How to Fix PlayStation Remote Play Connection Issues

PlayStation Remote Play offers gamers the convenience of playing their favorite PlayStation games on a variety of devices, including computers and mobile devices. However, sometimes users may encounter connectivity issues that prevent them from connecting to the server and enjoying their gaming experience. In this article, we will explore the common causes behind the “PlayStation Remote Play cannot connect to server” issue and provide effective solutions to help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem.

Why is PlayStation Remote Play cannot connect to server?

There are several potential reasons why you may experience difficulties connecting to the server when using PlayStation Remote Play. Understanding these causes is crucial to effectively address the issue. Let’s examine the most common factors:

1. The internet connection is sluggish or unreliable: A slow or unstable internet connection can hinder the Remote Play connection, leading to connection errors and disruptions.
2. The PS4’s software is out of date: Outdated software on the PlayStation 4 can create compatibility issues with the Remote Play application, causing connection problems.
3. The kind of NAT is either strict or restrictive: Network Address Translation (NAT) settings can impact the ability to establish a stable connection. Strict or restrictive NAT types may limit connectivity, resulting in Remote Play connection errors.
4. A bug in the operating system of a console or computer: Software bugs or glitches within the console’s operating system or the Remote Play application itself can cause connectivity issues.
5. A problem with the local network: Issues within the local network, such as router configurations or network congestion, can affect the Remote Play connection.
6. The connection is being blocked by security software: Firewalls or antivirus software on the computer or router can block the Remote Play connection, considering it a potential security risk.

The PlayStation Network is currently unavailable: Temporary server maintenance or issues with the PlayStation Network (PSN) can disrupt the Remote Play connection.

Fix: PlayStation Remote Play cannot connect to server

Now that we have identified the potential causes behind the “PlayStation Remote Play cannot connect to server” issue, let’s delve into detailed solutions to troubleshoot and resolve the problem effectively. Follow these steps to regain a stable connection:

Method 1: Check the status of the PlayStation Network:

Before diving into troubleshooting steps, it’s important to verify the status of the PlayStation Network to ensure that any connectivity issues are not caused by server problems. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to check the status:

1. Visit the official PlayStation Network status page: Open a web browser on your computer or mobile device and go to the official PlayStation Network status page. You can typically find it by searching for “PlayStation Network status” or by visiting the official PlayStation website.
2. Check for reported outages or maintenance: On the PlayStation Network status page, you will see the current status of the network services. Look for any indicators or messages that indicate if there are ongoing issues or maintenance activities. The page usually provides real-time updates on the availability of services such as account management, gaming, social, PlayStation Store, and more.
3. Follow official social media accounts: In addition to the status page, it’s recommended to follow the official PlayStation social media accounts on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. These accounts often provide timely updates about any known network issues, maintenance schedules, or service disruptions. Look for recent posts or tweets related to the PlayStation Network to see if there are any reported problems that could affect Remote Play connectivity.
4. Wait for the issues to be resolved: If there are reported outages or maintenance, it’s best to wait until the PlayStation Network services are fully restored. In such cases, the connectivity problem you are experiencing with Remote Play is likely due to the ongoing server issues. Once the network services are back to normal, you can proceed with attempting to connect again.

By checking the status of the PlayStation Network through the official status page and following the social media accounts, you can stay informed about any ongoing network issues. This step will help you determine whether the “PlayStation Remote Play cannot connect to server” problem is due to server maintenance or if it requires further troubleshooting on your end.

Method 2: Check the speed of your internet connection:

1. Use a reliable speed testing tool to measure the upload and download speeds of your internet connection.
2. Compare the results with the minimum requirements for Remote Play, which typically recommend a minimum upload speed of 5 Mbps and a minimum download speed of 15 Mbps.
3. If your speeds fall below the recommended range, consider the following steps: a. If using Wi-Fi, move your computer and PS4 closer to the router to improve the signal strength. b. If possible, switch to a wired connection by connecting your PS4 and computer directly to the router using Ethernet cables. c. Contact your internet service provider (ISP) to troubleshoot and improve your internet connection if the speeds remain consistently below the recommended range.

Method 3: Make use of a wired connection:

When encountering connectivity issues with PlayStation Remote Play, one effective solution is to switch from a Wi-Fi connection to a wired connection. Wired connections generally provide more stability and lower latency, resulting in a more reliable Remote Play experience. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to make use of a wired connection:

1. Check for available Ethernet ports: Locate the Ethernet ports on both your PS4 console and your computer or laptop. These ports are usually labeled as “LAN” or “Ethernet” and are typically found on the back of the devices.
2. Obtain Ethernet cables: Ensure that you have Ethernet cables long enough to reach from your PS4 to your router and from your computer to your router. These cables are commonly used for wired connections and can be purchased at electronics stores or online.
3. Connect the PS4 to the router: Take one end of the Ethernet cable and insert it into the Ethernet port on the back of your PS4 console. Then, take the other end of the cable and connect it to an available Ethernet port on your router.
4. Connect the computer to the router: Similarly, take the other Ethernet cable and insert one end into the Ethernet port on your computer or laptop. Connect the other end of the cable to an available Ethernet port on the router.
5. Disable Wi-Fi on your devices: To ensure a stable wired connection, it’s recommended to disable the Wi-Fi on both your PS4 and computer. This prevents the devices from attempting to connect via Wi-Fi instead of using the wired connection.
6. Restart Remote Play: After establishing the wired connection, restart the PlayStation Remote Play application on your computer. Launch the Remote Play app and attempt to connect to your PS4 console. The wired connection should provide a more stable and reliable connection, improving the Remote Play experience.

By connecting your PS4 and computer directly to the router using Ethernet cables, you can take advantage of the stability and lower latency offered by wired connections. This will help address any connectivity issues and enhance the performance of PlayStation Remote Play.

Method 4: Make sure your PS4 software is up to date:

To ensure smooth compatibility with the Remote Play application and minimize the chances of experiencing connectivity issues, it is essential to keep your PS4 software up to date. Here’s a detailed explanation of how to check for and install any available updates:

1. Turn on your PlayStation 4: Press the power button on your PS4 console or activate it using the controller.
2. Access the Settings menu: Once your PS4 is powered on, navigate to the main menu by pressing the PlayStation button on your controller. From the main menu, scroll to the right and select the “Settings” option.
3. Select System Software Update: Within the Settings menu, scroll down and locate the “System Software Update” option. It is usually located towards the bottom of the list.
4. Check for updates: Select “System Software Update” and choose the “Check for Update” option. Your PS4 will now connect to the internet and check for any available updates.
5. Install updates: If an update is found, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it. The update process may take some time depending on the size of the update and your internet connection speed. Ensure that your PS4 remains connected to a stable internet connection throughout the update process.
6. Restart your PS4: Once the update is successfully installed, restart your PS4 console. This ensures that any changes made by the update take effect.

By regularly checking for and installing software updates on your PS4, you ensure that your console remains compatible with the Remote Play application and benefits from the latest performance enhancements and bug fixes. This significantly reduces the likelihood of encountering connectivity issues when using PlayStation Remote Play.

Method 5: Restart your computer’s Remote Play:

If you’re encountering minor software glitches or connection-related issues with the Remote Play application on your computer, restarting the application can often help resolve these problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to restart the Remote Play application:

1. Close the Remote Play application: Ensure that the Remote Play application is closed completely. To do this, locate the Remote Play icon in your computer’s taskbar or system tray (usually located in the bottom-right corner of the screen for Windows users or the top-right corner for Mac users). Right-click on the icon and select the option to “Close” or “Quit” the application.
2. Wait for a few moments: After closing the Remote Play application, wait for about 10-15 seconds. This short waiting period allows the application’s processes to completely shut down and any lingering connections to be terminated.
3. Relaunch the Remote Play application: Once the waiting period has passed, locate the Remote Play application on your computer and launch it again. You can typically find it in your list of installed applications or by searching for “Remote Play” in the search bar.
4. Log in to your PlayStation Network account: When the Remote Play application opens, you will be prompted to log in using your PlayStation Network (PSN) account credentials. Enter your username and password to proceed.
5. Connect to your PS4 console: After logging in, the Remote Play application should automatically search for and connect to your PS4 console. If it doesn’t connect automatically, click on the “Start” or “Connect” button within the application to initiate the connection manually.
6. Verify the connection: Once the Remote Play application successfully establishes a connection to your PS4, you should see your PS4’s screen mirrored on your computer, indicating that the Remote Play session has started.

By restarting the Remote Play application, you give it a fresh start, allowing any temporary software glitches or connection issues to be resolved. This simple troubleshooting step can often restore the functionality and stability of the Remote Play application, enhancing your overall gaming experience.

Method 6: Restart your computer:

When encountering issues with the Remote Play connection, restarting your computer can be an effective solution. Restarting allows your computer to refresh its network settings and resolve any temporary software conflicts that might be interfering with the Remote Play functionality. Follow these detailed steps to restart your computer:

1. Close all programs and applications: Before initiating the restart, it’s important to close all running programs and applications on your computer. Save any unsaved work and exit out of all open windows to ensure a smooth restart process.
2. Click on the Start menu: In the bottom-left corner of your screen (typically for Windows users), click on the Start menu icon. It is usually represented by the Windows logo.
3. Select “Restart”: Within the Start menu, you will find various options. Look for the “Power” or “Power Options” section and click on it. From the drop-down menu, select the “Restart” option. This will initiate the restart process.
4. Allow your computer to reboot fully: After clicking on “Restart,” your computer will begin the reboot process. It may take a few moments for the system to shut down and start up again. It’s important to allow your computer to complete the restart fully without interrupting the process.
5. Wait for the computer to restart: During the restart process, your computer will go through a sequence of shutting down and then powering back on. You may see a loading screen or your computer manufacturer’s logo during this time. Be patient and wait for the restart to complete.
6. Log in to your computer: Once your computer has restarted, it will reach the login screen. Enter your login credentials, such as your username and password, to access your computer’s desktop.
7. Launch the Remote Play application: After logging in, locate the Remote Play application on your computer and launch it. Follow the necessary steps to log in using your PlayStation Network (PSN) account and establish a connection with your PS4 console.

By restarting your computer, you allow it to clear any temporary conflicts or issues that may be affecting the Remote Play connection. This process can reset network settings, release any trapped resources, and provide a fresh start for the Remote Play application to establish a stable connection with your PS4 console.

Method 7: Turn off your antivirus software and/or firewall:

Sometimes, antivirus software or firewall settings can interfere with the Remote Play connection, causing connectivity issues. Temporarily disabling these security measures can help determine if they are the source of the problem. Here’s a more detailed guide on how to turn off your antivirus software and/or firewall:

1. Identify your antivirus software and firewall: Take note of the antivirus software and firewall you have installed on your computer. Common antivirus software includes Norton, McAfee, Avast, and Windows Defender. Firewalls can be software-based (e.g., Windows Firewall) or hardware-based (e.g., routers with built-in firewalls).
2. Locate the antivirus software or firewall settings: Depending on the software you’re using, you can usually find its settings in the system tray (bottom-right corner of the screen) or by searching for the software name in the Start menu. Firewalls may have settings in both your operating system and your router’s configuration page.
3. Access the antivirus software settings: Open the antivirus software by double-clicking its icon in the system tray or searching for it in the Start menu. Look for an option that allows you to disable or turn off the software temporarily. The wording may vary depending on the software, but it is typically referred to as “disable,” “turn off,” or “pause protection.”
4. Disable the antivirus software: Once you’ve found the appropriate option, click on it to disable the antivirus software temporarily. You may be prompted to confirm the action or specify the duration for which you want the software to remain disabled. Choose an option that disables it completely or for a sufficient amount of time to perform the troubleshooting.
5. Access the firewall settings: If you suspect that your firewall is causing the issue, you’ll need to access its settings. For software-based firewalls, you can usually find them within the antivirus software’s settings. Hardware firewalls may require accessing your router’s configuration page. Consult the documentation or support resources specific to your firewall to learn how to access its settings.
6. Disable the firewall: Once you’ve accessed the firewall settings, locate the option to disable or turn off the firewall temporarily. Again, the wording may vary depending on the software or device. Select the appropriate option to disable the firewall temporarily.
7. Test the Remote Play connection: With the antivirus software and firewall temporarily disabled, launch the Remote Play application and attempt to establish a connection with your PS4 console. If the connection is successful, it indicates that the antivirus software or firewall was indeed causing the issue.
8. Re-enable antivirus software and firewall: After troubleshooting the Remote Play connection, it’s important to re-enable your antivirus software and firewall to ensure the continued protection of your system. Open the antivirus software or firewall settings again and look for an option to enable or turn on the software. Follow the prompts to reactivate the protection.

Remember, disabling your antivirus software and firewall temporarily should only be done for troubleshooting purposes. Once you have resolved the Remote Play connection issue, it is crucial to re-enable these security measures to maintain the security of your computer and network. If you continue experiencing difficulties with the Remote Play connection, consider adjusting the settings of your antivirus software or firewall to allow Remote Play to function properly.

Method 8: Reboot your local networking equipment:

1. Power off your router and modem by unplugging them from the power source.
2. Wait for approximately 10 seconds to ensure all residual power is drained from the devices.
3. Plug the router and modem back in and allow them to power on fully.
4. Rebooting your networking equipment can resolve temporary network glitches and restore the connection.

By following these comprehensive troubleshooting methods, you should be able to resolve the “PlayStation Remote Play cannot connect to server” issue and enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions. Remember to verify the status of the PlayStation Network, check your internet speed, keep your PS4 software updated, consider using a wired connection, restart the Remote Play application and your computer, disable antivirus software/firewall temporarily if necessary, and reboot your local networking equipment when needed. If the problem persists, it is advisable to contact PlayStation Support for further assistance and guidance.

FAQs

Q1: What if none of the methods mentioned above work?

A1: If the problem persists even after trying the troubleshooting methods, ensure that your router’s ports are correctly configured for Remote Play. Additionally, contacting PlayStation Support for further assistance is recommended.

Q2: Can I use Remote Play on a mobile device?

A2: Yes, Remote Play is available for select mobile devices. Ensure that you have the Remote Play app installed on your device and follow the same troubleshooting steps if you encounter connection issues.

Conclusion

Experiencing connectivity problems with PlayStation Remote Play can be frustrating, but by understanding the potential causes and following the troubleshooting methods provided, you can resolve the issue and resume your gaming sessions seamlessly. Remember to check the PlayStation Network status, verify your internet speed, keep your PS4 software up to date, use a wired connection if possible, and reboot your networking equipment when necessary. If all else fails, don’t hesitate to seek further assistance from PlayStation Support to ensure you can enjoy the full benefits of PlayStation Remote Play.