Hey, fellow gamer! ๐ Nothing kills the vibe like a frustrating PSN connection error popping up right when you're about to dive into your next epic session. Whether it's the notorious NW-31201-7 blocking your online matches or other pesky issues sidelining your PlayStation, we've got your back. This guide is packed with tested fixes to get you reconnected lightning-fast. Stick around โ by the end, you'll be dominating leaderboards again! Let's crush these errors together.
What is NW-31201-7? Understanding the Culprit
The NW-31201-7 error screams "NAT Type Failed" โ a common PSN connection error on PS4 and PS5. It hits when your router's Network Address Translation (NAT) setup blocks smooth communication with PlayStation Network servers. Think strict firewalls, double NAT, or ISP restrictions turning your connection into a no-go zone for multiplayer bliss. Don't sweat it; most cases are fixable at home without calling tech support.
Pro tip: Check your NAT type first. Head to Settings > Network > View Connection Status. Type 3 (Strict) often triggers this beast. Ready to fight back? Let's roll into fixes!
Common PSN Connection Errors and Quick Identifiers
PSN errors aren't one-size-fits-all. Here's a handy table of frequent offenders to pinpoint yours:
| Error Code |
What It Means |
Quick Symptom |
| NW-31201-7 |
NAT Type Failed |
Can't connect to PSN servers |
| WS-37368-7 |
DNS Error |
Failed to resolve server addresses |
| NW-31297-2 |
Server Connection Timeout |
PSN temporarily down or overloaded |
| CE-117773-6 |
Download/Network Error |
Game updates or trophies fail |
Spot your error? Great โ now let's fix 'em. We'll start with universal steps, then laser-focus on NW-31201-7.
๐ ๏ธ Step-by-Step Fixes for NW-31201-7 and PSN Connection Errors
1๏ธโฃ Power Cycle Everything
The simplest win: Unplug your PS5/PS4, modem, and router for 5 full minutes. Plug back in order: modem > router > console. This clears temporary glitches 70% of the time. Boom โ test PSN!
2๏ธโฃ Test and Set Up Internet Connection
Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection. Choose Easy or Custom (wired preferred). If wireless, switch to 5GHz band for stability. Still stuck? Time for DNS magic.
3๏ธโฃ Change DNS Settings (Game-Changer for NW-31201-7)
Custom DNS often bypasses ISP blocks:
- Primary: 8.8.8.8 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare)
- Secondary: 8.8.4.4 or 1.0.0.1
In Network Settings > Custom > DNS Settings > Manual. Save and test. This fixes
WS-37368-7 too! ๐
4๏ธโฃ Enable UPnP or Port Forwarding
Log into your router (usually 192.168.1.1). Turn ON UPnP first โ it's the easy button for NAT Type 2 (Moderate). No luck? Port forward these PSN ports:
| Protocol |
Ports |
| TCP | 80, 443, 3478-3480 |
| UDP | 3478-3479, 9303 |
Assign to your console's static IP (set in PS Network settings). NAT heaven awaits!
5๏ธโฃ DMZ or VPN Trial
Last resort: Put console in router's DMZ (use cautiously). Or try a gaming VPN like ExpressVPN for PSN โ masks your IP and evades ISP throttling.
๐ง Fixes for Other PSN Errors
WS-37368-7 (DNS): Swap to public DNS as above. Flush router cache too.
NW-31297-2: Check PlayStation Network Status. Wait it out or switch servers via VPN.
CE-117773-6: Rebuild database (Safe Mode > Option 5) and clear cache.
These tweaks cover 90% of cases. If persistent, your ISP might be the villain โ demand MTU 1473 or IPv6 tweaks.
โญ Advanced Tips & Prevention for Flawless Gaming
- Use wired Ethernet over Wi-Fi for zero lag.
- Update console firmware and router ASAP.
- Disable VPNs/firewalls temporarily during tests.
- Join PSN communities for real-time outage alerts.
For official deep dives, visit PlayStation Support. You've got this โ imagine queuing up for that victory royale post-fix! ๐ฎ
Fixed your PSN connection error? Drop a comment below with your win story. Game on, legends! ๐