How to Fix ‘PlayStation Network Sign-In Failed’? [12 Easy Fixes]

Have you just gotten some free time and wanted to relax on the couch with your favorite console game, but the PlayStation Network refused to cooperate?

Below, we tell you how to fix the ‘PlayStation Network Sign-In Failed’ issue if and when you get it so you can resume your digital adventures in no time! 

12 Ways to Fix the ‘PlayStation Network Sign-In Failed’ Issue

From simple troubleshooting steps to more advanced fixes, we outline 12 simple and practical solutions to your PS Network issues in the following sections!

1. Check the PlayStation Server Status

Check the availability of PlayStation’s services in a few steps:

1. Go to the PlayStation Network Service Status page;
2. Select your current region;
3. Look at the status of all current PS services.
   • Active services show up with a green mark.

If everything is green, you’re good to go! Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for the PS team to resolve their server issues, especially those related to account management.

2. Reboot Your PlayStation and Router

Your PS console or network devices (router and modem) may also be at fault for any login issues. To remove them as a potential issue, do the following:

1. Press and hold the power button until your PS4/PS5 turns off;
   • You can also restart your console via the ‘Power’ menu.
2. Unplug your network devices from the power source;
3. Wait for a minute or two, then plug them back in;
4. Wait for your internet connection to restore itself;
5. Turn the PS5/PS4 back on;
6. Try connecting to the PS Network again.

3. Re-Log Into Your Local Account

Have you ever heard the saying: “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” Well, it helps resolve most minor issues, so you might as well re-log into your account:

1. Select your profile image from the home screen;
2. Scroll down through the menu and tap on ‘Log Out” ;
3. Select a different or the same account and log back in;
4. See whether the network issue persists.

4. Delete and Re-Add the Registered Network

You can also attempt to delete and reconnect to your current network:

1. Navigate to the main ‘Settings’ menu and click on ‘Network’;
2. Scroll down to the ‘Settings’ tab;
3. Tap on ‘Set Up Internet Connection’;
4. Choose your current network and press on it;
5. Tap on ‘Forget’ in the pop-up menu;
6. Reconnect to your network.

5. Try Connecting to a Different Network

If the issue persists, you can also change your network connection from wireless to wired, which is inherently more stable and predictable.

1. Go back to the ‘Set Up Internet Connection’ sub-menu;
2. Search for new networks and choose the wired LAN one;
   • You can also try a different wireless connection;
   • Or set up a wireless hotspot on your phone.

6. Set the Automatic PSN Login Procedure

You can also have your PlayStation device automatically connect to the PS Network as soon as it’s turned on by following these steps:

1. Navigate to the PS main ‘Settings’ menu;
2. Click on ‘Users and Accounts (4th on the list on the PS5);
3. Scroll down and select ‘Login Settings’;
4. Toggle on the ‘Log In to PS5 Automatically’ option;
5. Restart your PlayStation and re-attempt to sign into the PSN.

7. Update the System Software

Updating your PS’s software to the latest version is always a good idea since the procedure introduces the latest features and resolves most minor software issues:

1. Open the main ‘Settings’ menu;
2. Navigate to ‘System’ and tap on ‘System Software’;
3. Select ‘System Software Update and Settings’;
4. Press on ‘Update System Software’;
5. Select ‘Update Using Internet’.

Depending on your download speeds, this process may take a while. After it completes, simply restart your PS and attempt to connect to the PSN.

8. Rebuild the PS Database

This method is a tad more involved since it requires you to boot into ‘Safe Mode’:

1. Turn off your PS device;
2. Ensure your controller is connected via cable;
3. Press and hold down the power button until you hear a second beep;
4. Wait to boot into ‘Safe Mode’ and click on ‘Rebuild Database’;
5. Wait for the process to complete and restart your PS;
6. Check if the issue has been resolved.

9. Try a Different DNS Server

DNS server issues may also mess up your network connection. For that reason, ditch your current DNS for the one offered by Google:

1. Visit your ‘Network’ settings page;
2. Find the ‘Set Up Internet Connection’ menu; 
3. Click the ‘Options button on your controller;
4. Tap on ‘Advanced Settings’ ;
5. Change the ‘DNS Settings’ option to ‘Manual’;
6. Enter Google’s primary and secondary DNS addresses:
   • Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
   • Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
7. Try logging into the PS Network again.

Additional network settings you can change at this point include: setting your IP address to automatic, the DHCP Host to ‘Don’t Specify’, and the Proxy Server to ‘Don’t Use’.

10. Change the MTU Settings

While in the same ‘Advanced Settings’ menu, you can also change your MTU Settings (Maximum Transmission Unit), which dictate the size of the packets transmitted over your network. To do that, just complete these steps:

1. Navigate back to the ‘Advanced Settings’ menu;
2. Tap on ‘MTU Settings’ and change it to ‘Manual’;
3. Choose a smaller packet size;
4. See if your network issue is gone.

If you reduce the size of the network packets, you should expect your network speed to decrease, but its stability should improve. You can expect to try out several packet sizes until you are satisfied with your network’s stability and speed balance.

11. Factory Reset Your Console

Resetting your PlayStation console to its default settings is the last and most radical approach you can take since you are deleting any changes you have made to it:

1. Turn off your PlayStation console;
2. Connect your controller to the PS5 via cable;
3. Press and hold the power button until you boot into ‘Safe Mode’;
4. Press on ‘Reset PS5’ or ‘Reinstall System Software’;
   • Choose the second option only if the first one fails.
5. Start your PS5 once the process is complete;
6. Set up your network from scratch;
7. Attempt to log into the PS Network.

12. Contact PlayStation Support

If none of the above fixes work, you can always peruse the PS support channels:

• Utilize the PS support pages—the first thing to try out is to enter your issue in the ‘Search Support’ field via the PS Support Home page; note that the more detailed the query, the less and more relevant results you will receive;
• Check out the online PlayStation manuals—all PS owners can freely access all sorts of guides and manuals via the official website that cover everything from user operations to safety guidelines;
• Talk to the online assistant—once you visit the PS support page, you’ll notice a blue square in the bottom-right corner that activates the PS Online Assistant, which offers both a bot-led chat or communication with a real agent;
• Connect to a PS representative on social media—a reputable company such as PlayStation also has many support representatives answering questions across most social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Bottom Line

To conclude, the PlayStation Network Sign-In feature is necessary to play with your friends—the best way to enjoy your favourite games. That said, while the issue may seem frustrating, you will definitely find its solution in our list of 12 easy fixes above. In any case, if none of them works, you can always contact a PS support expert.

By Raj Vardhman

Raj Vardhman is a tech expert and the Chief Tech Strategist at TechJury.net, where he leads the research-driven analysis and testing of various technology products and services. Raj has extensive tech industry experience and contributed to various software, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence publications. With his insights and expertise in emerging technologies, Raj aims to help businesses and individuals make informed decisions regarding utilizing technology. When he's not working, he enjoys reading about the latest tech advancements and spending time with his family.