How PS5 error codes work
Every PS5 error code starts with a two-letter prefix that tells you which system triggered it. The prefix won't tell you the exact cause, but it immediately narrows down the category of problem you're dealing with:
- CE — Console Error. These relate to the console's own hardware and software: game crashes, disc read failures, system software faults, overheating shutdowns. CE errors are the most common and the most varied.
- NW — Network. Connection failures, DNS issues, timeouts. Almost always related to your internet setup or Sony's servers rather than the console itself.
- SU — Software Update. These appear when system software fails to download or install. Usually fixable via USB update or clearing storage.
- WS — Web Services (PSN / PlayStation Store). Server-side issues on Sony's end or problems communicating with PSN. Often temporary.
The number after the prefix is the specific error identifier. Knowing the prefix category helps you decide whether to troubleshoot your network, your console hardware, or simply wait for Sony's servers to come back online.
The error code tells you the category and symptom, not always the root cause. CE-108255-1, for example, could mean a corrupted game file, a software glitch, or a failing SSD. The code narrows things down but doesn't always give you a single definitive answer.
CE error codes (console errors)
CE codes cover the broadest range of problems. These are the ones we see most often at the workshop.
CE-108255-1 — Application crash
This is the single most common PS5 error code. It means the game or application you were running has crashed unexpectedly. The causes range from trivial to serious:
- Corrupted game data — the most common cause. Delete the game and reinstall it. Your save data is stored separately and won't be lost.
- System software glitch — boot into Safe Mode (hold power button for 7 seconds until second beep) and select "Rebuild Database". This reorganises your drive's file system without deleting anything.
- Failing SSD — if CE-108255-1 appears across multiple different games after you've reinstalled them, the internal SSD may be developing bad sectors. This requires professional diagnosis.
CE-107891-6 — System software error
This error indicates a problem with the PS5's own system software rather than a specific game. It can appear during boot, during gameplay or when navigating menus.
- Boot into Safe Mode and select "Update System Software" to reinstall the latest version
- If that fails, try "Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software)" from Safe Mode — this is a full factory reset, so back up your saves to cloud or USB first
- If the error persists after a full reinstall, there's likely a hardware fault underneath — most commonly SSD or APU related
CE-100005-6 — Cannot read disc
The console is unable to read the disc you've inserted. This can be a disc problem or a drive problem:
- Clean the disc with a soft, lint-free cloth — wipe from centre to edge, not in circles
- Try a different disc. If other discs work fine, the problem is that specific disc
- If no discs read at all, the disc drive laser or mechanism has failed and needs repair. This is one of the more common hardware faults we see on the PS5
CE-107649-7 — Crash during gameplay
Similar to CE-108255-1 but specifically tied to gameplay sessions rather than app launches. This error often appears when the console is under heavy load, which makes overheating a prime suspect:
- Check that the console's vents are not blocked and there's adequate airflow around it
- If the console feels unusually hot or the fan is very loud before the crash, overheating is the likely cause
- Dust buildup inside the console restricts airflow over time — a professional clean and repaste can resolve heat-related crashes
CE-108862-5 — Update failure
A game or system update failed to install properly. This is usually a software issue:
- Delete the partially downloaded update and re-download it
- If it fails repeatedly, rebuild the database from Safe Mode
- Check you have enough free storage — the PS5 needs working space beyond the size of the update itself
- As a last resort, reinstall the full game or application
NW error codes (network errors)
NW errors are almost always related to your network setup or ISP rather than the PS5 itself. The good news is that they're nearly always fixable without a repair.
NW-102216-2 — Cannot connect to the network
The PS5 cannot establish a network connection at all. This is the most general network error:
- Restart your router — power it off for 30 seconds, then back on. Wait two minutes for it to fully boot before testing
- Try a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi to rule out wireless interference
- Change your DNS settings to a public DNS: go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection > Advanced Settings, and set Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and Secondary to 8.8.4.4 (Google) or 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 (Cloudflare)
- Check that your router's firmware is up to date
NW-102307-3 — DNS resolution failure
The PS5 can see your network but cannot resolve domain names. This is specifically a DNS problem:
- Switch to manual DNS settings (8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 or 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1) as described above
- If you're using a custom DNS on your router, check it's still responding
- Restart your router to clear its DNS cache
NW-102308-4 — Connection timeout
The PS5 started a connection but the server didn't respond in time:
- This is often an ISP or server-side issue — try again in a few minutes
- If it persists, restart your router and check for service outages with your ISP
- A wired connection is more reliable than Wi-Fi for avoiding timeouts
SU error codes (software update errors)
SU errors appear when the PS5 cannot successfully download or install a system software update.
SU-101312-8 — Update failed
The system software update could not be completed. This can happen mid-download or during installation:
- Try the update again — sometimes it's a one-off download error
- If it fails repeatedly over Wi-Fi, try a wired connection
- Download the update file from PlayStation's website onto a USB drive (formatted as FAT32 or exFAT), create a folder structure PS5 > UPDATE, place the file inside, and install from Safe Mode > "Update System Software" > "Update from USB Storage Device"
- If USB update also fails, there may be an issue with the console's internal storage
SU-101256-2 — Not enough storage
The update needs more free space than is currently available:
- Delete games, apps or media files you no longer need
- Move games to an external USB drive to free up internal SSD space
- The PS5 requires a buffer of free space beyond the update's actual file size — aim for at least 50GB free to avoid installation problems
WS error codes (PSN / Store errors)
WS codes relate to PlayStation Network and the PlayStation Store. They're usually caused by Sony's servers rather than your console or network.
WS-116483-3 — PSN server error
The PlayStation Store or a PSN service is temporarily unavailable:
- Check the PlayStation Network status page to see if there's a known outage
- If PSN is down, wait for Sony to resolve it — there's nothing you can do on your end
- If PSN shows as online but you still get the error, try signing out and back in to your PlayStation account
WS-116367-4 — PSN connection failed
Your console cannot reach PSN services:
- Run a network test from Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection to check your PS5 can reach the internet
- If the internet test passes but PSN fails, the issue is on Sony's side
- Changing DNS to 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4 can sometimes help if the issue is DNS routing
When an error code means hardware repair
Most error codes can be resolved with the software troubleshooting steps above. But some patterns indicate a hardware fault that no amount of restarting or reinstalling will fix:
- Recurring CE-108255-1 across multiple games — after reinstalling games and rebuilding the database, persistent crashes across different titles usually point to a failing SSD. The drive may need replacing.
- CE-100005-6 on all discs — if no disc reads at all, the disc drive's laser or motor mechanism has failed. Disc drive repair at Tech Revive starts from £65.
- CE-107649-7 with heat or fan noise — crashes during heavy gameplay combined with excessive heat or loud fan noise point to overheating. Dust buildup, dried thermal paste or a failing fan are the usual causes. Overheating repair starts from £45 and includes a full internal clean, thermal paste replacement and fan check.
Bring your PS5 in for a free diagnosis. We'll identify the exact hardware fault, give you a quote, and there's no charge if you decide not to go ahead. Book a free diagnosis
Common hardware repairs from error codes
PS5 error code won't go away? Bring it in for a free diagnosis.
Drop in to our Cheshunt workshop or book online. We'll identify the fault, give you a clear quote, and most repairs are completed the same day.
Frequently asked questions
CE-108255-1 is a general application crash error. It means the game or app you were running has stopped unexpectedly. The most common causes are corrupted game data, a system software glitch, or a failing SSD. Try deleting and reinstalling the game first, then rebuild your database from Safe Mode. If the error keeps appearing across multiple games, the SSD may be developing faults and should be checked professionally.
Repeated error codes usually point to an underlying hardware or software issue rather than a one-off glitch. If you see the same error across different games or apps, it's more likely to be a hardware fault — such as a failing SSD, overheating components, or a damaged disc drive. A single error that only appears in one game is more likely to be a corrupted install.
If errors persist after reinstalling the game and rebuilding the database from Safe Mode, we'd recommend bringing the console in for a free diagnosis so we can identify the root cause.
Many PS5 error codes can be resolved with basic troubleshooting: restarting the console, reinstalling the affected game, rebuilding the database from Safe Mode, updating system software, or changing DNS settings for network errors. These steps fix the majority of one-off errors.
However, if the same error code keeps returning after you've tried these steps, there's likely a hardware issue underneath — a failing SSD, overheating problem, or disc drive fault — that requires professional repair. At Tech Revive, diagnosis is always free.
Diagnosis is always free at Tech Revive Hertfordshire. Repair costs depend on the underlying hardware fault: overheating repairs (full internal clean and thermal paste replacement) start from £45, disc drive repairs from £65, and SSD-related issues vary depending on whether the drive needs replacing.
We'll always give you a clear quote before starting any work, and there's no charge if you decide not to go ahead.
Safe Mode is a PS5 diagnostic mode that lets you troubleshoot problems without fully loading the system software. To enter Safe Mode:
- Turn off your PS5 completely (not Rest Mode)
- Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep — about 7 seconds
- Connect your DualSense controller via USB cable and press the PS button
From Safe Mode you can rebuild the database (the most commonly used option for fixing persistent error codes), update system software, reset settings, or perform a full factory reset. Rebuilding the database doesn't delete your games or saves — it reorganises the drive's file system to fix corrupted data references.