How to restore licenses on your PlayStation 5

Getting a padlock icon on a PlayStation 5 game you own, or a "Can't start the game or app" error? Restoring licenses is the quickest fix, and it won't delete your games or game data. Below are both methods to unlock your games in under a minute.

Restoring licenses tells your PS5 to sync your purchases with Sony's servers to verify ownership. Your games and game data stay put, the console just re-checks that you're allowed to play them.

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 "Can't start the game or 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 (single game)

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. Select Restore License.
   
4. On the next screen, select Restore.
5. Your PS5 will now restore the license. When the process is complete, select OK.

Method 2: From Settings (multiple games)

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

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's been offline for a while.
• The "I just bought it" lag: You purchased a game or DLC and it's in your library but won't launch yet. A restore forces the PS5 to pick up the new license immediately instead of waiting for the next auto-sync.

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 PS Plus catalog game, check your subscription status. If your sub lapsed, the license is paused until you resubscribe.

Related:

How to fix PS5 software problems: Troubleshooting guide

How to rebuild your PS5 database | Fix lag & crashing

How to clear your PS5 cache | Fix UI lag & crashing

How to remove deleted games from your PS5 home screen

How to stop your PS5 from turning on with your TV

How to stop your PS5 from going into rest mode automatically

PlayStation 5

References:

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

https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/games/game-launch-issues/