The PlayStation 4 (PS4) has taken the gaming world by storm, offering an extensive library of games, exciting features, and seamless gameplay experiences. However, like any other electronic device, it’s not immune to technical issues. One common problem PS4 users face is the loss of game licenses, which can be frustrating, especially if you’ve invested a lot of time and money into your games. Fortunately, Sony provides a solution to this issue – restoring licenses on PS4. But what exactly happens when you restore licenses on PS4? Let’s dive in to find out.
What are PS4 Licenses?
Before we dive into the process of restoring licenses, it’s essential to understand what these licenses are and why they’re crucial for your gaming experience. A PS4 license is a digital permit that allows you to access and play a specific game or DLC (downloadable content) on your console. When you purchase a game or DLC from the PlayStation Store, you’re essentially buying a license to use that content on your PS4.
Think of it like a movie ticket. When you buy a movie ticket, you’re not buying the movie itself; you’re buying the right to watch it at a specific time and place. Similarly, a PS4 license grants you permission to access and play a game or DLC on your console for as long as you own it.
Why Do PS4 Licenses Get Lost?
So, why do PS4 licenses get lost in the first place? There are several reasons for this:
System Errors and Glitches
Like any complex system, the PS4 is prone to errors and glitches. Sometimes, these errors can cause your licenses to disappear, leaving you unable to access your games.
Firmware Updates
When Sony releases a new firmware update, it can sometimes cause issues with your licenses. This is usually due to the update changing the way licenses are stored or validated on your console.
Account Issues
If you have multiple accounts on your PS4, you might face license issues if you’re not careful. For example, if you create a new account and sign in with a different PSN ID, your licenses might not transfer over.
Console Replacement or Reformat
If you replace your PS4 or perform a factory reset, you’ll lose all your licenses. This is because licenses are tied to your console’s hardware, so when you replace the console, the licenses don’t automatically transfer over.
How to Restore Licenses on PS4
Now that we’ve covered the why, let’s move on to the how. Restoring licenses on PS4 is a relatively straightforward process. Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Sign in to Your PSN Account
First, sign in to your PSN account on your PS4. Make sure you’re using the same account that you used to purchase the games or DLC.
Step 2: Go to the PlayStation Store
Go to the PlayStation Store and scroll down to the “Purchased” section.
Step 3: Select the Game or DLC
Find the game or DLC that you want to restore the license for and select it.
Step 4: Download or Install the Game or DLC
Click the “Download” or “Install” button to start the process. If you’re restoring a license for a game, make sure you have enough storage space on your console.
Step 5: Wait for the Process to Complete
Wait for the download or installation process to complete. This might take a few minutes, depending on the size of the game or DLC.
Step 6: Launch the Game or DLC
Once the download or installation is complete, launch the game or DLC to verify that the license has been restored.
What Happens When You Restore Licenses on PS4?
So, what exactly happens when you restore licenses on PS4? Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Licenses are Re-activated
When you restore licenses on PS4, the system re-activates the licenses for the affected games or DLC. This allows you to access and play them again, just like before.
Games and DLC are Re-downloaded
If you’ve deleted the game or DLC from your console, restoring the license will trigger a re-download of the content. This ensures that you have the latest version of the game or DLC.
Cloud Saves are Synced
If you’ve been playing games or using DLC on another PS4 or device, restoring licenses on your primary console will sync your cloud saves. This means you can pick up where you left off, without losing any progress.
Additional Tips and Precautions
Before we wrap up, here are a few additional tips and precautions to keep in mind when restoring licenses on PS4:
Use the Same PSN Account
Make sure you’re using the same PSN account that you used to purchase the games or DLC. If you’re using a different account, you won’t be able to restore the licenses.
Keep Your Console Online
Ensure that your PS4 is connected to the internet when restoring licenses. This allows the system to verify your licenses and re-activate them.
Avoid Overwriting Save Data
If you’re restoring licenses for a game, make sure you don’t overwrite your save data. This can happen if you’ve been playing the game on another console or device. To avoid overwriting your save data, create a new save or use a different slot.
Conclusion
Losing game licenses on PS4 can be frustrating, but fortunately, restoring them is a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily restore your licenses and get back to gaming in no time. Remember to use the same PSN account, keep your console online, and avoid overwriting save data to ensure a smooth restoration process. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying your favorite games and DLC on your PS4.
What is a license on PS4 and why is it necessary?
A license on PS4 is a digital permission that allows you to play a game or access its content. It is necessary because it verifies that you have purchased the game or DLC (downloadable content) and are entitled to play it. Without a license, you will not be able to access the game or its content, even if you have downloaded or installed it.
Think of a license as a key that unlocks the game’s content. When you purchase a game or DLC, the license is automatically added to your PS4 console. The license is tied to your PSN (PlayStation Network) account, so as long as you have the same account, you can access the licensed content from any PS4 console.
What happens when I restore licenses on my PS4?
When you restore licenses on your PS4, the console re-downloads the licenses for all your purchased games and DLC from the PSN servers. This process re-activates the licenses, allowing you to access the games and content again. Restoring licenses is especially useful when you have reinstalled the PS4 system software, replaced your hard drive, or transferred your data to a new console.
During the restoration process, your PS4 will connect to the PSN servers and retrieve the licenses associated with your account. This process can take a few minutes, depending on the number of licenses you have. Once the restoration is complete, you can access your games and DLC as usual.
Do I need to restore licenses when I replace my PS4 hard drive?
Yes, it is highly recommended to restore licenses when you replace your PS4 hard drive. When you replace the hard drive, all data, including licenses, will be erased. If you don’t restore your licenses, you will not be able to access your purchased games and DLC until you re-download the licenses.
To restore licenses, go to the PS4 settings, select “Account Management,” then “Restore Licenses.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. Make sure your PS4 is connected to the internet and your PSN account is signed in.
Can I restore licenses on a different PS4 console?
Yes, you can restore licenses on a different PS4 console as long as you sign in with the same PSN account. This is useful when you purchase a new PS4 console or want to access your games and DLC on a friend’s console. To restore licenses, sign in with your PSN account on the new console, then go to the PS4 settings, select “Account Management,” and “Restore Licenses.”
During the restoration process, the new console will connect to the PSN servers and retrieve the licenses associated with your account. This process will not affect the licenses on your original console, and you can still access your games and DLC on both consoles.
Will restoring licenses affect my game saves?
No, restoring licenses will not affect your game saves. Game saves are stored separately from licenses, and restoring licenses will not erase or overwrite your saved data. You can restore licenses without worrying about losing your progress in your games.
However, if you have replaced your hard drive, you will need to transfer your game saves from the old hard drive to the new one. You can do this by using an external hard drive or the PS4’s built-in “Upload/Download Saved Data” feature.
Can I restore licenses on a PS4 console that is not my primary console?
Yes, you can restore licenses on a PS4 console that is not your primary console as long as you sign in with the same PSN account. However, you can only activate a limited number of PS4 consoles as your “active” consoles. If you exceed the limit, you will need to deactivate one of your active consoles before you can restore licenses on a new console.
To check your active consoles, go to the PS4 settings, select “Account Management,” then “Device Management.” From there, you can manage your active consoles and deactivate any consoles that are no longer in use.
Will I lose my licenses if my PSN account is suspended or terminated?
If your PSN account is suspended or terminated, you will not be able to access your licenses, and you will not be able to restore them until the suspension or termination is resolved. When your account is suspended, you will not be able to access any online features, including restoring licenses.
If your account is terminated, you will lose access to your licenses permanently, and you will not be able to restore them. It is essential to keep your account information up to date and resolve any issues promptly to avoid losing access to your licenses.