WS-116331-5
PSN Access Denied (Account Suspended or Banned)
⚠️ Important Warning
Apply these solutions with caution.
Refer to official manufacturer website for authoritative information. For reference only.
Official Solution
Access to PlayStation Network from your console may be prohibited or temporarily unavailable. This can be due to a violation of the PSN Terms of Service.
Please check the email address associated with your account for a notification from PlayStation with more details about this restriction.
Common Symptoms
- You are abruptly signed out of PSN and cannot sign back in.
- When you try to sign in, you receive an error message that includes the code WS-116331-5.
- All online features, including online gaming, the PlayStation Store, and your friends list, are inaccessible.
- This is not a network error; other devices can access the internet, and a network test may pass, but PSN sign-in fails.
Hardware Information
This error is not related to hardware. It is a server-side flag placed on your PlayStation Network account by Sony's moderation team. No amount of console repair or replacement will fix it.
Components
Tools
Difficulty
BeginnerStep-by-Step Solutions
This is an account-level issue, not a hardware or software fault with your console. The solution involves understanding the reason for the restriction and communicating with PlayStation Support, not technical troubleshooting on the PS5.
Check Your Email Immediately
The first and most important step. Check the inbox (and spam folder) of the email address linked to your PSN account. Sony will have sent an email explaining the reason for the suspension/ban and its duration (e.g., 7 days, 30 days, or permanent).
Understand the Reason for the Ban
Bans are typically issued for violating the PSN Code of Conduct. Common reasons include: hate speech or harassment in messages, cheating in online games, sharing inappropriate content, or initiating a chargeback with your bank for a PSN purchase.
Wait for the Suspension Period to End
If the email states your suspension is temporary (e.g., 7 days), there is no way to bypass it. You must wait for the specified time to elapse, after which your account will be automatically reinstated.
Contact PlayStation Support for Permanent Bans
If your ban is permanent, your only option is to contact PlayStation Support through their official website to appeal the decision or seek clarification. Be prepared to provide your PSN ID and the case number from the email.