Why are my PS5 games locked?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Your PS5 games may be locked due to licensing issues, indicating that your account does not have the necessary permissions to play the game, or because of PlayStation Plus subscription problems, where a locked game with a PlayStation Plus logo requires an active subscription to access. To resolve the issue, you can try restoring licenses on your PS5 console, which can help fix problems with accessing digital games, especially if the PS5 is not your primary console.
Understanding PS5 Game Locks
Causes of Game Locks
PS5 game locks can occur due to various reasons, including parental controls, console sharing issues, and billing problems with your PlayStation Plus subscription.
Resolving Game Locks
To fix game locks, you can try disabling parental controls, enabling console sharing, or restoring licenses on your PS5 console.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What does a lock on my PS5 game mean?: A lock on your PS5 game indicates that your account does not have the necessary licenses to play the game, or that you need to renew your PlayStation Plus subscription.
- How do I unlock my PS5 game?: You can unlock your PS5 game by restoring licenses, disabling parental controls, or enabling console sharing on your console.
- Why is my PS5 not letting me play games?: Your PS5 may not be letting you play games due to system software issues, storage device problems, or game incompatibility.
Console Sharing and Licenses
- How do I allow access to games on PS5?: You can allow access to games on PS5 by enabling console sharing and offline play in your console settings.
- How do I restore my game license on PS5?: You can restore your game license on PS5 by going to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses.
- What is restore licenses on PS5?: Restoring licenses on PS5 can help fix issues with accessing digital games, especially if the PS5 is not your primary console.
PlayStation Plus and Subscriptions
- Why are my PS Plus games locked?: Your PS Plus games may be locked if your PlayStation Plus subscription has expired or if you are not using your primary PS4 console.
- How do I fix my PS5 license error?: You can fix your PS5 license error by restarting your console, turning off and restarting your router and modem, or restoring licenses.
Parental Controls and Restrictions
- How do I remove restrictions from my PlayStation account?: You can remove restrictions from your PlayStation account by going to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > PS4 System Restrictions and entering your parental control passcode.
- How do I change my PlayStation restrictions?: You can change your PlayStation restrictions by going to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > Family Management and selecting the child account you want to modify.
Console and Game Compatibility
- Can a PS5 be blacklisted?: Yes, a PS5 can be blacklisted if you intentionally try to bypass security features on the console or on PSN, resulting in all game licenses being permanently locked.
- Do PS4 games work on PS5?: Yes, the majority of PS4 games are playable on PS5 consoles, with some games benefiting from Game Boost for improved performance.
Account and Subscription Management
- How do I change my child account to adult on PS5?: You can change your child account to an adult account on PS5 by going to Settings > Account Management > Account Information and selecting Upgrade Your Account.
- Is PS5 kid-friendly?: While the PS5 can be used by kids, it is not specifically designed for preschoolers, and parents should use parental controls to restrict access to mature content.
- Will PlayStation fix my PS5 for free?: If your PS5 is still under warranty, PlayStation may repair or replace it for free if it is determined to be materially defective.