Are you getting a “Cannot Connect to the Server to Verify the License” error on PlayStation 4?
The error code happens when you try to play digital games on your PS4.
It can also happen when you try to activate or deactivate my PlayStation as “Primary”.
If you try to play a game that you’ve purchased, you will get this message.
It persists even though you have access to the internet and the PlayStation Store.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix the “Cannot connect to the server to verify the license” error on PS4, PS5, or PSN.
How to Fix Cannot Connect to the Server to Verify the License on PS4
To fix the cannot connect to the server to verify the license error on PS4, you can try to restore your licenses.
If you can’t, you can try changing your Primary DNS to 1.1.1.1 and Secondary DNS to 1.0.0.1.
You can also try using your mobile hotspot or deactivating all consoles linked to your account.
Fix 1: Restore licenses
- Open your PS4 settings.
- Select “Account Management”.
- Select “Restore Licenses”.
Tip: If you can’t restore licenses, follow the fixes below.
Fix 2: Change your DNS
- PS4’s settings menu > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Wi-Fi or LAN, depending on your connection type.
- IP address setting: Custom.
- DHCP Host Name: Do Not Specify.
- DNS settings: Manual.
- Primary DNS: 1.1.1.1.
- Secondary DNS: 1.0.0.1.
- Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Settings > Account Management > Restore Licenses.
Tip: If the above DNS doesn’t work, try setting 8.8.8.8 as your Primary DNS and 8.8.4.4 as your Secondary DNS.
Fix 3: Connect to your mobile hotspot
- Turn on your mobile hotspot (on iOS/Android).
- PS4’s settings menu > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select “Use Wi-Fi” and select your mobile hotspot’s name.
- Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Settings > Account Management > Restore Licenses.
Tip: After you’ve connected to your phone’s hotspot, wait a little while, and activate your PlayStation as your primary system and you can play games again (you can connect back to your Wi-Fi after).
Fix 4: Deactivate all consoles linked to your account
- Go to the PlayStation website and sign into your account.
- Click on your profile picture > Account settings > Device Management.
- Select “PlayStation Consoles” and select “Deactivate All Devices”.
- Go back to your PS4 > Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Settings > Account Management > Restore Licenses.
Further reading
How to Fix Cannot Use the Content Error on PS4