Updated 09 August 2017

PS4: 2-Step Verification

  • My Account & Security :
  • Login Details & Verification

This article explains how 2SV works on PlayStation 4.

 
 

What is 2-Step Verification?

2-Step Verification (2SV) adds an extra layer of account security. When you activate 2SV, you can choose to sign out of PlayStation Network on all your devices, so make sure you know your account password and sign-in ID before switching it on.

When you sign in on your PS4 and 2SV is activated, you are asked for:

Step One: your account password and sign-in ID (email address), and
Step Two: a verification code that we text to you.

How to activate 2SV with your PS4

You need:

  • Your PSN account sign-in ID (email address) and password.
  • A mobile phone on which you can receive text messages and access the internet.
  • A PS4!
  1. Go to [Settings] > [Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Security] > [2-Step Verification] > [Set Up Now].
  2. Carefully enter your mobile number and select [Add].
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  1. You will receive a verification code by text - enter this to authorise your mobile number to receive 2SV texts.
  2. Select [Activate] to switch on 2SV.
     
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  1. We advise you to make a note of your 10 backup codes now in case of sign-in issues. Go to [Settings] > [PlayStation Network/Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Security] > [Two-Step Verification] > [Backup Codes] to find them.

Sign-in after 2SV has been switched on

You usually stay signed in on your PS4, even when it is switched off. However, you need to sign-in with a verification code if:

  • you are signing in for the first time after switching on 2SV,
  • you manually sign-out of your PS4,
  • you reset your account password,
  • you change your sign-in ID,
  • you are signing in to your account on a friend’s PS4.

To sign-in:

  1. Enter your account sign-in ID and password.
  2. You will receive a verification code by text.
  3. Enter the code and select [Sign-in].

The verification code is valid for 10 minutes after you sign in with your account sign-in ID and password. If you enter a verification code after this time, you will see an error message and you can’t use this code for sign-in. Select [Resend Code] from the sign-in screen to get a new code.

How to deactivate 2SV

  1. Go to [Settings] > [PlayStation Network/Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Security] > [2-Step Verification] > [Status].
  2. From the drop-down menu select [Inactive] > [Confirm].
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  1. 2SV is now switched off on your account.

Update your mobile number

You can add up to two mobile numbers to your account and choose one to receive 2SV texts. To update your mobile number you need to add your new number and remove your old one. If you already have two mobile numbers on your account, you need to remove one before you can add a new one.

To add a mobile number:

  1. Go to [Settings] > [PlayStation Network/Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Security] > [2-Step Verification] > [Mobile Phone].
  2. Enter your mobile number and select [Add].
  3. Remove your mobile number  

To remove a mobile number:

  1. Go to [Settings] > [PlayStation Network/Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Security] > [2-Step Verification] > [Mobile Phone].
  2. Select the mobile number you want to delete and select [Remove].