respawn.codes

PlayStation 4 · Error code

NW-31194-8

Your PS4 had a problem with the internet connection — a network-layer fault between console and router or ISP.

Usually fixable at home Last reviewed June 13, 2026

Explanation

What this error means

NW-31194-8 is documented as “there was a problem with the Internet connection on your PlayStation 4 console.” The console couldn’t establish or hold a usable connection. NW-class codes sit at the network layer, so the usual culprits are Wi-Fi strength, router state, or DNS rather than your PlayStation account.

Official reference: Sony support page for NW-31194-8

Diagnosis

Most likely causes

Cause How likely Fixable at home?
Weak Wi-Fi or interference Very likely Yes
Router or modem needs a restart Likely Yes — power-cycle
DNS not resolving correctly Possible Yes — change DNS
ISP outage or congestion Possible No — report it

Repair

How to fix it

Ordered easiest-first. Try the next step only if the error comes back.

  1. Test the connection

    Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. Where it fails — IP address, internet, or PSN sign-in — tells you which layer to fix.

  2. Power-cycle your network

    Unplug the modem and router for a few minutes, bring them back, and let every light settle before retesting.

  3. Improve the wireless path or go wired

    Move the PS4 closer to the router, clear obstructions, or use a LAN cable — the single most reliable fix for recurring NW errors.

  4. Set a public DNS

    Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Custom, and set DNS to 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare). Leave other values automatic.

  5. Restart the PS4 and retry

    A full restart clears a stale network state that occasionally keeps this error alive after the network itself is fine.

Escalation

When it's not your fault

Signs the problem is on Sony's side — or in the hardware — rather than anything you can change:

  • Other devices in the house also slow down or drop at the same time.
  • PlayStation’s status page shows network issues during the error.
  • It clears on its own within a few hours with no changes from you.
When to contact Sony: If wired connections also fail and other devices struggle too, the fault is upstream — contact your ISP. Involve PlayStation Support only if the PS4 alone fails on a line every other device handles. Check the official PS4 server status page first, then reach Sony support if the error persists.

Questions

FAQ

Why does only my PS4 have trouble?

Consoles tolerate marginal Wi-Fi worse than phones do. A link that browses fine can still fail PSN’s stricter handshakes — placement, the 5 GHz band, or a cable usually settles it.

Does changing DNS really help?

Often. If your ISP’s DNS is slow or stale, the console fails to resolve PlayStation’s servers even though the line works. A public resolver bypasses that.

Is a powerline adapter good enough?

Usually better than weak Wi-Fi, not as good as direct Ethernet. Quality depends on your home wiring, but it reliably reduces these errors.

CE-34878-0 The most common PS4 crash code — a game or app closed unexpectedly. Usually the game, occasionally the console. SU-30746-0 A PS4 system software update failed to install — most often a corrupted or interrupted download. CE-34788-0 The update file you tried to install can’t be used — usually the wrong file or a damaged USB download. CE-36329-3 A system-software error on the PS4 — often a one-off, but repeat appearances can point at the storage drive.