PlayStation Support

Account & Security

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Login and password
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Login and password

Change a passkey or password

  1. Go to the Account Management sign-in page and select Trouble Signing in? > Reset your password and enter your sign-in ID (email address).
  2. You are sent an email containing a secure link. The verification email can take a few minutes to arrive.
  3. Follow the secure link in the email, fill in the requested information, and create a new password using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.

You can also switch to passkey authentication for a quick and secure sign-in experience.

Only a family manager can reset the password for a child account.

  1. As the family manager, sign in to Account Management
  2. Go to Family Management.
  3. Select the child account and Reset Password.
  1. Sign in to Account Management.
  2. Go to Security and enable Sign in with Passkey.
  3. Select Create a Passkey.
  4. Choose how you want to create a passkey, and then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Support video: Reset your password on a PS5 console
Support video: Reset your password on a PS4 console

Log-in issues

  1. Go to the Account Management sign-in page and select Trouble Signing in? > Reset your password and enter your sign-in ID (email address).
  2. You are sent an email containing a secure link. The verification email can take a few minutes to arrive.
  3. Follow the secure link in the email, fill in the requested information and create a new password using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters.

You can also switch to passkey authentication for a quick and secure sign-in experience.

  1. Sign in to Account Management.
  2. Go to Security and disable Sign in with Passkey.
  3. Create a password to sign in to PSN.
  1. If you have issues signing in with your passkey or with your device, please select Can't Sign In with Passkey from the sign-in screen and sign in via email or QR code.

Please note: 

  • If you’re having issues using passkey with Remote Play on Mac, please revert to password sign in.
  • If your web browser isn’t updated, passkeys might not be supported. If you experience this type of issue, please revert to password sign in.
  • Using passkeys between some Android and Windows devices might cause issues. If you experience this type of issue, please select Can't Sign In with Passkey.

You're signed out from all devices when you change your sign-in ID (email address). When you change your email address you receive an email to your old email address showing your new sign-in ID (email address).

  1. Sign in to Account Management on a web browser.
  2. Select Security from the sidebar.
  3. Click Edit next to Sign-In ID (Email Address). You may need to re-enter your password for security reasons.
  4. Enter your new email address and click Save.
  5. You receive an email to your new email address asking you to verify your new sign-in ID. Click the Verify Now button in this email. You also receive an email to your old email address detailing the change.

If we suspend your account or PlayStation console, you will see an error code when attempting to sign in to PSN.

We usually email you explaining why you’ve been suspended and how long it will last. We send that to the email address associated with your account (your sign-in ID). Be sure to check your junk or spam folder for the email.

When you create an account for PlayStation™Network (PSN), you agree to obey the PlayStation Network Terms of Service, which includes the Community Code of Conduct.

If you breach these terms we may temporarily or permanently suspend your account. For the most serious breaches, we may suspend your PlayStation console from accessing PlayStation Network.

2-Step Verification (2SV)

When you set up 2SV, you can receive verification codes either via SMS, or by using an authenticator app. You can also switch to passkey authentication for a quick and secure sign-in experience. 

  1. Sign in to Account Management and select Security.
  2. Next to 2-step Verification Status, select Edit.
  3. Select a verification method: Authenticator App or Text Message.
  4. Enter your mobile number or scan the QR code with the authenticator app. If the QR code fails, copy and paste the alphanumeric code on your app.
  5. Enter the verification code you receive via SMS or app and select Activate.
  6. Record your Backup Codes.
  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.

  1. Sign in to Account Management on a connected device and select Security.
  2. Next to 2-step Verification Status, select Edit > Deactivate.
Support video: 2-Step Verification on PS4 consoles
Support video: 2-Step Verification on PS5 consoles

2SV issues

If you’ve kept a record of your backup codes when setting up 2SV, you can easily recover your account. 

  1. Try to sign in to Account Management.
  2. Click on Trouble Receiving Code? > Sign In Using a Backup Code.
  3. Enter one of your 10 backup codes (each code can be used once) and select Verify.
  4. Click on Continue to sign in to your account.

If you cannot receive a 2SV verification code, and you do not have 2SV backup codes, you will need assistance recovering your account. Contact us with your online ID (username) and sign-in ID (email address).

  1. Select Resend Code from the sign-in screen.
    It could take a few minutes for the code to arrive.

  2. Restart your phone and try again. 

  3. Check whether you’ve enabled airplane mode on your phone.

  4. Check the mobile network signal status of your phone.
    If you’re having trouble, contact your mobile service provider for details.

If your PlayStation console asks you for a verification code but you have not turned on 2SV, take these steps as soon as possible:

  1. Try to change your sign in method immediately.
  2. If you can't change your sign in method, contact PlayStation Support and provide your account details to recover your account.
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Account management
Back

Account management

Create, change and close account

  1. Go to Account Management and select Create New Account.
  2. Enter your details and preferences and select Next on each screen.
  3. Verify your email address. Check your email for a verification message. Follow the instructions in the message to verify your email address.

You're signed out from all devices when you change your sign-in ID (email address). When you change your email address you receive an email to your old email address showing your new sign-in ID (email address).

  1. Sign in to Account Management on a web browser.
  2. Select Security from the sidebar.
  3. Click Edit next to Sign-In ID (Email Address). You may need to re-enter your password for security reasons.
  4. Enter your new email address and click Save.
  5. You receive an email to your new email address asking you to verify your new sign-in ID. Click the Verify Now button in this email. You also receive an email to your old email address detailing the change.

Learn how to request an account closure and what happens after your account is closed.

  1. Sign in to Account Management and select Profile from the sidebar.
  2. Select Edit next to your current online ID. 
  3. Enter a new online ID and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the change.
  4. After you complete the change process, you’re signed out of all devices.

Resolve issues after changing your online ID on PlayStation Network.
  1. Purchase, download, and start an eligible PlayStation game playable on PC.
  2. Go to the main menu for the game and select Sign In.
  3. Sign in using your sign-in ID (email address), or create an account.
    Account linking may be completed when you sign in (this experience may vary between titles).
Support video: Change your online ID

Activation, console sharing and deactivation

When you enable console sharing and offline play, anyone who uses your PS5 console can:

  • Play your games and media even when the console is offline.
  • Play games and media you've purchased and downloaded.
  • Enjoy some benefits of your PlayStation Plus membership, such as online multiplayer.

PS5™ Console Sharing and Offline Play is automatically enabled on the PS5 console you use to sign in to PlayStation™Network for the first time. To disable or enable Console Sharing on a new PS5 console, follow these steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play
  2. Select Enable or Disable.

Activating a primary PS4™ console links the console to your account and enables these features: 

  • Anyone who uses your primary PS4 console can use applications you purchase from PlayStation™Store.
  • Anyone who uses your primary PS4 console can enjoy some of the benefits of your PlayStation®Plus subscription. Your PS4 console can automatically download content you pre-ordered, or content you've purchased on PlayStation App.
  • You can connect to your PS4 console via the Internet using Remote Play on another device. 
  • Anyone who uses your primary PS4 console can use the themes that you purchase from PlayStation Store.

Each player can have one PS4 console activated as the primary PS4 console for their account.

  1. Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PlayStation 4.
  2. Select Activate.

To change an activation, you need to manually deactivate the previous console. If you can't access the console, it's still possible to remotely deactivate all devices attached to your account using Account Management on a web browser.

Find out how to link or unlink your social media accounts and streaming services from your account for PlayStation™Network.
 
How to link accounts and services online
  1. Sign in to Account Management.
  2. Select Linked Services.
  3. Choose the service and select Link.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to link the service.
    Linked then appears below the service name.
Support video: Primary PS4 activation

Compromised account

If you do not recognize a purchase, first check your PlayStation Store transactions. If your transaction history doesn't explain the charges, please consider the common reasons for unrecognized payments listed below.

Have you been charged a recurring subscription fee?

Please check your subscription settings to see if this is the cause of the transaction. Please note, there are limitations on when you can get a refund for subscription payments. Please see our PlayStation Store Cancellation Policy for more details.

Could a family member have used your payment details?

Child accounts don't have their own PlayStation wallet but can spend funds from the family manager's wallet within an assigned spending limit. The spending limit for a child account is set to 0 by default when the account is created by the family manager. 

If a child is using an adult account, they will be able to use PlayStation™Network without parental controls — this is a breach of our Terms of Service. If you find that a family member under the age of 18 is using an adult account, please contact us.

Has your card been charged twice?

Please check your account transaction history to see if you have purchased the same piece of content multiple times. There are limitations on when you can get a refund for certain payments. Please see the PlayStation Store Cancellation Policy for more information.

If the email doesn't state that the change was initiated by PlayStation, someone else might be trying to access your account. We recommend that you complete the following steps to secure your account: 

  1. Change the password on your email account.
    If you have problems doing this, please contact your email provider as soon as possible.

  2. Change your account for PlayStation Network sign-in method using the guide below.

If your PlayStation console has been stolen, please take the following steps:

  • Change your PSN sign-in method and remove all payment methods from your account.

Suspensions

When you create an account for PlayStation™Network (PSN), you agree to obey the PlayStation Network Terms of Service, which includes the Community Code of Conduct.

If you breach these terms we may temporarily or permanently suspend your account. For the most serious breaches, we may suspend your PlayStation console from accessing PlayStation Network.

If we suspend your account or PlayStation console, you will see an error code when attempting to sign in to PSN.

We usually email you explaining why you’ve been suspended and how long it will last. We send that to the email address associated with your account (your sign-in ID). Be sure to check your junk or spam folder for the email.

A chargeback, or payment reversal, occurs when a financial institution cancels an existing payment at your request. 

As a chargeback can indicate you suspect fraud or account take-over, we will suspend your account or console to protect it while we investigate. If there is no lawful reason for the chargeback (e.g. no legal right to a refund), your account will remain suspended until the debt is repaid.

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Family safety
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Family safety

PlayStation Safety for parents

Once your child has an account for PlayStation™Network (PSN), they can:

  • Make friends online
  • Play games with other people
  • Chat (by text, voice and video)
  • Send content (such as photos and screenshots) using messages
  • Join online communities dedicated to specific games or subjects
  • Update their What’s New feed with posts

To create accounts for your children, you must have an account for PlayStation Network. Once you have your own account, you can create accounts for each child.

Each child under 18 years of age needs their own child account for our online services.

  1. Sign in to Account Management > Family Management.
  2. Select the child family member you want to set restrictions for, and select Edit to adjust each feature.

Family managers can set limits on when, and for how long, each child can play on PS5® consoles and PS4® consoles.

  1. Go to Account Management and sign in to the family manager, parent or guardian account.
  2. Go to Family Management and select the child account.
  3. Select Edit next to the play time limit and select Save to apply your changes.

Some of the parental controls you set up online or on your console are applied to PlayStation games for PC: 

  • Communication and User-Generated Content
  • Certain privacy settings
    • Who can see your child's games and trophies
    • Who can see your child's online status and what they're currently playing
    • Who can ask to be your child's friend
    • Who can interact with your child through parties, games, and messages
  • Your child can also link services to their account. As the family manager or appointed parent or guardian, you can view and manage any services that your child links to their account.

When you select Communication and User-Generated Content > Restrict, the following are disabled:

  • Sending text messages and voice chatting with other players
    Sending pre-written messages in game is allowed
  • Sharing user-generated content created by your child
  • Seeing another player's user-generated content
  • Linking select third-party services and apps that provide communication and user-generated content features.

View and manage your child's access to third-party services and apps that they've linked their accounts to.

Support video: PlayStation 5 Parental Controls overview
Support video: Default Parental Controls on PlayStation 4

For younger players

Read these Rules – they will help you have a better time playing online.

Talk to the adult who usually looks after you (we will call them your Responsible Adult) about using PSN and what you want to do.

Learn how to stay safe on PlayStation Network, adjust your privacy settings and read our code of conduct rules.

Set up a family account

To set up your family on PlayStation™Network (PSN), you need to create an adult account and then add child members or adult members.

  1. Sign in to Account Management > Family Management > Add Family Member.
  2. Select Add a Child.
  3. Enter the child's date of birth, then click Next.
    The User Agreement appears. Accept and then follow the on-screen instructions to set up parental controls.
Support video: Family management on PS5 consoles
Support video: Family management on PS4 consoles

Learn about game ratings

Age ratings provide information about the contents of a game, so you know which ones are suitable for your child. Make sure to check the age rating before you let your child play. See how to check the age ratings for the following:

Digital games and streaming games

  • When you select the content on PlayStation™Store, the details screen contains the age rating.

Game discs

  • The game packaging is labeled with the age rating.

Always use parental controls to manage your child’s experience on PlayStation. Do this before you allow them to play for the first time.

Your child can enjoy the PlayStation console without going online, but many products offer online features and some will not work without them. Advise your child how to stay safe online and talk to them about their experiences.

Report users and content

Report content or conversations that breach the Community Code of Conduct. If the Code of Conduct has not been broken but you don’t want to interact with a player, you can block them.

Reporting with the intention to harass another player is a breach of the Code of Conduct and may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of your account.

Moderators review reports and decide whether the content reported breaches the Code of Conduct. If it does, we remove the content and take appropriate action against the player who shared it.

You receive notifications when a report is submitted, reviewed, and when an action is decided.

False reporting is a breach of the Code of Conduct and may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of your account.

Learn how to report content or conversations that breach the Community Code of Conduct. If the Code of Conduct has not been broken, but you don't want to interact with a player, you can block them.

Learn how to report content that breaches the Community Code of Conduct. If the Code of Conduct has not been broken, but you don't want to interact with a player, you can block them.

Blocked players and you (the blocker) can't do the following:

  • View each other's profile, activity, or personal information.
  • Add each other to parties or watch each other’s screen during Share Screen. 
  • If a blocked player is added to your group by another player, you won't see each other's messages.
  • If you're in the same party chat, you won't hear each other's voice or watch each other's screen during Share Screen.
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Security and privacy
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Security and privacy

Privacy and security settings

  1. Go to Account Management on a connected device.
  2. Select Privacy settings
  3. Choose a feature you would like to change the privacy settings for, and select Edit
  4. From the drop-down menu, choose who can see your activities and personal information, as well as who can send you messages and friend requests, and select Confirm.

If you're the family manager, parent or guardian, you can set privacy settings for your child. You can also select which settings your child can change. You receive a notification when your child changes a setting.

Never share your account details with anyone else. To avoid sharing your account details by accident when signing in to another console, make sure to sign out afterward.

Some third-party services require access to your account data. Once you approve this, the service becomes an authorized app. 

You can view and unlink your authorized apps in the following guide.

Support video: Secure your account on a PS4 console

Compromised accounts

If you do not recognize a purchase, first check your PlayStation Store transactions. If your transaction history doesn't explain the charges, please consider the common reasons for unrecognized payments listed below.

Have you been charged a recurring subscription fee?

Please check your subscription settings to see if this is the cause of the transaction. Please note, there are limitations on when you can get a refund for subscription payments. Please see our PlayStation Store Cancellation Policy for more details.

Could a family member have used your payment details?

Child accounts don't have their own PlayStation wallet but can spend funds from the family manager's wallet within an assigned spending limit. The spending limit for a child account is set to 0 by default when the account is created by the family manager. 

If a child is using an adult account, they will be able to use PlayStation™Network without parental controls — this is a breach of our Terms of Service. If you find that a family member under the age of 18 is using an adult account, please contact us.

Has your card been charged twice?

Please check your account transaction history to see if you have purchased the same piece of content multiple times. There are limitations on when you can get a refund for certain payments. Please see the PlayStation Store Cancellation Policy for more information.

If the email doesn't state that the change was initiated by PlayStation, someone else might be trying to access your account. We recommend that you complete the following steps to secure your account: 

  1. Change the password on your email account.
    If you have problems doing this, please contact your email provider as soon as possible.

  2. Change your account for PlayStation Network sign-in method using the guide below.

If your PlayStation console has been stolen, please take the following steps:

  • Change your PSN sign-in method and remove all payment methods from your account.

Reporting and blocking

Learn about the do's and don'ts of using your account, and suspensions that can be applied to your account for not following these guidelines.

Moderators review reports and decide whether the reported content breaches our Code of Conduct. If it does, we remove the content and take appropriate action against the player who shared it.

  • You receive notifications when a report is submitted, reviewed, and when we take action.
  • False reporting breaches our Code of Conduct and may result in a temporary or permanent suspension of your account.

Learn how to report content or conversations that breach the Community Code of Conduct. If the Code of Conduct has not been broken, but you don't want to interact with a player, you can block them.

Learn how to report content that breaches the Community Code of Conduct. If the Code of Conduct has not been broken, but you don't want to interact with a player, you can block them.

Blocked players and you (the blocker) can't do the following:

  • View each other's profile, activity, or personal information.
  • Add each other to parties or watch each other’s screen during Share Screen.
  • If a blocked player is added to your group by another player, you won't see each other's messages.
  • If you're in the same party chat, you won't hear each other's voice or watch each other's screen during Share Screen.
  1. Press the PS button on your controller to open up the control center and then select Game Base.
  2. From the Friends tab, select a player from the list or search for a player.
    You can also select players from the Parties tab by selecting the party and then the player from the members list.
  3. On the player's profile select ... (More) > Block.
  1. Select Friends from the function screen.
  2. Search for the player's online ID or select the player from your All Friends list.
  3. Select ... (More) > Block.