How to restore licenses on PS5 (the "digital key" fix)

Updated: May 6, 2026

There is nothing more frustrating than sitting down to play a game you paid for, only to find a tiny Padlock Icon sitting next to the "Play" button. With game sharing, PS Plus tiers, and constant server updates, the PS5’s digital "filing cabinet" can occasionally get out of sync. It knows the game is there, but it can’t find the key to open it.

Restoring Licenses forces your console to check in with Sony's servers and re-verify every single purchase, subscription, and DLC tied to your account. It’s a safe, non-destructive "sync" that solves 90% of game-launching issues without having to redownload a single gigabyte.

Is your library locked behind a "Padlock"?

• Seeing a lock symbol on games you definitely purchased?
• Does your DLC (skins, maps, or expansions) refuse to show up in-game?
• Are your PlayStation Plus games saying you "don't own" them?
• Getting a "Cannot start the app" error message?

Before you delete and reinstall, let's just refresh your digital keys.

How to restore your licenses

This process takes less than a minute, but you must be connected to the internet for it to work.

Important update: You can no longer restore licenses for your entire "purchased" library at once. The option now primarily targets games currently downloaded and installed on your PS5 console.

Method 1: From the Home screen (fastest)

1. Select the game from the home screen or game library.
2. Press the Options button (the small button with three lines) on your controller.
3. Choose Restore License.
   
4. On the next screen, click Restore.
5. Your PS5 will now restore the license. When the process is complete, click OK.

Method 2: From Settings (full library)

1. Open settings (gear icon).
2. Open Users and Accounts.
3. Select Other.
4. Click Restore Licenses.
5. Select the game or games for which you want to restore licenses.
6. Click Restore (bottom right).
   
7. Your PS5 will now restore the selected licenses. When the process is complete, click OK.

Note: If you have a massive library of 500+ games, the progress bar might pause for a few seconds toward the end. This is normal—it’s just the PS5 "writing" all those keys to the SSD at once.

When should you use this?

There are three specific scenarios where this fix is a lifesaver:

• The "Ghost" DLC: You bought the Season Pass, but the items aren't appearing in the game menu. Restoring licenses usually "pokes" the game into recognizing the new content.
• The subscription swap: If you recently upgraded or downgraded your PS Plus tier, the PS5 might get confused about which games you still have access to. A quick restore clears that right up.
• Game sharing: If you use the "Console Sharing and Offline Play" feature, your secondary console might occasionally "lose" the license if it hasn't been online in a few days.

Troubleshooting: "I still see the padlock!"

If you've restored your licenses and the game is still locked, check these three specific issues:

• The wrong account: Ensure you are logged into the exact account that actually purchased the game. Many of us have regional accounts (US/UK/JP)—licenses don't cross borders!
• Console sharing: Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other and make sure Console Sharing and Offline Play is Enabled. If it's disabled, you can only play your games while you are actively signed into PSN.
• The "Plus" expiry: If the locked game was a Monthly Game from PS Plus, check your subscription status. If your sub lapsed, the license is "paused" until you resubscribe.

Related:

How to fix PS5 problems: Troubleshooting guide

How to rebuild PS5 database: Fix lag & crashing

How to clear PS5 cache | Fix UI lag & crashing

How to remove deleted games from PS5 home screen

Stop PS5 from turning on with TV (step-by-step guide)

PS5 going into rest mode by itself? Here's how to stop it!

PlayStation 5

References:

https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/games/restore-licences-playstation/