Gaming on your PlayStation 5 while traveling can be a fantastic way to unwind, but connecting to hotel Wi-Fi, especially at a Marriott, can sometimes feel like a boss battle in itself. Fear not, fellow gamer! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, providing various methods and troubleshooting tips to get you online and enjoying your favorite titles.
The Quest for Connectivity: Connecting Your PS5 to Marriott Wi-Fi
Have you just checked into your luxurious Marriott room, eager to jump into some online multiplayer or download that massive new game update, only to be met with the dreaded "Cannot connect to the Internet" message on your gleaming PS5? Don't throw your controller across the room just yet! Hotel Wi-Fi, particularly at large chains like Marriott, often employs a "captive portal" – that pesky web page that pops up on your phone or laptop requiring you to enter your room number, last name, or agree to terms and conditions before granting internet access. The PS5, designed primarily for home networks, doesn't have a traditional web browser for this purpose, making it a bit of a challenge. But where there's a will (and a powerful gaming console), there's a way!
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| How To Connect PS5 To Marriott Wifi |
Step 1: Initial Reconnaissance - The Direct Approach (Often Unsuccessful, but Worth a Try!)
Let's begin with the simplest method, even if it's not always the most effective. Think of this as your initial probe into the Marriott Wi-Fi network.
Sub-heading: Powering Up and Finding the Network
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Turn on your PS5. Make sure it's fully booted up and ready to go.
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Navigate to Settings: From the PS5's home screen, locate the gear icon in the upper right corner. This is your gateway to the system settings.
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Select "Network": This option usually has an icon resembling a globe with grid lines.
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Go to "Settings" (within Network) and then "Set Up Internet Connection". Your PS5 will now begin scanning for available Wi-Fi networks.
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Locate and select the Marriott Wi-Fi network. Marriott networks often have names like "Marriott_Guest" or similar. Make sure you select the correct one!
Sub-heading: The Captive Portal Conundrum
Upon selecting the Marriott Wi-Fi, your PS5 will attempt to connect. More often than not, you'll be met with an error message like "Cannot connect to the Internet" or a similar indication that authentication is required. This is the captive portal at work. The PS5 isn't designed to automatically open this login page.
Step 2: The Clever Workaround - Using the PS5's "Hidden" Browser
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
This is often the most reliable method when dealing with captive portals without additional hardware. The PS5 does have a web browser, but it's not directly accessible from the main menu. We need to trick it into opening.
Sub-heading: The "User's Guide" Trick
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After the connection fails in Step 1, go back to the main "Settings" menu on your PS5.
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Scroll down and select "User's Guide, Health and Safety, and Other Information".
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Choose "User's Guide". This action often triggers the PS5's built-in web browser to open.
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Voila! The Marriott Wi-Fi login page should now appear.
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Enter your login details. This will typically be your room number and last name, or credentials provided by the front desk. Double-check for any typos!
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Accept the terms and conditions if prompted.
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Once logged in on this browser page, the hotel network should recognize your PS5's MAC address (a unique identifier for your console), and you should now have internet access!
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Go back to Network settings on your PS5 and run a "Test Internet Connection" to confirm.
Sub-heading: The "Messages" App Alternative (If User's Guide Fails)
If for some reason the "User's Guide" method doesn't trigger the captive portal, you have another trick up your sleeve:
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Go to the "Game Base" icon on your PS5 home screen (the speech bubble icon).
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Open the "Messages" app.
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Start a new message to a friend, or even to yourself.
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In the message body, type a simple, non-HTTPS website address like
google.comorplaystation.comand send it. -
Click on the link you just sent. This should force the PS5's browser to open and, hopefully, redirect you to the Marriott login page.
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Proceed with login as described in the "User's Guide" section.
Step 3: Advanced Maneuvers - Leveraging Other Devices (When All Else Fails)
Sometimes, the PS5's internal browser just won't cooperate, or the hotel Wi-Fi has more stringent security. In these cases, you can use another device to "authenticate" your PS5.
Sub-heading: The Smartphone/Laptop Passthrough
This method relies on the fact that once a device's MAC address is authenticated on a captive portal, other devices with the same MAC address might also gain access.
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Find your PS5's MAC Address:
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Go to Settings > Network > Connection Status > View Connection Status.
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Scroll down to find the MAC Address (LAN) and MAC Address (Wi-Fi). Make a note of the Wi-Fi MAC address.
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Connect your phone or laptop to the Marriott Wi-Fi.
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Complete the captive portal login on your phone/laptop. Make sure you have full internet access on that device.
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Change your phone's or laptop's MAC address to match your PS5's Wi-Fi MAC address. This is where things get a bit more technical and vary by device:
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For Android: You might need third-party apps or developer options to spoof your MAC address. This can be complex and may require rooting your device.
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For iPhone: MAC address spoofing is generally not straightforward on iOS without jailbreaking.
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For Windows PC: You can often change your Wi-Fi adapter's MAC address in the Device Manager.
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For Mac: You can change the MAC address using Terminal commands.
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A quick online search for "how to change MAC address [your device/OS]" will provide specific instructions.
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Disconnect your phone/laptop from the Marriott Wi-Fi (temporarily).
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Connect your PS5 to the Marriott Wi-Fi. Since your phone/laptop already authenticated with the spoofed MAC address, your PS5 should now be recognized as an authenticated device.
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Once your PS5 is connected, you can change your phone/laptop's MAC address back to its original setting.
QuickTip: Read in order — context builds meaning.
Sub-heading: The Travel Router Solution (The Most Reliable, but Requires Hardware)
For frequent travelers or those who want the most consistent and secure connection in hotels, a travel router is an invaluable investment.
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Purchase a travel router: Look for one that supports "Wi-Fi bridging" or "client mode" (e.g., GL.iNet routers are popular for this).
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Connect your travel router to the Marriott Wi-Fi:
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Plug in your travel router.
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Use your phone or laptop to connect to the travel router's Wi-Fi network (this will be its own private network).
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Access the travel router's admin panel (usually via a web browser, the address will be in the router's manual).
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Within the admin panel, scan for available Wi-Fi networks and select the Marriott Wi-Fi.
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The travel router will then typically display the Marriott captive portal on your phone/laptop. Log in as usual.
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Connect your PS5 to your travel router's Wi-Fi network. Once the travel router is authenticated with the Marriott network, it creates its own private network that your PS5 can easily connect to without needing to deal with the captive portal directly. This also offers an added layer of security.
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Bonus: Many travel routers also have Ethernet ports, allowing for a wired connection to your PS5 for even greater stability and speed, if you have an Ethernet port in your hotel room.
Step 4: Troubleshooting and Optimizing Your Connection
Even with the best strategies, sometimes hotel Wi-Fi can be finicky. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
Sub-heading: Common Connection Glitches
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Weak Signal: Hotel rooms, especially those far from the router, can have weak Wi-Fi signals. Try moving your PS5 closer to the room's entrance or main area if possible.
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Bandwidth Restrictions: Many hotels limit bandwidth for gaming or streaming services to ensure fair usage for all guests. This can lead to lag or disconnections.
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DNS Issues: Sometimes, changing your PS5's DNS settings to a public DNS (like Google DNS: Primary 8.8.8.8, Secondary 8.8.4.4) can help.
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Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
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Select your Wi-Fi network, then choose Advanced Settings.
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Under DNS Settings, change from "Automatic" to "Manual".
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Enter the Google DNS addresses.
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Restart Everything: A classic tech solution, but often effective. Try restarting your PS5, and if possible, ask the front desk if they can reset the Wi-Fi for your room.
Sub-heading: Getting the Best Performance
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5GHz vs. 2.4GHz: If the Marriott Wi-Fi offers both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, always try to connect to the 5GHz band. It offers faster speeds and less interference, which is crucial for gaming.
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On your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
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Select the hotel Wi-Fi.
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Press the Options button on your controller.
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Select "Wi-Fi Frequency Bands" and choose "5 GHz".
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Ethernet Connection: The absolute best way to connect for stable gaming. Check your Marriott room for an Ethernet port (sometimes hidden behind the TV or desk). If you find one, simply plug an Ethernet cable from the port directly into your PS5. This bypasses all Wi-Fi issues and captive portals. You might still need to authenticate on a web browser if the Ethernet is also behind a captive portal, but it's less common.
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Contact Hotel IT Support: Don't hesitate to call the front desk and explain your situation. Many Marriott properties have dedicated IT support for guest internet issues, and they can sometimes "whitelist" your PS5's MAC address or provide specific instructions.
Related FAQ Questions
How to find my PS5's MAC address?
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
Go to Settings > Network > Connection Status > View Connection Status. Your MAC addresses (both LAN and Wi-Fi) will be listed there.
How to change DNS settings on PS5 for hotel Wi-Fi?
Navigate to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection. Select your hotel's Wi-Fi network, then choose Advanced Settings. Under DNS Settings, change from Automatic to Manual and input preferred DNS servers (e.g., Google DNS: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4).
How to check if Marriott Wi-Fi is blocking gaming traffic?
If you're connected but experiencing extreme lag or can't access specific online features, the hotel might be throttling or blocking gaming traffic. Try using a VPN through a travel router or laptop (if you set up a shared connection) to see if it bypasses these restrictions. Contacting the front desk or IT support can also provide clarity.
How to use my smartphone as a hotspot for my PS5 at Marriott?
Ensure your smartphone has a strong mobile data signal and enough data allowance. Enable "Personal Hotspot" or "Mobile Hotspot" in your phone's settings. Then, on your PS5, go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection and select your phone's hotspot from the list. Enter the hotspot password.
How to use a travel router to connect PS5 to Marriott Wi-Fi?
Connect your phone/laptop to the travel router's Wi-Fi. Access the travel router's admin panel and configure it to connect to the Marriott Wi-Fi (this will usually bring up the Marriott login page on your phone/laptop). Once the travel router is authenticated, connect your PS5 to the travel router's private Wi-Fi network.
QuickTip: Repetition signals what matters most.
How to get a stable connection on Marriott Wi-Fi for PS5 gaming?
Prioritize using an Ethernet cable if available. If not, use a travel router. If relying on direct Wi-Fi, ensure you're on the 5GHz band if offered, and try to minimize distance to the Wi-Fi access point.
How to deal with slow Marriott Wi-Fi for PS5?
Try connecting to the 5GHz band, using an Ethernet cable, or employing a travel router. If still slow, consider using your smartphone's hotspot (if you have sufficient data) or adjusting DNS settings.
How to get the Marriott Wi-Fi login page to appear on PS5?
The most common methods are going to Settings > User's Guide, Health and Safety, and Other Information > User's Guide, or sending a message with a non-HTTPS web link in the "Messages" app and clicking it.
How to request a wired internet connection at Marriott for my PS5?
Contact the front desk and inquire about rooms with Ethernet ports. Explain that you require a stable internet connection for work or entertainment (gaming). Sometimes they can switch your room or provide a solution.
How to troubleshoot "Cannot connect to the internet" error on PS5 at Marriott?
First, ensure you've properly authenticated through the hotel's captive portal using one of the methods above. Then, try restarting your PS5, checking network settings (especially DNS), and performing a "Test Internet Connection" from the PS5's network settings. If issues persist, contact hotel IT support.
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