How To Recover a Hacked PlayStation Network Account



Over 94 million people have PlayStation Network accounts, and with that vast number of people comes the risk of being attacked by a hacker. Since games, movies, and music can all be tied to an account, losing it could be a big deal.

 

So what should you do if someone stole your PSN account? Here are the best steps you can take to get it back.

Watch our PlayStation Network Recovery Video Below

How To Recover a Hacked PlayStation Network Account

1. Act Immediately

PlayStation Email
If you get a notification email for a purchase you don’t remember making, then you should take action straight away. | Source: W.S.Worrall

The second that you think someone has accessed your PSN account, you should take action. There is a black market for PSN accounts online, and if you don’t stop them, someone could make money selling access to games through your account.

2. Change Your PlayStation Network Account Password

The first and simplest step you should take should be to change your password. Your password is now known to the hacker. Any accounts that use the same password are potentially compromised. There are two methods to do this, depending on if you’re on a console or your PC/phone.

On Console:

Go to your settings menu and click on ‘Account Management.’

PlayStation Account Management
Image 1 of console password tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

Click on ‘Account Information,’ then ‘Security.’

PlayStation Account - Password Step 2
Image 2 of console password tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

To reach the ‘Security’ menu, enter your current login ID and password. Then click on ‘Password.’

PlayStation Account - New Password
Image 3 of console password tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

The final step is to enter your current password and your new password twice to finalize the change.

PlayStation Accounts - Password Change Final
Image 4 of console password tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

On PC:

Log into your PSN account and click your profile picture. Select ‘Account Settings’ from the dropdown menu. You may be asked to log in again to confirm your identity.

PC - Change PSN password
Image 1 of desktop password tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

Click ‘Security’ in the panel on the left side of the screen.

PSN Password Change on PC
Image 2 of desktop password tutorial | Hacked/W.S.Worrall

Click ‘Edit’ next to the password entry, and you can enter a new password. 

PC - Change PSN Password
Image 3 of desktop password tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

In either case, it is recommended to use a service such as Dash Lane to generate and store more secure passwords.

3. PlayStation Network Account Recovery

If you cannot log into your account to change the password, you’ll have to go with PSN account recovery. For the best results, use your PC/phone/laptop.

Go to the Sony Entertainment Network login page and click ‘Trouble Signing In?’.

SEN - Account Recovery
Image 1 of recovery tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

Click ‘Reset your password.’

SEN - Account Recovery step 2
Image 2 of recovery tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

Enter your email address to receive a password reset link.

SEN - Password Recovery Final
Image 3 of recovery tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

4. Kick Out Intruders

You should use Sony’s security feature to kick out any intruders who’ve logged into your account once you’ve recovered access. 

Log into your PSN Account and click ‘Account Settings.’

PSN - Password Change
Image 1 of booting tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

Click ‘Security’ in the panel on the left of the screen.

PSN Account Kickout Step 2
Image 2 of booting tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

Click ‘Sign Out on All Devices’ at the bottom of the ‘Security’ page.

Image 3 of booting tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

Click ‘OK’ to confirm the logout.

SEN - Mass Sign Out
Image 4 of booting tutorial. | Source: Hacked/W.S.Worrall

 

Once you’ve followed these steps, you should visit our article on securing your PSN account to ensure you don’t get hacked again.

Playstation image by Joeri Mostmans from Shutterstock.com