Error WS-116331-5 on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) indicates that access to the PlayStation Network has been suspended temporarily.
This temporary suspension is for a limited period and is due to policy violations, any kind of payment issues, or because of any security concerns.
Error WS-116331-5 prevents the user from signing in to PSN or accessing the PlayStation Store, so it is crucial to understand the reasons behind this so that it helps restore the PSN access at the earliest.
Let us now take a deep dive and explore the causes of this error and the various ways to fix it.
What Causes The Error Code Error WS-116331-5?
Error WS-116331-5 can occur due to various reasons, and below we have discussed the common causes of this error:
- Violation of PSN terms of service – Breaching the rules outlined by PlayStation Network.
- Chargebacks or payment issues – Disputes or problems related to payments or transactions.
- Unauthorized or suspicious account activity – Activity on your account that is deemed unusual or fraudulent.
- Sharing or selling your account – Distributing or selling your PlayStation account to others.
- Using a banned or modified console – Operating a console that has been banned or tampered with.
- Network fraud or abuse – Engaging in deceitful or abusive behavior on the PlayStation network.
Troubleshooting PS5 Error Code WS-116331-5
Below are some of the steps that you can take to resolve the error, or at least they will help you to shorten the suspension period.
So, here are a few of those:
1. Check From Another Device
The first troubleshooting step is to try logging into your PlayStation account from another device. Doing this will help you to confirm that your account is suspended not only on your PS5 but also on another device, such as a PC or smartphone.
If you can sign in successfully, it means your account is active, and the issue might be with the device you’re currently using.
If you cannot sign in from another device, your account may be suspended due to a violation of the PlayStation Network Terms of Service.
You can check this link to learn about that in detail.
This could be due to reasons like breaching the Community Code of Conduct, hate speech, or payment reversals.
Therefore, this is a quick and convenient way of resolving this error.
2. Check Your Email
Checking the email ID is another important step, as PlayStation usually sends a notification explaining why your account was suspended and how long the suspension will last.
So, just check your junk or spam folder for this email. You can also check the account status by visiting My Support.
The email will state the reason for suspension along with the duration and the necessary steps to resolve the issue. So, open the inbox and look for an email from “Sony Interactive Entertainment” or “PlayStation” and go through it carefully and follow the instructions.
3. Check Your Suspension Status
Checking the suspension status and its duration will confirm that your account is suspended temporarily along with the reason for suspension.
It will also help you understand why the account is suspended and how quickly it can be fixed.
For that, go to the PlayStation Support website for account suspensions.
Sign in with your PSN email and password.
Review your suspension details, whether they are temporary or permanent.
4. Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your internet connection is stable, as an unstable or slow internet connection can cause errors.Poor internet connections are known to cause authentication errors, so improving your internet connection or contacting the local ISP can be helpful to a great extent.
Check whether your internet connection is stable by trying to connect with other devices to the same network to see if they work properly. You can also restart the router or modem and check if it helps.
Additionally, you can also open PS5 settings and then head to the Network Page.
Then, select Test Internet Connection start the test, and check the connection speed.
You can also connect with your service provider for help.
5. Restart Your Router And Modem
Restarting the router and modem will help in ruling out the internet-related issues and also improve the connectivity. It will refresh the connection and resolve the temporary network glitches by establishing a stronger connection.
So, restart the router or modem, as it is the simplest fix, and rule out the network-related issue.
For restarting, here’s what you need to do:
- Turn off your router and modem.
- Wait at least 5 minutes.
- Turn them back on now and check if that could resolve the issue. You should also ensure that the router firmware is up to date. If you are using a TP link router you can check this guide on how to update the router firmware.
6. Check The Server Status
Checking the PSN server status will help in determining whether the issue is on Sony’s end or whether the account is suspended.
To check the server status, follow these steps:
- Navigate to PS5 settings.
- Select Network and then select View PlayStation Network Status.
If there is any ongoing maintenance or issues with the server, then you may get the error.
You can also open the PlayStation Network Server page to check for any issues.
If there is any issue on the server side, then wait for some time and then check again.
7. Change DNS Settings
Changing the DNS settings will improve the internet connection and help resolve issues with PSN access.
By changing to a public DNS, you can easily bypass the issues and improve your connection and, in turn, improve the speed and stability.
To change the DNS settings, here’s what you can do:
- Open PS5 Settings, then select Network, then select Settings under Network.
- Now select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Choose your Wi-Fi network. Then go to Options and select Advanced Settings.
- Scroll down to DNS Settings.
- Select it and set it to Manual.
- Now set the Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and the Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4. Once done, select OK.
- Once done, head to the Network Page.
- Now select Test Internet Connection. You can start the test and check the connection speed.
8. Contact Support
Contacting PlayStation support will help you know when you’ll regain access.
So, for further assistance, you can visit the PlayStation Support page for more information.
Final Words
Troubleshooting and seeking the right help will help in restoring your PSN access. Remember, patience is the key, so wait for the stipulated period to resolve the ban or the outstanding issue.