PlayStation Network NW-31456-9

On screen: Connection error.

What it actually means

Sony's explanation: the system can't connect to either PlayStation or the game server. Two different things, and the distinction is the whole diagnosis.

Their first instruction is to check that PlayStation services are available, which tells you where they expect the fault to be. Their second is to check the game's own site for maintenance or high traffic — because the game's publisher runs its own servers independently of Sony.

How to tell which one you have

Three layers, checked in order. PSN itself, using the live status above. Then the specific game's servers, on the publisher's own channels. Only then your connection. Most people start at the bottom and spend an evening there.

Fixes, in the order worth trying

1. Check whether PlayStation services are available — Sony's step one. The block above reads Sony's own feed every five minutes.
2. Check the game publisher's status — Sony explicitly points at maintenance or high traffic on the game's side. A working PSN does not mean a working game server.
3. Try again later — Sony's third step, and during congestion it is the correct one.
4. Then look at your own connection — A wired connection and a router power cycle, in that order.

On PS5 the equivalent is NW-102308-4, which has a longer official step list.

Operator documentation: www.playstation.com. PS4 code only; the PS5 equivalent is NW-102308-4. Sony keeps the two console indexes strictly separate and cross-platform URLs genuinely 404, so a page citing this code for PS5 is citing something that does not exist.

Common questions