Is your PlayStation Network not working? The PlayStation Network is an online platform for PlayStation consoles and it provides services like PlayStation Shop, PS Now, and PS Plus. Using the PlayStation Network, users may also take use of voice chat in-game and online gaming.
Sadly, the PlayStation Network is occasionally susceptible to unforeseen issues and is not always accessible. If you’re here, it’s likely that your console is giving you trouble connecting to the PlayStation Network. However, you have no need to worry because we’ll provide you with many possible solutions that you can try to fix your PlayStation not working issue.
8 methods to fix the PlayStation Network not working issue
We know that this problem typically arises when PSN’s servers are offline. The system files, Network connection, or settings of your PlayStation could possibly be the cause of the issue. Today, we’ll show you what to do if you are suffering from the PlayStation Network not working issue.
Checking the PlayStation servers
When PSN won’t load on your device, the health of its servers should be your first port of call. The PlayStation Network relies on its servers to deliver material and services to you because it is an online service. Therefore the PlayStation not working issue may not be something you can put your hands on.
You can go to Playstation’s official status page to check the current situation of the platform. If the problem is with the servers, unfortunately there’s not much that you can do but to wait. However, if the servers are fine, continue to try the solutions we offer below.
Restarting your PlayStation
Try restarting your PlayStation operating system to reload all of its resources if you can’t access online features. With the PlayStation, temporary mistakes are typically the root of the majority of issues, and a simple restart will usually solve them.
Here’s how PS4 users can restart their system:
- Open the Quick Menu of your Playstation by holding down the PS button
- After that, go to the Power tab
- Finally, choose the Restart PS4 option to restart your console
If you are using a PS5, try the steps below to restart your console:
- On your DualSense controller, hold down the PS button and wait for the Quick Menu to show up
- After that, highlight the Restart PS5 option
- Lastly, press the O or X button to confirm
Check any PSN service after restarting your PlayStation to see if the issue has been resolved.
Re-logging in to your PSN account
Due to occasional issues and PSN glitches, your account data may have become corrupted. If this occurs, you can have trouble using online services like voice chat, online gaming, and the PlayStation shop.
Sign out of your current session and wait a few minutes for your data to reset to resolve this.
Here’s how PS4 users can sign out of their PSN accounts:
- On the main screen, use your controller and go to the Settings menu
- In the settings menu, choose Account Management
- Finally, select the Sign Out button to end your session
If you are using a PS5, follow the steps below to sign out your PSN account:
- First, go to the Settings menu on your Playstation 5
- After that, go to the User Accounts tab.
- Finally, choose Other and click the Sign Out button
Once finished, hold off logging back into your PSN account for at least five minutes. Check to see if the issue is fixed by attempting to visit the PlayStation Store or any other online service.
Checking your network connection
The PlayStation Network may not be loading on your console due to a sluggish or inconsistent network connection. Do a speed test on your PlayStation by selecting Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection to verify this.
Restart your network router or modem to reestablish the connection between your router and the servers of your service provider if the speed test indicates that your internet connection is the issue.
Do another test to see if your network is again functioning properly after restarting your router. We advise contacting your ISP and asking them to address the issue if you continue to encounter network-related issues.
Updating your PlayStation
To keep their systems functioning properly all the time, Sony distributes periodic updates. Unfortunately, flaws and glitches could appear in between updates, leading to a variety of issues like the Playstation Network failing to load.
If there is newer software for your Playstation, install it to resolve this.
Here’s how PlayStation 4 owners can update their device:
- Go to the Settings menu and choose the System Software Update tab
- After that, select the Update Now button
- Lastly, choose the Accept option if there’s an available update to install it
See the steps below to update the software on your PlayStation 5:
- Go to the Settings menu
- Next, go to System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings
- Finally, choose the Update System Software and select the Update Using Internet option
Try using any PlayStation Network service after the upgrade to see whether the issue has been resolved.
Changing your DNS
DNS, which provides your device with the precise addresses of websites and servers, is a crucial component of the internet. The PlayStation Network may not be loading if your ISP’s default DNS server is now unavailable. This could be the cause of your network’s poor performance.
Change to Google’s DNS in the interim to fix this. To modify your PlayStation’s DNS settings, follow these steps:
- To start with, go to the Settings of your Playstation and go to the Network tab
- Next, click on Internet Connection Setup.
- Now, choose Use Wi-Fi and choose the Custom option
- Set your IP Address to Automatic and click on Do Not Specify for your DHCP Host Name
- Next, choose the Manual option for your DNS Settings and input the following values:
- Primary DNS – 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS – 8.8.4.4
- Finally, set your MTU Settings value to 1456 and choose Do Not Use for the Proxy Server
Return to PlayStation Network to check if it’s again operational after adjusting your DNS.
Rebuilding your database
The information about the files on the hard drive is all stored in a database on Playstation consoles. System files, installation packages, and game files all fall under this category. Unfortunately, with time, this database may become faulty and degrade your Playstation’s functionality.
Try rebuilding the database on your Playstation if you are unable to access any Playstation Network services.
To help you with the process, look at the steps below:
- Make sure your PlayStation is turned off entirely first.
- Then, until you hear a second beep, press and hold the Power button on your console.
- Next, use the charging cable to attach your DualShock / DualSense controller.
- Finally, activate Safe Mode by pressing the PS button on your controller, then choose the Rebuild Database option.
Access an online service on your console after finishing the process to see if the PlayStation Network is now loading properly.
Reporting the problem to PlayStation
You’ve pretty much done everything you can to resolve the PSN issue on your end at this point.
If your console’s PlayStation network still won’t load, we advise going to the company’s official website and getting in touch with their customer service to report the problem.
To help Sony’s team better understand the matter, include information about your account, the PlayStation model you have, and the service you’re attempting to access in your report.
Hopefully, this guide on PlayStation Network not working issue was helpful and now you’re rid of your problem. If you’d like to see some of our other guides about PlayStation, make sure to check out the links below.