Set up two-step verification for PlayStation™Network login
Set up two-step verification for PlayStation™Network login
Learn how to set up and deactivate two-step verification (2SV), where to find 2SV backup codes and how to recover an account after losing a 2SV mobile number.
What is two-step verification?
When you sign in on a PlayStation®5 or PlayStation®4 console with 2SV activated, you are asked to:
Enter your account password and sign-in ID (email address).
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 to use 2SV
Accounts usually remain signed in. However, you will be 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).
Recover lost verification information
If you have lost your two-step verification phone or the 2SV backup codes, visit the guide below for steps to recover your account.
How do I set up two-step verification?
Select a device below to set up two-step verification.
Web browser: 2SV
- Go to Account Management on a connected device.
- Next to two-step verification, select Edit > Activate > Continue.
- 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.
- Enter the verification code.
- Record your Backup Codes.
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Security > 2-Step Verification.
- Select Activate to switch on 2SV.
- 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.
- Enter the verification code.
- Record your Backup Codes.
- Go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Security > 2-Step Verification.
- Select Activate to switch on 2SV.
- 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.
- Enter the verification code.
- Record your Backup Codes.
Turn off two-step verification
Select a device below to turn off two-step verification.
Web browser
- Sign in to Account Management and select Security > Edit next to 2-Step Verification > Deactivate.
Switch from text message verification to authenticator app verification
Reactivate 2-step verification and select your desired verification method.
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.
Go to Account Management on a connected device and select the Security tab.
Select Backup Codes. Store the backup codes in a safe place.
Need help?
Contact our support specialists