How to Restore Your PS5 Licenses: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re having trouble accessing your digital games on your PlayStation 5? The dreaded locked icon haunting your screen? Chances are, you need to restore your licenses. Don’t panic! It’s a common issue with a relatively simple fix. Restoring licenses essentially syncs your game library information with the PlayStation Network server, ensuring your PS5 recognizes your rightful ownership of the games. Here’s how to do it:
- Go to Settings from the PS5 home screen.
- Navigate to Users and Accounts.
- Select Other.
- Choose Restore Licenses.
- Select Restore.
The PS5 will then connect to the PlayStation Network and refresh your licenses. This process usually takes just a few moments. Once complete, restart your console. This should resolve most license-related issues and allow you to access your games again.
Troubleshooting License Restoration Issues
Sometimes, simply restoring licenses through the menu isn’t enough. Here are some troubleshooting steps to take if you encounter problems:
1. Check PlayStation Network Status
Before diving into more complex solutions, always check the PlayStation Network (PSN) status page. PSN outages or maintenance can prevent license restoration. If the servers are down, all you can do is wait until they’re back online and try again. You can usually find this information on the PlayStation website or through their official social media channels.
2. Restart Your PS5
A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that might be interfering with the license restoration process. Power down your PS5 completely, wait a few seconds, and then power it back on.
3. Check Your Internet Connection
A stable internet connection is crucial for license verification. Make sure your PS5 is connected to the internet and that your connection is working properly. You can test your connection speed through the PS5’s network settings. Consider using a wired connection (Ethernet cable) instead of Wi-Fi for a more reliable connection, especially during the restoration process.
4. Make Sure Your PS5 is Activated as Your Primary Console
For digital games to function correctly, your PS5 needs to be activated as your primary console. To check this:
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other.
- Select Console Sharing and Offline Play.
- Make sure Enable is selected. If it says “Disable,” your console is already activated.
Activating your PS5 as primary ensures that you can play your digital games even when offline.
5. Update Your PS5 System Software
Outdated system software can sometimes cause compatibility issues, including problems with license verification. Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings to check for updates and install them if available.
6. Restore Licenses in Safe Mode
If you’re still experiencing issues, try restoring licenses in Safe Mode:
- Turn off your PS5 completely.
- Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep (this takes about 7 seconds). This will boot the console into Safe Mode.
- Connect your controller via USB.
- Select option 5, Rebuild Database. This can take some time, but it can fix corrupted data that may be preventing license restoration.
7. Change DNS Settings
Sometimes, using a different DNS server can improve your connection to the PlayStation Network. You can change your DNS settings in the PS5’s network settings. Consider using Google’s DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) or Cloudflare’s DNS servers (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).
8. Contact PlayStation Support
If you’ve tried all the above steps and you’re still unable to restore your licenses, it’s time to contact PlayStation Support. They can provide further assistance and troubleshoot the issue with you. Have your PSN ID and console serial number ready when you contact them. The Games Learning Society offers various resources that may help, or at least point you in the right direction, when dealing with tricky technical issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to restoring licenses on the PS5:
1. What happens when I restore licenses on my PS5?
Restoring licenses on your PS5 essentially re-verifies your digital game ownership with the PlayStation Network. It checks your account information and confirms that you have the right to play the games associated with your account. It’s like a digital handshake between your console and the PlayStation servers.
2. How often should I restore licenses on my PS5?
You typically only need to restore licenses when you encounter issues accessing your digital games. There’s no need to do it regularly unless you’re experiencing problems.
3. Can I restore licenses if I can’t connect to PlayStation Network?
No, you need an active internet connection to restore licenses. The process requires your PS5 to communicate with the PlayStation Network servers to verify your game ownership.
4. What is the error code WS-116486-6 on PS5 and how does it relate to license restoration?
Error code WS-116486-6 typically indicates a problem connecting to the server. If you encounter this error while trying to restore licenses, check the PSN status page and your internet connection. Restarting your router can also help.
5. Why are my games locked on my PS5 even after restoring licenses?
There could be several reasons:
- Your PS5 is not activated as your primary console.
- Your PlayStation Plus subscription has expired (if the locked games were obtained through PS Plus).
- There might be an issue with the specific game license. In this case, contact PlayStation Support.
6. How do I fix the “Can’t Verify License” PSN error on PS5?
Try the following:
- Restore licenses.
- Change your DNS settings.
- Forget and reconnect to your network.
- Restart your PS5.
7. What is a PlayStation license?
A PlayStation license is essentially proof of ownership for digital games and other content purchased or redeemed through the PlayStation Store. It’s a digital agreement that allows you to access and use the software on your authorized PlayStation systems.
8. What do I do if my PlayStation account is locked?
If your account is locked due to too many failed login attempts, wait 120 minutes and try again. Make sure Caps Lock is off. If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the PlayStation Network sign-in page.
9. What is the PS5 ban code WS-116331-5 and how does it impact my games?
Error code WS-116331-5 indicates that your account has been temporarily suspended for violating the terms of service. If this happens, you will not be able to access any games or online features until the suspension is lifted.
10. How do I know if my PS5 is genuine and not a counterfeit?
Check the model number and serial number on the bottom of the console and on the original packaging. You can also verify these numbers with PlayStation Support if you have any concerns.
11. My PS5 won’t connect to the server to verify licenses. What can I do?
- Check the PSN status page.
- Restart your router and PS5.
- Use a wired connection.
- Change your DNS settings.
12. What is the PS5 ID number?
The PS5 ID number refers to the model number and serial number located on the bottom of the console.
13. Why won’t my PS5 work at all?
If your PS5 won’t power on, try the following:
- Ensure the power cable is securely connected.
- Try a different power outlet.
- Rebuild the database in Safe Mode.
14. Why won’t my PlayStation connect to the internet?
Common reasons include:
- PSN is offline.
- Wi-Fi network issues.
- Incorrect login credentials.
- Firewall or router settings blocking the connection.
15. How do I update my PS5 firmware (system software)?
Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings. Select Update System Software.
By following these steps and troubleshooting tips, you should be able to restore your licenses and get back to enjoying your favorite games on your PlayStation 5. Remember to always keep your system software up to date and to check the PlayStation Network status page before troubleshooting. It’s also worth knowing that organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are invested in how we interact with game systems.