PSN Problems and How to Fix Them

“Is PSN down?” and “Why am I unable to connect to PSN?” are increasingly asked as players deal with common PSN problems on the PS4 Pro and PS4. We’ll look at the most frequent PSN problems and how you can fix them.

Sometimes you will need to wait for Sony to fix something, but there are steps that you can take to fix frequent and annoying PSN problems like lag, disconnect errors and more. We’ll show you how to fix common PSN error codes so that you can get back to playing your PS4 online with friends.

This guide will also walk through how to play PS4 games offline, which is a step you need to take when you are able to connect to PSN so that you can play next time you are offline.

Learn how to fix common PSN problems so you can play online.

It’s also a good idea to check out our common PS4 problems and fixes to learn how to fix other issues and problems with the PS4 that can prevent you from playing.

Most of these PSN fixes are things you can do from home without spending any more money, but some may require you to buy a new router, change where it is placed or run cable to connect directly to your home Internet connection. Here is a list of common PSN problems and fixes that you should try before you call Sony or give up for the night.

Is PSN Down?

The most common PSN problem is that PSN is down. If you see error CE-33991-5 on your PS4 or PS3 the entire network may be down.

You can check the PSN Status Page and Twitter to see if there are PSN problems happening right now. Both of these are updated frequently. The PSN Status Page will detail specific issues and restrictions, including issues playing games, seeing trophies and other social features.

How to see if PSN is down.

It is a good idea to check your Internet connection to see if it is the problem, especially if the pages above don’t show major problems. On the PS4 go to [Settings] > [Network] > [Test Internet Connection] and follow the on-screen instructions to make sure the console can get online.

Unfortunately there is not much else to do in this situation but wait. You can try restarting your PS4 and network equipment, but if there is a known outage it is not something you can fix.

How to Fix Unable to Connect to PSN Error

The Unable to Connect to PSN error may come from a local Internet connection problem, not from PSN being down. This may also be why you cannot sign in to PSN.

Check to see if your PS4 can connect to the Internet. If this fails, you should unplug your router and your modem for a few minutes and turn off the PS4. Turn the modem on, then the router and then your PS4 to see if this fixes your connection.

How to Fix PSN Lag

When you can connect to PSN you may experience lag while playing online games. There are several reasons this may happen, so we’ll offer several fixes.

Make sure you are connected to your WiFi and you may need to move your router.

The first problem is that your WiFi connection may be poor. If this is the case you might need a new router or may need to move your router and console closer together. Walls and floors can degrade speed and signal.

If that doesn’t fix the problem you may need to run a wired connection of Ethernet cable to your PS4 or PS3. This takes some time, and you will need to find a way to hide the wire if it is permanent, but it can solve a lot of PSN problems including lag and disconnects in-game.

I had to run an Ethernet cable to the basement to be able to reliably play Destiny and other first person shooters.

You may also need to call your Internet provider and buy a faster plan. Before you do that you should try the steps above and make sure no one is streaming video or downloading huge files when the lag happens.

How to Fix PSN Error Code – CE-35239-2

If you are trying to play games and see the Error Code CE-35239-2 you need to update your PS4 software.

To use many of the PSN network features you need a recent version of the PS4 software. You don’t always need the latest version, but if you have not updated in a long time you may need to do this before you can play.

On your PS4 go to Settings -> System Software Update -> follow the directions to download the update.

How to Fix PS4 PSN Error Code CE-34452-8

Another common PSN problem you might see on the PS4 is error code CE-34452-8. This means that downloaded data may be corrupted, which will prevent you from playing it. Sony offers a simple fix for this problem.

• Step 1: Delete the content from home screen, then restart the system. Next, re-download the content from the Library.
• Step 2: Review your network settings. If you can connect to a different network, try that. You also may want to change to a static IP or change the DNS server.
• Step 3: It’s possible the network is busy, so if the error persists try again later. If you still get the error later, go to [Settings] > [Initialization] > [Initialize PS4] > [Quick] and try the PS4 initialization.

Before you do this, make sure PSN is online, or you may have to try later.

Cannot Sign in to PSN

Any update? I am still receiving this login error on @MLBTheShow . Please advise. Thank you. #psn #psndown pic.twitter.com/4qRerLHbnX

— Dr. Jay Trotter (@DrJayTrotter) June 22, 2018

If you see PSN Sign in Failed while you are testing your internet connection the problem is likely related to PSN Maintenance. If you see error code CE-33992-6 then it is definitely due to PSN maintenance.

The only fix for this is to wait until the work on PSN is completed. You can check the status page or follow @AskPlaystation on Twitter for additional details.

Cannot Join Share Play

The PS4 Share Play feature lets you play a game that a friend owns or play with a friend using one copy of the game. If you see error NP-37668-0 or another similar message and a quick message that says, “You cannot join Share Play because your network connection speed is poor.” there are some steps you can take.

Sony recommends at least a 2Mbps Internet connection, which you need to check with your Internet provider.

The first thing to try is running an Ethernet cable to your PS4. If this lets you connect then you will know that it is a local issue. You can also try moving the WiFI router and PS4 closer. Pause any downloads and streaming on your home network as well.

Here’s a walkthrough on how to improve your PS4 network connection and speed.

How to Play PS4 Games Offline

Make your PS4 the primary console to play PS4 games offline.

If PSN is down you may have trouble playing digitally purchased PS4 games, but you can fix this so that you can always play your games, at least offline.

To do this the PSN network must be online, so you’ll need to remember to do it later. The PS4 asks users to perform this step when setting up the console, but it is not something everyone remembers to do.

On your PS4 go to Settings -> PSN -> Activate as Your Primary PS4 -> Activate. This will allow you to play your games even when PSN is down. It also makes it easier to sync download new games and content to your console.

PSN Trophy Data Does Not Sync

If you see a Trophy error or your PlayStation Trophy data is corrupted you’ll need to try to manually sync the Trophy data or you will need to delete your user and Initialize the user again.

When you see a Trophy error go to [Trophies] > Options > [Sync Trophies with PSN] and then restart the PS4. If that doesn’t work you can delete the user in [Settings] > [Initialization] > [Delete User] and create a new user to restore data to.

If that doesn’t work you will need to follow more detailed directions from Sony;

Step 1: Back up the save data using USB device or PS+ online storage. Then, go to [Settings] > [Users] and delete the user.

Step 2: Re-create the user and sign in. Transfer the saved data back to PS4 and retry the Trophy sync.

Step 3: If the error still occurs, go to [Settings] > [Initialization] > [Initialize PS4] > [Quick] and try the PS4 initialization.

Make sure you backup your data so that it is safe.

How to Fix Can’t Get Online After PS4 Update

If you can’t get online and play games on PSN right after updating your console, you may need to agree to new terms and conditions. This is relates to E-801809A8 error code.

On your PS4 go to Settings, Account Management, Sign In, then you should see the new Terms and Conditions. Agree to the terms and you should be able to get online.

How to Fix Annoying PSN Problems

If all else fails reset your modem and router and restart your PS4.

If you are experiencing random PSN problems and issues not described above you should restart all your network equipment.

Unplug the router and modem and then turn off the PS4. Leave all of this off for at least a few minutes. Sony recommends five minutes.

After this time period, turn the modem back on, then your router. After these are both online turn on your PS4 and try to connect to PSN again.