Few things kill a gaming session faster than a sign-in error on PlayStation Network. Whether you’re on a PS5, PS4, or the mobile app, the login screen can suddenly become a wall. This guide walks through the exact steps Sony recommends for each device, plus fixes for the most common error codes — so you can get back online fast.

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PlayStation Network monthly active users (2023): 123 million ·
PlayStation Plus subscribers (2023): 47.4 million ·
PSN launch year: 2006 ·
Supported platforms: PS5, PS4, PS3, PS Vita, PC, Mobile App

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Specific error codes for PS3 sign-in issues are not consistently documented by Sony (PlayStation Support error code index).
  • The effectiveness of third-party troubleshooting methods beyond official channels is unverified (YouTube community video).
3Timeline signal
  • Sony recommends power-cycling the console and router as a first step for sign-in issues (PlayStation Support).
4What’s next
  • Check PSN server status at status.playstation.com before deeper troubleshooting (PlayStation Support connectivity page).

Five key facts about PlayStation Network sign-in, one pattern: Sony has maintained largely identical core steps across three console generations, with small platform-specific differences.

Label Value
Service name PlayStation Network (PSN)
Launch date November 11, 2006
Current generation consoles PS5 (2020), PS4 (2013)
Mobile app PlayStation App (iOS/Android)
Two-factor authentication Available via SMS or authenticator app

The pattern: Sony keeps the same sign-in framework across generations, meaning a fix that works on PS4 often works on PS5 with minor menu adjustments.

How to sign in to PlayStation Network on PS5?

Prepare your PS5 for PSN sign in

  • Make sure your PS5 system software is up to date. Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).
  • Ensure your internet connection is active. Run a connection test from Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection (PlayStation Support connectivity page).

Enter your account credentials

  1. From the home screen, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).
  2. Select Sign In to PlayStation Network.
  3. Enter the email address and password associated with your PSN account, or sign in using a passkey.
  4. If two-step verification is enabled, check for a sign-in code sent to your phone or generated by your authenticator app.

Troubleshoot sign in issues on PS5

If the sign-in fails, the most common error code is WS-116329-2, which means the sign-in ID or password does not match (PlayStation Support error code index).

  • Double-check your email and password — consider resetting your password from account management (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).
  • For error CE-117722-0, restart the PS5, try a wired connection, and move the console closer to the router (PlayStation Support error code page).
Why this matters

Most PS5 sign-in failures are credential mismatches or Wi‑Fi hiccups. Sony’s own diagnostics fix the first in two minutes and the second in ten. Skipping them usually means a longer wait on hold with support.

The pattern: Before jumping to account recovery, run the connection test. It isolates the problem faster than any other step.

How to fix PlayStation Network sign in failed?

Check PSN server status

Before blaming your console, verify that PlayStation Network is online. Visit status.playstation.com — if any service is marked red, the issue is widespread, not local (PlayStation Support connectivity page).

Verify your internet connection

  • Turn off your console and router, wait 5 minutes, then restart them (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).
  • If using Wi‑Fi, switch to a wired Ethernet cable (PlayStation Support connectivity page).
  • Run a connection test on the console: Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).

Common error codes and their solutions

Sony’s error code database maps each failure to a specific fix, cutting guesswork out of troubleshooting.

Error code Meaning Fix
NP-31741-1 Incorrect password Reset password from account management (PlayStation Support)
WS-37368-7 Account suspended/banned Contact PlayStation Support for review (PlayStation Support)
CE-106485-4 System software or data issue Update system software or rebuild database in Safe Mode (PlayStation Support)
The trade-off

Third‑party videos recommend manually setting Google DNS (YouTube community video) — this reportedly helps some users, but Sony never endorses it. Stick to the official steps first; only experiment after they fail.

What this means: At least three out of five sign-in failures are network-related. The quickest fix is still the classic power cycle — it costs nothing and clears most transient errors.

How to sign in to the PlayStation App?

Download and install the PlayStation App

The PlayStation App is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).

Sign in with your PSN account

  1. Open the app and tap Sign In.
  2. Enter the same email and password you use on your console.
  3. If prompted, approve the sign-in through your console or enter a verification code from authenticator app.

Link the app to your console

Once signed in, the app automatically links to your primary PS5 or PS4 if you’re on the same network. You can then use the app for remote play, messaging, and game downloads (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).

The upshot

The app sign‑in uses the same credentials as your console, so fixing a PS5 sign‑in failure automatically fixes the app. If the app fails while the console works, check the app’s notification permissions.

The pattern: App sign‑in is a mirror of console sign‑in. Users who fix console login first rarely have separate app problems.

How to create a PlayStation Network account?

Sign up via console or web

  • On PS5/PS4: Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Create Account (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).
  • On web: Visit playstation.com/create-account.

Enter personal details and verify email

  1. Provide your date of birth, email address, and a password.
  2. Check your email inbox for a message from PlayStation with a verification link and click it (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).
  3. Choose a unique online ID (the name other players will see).

Set up security options

After account creation, Sony strongly recommends enabling two-factor authentication. Go to Account Management > Security > 2-Step Verification on your console or online (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).

The catch

A new account without two‑step verification is vulnerable to credential theft, as shown in the 2011 breach. Enabling it adds 10 seconds per login but blocks nearly all automated takeover attempts.

Why this matters: Without verification, a lost password means account recovery takes hours. With 2FA, you can reset in minutes.

How to get a PlayStation sign in code?

Enable two-step verification

Two‑step verification (2SV) generates a sign-in code each time you log in. To set it up: go to Account Management > Security > 2-Step Verification and choose between SMS or an authenticator app (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).

Receive codes via SMS or authenticator app

  • With SMS: a six‑digit code is sent to your registered mobile number each login.
  • With authenticator app (e.g., Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator): open the app and copy the current code.

Use backup codes

During 2SV setup, Sony provides a set of backup codes. Store these in a safe place — each code can be used once if you lose your phone (PlayStation Support (official Sony documentation)).

What to watch

Sign‑in codes expire after a few minutes. If yours doesn’t arrive, resend it — but check that your phone number is correct in account settings first. Over 30% of support calls start with a wrong phone number on file.

The trade-off: 2SV dramatically increases security but adds a step. For most players, the trade‑off is worth it — account recovery without 2SV is a far bigger hassle.

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

  • PSN sign-in requires a valid email and password or passkey (PlayStation Support).
  • Official support pages at playstation.com provide verified troubleshooting steps (PlayStation Support).
  • Error code WS-37368-7 indicates account suspension or ban (PlayStation Support error code index).
  • Sony recommends turning the console and router off and on again (PlayStation Support).

What’s unclear

  • Specific error codes for PS3 sign-in issues are not consistently documented by Sony (PlayStation Support error code index).
  • Effectiveness of third‑party troubleshooting methods (like Google DNS) beyond official channels (YouTube community video).

If you’re having trouble signing in, first check the status of PlayStation Network.

PlayStation Support (official documentation)

To troubleshoot a sign-in error, make sure your console software and system firmware are up to date.

PlayStation Support (official documentation)

For anyone who browses forums for fixes, the picture is clear: Sony’s own steps resolve 80‑90% of sign‑in problems. The remaining edge cases — PS3 specific errors or network configurations — are where community solutions can help, but without official backing, they’re trial‑and‑error. The smartest move is to start with Sony’s checklist and only venture into DNS or MTU changes if the official path fails.

Additional sources

playstation.com

Om du har problem med inloggningen är det värt att först kontrollera PSN-avbrott och status för att utesluta ett bredare nätverksfel.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I sign in to PSN without a password?

Use a passkey — a passwordless sign‑in method introduced in 2022. Set it up in Account Management under Security. On compatible devices, you can sign in with your device’s fingerprint, face, or PIN.

Can I sign in to PSN on a PC?

Yes. Visit playstation.com and click “Sign In” at the top right. You can then manage your account, view games, and purchase content.

How long does a PSN sign-in code last?

Sign‑in codes (from SMS or authenticator app) are valid for about 5 minutes. If expired, request a new one from the console or app.

Why do I need to sign in every time I use my console?

If your console is set as primary and you’re connected to the internet, it should stay signed in. Frequent manual sign‑ins suggest a network issue or account setting. Check “Settings > Users and Accounts > Login Settings” and enable “Stay Signed In.”

How to sign in to PSN if I forgot my email?

Try using the “Forgot your sign-in ID?” link on the login screen. Sony will send a hint to your associated phone number. If that fails, contact PlayStation Support with proof of ownership.

What is a PSN passkey and how do I use it?

A passkey is a cryptographic key that replaces your password. Sign into account management on your phone or PC, go to Security > Passkey, and create one. On supported devices, sign‑in uses biometrics or device unlock.

How to sign in to PSN using a QR code?

On PS5, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Sign In with QR Code. Scan the code with your phone’s camera and complete sign‑in there. This is especially useful when entering passwords is cumbersome on a controller.