is due to an old WiFi module unavailable within the router’s bandwidth limits. If you wish to change the wireless settings on your modem router, you may need to access it via the internet.

It will be necessary to log into your router if pressing the Options button doesn’t bring up the Wi-Fi bands. If the PS4 is currently in the 5GHz band, you will have to manually change the Wi-Fi mode, channel, or band. It is also and effective way to fix  NW-31291-6 error on PS4. Below you will find options 1 and 2. To do this, follow these steps.

Option 1: In order to change the type or Wi-Fi mode:

  • Enter the IP address of your router into the address bar of your browser. It is typically 192.168.0.1 (or 192.168.1.1) or 192.168.1.254. Once you’ve done that, enter the admin/password that is located on the back of the router.
  • You need to find the Wireless Settings option once you’re logged into your router.
  • You must select either Mode, 802.11 Mode, Network or Protocol option from the menu below.
  • The b/g/n wireless mode should be selected if available.
  • Optionally, switch to the WPA2-PSK (AES/TKIP) or similar security mode
  • The older form of WiFi being reverted to offers a somewhat less secure connection but is sometimes easier to connect to. As games consoles cannot catch viruses, security is not as important as it is for PCs.

How to Fix PS4 Error Code NW-31291-6 | WPA 2 Security Settings

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Option 2: To change the channel width/frequency of your Wi-Fi network, follow these steps:

  • Once again, go to the Wireless Setting in your router.
  • Find the Channel Width setting or something similar.
  • Put a new setting on to replace the current one. Put it at 40mhz if it is on 20MHz, or vice versa.
  • This is not the same as the Channel, which usually runs from 1-11. Channel Width, usually expressed in MHz, is what you’re looking for here. Take a look at the picture below.
  • Exit after saving settings.
  • Here are some additional solutions you can try if this does not work.

How to Fix PS4 Error Code NW-31291-6 | Channel width and Frequency Settings

Solution #3 – Configuring your PS4’s DNS settings

In some cases, this error can also indicate that the DNS has not been set up properly or is not working. It can happen from time to time, but it does not happen as often as the 5 Ghz error mentioned above.

However, some users have been able to fix this issue by manually configuring their DNS servers to Google DNS. To do this, follow these steps:

  • In Settings, click Network, then set up an internet connection
  • If you have a LAN or Wi-Fi connection, choose the appropriate one. When Wi-Fi fails, plug into your router and use wired Internet.
  • Keep all the settings in their current format until you reach the DNS setting, then you can modify them
  • To configure DNS settings manually, switch to Manual
  • These are the DNS servers you need to input: Primary: 8.8.8.8 Secondary: 8.8.4.4

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Wired connections are a better long-term solution than wireless

To ensure better connectivity for PS4 gamers in general, users can simply switch to wired connections instead of wireless. Ethernet connections are always more stable and consistent than wireless anyway. You can read more about it in our article.

Wireless connections are unreliable due to dropouts over distance or undependable signals, causing lag with online play, and error messages like those above showing up and preventing people from getting online.

It’s understandable why some PS4 gamers rely on Wi-Fi since they are several rooms or floors away from the router and cannot plug in directly. An Ethernet powerline adapter is often the best choice in these cases, as it can allow you to connect to the router with a wired ethernet connection even when the router is far away.

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Plugging one of the adapter plugs into your router, and plugging the other into your device, is all that’s required to use the Powerline kit. With two such adapters connected to the wiring of the house, gamers can get a strong, wired internet connection with maximum bandwidth and minimal latency.

Powerline technology makes use of copper wiring to carry data as well as electricity, allowing anyone in the house to access the internet from any room. Despite the fact that they don’t require any DIY or long wires, you get all the benefits of a wired connection.

In the case of gamers who are far from their router and can’t connect via ethernet directly, they may be the next best option. The reliability of these networks is usually greater than that of Wi-Fi.

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