What to do when the PlayStation Network is down
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Best answer: Other than waiting for Sony engineers to fix any lingering PSN problems, you can always try going offline to play your games or resetting your router to see if that fixes the issue.
How do I know when the PlayStation Network is down?
Sony has a website dedicated to the service status of PSN. If all services are up and running, you should be good to go. Sometimes only a specific service — like accessing your games and social — will be down. This may not be updated right away, so it’s also smart to check the PlayStation subreddit to see if anyone else is reporting issues. If the service is down for everyone, you’ll hear about it on social media.
Alternatively, you’ll know when you try to log in to your account and suddenly can’t connect to anything or play any games.
How long will it be down?
Each outage is different, and there is no way to predict how long the network will be down. Usually, an outage will only last a few minutes to a few hours at most. However, in extreme cases, like during a DDOS attack or around the holidays when everyone is flooding the network, it could take a few days before PSN is working properly.
Is my account at risk when PSN is down?
Generally, no. Your account should not be at risk because the network is down. However, there are cases where hackers have gotten a hold of personal information through PSN in the past.
What are common error codes when PSN is down?
- WV-33899-2 or E-82000168 (Could not connect to PlayStation Network)
- NW-31201-7 (Could not connect to the network)
- NP-31952-0 (Network connection has timed out)
- E-8200013A (Can’t Access PSN Server)
- CE-33945-4 (Connection to server failed)
- CE-34861-2 (A network error has occurred)
Is there anything I can do and how do I fix this?
If the entire PlayStation Network is down, there isn’t much you can do.
You can try going offline to access your games that way, but that may not work in every case — and it certainly won’t allow you to play multiplayer. Also, to play your digital games offline, the console you are using must be set as the primary system tied to your account.
The problem isn’t always PSN, though; it may be your internet. If this is the case, try resetting your router and reconnecting your system to your Wi-Fi network. You can perform an internet connection test by going to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection on your console. If that doesn’t cut it, you may also want to consider connecting your PS4 or PS5 to the internet with an Ethernet cable.
Troubleshooting online connection problems on PS5 usually doesn’t take too long. And if it doesn’t work, you’ll know that the problem is on Sony’s end.
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Jennifer Locke has been playing video games nearly her entire life. You can find her posting pictures of her dog and obsessing over PlayStation and Xbox, Star Wars, and other geeky things.
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Why your PS5 won’t connect to Wi-Fi and how to fix it
You don’t need the internet to use your PlayStation® 5—there are plenty of amazing games you can run on disks alone. But an internet connection does allow you to access a wider library of games, play against your friends online, download important security patches, and buy bonus content. So when your PS5® won’t connect to Wi-Fi, you’re missing out.
Don’t worry, we’ll get you back up and running online. At Asurion, we help millions of people troubleshoot and fix their tech, keeping the devices you rely on most working all day, every day. Here’s how to fix a PS5 that won’t connect to Wi-Fi.
Reasons your PS5 isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi
There are a few reasons your PlayStation 5 isn’t connecting to Wi-Fi. We’ll walk you through some of the most common ones.
Your wireless internet is down
This is the most common reason your PS5 isn’t connecting to the internet, and usually the easiest to troubleshoot.
The PlayStation Network isn’t working
The PlayStation Network (PSN) is Sony’s online gaming service. If you notice you can access online features within games outside of that network, the problem might be that the PSN servers are down. You can keep up with the service status of PlayStation Network on the Sony® website.
Your PlayStation connection to the server may have timed out
When you’re trying to sign in or connect to the PlayStation Network, you might get an error message that says your connection to the server has timed out. You’ll often see this when the PSN servers are having trouble communicating with your console—typically after spending some time waiting for the screen to load or change.
Keep your head in the game
If your console stops working, we’ll handle the repairs. Make an appointment or visit your nearest store now.
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How to troubleshoot a PS5 that’s not connecting to the internet
As frustrating as it can be when you can’t connect to the internet, there are a few simple steps that can quickly get you back in the game.
Double-check your Wi-Fi network and password
If your network name and password are incorrect, you won’t be able to connect to the web. The default name and password should be on the back of your router. If you’ve changed them, which we recommend, try plugging both in again on your PS5 to make sure they’re correct.
Run a network connection test
Still having trouble? Run a network connection test on the console. This will check your internet connection and help you determine where the problem lies. Here’s how:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Network.
- Select Connection Status > Test Internet Connection.
Move your console closer to the router
In some cases, the signal from your router might not be strong enough to connect to your PS5. To get the best connection, try moving your console as close as possible to the modem or router.
Restart your PlayStation
Doing so will clear old data and force it to try and reconnect to your Wi-Fi network.
To restart your PlayStation, press the PS button on the controller, select the power icon, then select Restart PS5. Now try connecting to Wi-Fi again.
Restart your router
A simple restart can resolve any connection trouble on the router’s end. Restart both your router and modem (sometimes they’re two separate pieces, but often they’re combined in one device) by turning them off, waiting for 30 seconds, and then turning them back on.
Factory reset your PS5
If your PlayStation still won’t connect to Wi-Fi, you may have to factory reset it. Doing so will delete your game files and restore your console back to factory default settings. Before you start the process, make sure to back up those files using PlayStation Plus cloud storage or an external drive.
Backing up to the PlayStation Plus cloud storage requires an internet connection—be sure to connect your PS5 to your router using an Ethernet cable. If you can’t use an Ethernet connection, opt for backing up with an external drive instead.
Back up using PlayStation Plus cloud:
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
- Select Saved Data.
- Select Console Storage, select a game, then select Upload to Cloud Storage.
Back Up using an external drive:
- Connect your USB drive to the port on either the front or back of your console.
- From the home screen, select Settings > System.
- Select System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5.
- Select the item you want to back up, then select Next. The file name and file size will appear, then you’ll select Back Up.
- Your console will restart and start the back up. When Backup complete appears on screen, select OK. Your console will restart.
Ready for that factory reset? Follow these simple steps:
- Open Settings.
- Select System > Reset Options > Reset your console.
- Select Reset.
Don’t let a glitched controller mean game over
The Asurion Home+ protection plan offers peace of mind for all of your eligible home tech, including your favorite gaming systems, for less than $1 per day. From graphical glitches to faulty drives, we cover your video game console and original controller from the unexpected breakdown—no matter where or when you purchased it. Learn more at asurion.com/homeplus.
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How to turn on Console Sharing and Offline Play on PS5 (Russia)
Learn how to turn on Console Sharing and Offline Play on PlayStation®5 consoles so you can share your purchases and some subscription benefits with others players.
- Enable console sharing
- Turn off console sharing
- Console sharing features
- Activation restrictions
- Remote deactivation
For information on how to activate your PlayStation®4 console, please read the guide below.
PS4™ Main Console Activation
How to enable PS5 Console Sharing and Offline Play
PS5™ Console Sharing and Play Offline is automatically enabled on the PS5 console you use to sign in to PlayStation™Network for the first time. To disable or enable console sharing on your new PS5 console, follow these steps:
- Select Settings > Users and accounts > Other > Console sharing and offline play .
- Select Enable or Disable .
What is console sharing and offline play on PS5?
When Console Sharing and Offline Play is enabled, anyone using your PS5 console can:
- Play your games and watch media even when the console is unplugged.
- Play games and media that you have purchased and downloaded.
- Enjoy some PlayStation Plus benefits, such as online play.
Advantages of PlayStation®Plus
PS5 Console Sharing and Offline Play Restrictions
- You can only enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on one PS5 console at a time.
PS5 console sharing and offline play does not affect activation of another console.
PlayStation
console activation restrictions
How to turn off PS5 console sharing remotely
To deactivate a console you no longer have access to, go to your account management page and deactivate all devices. Please note that you can only remotely deactivate all devices once every six months.
Remote deactivation of all consoles
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How to go offline on PS4
Are friends forcing you to play a game you don’t want? Is your Netflix and chill date night losing its romance due to constant pop-up messages? It’s time to learn how to go offline on PS4!
Fortunately, this process is very simple. To learn how to sign out of the network on PS4, just follow our instructions below. And for all the rest of the information, refer to our frequently asked questions at the end of the article.
How to log out on PS4
-
- Turn on your PS4 and log into your PS4 profile to access the home screen
-
- Now, at any time while using the PS4, simply hold the PS button on the controller to access the quick menu
-
- In quick menu scroll down to «Online Status» and press «X» to access these settings
-
- Finally, scroll down the page and click the «X» on «appear online»
-
- Press ‘O’ a couple of times to exit the quick menu and continue your session — you will now be shown offline to all your PSN friends but will be able to continue using all online features as usual
That’s it! Yes, it really is that simple! Go offline at any time to calm down a little and take a break from hordes of friends texting you and inviting you to play games.
If you have any unanswered questions, please see the FAQ section below.
Why do I want to go offline on PS4?
PlayStation Network (or PSN) is a network through which you can not only connect to all the great networking features of the PlayStation game, but also communicate with your friends and followers. Through PSN, you can message your friends, invite them to parties (or join them), chat through microphones, or invite them to join your games.
The problem is that your friends can do the same to you, and sometimes it can be frustrating. If you’re just hoping to kick back and watch a few shows on your favorite TV and movie streaming service, it can completely ruin the atmosphere (whether it’s the tension of a horror movie or the romance of a rom-com) with game prompts and messages constantly popping up on the screen.
What’s more, maybe you just want to get on PS4 and play your favorite single player game for a while, but you know that once your friends see you’re online, they’ll beg you to join them for some other game.
. Friends are hard to say no to, right?
We understand! Fortunately, there is always the option to go offline. This means that no one but you will know you are on PS4, which means no one but you will be able to see what you are doing on it, giving you some privacy and peace of mind.
Will going offline affect the functionality of my PS4?
No. You can continue to use your PS4 as you would otherwise, including access to all online features that your subscription plan provides access to. Appearing offline is, in other words, not the same as actually turning off.
Unfortunately, appearing offline doesn’t mean your friends won’t be able to message you, but it does mean they’ll be less likely to do so because they’ll feel like you’re not on PS4.
How do I get back online on PS4 if I change my mind?
Everything is simple here. If you’re satisfied that you’ve been able to get some privacy and be by yourself when you’re offline, and you’re ready to re-enter the world of online chat and game invites, you’ll need to follow the same steps as before.
