How to use security best practises on PlayStation

Find out what steps you can take to be more secure on PlayStation.

Never share your account details with anyone else. To avoid unintentionally sharing your account details when you sign in on someone else’s console, make sure to sign out at the end of the session. 

How to use security best practises on PlayStation 

  • Add a passkey to your account.
    Passkeys are a password replacement that provide faster, easier, and more secure sign-ins to websites and apps across your devices. For example, instead of typing out your credentials when signing in to PlayStation, your device quickly remembers and automatically inputs your saved details.
Set up a passkey
  • Beware of QR code scams.
    Only scan QR codes that you trust. Never scan a QR code sent to you by another person, even if they claim it will help you access your account or offer a reward.
    Scammers may try to convince you to scan a QR code by promising free vouchers, gift cards, in-game items, or other exclusive offers. These offers are often designed to trick you into giving someone access to your account or personal information.

    If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Stay cautious and only use QR codes provided through official PlayStation channels or trusted sources. 
  • Keep your email address safe by using a strong password.
    Your email account often serves as the gateway to many of your online services. If someone gains access to your email, they may be able to reset passwords for other accounts, view sensitive information, or impersonate you. Use a strong, unique password to protect your personal information and reduce the risk of unauthorised access. 
  • Use different passwords for your online accounts, and keep a password manager.
    Using the same password across multiple accounts increases your risk if one of those accounts is compromised. If a password is exposed in a data breach, attackers may try the same password on other websites and services. Using a unique password for each account helps limit the impact of a security incident and better protects your personal information.

    Because remembering many strong passwords can be difficult, a password manager can help by securely storing your passwords and generating strong, unique passwords for each account. Using a password manager or a passkey makes it easier to follow good security practises while reducing the need to remember multiple complex passwords. 
  • Be cautious of direct message (DM) scams.
    Be cautious of unexpected messages from other players on PlayStation or social media. Scammers may send direct messages pretending to offer exclusive opportunities or claim there's a problem with your account. Common examples include invitations to game beta tests or tournaments, claims that your account was accidentally reported and that they can help you restore it, or requests to sign in using a link or share account information to resolve an issue. These messages are often designed to trick you into revealing your sign-in details or taking actions that could give someone else access to your account.

    Prevent messages from unknown players by changing your account privacy settings. To learn more, visit the guide below.
Privacy settings guide
  • Set up a login passcode.
    Prevent people who don’t know your passcode from logging in to your account on your console.
Setup a login passcode
  • Never share your account details.
    Sharing your account details compromises the security of your account. It's also a breach of our Terms of Service, so keep your information private. If someone signs in to your account, they can change your sign-in information and lock you out.

    Never share account information with websites offering free virtual currency in exchange for personal information. These sites are created to gather your information and gain access to your account, payment information, and personal information. Change your sign-in method if you've ever been on one of these sites.
Compromised accounts
Recover your account
  • Don’t sign in on shared devices.
    Signing in to your account from internet cafes, libraries, or public PlayStation consoles poses a security threat. Only sign in on devices controlled by you or people you trust, otherwise, your information could be stolen without your knowledge.

    If you must sign in on a shared device, remember to always sign out of your account when finished, or sign out remotely.
Sign out of PlayStation
Sign out remotely
  • Set up 'Require Password at Checkout'.
    Activate password protection for PlayStation™Store purchases to prevent someone else from making purchases without your knowledge*.

*Password at Checkout is not compatible with your account if you have passkeys set up.

Require Password at Checkout

Related PlayStation Safety articles

Some common questions about safety on PlayStation are covered below.

Privacy settings
PlayStation Safety
PS5 console parental controls
PS4 console parental controls
Online Safety, Account Security and Privacy

If you’ve noticed suspicious activity on your account for PlayStation, please contact PlayStation Support as soon as possible using the link at the bottom of this page.

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