About system activation

System activation is a procedure for protecting content copyrights and other digital rights. Content and applications available from PlayStation®Store can only be used on activated systems.
You can link your Sony Entertainment Network account to multiple systems, but the number of systems that you can activate per content type is limited for each account. When the number of activated systems has reached the limit, a message will appear when you attempt to download (purchase) content on an unactivated system. To use the content on that system, you will have to first deactivate one of your other systems.

Activating a system

Normally, your system is activated automatically when you purchase or download content. If, however, when you try to play the content and a message appears indicating that system activation is required, you must manually activate your system. To activate your system, select (Settings) > [Start] > [PlayStation™Network] > [System Activation], and then follow the screens.

Deactivating a system

If you attempt to exceed the activated system limit for your account, a message will appear, indicating that you are unable to download (purchase) the selected content. To use the content on this system, you will have to first deactivate another of your PS Vita systems, PS TV systems, or PSP™ systems.

Deactivating a PSP™ system

Sign in to PlayStation™Network on the PSP™ system you want to deactivate. Select (PlayStation®Network) > (Account Management) > (System Activation), and then follow the screens.

Deactivating a PS Vita or PS TV system

Sign in to PlayStation™Network on your system you want to deactivate. Select (Settings) > [Start] > [PlayStation™Network] > [System Activation], and then follow the screens.

When you cannot deactivate a system

When you cannot deactivate an activated system using that system, for example, due to a malfunction or because the system has been disposed of, contact the technical support line for your region.
You can also deactivate all activated systems for each content type from the following website:
http://account.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com/
Go to [Account] > [Media and Devices], and then select [Deactivate All] for the type of content for which you want to deactivate all activated systems.

  • Depending on the type of content, you might not be able to deactivate all of the activated systems using this page.
  • This website is only available in certain countries and regions.

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