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CE-38706-4

PlayStation CE-38706-4 on PS4: cannot connect to the server

Verified with sources2 sourcesReviewed Oct 3, 2026
Technician coming? See the 2 steps they must show you
PlayStation 4 console with DualShock 4 controller
Evan-AmosPublic domainImage source

Risk level

Low

Usually safe to check without specialist tools.

Urgency

Low

Quick answer

The PS4 cannot connect to the server. Check Settings > Network > View Status of PSN Services or the status page, restart console and router and run the connection test. If it continues, check router firmware and ports.

Safety first

Stop and check this first

  • When reviewing the firewall, allow only the ports Sony lists. Turning off the router's protection leaves the whole home network exposed.

Safe checks you can perform

  • View service status
  • Restart the PS4 and router and test the connection
  • Set up the connection again and update the router
  • Check the ports are not blocked

Leave these tasks to a qualified professional

  • Do not attempt this professional task: Internet provider
  • Do not attempt this professional task: PlayStation Repairs diagnostic tool

What a technician must be able to justify

Technician visit

These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.

These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.

  1. Internet provider

    What they doChecks the line status and, if it manages the router, that it does not block the ports Sony lists for CE-38706-4.

    They must show youa test of the line and which ports are allowed on the router.

    In writingwhat was changed on the line or router and the date.

  2. PlayStation Repairs diagnostic tool

    What they doIf the service is up, the line is fine and the ports are not blocked, the PlayStation Repairs diagnosis gives the next steps.

    They must show youthe diagnosis result.

    In writingrequest number and date.

Before accepting a part or repair

Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.

Follow these steps

Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.

  1. View service status

    No special tools

    Who:
    you.
    How:
    on the PS4 go to Settings > Network > View Status of PSN Services, or open the status page on your PC or phone. If the server belongs to another service, check its status.
    Result that matters:
    whether the service is available.
    If it is not:
    wait and try later.
    If it is available:
    restart console and router.
    Evidence to keep:
    Screenshot of the status with the time.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

  2. Restart the PS4 and router and test the connection

    No special tools

    Who:
    you.
    How:
    restart the console and the router. Then go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection.
    Result that matters:
    whether the test passes and the server answers.
    If it passes and connects:
    it was a temporary state.
    If the test fails:
    ask your provider about the line's status.
    Evidence to keep:
    Photo of the test result.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

  3. Set up the connection again and update the router

    No special tools

    Who:
    you.
    How:
    restart the router, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and connect again. Update the router firmware following its instructions.
    Result that matters:
    whether with the connection redone and firmware current the console reaches the server.
    If it does:
    setup or firmware was the cause.
    If not:
    check the firewall is not blocking Sony's ports.
    Evidence to keep:
    Firmware version and date of the change.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support) · How to set up an internet connection on PlayStation consoles

  4. Check the ports are not blocked

    No special tools

    Who:
    you, or whoever manages the router.
    How:
    in the router or firewall, check that TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480 and UDP 3478, 3479 are not blocked.
    Result that matters:
    those ports are not blocked.
    If they were blocked and it connects once allowed:
    the firewall was the cause.
    If they were not blocked:
    your provider is the next step.
    Evidence to keep:
    Screenshot of the router rule before and after.

    Change only the rules for those ports. Do not disable the whole firewall or expose other devices on the network.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

Still not solved

If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.

Where this code applies

A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.

Primary scope

System
Gaming and consoles
Brand
PlayStation
Product type
PlayStation 4

Known code variants

  • cannot connect to the server CE-38706-4
  • código de error CE-38706-4 PS4
  • error CE-38706-4 PlayStation 4
  • no se puede conectar al servidor CE-38706-4
  • PlayStation 4 CE-38706-4
  • PlayStation 4 error code CE-38706-4
  • PlayStation CE-38706-4
  • PlayStation error CE-38706-4
  • PS4 CE-38706-4
  • PS4 error CE-38706-4

What it means

Sony links CE-38706-4 to the console not connecting to a server, which can belong to PlayStation or another service. Its list separates service availability, the temporary state of console and router, the line itself (ask the provider), router setup and firmware, and a firewall blocking ports TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480 and UDP 3478, 3479. The code does not indicate a console fault.

Warnings and stop conditions

  • Mediumeditorial warning

    When reviewing the firewall, allow only the ports Sony lists. Turning off the router's protection leaves the whole home network exposed.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

Symptoms and causes

Probable causes · in order

  • PlayStation or another service unavailablePossible

    Visible in View Status of PSN Services, on the status page or in the other service's status. Sony says PlayStation may be temporarily busy.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

  • Console or router in a bad temporary statePossible

    Confirmed if it connects after restarting the PS4 and the router.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

  • Internet line with problemsPossible

    If the connection test fails with the router restarted, Sony says to ask the provider about the line's status.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

  • Firewall or router blocking portsPossible

    If the line works but the console still cannot reach the server, check the ports Sony lists are not blocked.

    Evidence: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

Virtual technician

Does CE-38706-4 still appear after these checks?

Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.

Start diagnosis

Sources and technical references

  1. 1

    PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support)

    Sony Interactive Entertainment (playstation.com/en-us) · 2026 · official_doc

  2. 2

    How to set up an internet connection on PlayStation consoles

    Sony Interactive Entertainment (playstation.com/en-us) · 2026 · official_doc

Sources: PS4 error code CE-38706-4 (PlayStation Support) · How to set up an internet connection on PlayStation consolesreviewed 2026-10-03 · verified

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