Set up 2-step verification on PSN

How to set up 2-step verification on PlayStation Network

Learn how to set up and deactivate 2-step verification (2SV), and where to find 2SV backup codes.

What is 2-Step verification (2SV)?

When you sign in to PlayStation™Network (PSN) on a PlayStation®5 console or PlayStation®4 console with 2SV active, you are asked to:

  1. Enter your account password and sign-in ID (email address).

  2. Enter the verification code from your authenticator app or the SMS that was sent to your registered mobile phone number*.

* The verification code is valid for 10 minutes after your sign-in attempt. If your code has expired, select Resend Code from the sign-in screen to receive a new code.

When 2SV is activated*, a player signing in on a PS3 console or PS Vita/TV system for the first time will be asked to: 

  1. Enter their account sign-in ID (email address). 
  2. Enter the Device Setup Password, instead of the usual account password.

When to use 2-step verification

Accounts usually remain signed in, however, you are sent a verification code if:

  • you are signing in for the first time after switching on 2SV,

  • you manually sign out of PlayStation Network and want to sign back in,

  • you reset your account password,

  • you change your sign-in ID (email address) or online ID.

How to set up 2-step verification and record backup codes

Select a device below to set up 2-step verification.

  1. Sign in to Account Management on a connected device and select Security.
  2. Next to 2-step Verification Status, select Edit > Activate > Continue.
  3. Select how you’d like to receive the verification code: Authenticator App or Text Message:

    Authenticator app
    Open an authenticator app on your mobile device and scan the QR code. If the QR code fails, copy and paste the alphanumeric code. You’ll see a verification code in the app.

    Text message
    Enter a mobile number or select an existing one – you’ll be sent a verification code.

  4. Enter the verification code. 
  5. Record your Backup Codes.
  1. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Security > 2-Step Verification. 
  2. Select Activate to switch on 2SV. 
  3. Select how you’d like to receive the verification code: Authenticator App or Text Message:

    Authenticator app
    Open an authenticator app on your mobile device and scan the QR code. If the QR code fails, copy and paste the alphanumeric code. You’ll see a verification code in the app.

    Text message
    Enter a mobile number or select an existing one – you’ll be sent a verification code. 

  4. Enter the verification code. 
  5. Record your Backup Codes.
  1. Go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Security > 2-Step Verification. 
  2. Select Activate to switch on 2SV. 
  3. Select how you’d like to receive the verification code: Authenticator App or Text Message:

    Authenticator app
    Open an authenticator app on your mobile device and scan the QR code. If the QR code fails, copy and paste the alphanumeric code. You’ll then see a verification code in the app.

    Text message
    Enter a mobile number or select an existing one – you’ll be sent a verification code. 

  4. Enter the verification code. 
  5. Record your Backup Codes.

You cannot activate 2SV on your PS3 console or PS Vita/TV system. You need to activate it through Account Management, a PS5 console or a PS4 console using the guides above.

  1. Once 2SV is activated, sign in to Account Management and select Security.
  2. Make sure 2-Step Verification is enabled and select Device Setup Password > Generate New Password. 
  3. On your PS3 console or PS Vita/TV system, enter your sign-in ID (email address) and the Device Setup Password. This will verify the device.
  4. Tick the box to enable auto sign-in. If you choose not to enable auto sign-in, you will need to enter this Device Setup Password each time you sign-in.
  5. Select Done and repeat on all your devices*

*If you authorise the same device twice, it will be linked to two passwords in your Device Setup Password list, but you can revoke a password and generate a new one any time.

Having issues with 2-step verification?

If you are having trouble signing in with 2SV, please visit the guide below.

Help with 2SV issues

How to find your 2SV backup codes

If you lose access to your 2SV mobile number, a backup code will let you access your account. Without these codes, you will need to verify your identity to recover your account.

  1. Go to Account Management on a connected device and select Security.

  2. Select Backup Codes. Store the backup codes in a safe place.

How to turn off 2-step verification

Select a device below to turn off 2-step verification.

  1. Sign in to Account Management on a connected device and select Security.
  2. Next to 2-step Verification Status, select Edit > Deactivate.
  • Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Security > 2-Step Verification > Status - Inactive.
  • Go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Security > 2-Step Verification > Status - Inactive.

You can remove a device setup password from an authorised device using Account Management. 

  1. Sign in to Account Management and select Security > Device Setup Password. 
  2. Select Revoke next to the device setup password that you want to remove from your device. 

If you revoke a device setup password but 2SV is still enabled, you will need to create a new device setup password to sign back in on that device.

How to switch to authenticator app verification

  1. Deactivate 2-step verification.

  2. Reactivate 2-step verification and select your desired verification method.

Need help? 

Contact our support specialists

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