How to Set Up 2SV on PlayStation Network

Two-step verification (2SV) adds another check when you sign in to your PlayStation Network account. After entering your password, you may need a code from a text message or an authenticator app.

This guide explains how to enable 2SV from your account, set it up on PS4 or PS5, save backup codes, change the verification method, and turn 2SV off when needed.

What 2SV Does on PlayStation Network

2SV adds a second sign-in step to your PlayStation Network account. A password alone is not enough when 2SV is active. You must also enter a temporary code sent by SMS or generated by an authenticator app.

The exact menu names can vary slightly between the PlayStation account website, PS4, and PS5. If an option looks different, open the account or security settings and look for the 2SV section.

How to Set Up 2SV Online

1. Open your PlayStation account management page and sign in.
2. Open the Security section.
3. Find 2-step verification and choose the option to enable it.
4. Select a verification method: Text Message or an authenticator app.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to connect your phone number or app.
6. Enter the verification code when requested.
7. Confirm the activation.
8. Save the backup codes shown after setup.

Do not close the page before saving the backup codes. They can help you sign in if you lose access to your phone or cannot use your usual verification method.

Choose an SMS or Authenticator App Method

Text Message Verification

With SMS verification, PlayStation sends a temporary code to the phone number connected to your account. Enter this code during sign-in when 2SV asks for it.

Check that the phone number is correct and that you can receive messages on it before completing setup. If a code expires or does not arrive, request another code and follow the current on-screen instructions.

Authenticator App Verification

An authenticator app generates verification codes on your mobile device. During setup, you may need to scan a QR code or enter a setup key manually if scanning does not work.

Keep the authenticator app available when you sign in. If you change phones, make sure you have a way to update or recover your verification method before removing access from the old device.

How to Enable 2SV on PS4 or PS5

You can also reach the relevant account security settings from a PlayStation console.

1. Open Settings.
2. On PS5, open Users and Accounts. On PS4, open the account management options.
3. Open Account or Security, depending on the console menu.
4. Select the 2SV option.
5. Choose SMS or an authenticator app.
6. Complete the verification step and confirm activation.
7. Store the backup codes in a secure place.

If you cannot find the setting on the console, use PlayStation account management in a web browser. The online account page may show the full security options more clearly.

Save and Use Your PSN Backup Codes

Backup codes are for situations where you cannot receive a normal 2SV code. For example, you may have lost your phone, changed your number, or lost access to your authenticator app.

• Save the codes in a private place.
• Consider using a password manager or another secure storage method.
• Do not post the codes online or share them with other people.
• Check whether a code has already been used before trying it again.

Keep the codes available before you sign out or change your phone. If you lose both your normal verification method and your backup codes, you may need to contact PlayStation Support and complete its account recovery process.

How to Change the 2SV Method

To change from SMS to an authenticator app, or from one available method to another, open your PlayStation account security settings and review the current 2SV option.

1. Sign in to your PlayStation account.
2. Open Security and locate 2SV.
3. Follow the instructions to deactivate the current method if required.
4. Enable 2SV again and choose the new method.
5. Complete the new verification step.
6. Save any new backup codes provided during the process.

Verification codes are temporary. If a code is no longer accepted, request a new one instead of repeatedly entering the expired code.

When PlayStation Network May Ask for a 2SV Code

When 2SV is enabled, PlayStation Network can ask for an additional code during account access. This may happen when you sign in, sign out and sign in again, reset your password, or change important account details such as the sign-in ID or email address.

The exact prompt depends on your account and the current PlayStation security flow. Follow the instruction shown on the screen and use the code from your selected method.

How to Turn Off 2SV

Disable 2SV in Account Settings

1. Sign in to the PlayStation account you want to change.
2. Open the Security section.
3. Find the 2SV status or settings option.
4. Choose the option to edit or deactivate 2SV.
5. Confirm the change when prompted.

Disable 2SV on PS4 or PS5

On a PS5, open Settings, then go to the account and security settings. Locate 2SV and change its status as instructed on screen. On a PS4, the same process may use an Inactive status option.

Menu labels can change with system updates, so use the current wording shown on your console. Before disabling 2SV, make sure you can still access the account and remember your password.

What to Do If You Are Locked Out of 2SV

If you cannot receive a code, try a saved backup code first. Do not share that code with anyone. If you have no usable backup code, use the official PlayStation Support account recovery process.

Support may ask you to verify that the account belongs to you. Prepare the account information requested through the official support channel, and avoid giving your password or verification codes to another person.

PSN 2SV Setup Checklist

• Confirm that you can access your PlayStation Network account.
• Choose SMS or an authenticator app.
• Complete the verification test.
• Save the backup codes securely.
• Keep your phone number or authenticator access up to date.
• Use official PlayStation account and support pages for recovery.