Can't Create an Account on PlayStation? Here's What to Do? 

If you have just purchased a new PlayStation console and want to set it up, you will be asked to create a new account, which can generally be completed in a few seconds. 

However, some PlayStation owners face difficulties and cannot create an account on PlayStation. Even though the problem is not common among all the new PlayStation users, the issue still needs to be resolved quickly.

If you also face challenges and cannot create an account on PlayStation, go through this guide to find out how. 

Why can’t I create an account on PlayStation? 

As reported on the official PlayStation support website, you may not be able to create a PlayStation account for the following reasons– 

• Unstable Internet connection – If you are facing internet connectivity issues at the moment, you will not be able to create an account on PlayStation. 
• Server error – The remote server may be undergoing maintenance, so you might be unable to create an account on PlayStation. Also, this is often the reason behind the WS-117178-5 sign-in error on PS5.
• Incorrect email address – PlayStation allows you to create only one account with the email address. If this is the case, you cannot create an account if the email is already associated with another PSN account. 
• Corrupted or outdated data – Although rare, the cached data on the gaming console can get corrupt and can be the reason why you are facing issues when creating a new account on your PS5 gaming console. 

Now that you know why you are facing problems with the account creation process, let’s check out the solutions that will efficiently resolve the problem. 

What should I do if I can’t create an account on PlayStation?

1. Verify the PSN server 

The first troubleshooting step should be to check the current status of the PlayStation server by visiting the official PlayStation status page. 

You will be notified whether there is some temporary interruption in one or the other PSN service. If the webpage indicates a server outage, you need to wait until Sony addresses the issue from their end so that you can proceed with the PlayStation account creation process. 

In case the status page says that all the services are up and running, you need to proceed to the next fix. 

2. Troubleshoot network issues

You will not be able to create an account on PlayStation if you are experiencing poor internet connectivity. To fix this, you can switch to a different network source, such as a mobile hotspot or LAN. 

You can easily convert your smartphone into a personal mobile hotspot and then see if you can create an account on PlayStation. If you cannot access the router, you can restart the router to restore the internet connection. But first, you need to clear the router cache by pressing the reset button present on the rear side.

After this, you must press the Power button to shut down your router and disconnect the device from the wall socket. Now wait a short duration, say thirty seconds, so that the capacitors drain completely.

Then, reconnect your router to the power source and hit the power button to restart the router. If the network issue is not yet resolved, you should contact your ISP. 

3. Restart your PlayStation

1. Press and hold the PS button for approximately 10 seconds until you see the Quick Menu.
2. Next, go to the Power tab.
3. Select the Restart PS5 option.
4. Confirm your action in the popup. 
5. Wait a few seconds while your PSN console reboots, and try to create the account on PlayStation again.

Restarting the PlayStation console will flush out the cached data, which might interrupt the account creation process. 

4. Update your PSN firmware

1. Power on your PSN console.
2. Connect the console to a stable internet source.
3. Hit the PlayStation button on your controller.
4. Go to Settings and select the System Software Update option from the menu.
5. Choose the Update Using Internet option from the next screen.
6. Follow the on-screen guide to update the console, and when the update is complete, reboot PlayStation. 

If the PlayStation firmware is outdated, you cannot create an account on the PlayStation console. Updating the firmware should be able to fix the problem. 

5. Using a different email account 

As the official PlayStation support page mentions, you can only have one PlayStation account connected to an email address. Hence, if you have already used this email address, you need to provide a new one to complete the registration process. 

Also, you need to ensure that the email address and the phone number are successfully verified before you link it to the PlayStation account. In case you are not receiving the verification email in your inbox, check the Spam folder for the same. 

That’s all in this guide! Hope you were able to resolve the underlying issues and were successful in creating an account on PlayStation.

If you cannot sign into an existing PlayStation account, refer to this guide for effective solutions.

Which of these methods worked for you? Do let us know in the comments below.