The PlayStation 4(PS4) has garnered immense popularity as a gaming console since it’s inception over a decade ago. While it remains the go-to choice for gaming enthusiasts, many users may encounter situations where a game appears locked on their PS4. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of unlocking locked games on PS4, ensuring you can enjoy your gaming experience without any restrictions.
Why Games are Locked on PS4
The presence of a lock icon, also known as the “Padlock”, indicates that a game is locked on the PS4 console. This feature is implemented to safeguard against piracy and unauthorized sharing of games among different PlayStation console users. To ensure compliance with licensing agreements, a valid license is required to access and play PS4 games. If you come across a locked game, it is likely due to several reasons, which we will address in the following steps.
How to Unlock Locked Games on PS4
Here are several effective methods you can employ to unlock locked games on your PS4:
Reboot the PS4 Console
Commence the troubleshooting process by rebooting your PS4 console. This simple step often rectifies temporary system glitches that may be causing the game lock. Performing a normal restart of the console can resolve various issues with game applications. If this method fails to yield results, proceed to the next step.
Check the Internet Connection
Ensure that your internet connection is stable and reliable. A poor or unstable internet connection can disrupt the game launching process or hinder connection to online servers. Attempt switching between a wired(ethernet) and wireless(Wi-Fi) connection to assess if that resolves the issue. If necessary, consider upgrading your data plan or contacting your internet service provider for assistance in enhancing your connection.
Sign In to the Valid PlayStation Account
Ensure that you are signed in to a valid PlayStation account on your PS4 console. If you are using a different account, sign out and log in with the primary account that was used to purchase the game. In some cases, using an incorrect or secondary account can result in game locks.
Restore the License
Restoring the license on your PS4 can effectively resolve locked game or license-related issues. Follow these steps to restore the license:
- Log into the PSN account that was used to purchase the game.
- Navigate to Settings > Select Accounts Administration.
- Tap on “Restore Licenses”.
- Access your PS4 Library and select the purchased game that is locked.
- Click the “Download” button to initiate the download process.
- Once the game is downloaded, it will appear on the home screen.
- Attempt playing the game to determine if the lock icon is no longer present.
Activate PS4 as the Primary Console
Ensure that your PS4 is activated as the primary console. Follow these steps to activate it:
- Go to the home screen on your PS4 console.
- Navigate to Account Settings > Select Account Management.
- Choose “Activate as Your Primary PlayStation 4” and confirm the activation.
Check if Your Account is Active or Banned
If your PlayStation account has been suspended or banned, you may encounter difficulties accessing certain games. Check your email inbox, including the spam or junk folder, for any notifications from PlayStation explaining the suspension or ban. If necessary, contact PlayStation support for further assistance in resolving the issue.
Ensure PlayStation Network Service Status
To rule out any ongoing server downtime or maintenance affecting your game access, check the PlayStation Network Service Status webpage. Server issues can impact PSN connectivity and potentially cause game locks. Additionally, you can check the network status directly on your PS4 console by going to Settings > Network > View Status of PlayStation Network Services.
Conclusion
By following these comprehensive steps, you can effectively unlock locked games on your PS4 and resume uninterrupted gaming sessions. Remember to reboot your console, verify your internet connection, sign in with the correct account, restore licenses, activate your console as the primary device and ensure that your account is active and not banned. Additionally, stay updated on the PlayStation Network Service Status to remain informed about any ongoing server issues. We hope this in-depth guide has been instrumental in resolving your locked game issues on PS4. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please leave a comment below.
Experiencing difficulties with your Device, check out our “How To” page on how to resolve some of these issues.
