2SV issues on PSN
Find out how you can use 2-step verification (2SV) backup codes to recover your account, and what steps to take if you lose your 2SV phone.
How to recover your account with 2SV backup codes
If you kept a record of your backup codes when setting up 2SV, recovering your account on a PlayStation®5 console or PlayStation®4 console is simple:
- Press the △ button on the 2SV login screen, then select Cannot Access Mobile Phone > Sign In Using Backup Code.
- Enter one of your 10 Backup Codes — each code can be used once.
Lost access to 2SV mobile phone and can’t sign in?
If you cannot receive a 2SV verification code, and you do not have 2SV backup codes, you will need assistance recovering your account. Contact us with your online ID (username) and sign-in ID (email address).
Didn’t receive a verification code text?
- Sign in with your account password and select Resend Code.
- Please wait a few minutes for the code to be sent.
Received an unexpected 2SV message?
If your PlayStation console asks you for a verification code but you have not turned on 2SV, take these steps as soon as possible:
- Try to reset your password immediately.
- If you can't reset your password, contact us with your online ID (username) and sign-in ID (email address).
If you see, 'This email address is already associated with another Sony group service'
You can't sign in to other Sony group services with 2SV. This means that if you have linked your PSN sign-in ID (email address) to another Sony group service, you can't switch on 2SV for signing in to PlayStation™Network. This is so we can make sure you can access all of your Sony accounts. If you want to activate 2SV you need to unlink your accounts. Contact us to request this.
If you receive an 'incorrect password' message
The services displayed below do not support 2SV and will show a wrong password message if you sign in to them when 2SV is switched on. To use them, disable 2SV to sign in and reactivate it once you’re finished.
- Google TV
- MediaGo
How to set up 2-step verification on PlayStation Network
Learn how to set up and deactivate 2-step verification (2SV), and where to find 2SV backup codes.
How to set up 2-step verification and record backup codes
Select a device below to set up 2-step verification.
Web browser: set up 2SV
- Sign in to Account Management on a connected device and select Security.
- Next to 2-step Verification Status, select Edit > Activate > Continue.
- Select how you’d like to receive the verification code: Authenticator
App or Text Message:
Authenticator app
Make sure you have an authenticator app (such as Authy, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator) downloaded and set up on your mobile device. Open the authenticator app and scan the QR code. If the QR code fails, copy and paste the alphanumeric code.
You receive a verification code in the authenticator app.
Text message
Enter a mobile number or select an existing one.
You receive a verification code via SMS.
- Enter the verification code.
- Record your Backup Codes.
PS5 console: set up 2SV
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Security > 2-Step Verification.
- Select Activate to switch on 2SV.
- Select how you’d like to receive the verification code: Authenticator App or Text Message:
Authenticator app
Make sure you have an authenticator app (such as Authy, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator) downloaded and set up on your mobile device. Open the authenticator app and scan
the QR code. If the QR code fails, copy and paste the alphanumeric code.
You receive a verification code in the authenticator app.
Text message
Enter a mobile number or select an existing one.
You receive a verification code via SMS.
- Enter the verification code.
- Record your Backup Codes.
PS4 console: set up 2SV
- Go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Security > 2-Step Verification.
- Select Activate to switch on 2SV.
- Select how you’d like to receive the verification code: Authenticator App or Text Message:
Authenticator app
Make sure you have an authenticator app (such as Authy, Google Authenticator, or Microsoft Authenticator) downloaded
and set up on your mobile device. Open the authenticator app and scan the QR code. If the QR code fails, copy and paste the alphanumeric code.
You receive a verification code in the authenticator app.
Text message
Enter a mobile number or select an existing one.
You receive a verification code via SMS.
- Enter the verification code.
- Record your Backup Codes.
How to sign in with 2-step verification (2SV)
When you sign in to PlayStation™Network (PSN) on a PlayStation®5 console or PlayStation®4 console with 2SV active, you are asked to:
Enter your account password and sign-in ID (email address).
Enter the verification code from your authenticator app or the SMS that was sent to your registered mobile phone number*.
* The verification code is valid for 10 minutes after your sign-in attempt. If your code has expired, select Resend Code from the sign-in screen to receive a new code.
When to use 2-step verification
Accounts usually remain signed in, however, you are sent a verification code if:
you are signing in for the first time after switching on 2SV,
you manually sign out of PlayStation Network and want to sign back in,
you reset your account password,
you change your sign-in ID (email address) or online ID.
Having issues with 2-step verification?
If you are having trouble signing in with 2SV, please visit the guide below.
How to find your 2SV backup codes
If you lose access to your 2SV mobile number, a backup code will let you access your account. Without these codes, you will need to verify your identity to recover your account.
Go to Account Management on a connected device and select Security.
Select Backup Codes. Store the backup codes in a safe place.
How to turn off 2-step verification
Select a device below to turn off 2-step verification.
PS5 console: turn off 2SV
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Security.
- Select 2-Step Verification and set the Status as Inactive.
PS4 console: turn off 2SV
- Go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Security.
- Select 2-Step Verification > Status - Inactive.