Fortunately, the PS5’s system software allows for a seamless backup process and offers the flexibility to choose the types of data you want to secure. Restoring your game data is just as convenient. This tutorial will show you how to back up and restore the data on a PS5 console.

What Can You Back Up On Your PS5?

Backing up your PS5 involves creating a copy of your data and settings that you can restore later. The internal storage drive consists of the following data types:

• Downloaded apps and video games.
• Save files.
• The media gallery—video clips and screenshots.
• Your system settings.

The good news—you can back up all the above data on your game console to an external hard drive or SSD. If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you also have the option to upload your game saves—arguably the most vital data—to the PSN servers.

Additionally, you can copy individual save files—limited to PS4 games only—and media gallery items to a standard USB flash stick.

Back-Up Data to External USB Storage

An external HDD or SSD is a simple and effective way to back up your PS5 data. With this method, you create a tangible duplicate of your data that you can quickly restore at any time. This method is ideal if you favor direct control over your backup data or don’t have a PlayStation Plus subscription for cloud-based game save backups.

The external drive must have adequate space for your backup. Since the PS5 comes with an 825GB internal storage drive, a 1TB USB drive is more than enough. However, a larger drive might be necessary if you have an NVMe M.2 SSD in the expansion bay.

Interestingly, the PS5 supports selective backups, where you can focus on specific data categories, allowing you to use a smaller drive for backup purposes. For instance, if your only concern is saved data and the media gallery and you’re willing to re-download games, a USB flash stick with 8-16GB capacity should cut it.

To back up the data on a PS5 to an external storage device, connect the drive to your PS5, and then:

1. Select the Settings icon on the top-right of the Home Screen.

2. Enter the System category.

3. Go to System Software > Back Up and Restore.

4. Select Back Up Your PS5.

5. Choose the types of data you want to back up—games and apps, save data, and media gallery. The backup always includes a copy of your PS5’s settings, so you can’t deselect it. Select Next to continue.

Note: The indicator on the top left projects the amount of used and free space on the external drive if you copy the selected data.

6. Name the backup within the Description box (or keep the default label intact) and select Back Up.

7. Wait until your PS5 backs up your data to the external drive. The console should reboot automatically a couple of times during the process.

If your PS5 indicates the connected drive is unsupported, use a PC or Mac to format it in the FAT32 or exFAT file system and retry.

If you use a Windows PC:

1. Open File Explorer, right-click the external drive, and select Format.

2. Set File system to FAT32 or exFAT and select Start.

3. Select OK on the confirmation pop-up.

If you use an Apple Mac:

1. Open the Launchpad and select Other > Disk Utility.
2. Select the external drive on the sidebar and choose Erase.
3. Set the Format to exFAT or MS-DOS (FAT) and select Erase.

Back-Up Data to PS Plus Cloud Storage

You can upload up to 100 GB of PS5 save data and 100 GB of PS4 save data to the PSN servers if you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber. By default, automatic PS Plus uploads are enabled for PS5 and PS4 games, so you don’t have to do anything. If not, here’s how to turn it on:

1. Open your PS5’s Settings menu and select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

2. Go to Saved Data (PS5) > Sync Saved Data.

3. Enable the Auto-Sync Saved Data option.

4. Return to the Save Data and Game/App Settings screen and select Saved Data (PS4) > Auto-Upload.

5. Turn on the switch next to Enable Auto-Upload.

Alternatively, you can keep automatic updates disabled and upload saved data manually. Here’s how:

1. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

2. Go to Saved Data (PS5)/Saved Data (PS4) > Console Storage.

3. Switch to the Upload to Cloud Storage tab, mark the games you want to upload, and select Upload.

Back-Up Game Saves and Media Gallery to Flash Drive

Instead of using the PS5’s external drive backup function, you can manually copy all or specific amounts of saved data from PS4 games to a USB flash stick. You can also back up media gallery items (screenshots and video clips) to it.

To copy PS4 save files to a compatible flash stick, connect it to your console, and then:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to Console Storage > Saved Data.

3. Select PS4 Games.

4. Switch to the Copy to USB Drive tab, mark the games you want to copy, and select Copy.

To copy media gallery items to the USB drive:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to Console Storage > Media Gallery.

3. Enable the Select Multiple toggle on the left corner of the screen.

4. Mark the items you want to copy to the drive, select the More icon (three dots) to the right of the screen, and select Copy to USB Drive.

Restore PS5 From an External Drive Backup

If you have to factory reset your PS5, replace its internal storage drive, or upgrade to a new console, you can choose to restore the contents of your external backup drive. Assuming you made a complete backup, the process ensures you return to your games with all your progress, settings, and profiles intact.

Warning: Restoring a PS5 backup will permanently wipe any existing data from the console’s internal storage.

To restore PS5 data from an external drive backup, connect the storage device to your PS5, and then:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select System.

2. Go to System Software > Back Up and Restore.

3. Select Restore Your PS5.

4. Pick the backup you want to restore.

5. Select Restore.

Note: If the restoration process fails, update the PS5’s system software to its latest version and try again.

Restore Cloud Saves From PS Plus

If you have saved games backed up online thanks to PS Plus, they should auto-sync with the internal storage when you sign in to a PS5 with your PSN account. If they don’t, you can restore game saves manually. Here’s how:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

2. Go to Saved Data (PS5)/Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage.

3. Under the Download to Console Storage tab, mark the games you want to download, and select Download.

Restore Game Saves From Flash Drive

If you copied your PS4 save files to a USB flash drive, you can copy them back to the console’s internal storage. Here’s how:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.

2. Go to Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive.

3. Under the Copy to Console Storage tab, mark the games you want to copy, and select Copy.

View Media Gallery Items on Flash Drive

You can’t copy back any media gallery items on a flash stick, but you can access and view them. To do that, connect the drive to your console, and then:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to Console Storage > Media Gallery.

3. Under the USB tab, select the PS4 or PS5 folder.

4. Select Create.

5. Select Screenshots.

6. Select a screenshot thumbnail to enlarge it.

You Now Know How to Back Up and Restore the PS5

Backing up your PS5 is crucial, and it’s not just about saving your games—it’s about safeguarding everything on your console. With this guide, you now know how to do it. Whether it’s copying everything to an external drive, uploading game saves to the cloud, or copying save files and gallery items to a flash stick, you’ve got multiple methods to protect your data. It’s always good to know all of your important data is safe and sound, and that you can restore them quickly if needed.

An external hard drive or SSD is a practical and cost-effective solution. It ramps up available storage space, allowing you to fit more games and helping the console run smoothly and efficiently.

This tutorial will provide a straightforward approach to setting up an external hard drive on the Sony PS5 and using it to move, install, and copy games.

Prepare for the Initial Setup

To extend the storage on your PS5, you must have an external hard drive or SSD that’s USB 3.0-compatible with a capacity of at least 250GB. Don’t worry if the drive is too big—the console handles sizes up to 8TB.

Additionally, you need a USB-3.0-compliant cable to connect the external drive to your PS5. If you’re unsure, just use the cable that came with the drive’s packaging.

It’s also necessary to free up the SuperSpeed USB-C port at the front or one of the USB-A ports at the rear of the console, depending on the cable your external drive uses. The forward-facing USB-A port is not compatible with extended storage media.

As a final step, ensure your PS5’s system software is up-to-date. That improves hardware compatibility and resolves known issues with the extended storage setup process. Navigate to Settings > System > Software Update to update the system software.

Related: Want to learn more about how the PS5 and extended storage devices work? Check our PS5 external storage drive explainer.

Format the External USB Drive

Assuming you have everything ready, it’s time to set up the external drive to work as an extended storage device with your PlayStation 5.

Warning: Back up any data on the external hard drive, as the PS5 requires erasing it before setup.

Begin by connecting the USB drive to the USB-C port on the front or a USB-A port on the rear of the console (there are two of them). Do not connect the drive through a USB hub. Then:

1. Select the Settings icon on the top right of the screen.

2. Scroll down the Settings menu and select Storage.

3. Go to USB Extended Storage > Format as USB Extended Storage.

4. Select Yes and wait until the console formats the drive.

5. Select OK to finish the setup process.

Move Games to the Extended Storage

With the hard drive set up as an extended storage device on the PS5, you can start moving games to it immediately. Here’s how:

1. Highlight the game you want to move on the Home Screen or Game Library.

2. Press the Options button and select Move Games and Apps.

3. Check the boxes next to any other games you want to move and select Move.

4. Select OK.

5. Wait until the console moves the games from its internal drive to the extended storage. It could take a while, depending on the latter’s writing speed.

Install Games on the Extended Storage

It’s possible to configure your PS5 to install games directly to its extended storage, but the functionality is restricted to PS4 versions of video games only. To set that up:

1. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Go to Installation Location > PS4 Games and Apps.

3. Press the Options button and select USB Extended Storage.

Digital and disc-based PS4 games should automatically copy data to the external drive from now onward.

Copy Back Games to Internal Storage

Developers design PS5 games to take advantage of the internal drive’s blazing-fast performance, so the console restricts you from playing them via extended storage. Hence, if you want to play a transferred PS5 game, you must copy it back. To do that:

1. Highlight the game on the Home Screen or Game Library and choose Copy.

2. Wait until your console finishes moving back the game.

Unlike PS5 games, you can play PS4 games from the external storage drive. Just select Play on the Home Screen or Game Library. However, if you want to benefit from the internal storage’s enhanced read speed, here’s how to move them back:

1. Highlight the game on the Home Screen, press the Options button, and choose Move Games and Apps.

2. Select any other games you’d like to copy back and select Move.

3. Select OK and wait until the console copies the selected item or items back.

Delete Games on the Extended Storage

If your USB extended storage device begins filling up, you can delete games to free up space. Here’s how:

1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu and select Storage.

2. Select USB Extended Storage > Games and Apps.

3. Pick a game and select the Options button.

4. Pick the Select Items to Delete option.

5. Enable the boxes next to any other games you want to remove and select Delete.

Remove the Extended Storage

You must only unplug a USB extended storage drive after safely unmounting it first. To do that:

1. Go to Settings > Storage.

2. Select USB Extended Storage > Safely Remove from PS5.

3. Disconnect the USB extended storage drive from your PS5 console.

Remember to plug the external drive back in whenever you want to move or copy back games.

You’ve Extended Your PS5’s Storage

That wraps it up! Boosting the PlayStation 5’s storage with an external hard drive or SSD is a smart move for any hardcore gamer. Granted, it doesn’t pack the same punch as slotting in an NVMe M.2 SSD, but it provides ample space for an expanding collection of games and puts the hassle of PS5 storage management in the backseat.

This troubleshooting guide will walk you through 10 fixes to tackle common hurdles in updating your PS5’s system software. From connectivity issues to storage woes, we’ll provide solutions to get your Sony PS5 up to date and running at its best.

1. Retry the System Software Download

Temporary network issues and random server glitches are common reasons behind PS5 system software updates that fail. Retry the update, and it should—hopefully—begin moving again. To do that:

1. Press the PS button on your DualSense wireless controller.
2. Select the Downloads/Uploads icon.
3. Highlight the failed system software update.

4. Press the Options button.
5. Select View Error Info and choose Try Again.

2. Check the Error Code

If the PS5’s system software update issue persists, note down the error code via the Downloads/Uploads queue (repeat the steps in the section above) and cross-check it with Sony’s list of error codes.

That should help you pinpoint the nature of the failure, enabling you to focus on fixes that apply to your specific case.

E.g., error code WS-116420-4 indicates the console is unable to communicate with the PSN servers.

3. Reboot Your PS5

Another quick fix is restarting your PS5. The procedure flushes the console memory and clears technical anomalies causing software update issues. To do that:

1. Press the PS button.
2. Scroll to the right and select the Power icon.
3. Select Restart PS5.

4. Check the PSN System Status

If you have trouble checking for newer versions of the system software or if updates take too long to download or constantly fail, the issue may lie not with your console but the PlayStation Network.

Check the PSN Service Status page to see if there are any known outages or maintenance activities. If PSN services are experiencing issues, you must wait until they’re resolved before updating your PS5.

Optionally, check social media sites like Twitter or Reddit to see if other PS5 gamers are experiencing similar issues.

5. Test Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is crucial for downloading PS5 system updates. To perform a connection test on the console, you must:

1. Select the Settings button on the top-left corner of the PS5 Home Screen.

2. Select Network.

3. Select Test Internet Connection.

If the internet connection test fails, there are a few things you can do to resolve the issue:

• If you’re using Wi-Fi, switch to a wired connection for more stability, if possible.
• Restart or reset your router to resolve potential network issues and increase internet speed.
• Connect to a different wireless or wired network.

For more network troubleshooting techniques, refer to our guides on fixing slow Wi-Fi and Ethernet.

6. Change DNS Servers

If there’s nothing wrong with your internet, but PS5 updates continue to fail, it’s a good idea to change the DNS (Domain Name System) servers to a popular public DNS service. This increases the console’s chances of successfully locating the best PSN servers to connect with.

To use Google Public DNS for a PS5 network connection:

1. Visit your PS5’s Settings menu.
2. Go to Network > Connection Status > Set Up Internet Connection.

3. Highlight an internet connection and press the Options button.
4. Select Advanced Settings.

5. Change DNS Settings from Automatic to Manual.
6. Set the Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4.

7. Select OK.

7. Free Up Storage Space

Although it’s impossible to initiate system software updates if there’s insufficient storage on your PS5, there are always bound to be issues if the console only has the bare minimum to work with. Ideally, you should have at least 10GB of free space for a system software update.

To free up PS5 storage, you must:

1. Visit your PS5’s Settings menu.
2. Scroll down the Settings menu and select Storage.

3. Review your list of games, apps, saved data, and the media gallery, and delete unwanted items.

Learn other ways to free up storage space on your PS5’s SSD.

8. Update System Software via USB

If your PS5’s system software downloads repeatedly fail, perform the update via USB. You need a Windows PC or Mac and a FAT32 or exFAT-formatted USB drive for the job. Here’s how:

1. Plug in the USB drive to your PC or Mac.
2. Open the USB drive via File Explorer or Finder and create a folder labeled PS5 and a sub-folder labeled UPDATE.

3. Download the latest version of the PS5 console update file from PlayStation Support.

4. Copy the PS5UPDATE.PUP file inside the UPDATE subfolder on the flash drive.

5. Connect the USB drive to your PS5.
6. Visit the PS5’s Settings menu and select System.

7. Select System Software > System Software Update and Settings.

8. Select Update System Software.

9. Choose Update via USB Storage.

10. Wait until your PS5 finishes updating itself via the USB drive.

9. Update System Software via Safe Mode

If you’ve tried everything and still can’t update your PS5’s system software, it’s time for Safe Mode. Think of Safe Mode as a special helper mode on the PS5 that only loads what’s necessary to run the console. The good thing is it lets you update the system software in this simplified state, and it might be just what you need to get a problematic update to proceed.

To enter Safe Mode and update a PS5:

1. Turn off your PS5.
2. Hold the Power button to turn the console back on and release it after the second beep.
3. Wait until your PS5 boots into Safe Mode.
4. Connect your controller via USB and press the PS button on the DualSense controller.
5. Select Update System Software.

You can also update your PS5 in Safe Mode via USB.

1. Download the latest update from the PlayStation website onto a USB drive (instructions in the section above).
2. Enter Safe Mode on your PS5.
3. Select Update System Software and choose Update from USB Storage Device.

10. Reset Your PS5 Settings

If nothing’s worked so far, it’s time to reset your PS5’s settings to factory defaults. This gives your PS5 a fresh start—without deleting any data—and fixes problems caused by corrupt settings. Here’s how:

1. Visit your PS5’s Settings menu.
2. Select System.

3. Go to System Software > Reset Options.

4. Select Restore Default Settings.

If system software updates continue to fail, your only remaining option is to wipe all data and factory reset your PS5.

You’ve Successfully Updated Your PS5’s System Software

Keeping your Sony PS5’s system software and firmware up-to-date is integral to maximizing your gaming experience. Update-related issues do occur at some point or the other, but with standard troubleshooting, you should be able to sort things out (in most cases, reasonably quickly). From retrying the download to checking your internet connection, using Safe Mode, or even updating via a PC or Mac, there are various ways to overcome these obstacles.

If you plan on using the PlayStation Store for most of your video game purchases or own a PS5 Digital Edition, you need to know how to download and install your purchases. In this walkthrough, you’ll learn six ways to seamlessly download and install games on a PS5.

1. Download Games Through PSN After Purchasing

Whenever you purchase a video game or DLC (Downloadable content) on the PlayStation Store, you can download it immediately. Just select the Download option following checkout. If you purchase a video game bundle or compilation, you can choose to Download All or just individual items only.

Depending on the game, you can pick between a PS4 and PS5 version. Unless you have any save data-related compatibility issues, always choose the PS5 version for superior performance and graphical options.

To view the progress of a download, press your DualSense controller’s PS button, select the Downloads/Uploads icon, and select the game on the downloads queue. Your PS5 automatically installs it after the download—usually, that only takes a few seconds.

2. Download Games via the Game Library

The Game Library on your PS5 houses all the games associated with your PlayStation account. It’s a convenient way to download games you’ve already purchased or added to your library—including titles from PlayStation Plus—but didn’t download right away.

Head to the Game Library, locate your desired game, and initiate the download. Here’s how:

1. Scroll to the left on the PS5 Home Screen and select Game Library.

2. Go to the Your Collection tab and pick the video game you want to download.

Note: To view purchased games from the PlayStation Store only, select the Filter icon (right of the screen) and set the Source. Also add PlayStation Plus to the filter if you want to view downloads from your PS Plus subscription.

3. Select Download.

3. Search and Download Purchases From the PlayStation Store

An alternative method to downloading games you’ve purchased earlier is to search for and download them directly via the PlayStation Store. Just:

1. Visit the PlayStation Store from your PS5’s Home Screen and select the Search icon on the top-right corner.

2. Type the video game’s title into the Search box and visit its store page. If you’ve already bought the game, you should see a Download button—select it to add the game to your Downloads/Uploads queue.

4. Initiate a Video Game Download via the PlayStation App

The PS App for Android and iOS helps you manage various aspects of your PS5, including initiating remote downloads. Assuming you already have it set up on your mobile device:

1. Open the PS App.
2. Switch to the Game Library tab.
3. Set the filters to Games and Purchased.
4. Tap the title you want to download.
5. Tap Download to Console.

Your PlayStation 5 should download the game if it’s in Rest Mode or when you turn on the console the next time. You can also set up your games to download after purchasing them through the PS App’s PS Store tab.

If you’ve yet to set up the PS App on your mobile device, here’s how:

1. Download the PS App from the Google Play Store (Android) or the Apple App Store (iPhone).
2. Open the PS App and sign in with your PlayStation Account.
3. Under the Play tab, tap the Settings icon at the screen’s top right.
4. Go to Console Management > Sign In on PS5.
5. Select your PS5 and tap Confirm.

5. Initiate a Game Download via a Web Browser

The web version of the PlayStation Store—accessible on any desktop or mobile device—provides another way to prep video game downloads to your PS5. Just visit the PlayStation Store using a web browser on your PC, Mac, Android, or iPhone, sign in with your PlayStation account, and then:

1. Select your profile portrait on the top-right of the browser window and choose Game Library.

2. Select the Purchased tab (or PlayStation Plus if you want to download PS Plus games) and pick the game you want to download.

3. Select Download from Library.

The download should start automatically if your PS5 is in Rest Mode and connected to the internet. If not, it should begin the next time you turn on or wake up the console. It’s also possible to download games following a purchase on the PS web store.

6. Download Video Games via Remote Play

Remote Play allows you to stream your PS5’s screen to another device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, and use it as if you were in front of the console. If you already use PS Remote Play, navigate to your Game Library or the PSN Store and download the game you want.

If you don’t have PS Remote Play:

1. Download the PS Remote App from the PlayStation website (PC or Mac), Google Play Store (Android), or Apple App Store (iPhone and iPad).
2. Load the Settings menu on your PS5, go to System > Remote Play, and enable the switch next to Enable Remote Play.
3. Open the PS App on your desktop or mobile, sign in with your PlayStation account, and select your PS5 to access it remotely—you need a moderately fast internet connection to interact with the console.

You’ve Got Multiple Ways to Download Games on PS5

The PlayStation 5 simplifies downloading and installing games by providing several methods, including the Game Library, PS App, and PlayStation Store. This flexibility ensures you can set up your games easily, regardless of whether you are near or away from your console.

There are different benefits and drawbacks to PlayStation Plus and Game Pass. This article will explore them all so it’s easier for you to choose which one to go with if you also can’t decide which console to buy. Some aspects of these two services are different and you should be fully aware of where you’re putting your money.

PlayStation Plus

The first form of Sony’s subscription service was known as Sony Now, and it came out in 2015. This standalone subscription allowed its users to stream hundreds of Sony titles, old and new. But in June 2022, Sony decided to change its subscription service and expand it into three tiers. The new subscription plan was named PlayStation Plus, and the tiers are Essential, Extra, and Premium.

The Essential PS Plus plan gives you one PS5 game and two PS4 games every month. But you have access to online multiplayer and cloud storage. With it, you’ll have exclusive discounts on all games available for the Sony PlayStation console.

The PS Plus Extra plan gives you access to a catalog of over 400 PS5 and PS4 titles, all of them downloadable. Ubisoft+ Classic titles are included in this plan, so you can play some of the most famous Ubisoft games for no extra cost.

The PS Plus Premium plan is a combination of Essential and Extra tiers and more. You’ll be able to stream and download PS5 and PS4 games and only stream PS3 games. The catalog expands to PS1, PS2, and PSP games, adding over 340 titles to the already existing library of over 400 games. Ubisoft+ Classic titles are also included.

To stream games using the PS Plus Premium tier, you’ll need an internet connection. Sony recommends at least 5 Mbps for your stream to be smooth. Use the streaming service only if you don’t want to bother downloading the game. The only downside is that you can expect some lag and sudden fps drops on occasion.

Xbox Game Pass

Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is available for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. But you can also get the Game Pass for PC if you have Windows 10 or 11. Until recently, Game Pass games were download-only. But Microsoft decided to offer their users a streaming service, and now you won’t have to fill your storage with games you want to try out. However, if you want to play online games, you’ll need Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Unlike PS Plus, Xbox Game Pass has no tiers, and it’s a pretty straightforward service. All the titles from any Xbox generation will be automatically available to you, and you can download and play as many as you want. That is, provided you have enough storage on your Xbox console.

To keep your Xbox Game Pass subscription valid, you have to check in with Xbox Live at least every 30 days. Some titles will leave Xbox Game Pass, the others will join it. Unfortunately, you can’t predict the games that’ll be in the Xbox catalog. However, as a subscriber, you get a discount on buying any game from the catalog, or any game’s DLC.

PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass Pricing and Plans

Both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass plans start at $10 per month. However, since PS Plus has three different tiers, it has a slightly different price for each of them. PS Plus also lets you pay monthly, quarterly, or per year. Check out the price comparison in the table below:

Xbox Game Pass for Console and for PC costs only $10 per month. You have access to the whole Xbox game library and you can download any game you want. But you can’t stream the games. In order to stream, you’ll have to go with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which is $15 per month.

PlayStation Plus plans we explained in the section above. The Essential, which is the basic plan, is $10 per month and it gives you three downloadable games and access to online multiplayer support. For $15 you can upgrade to PS Plus Extra and get access to the whole Sony PlayStation game library. To stream the games however, you’ll have to pay $18 per month for the PS Plus Premium subscription.

PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass Game Library

The whole vision behind both PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass is to give users access to a Netflix-like library of content. In this case, the content is games that you can download or stream, depending on the plan you choose. Both platforms have extensive video game libraries, but they have different approaches to maintaining their catalogs and how they add new titles.

While Sony waits a few months to add the newest titles to their PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium tiers, Microsoft adds the new titles to their Xbox Game Pass on their release date. This is a big deal if you like playing the newest games as soon as they’re released. On the other hand, if you prefer indie games, you’ll be happy to hear that Sony adds these titles to all their PS Plus plans on day one.

Both service providers also partnered up with various game studios and offered their games. For example, if you love EA Games and their titles such as Need for Speed, the Sims, or Star Wars, you might want to go with the Xbox Game Pass as you can play them on the Xbox console. Microsoft is also in partnership with Riot, and you can use their Game Pass for PC to play League of Legends. On the other hand, Sony partnered up with Ubisoft, and their catalog as well as the Ubisoft+ Classic games list, is accessible through the PlayStation console. If you love Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and the Tom Clancy franchise, you might want to go for PS Plus.

Not all games are permanently available in Microsoft’s or Sony’s game catalog. That depends on the publisher. For sure, all first-party games, developed and published by Microsoft or Sony, will stay in the catalog permanently. But the games made by third-party developers will rotate out of the catalogs. This is especially true for new games that have a set timeframe for how long they will be available. Classic first-party titles tend to stay available permanently.

That said, here are some of the most popular and successful games available on each console subscription service.

Most Popular PS Plus Games

• God of War
• Horizon Forbidden West
• Doom Eternal
• Final Fantasy 16
• Spiderman
• Death Stranding
• Red Dead Redemption II
• Assassin’s Creed franchise

Most Popular Xbox Game Pass Games

• Halo: The Master Chief Collection
• Ghostwire: Tokyo
• Minecraft Legends
• Goat Simulator
• Watch Dogs 2
• Among Us
• Forza Horizon 5
• Mass Effect

PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass Game Streaming

Game Streaming, or Cloud Gaming is supported by Xbox Game Pass Ultra and PlayStation Plus Premium. You can use this feature to stream the games on your console, or other devices in case you don’t own Xbox or PlayStation.

Xbox cloud gaming with Game Pass Ultra lets you stream games on Xbox consoles, PC, tablets, smartphones, and some Samsung smart TVs. Some titles are even optimized for touchscreens, so you won’t need to use a controller to play them on mobile devices.

PlayStation Plus Premium offers streaming only on PS5 and PS4 consoles, and PC. For now, there’s no option to directly stream to smartphones or TVs. Games that were specifically developed for PlayStation 5 cannot be streamed yet. However, you can always download these titles to your host PS5 console, and then stream them to your PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.

The advantage of the PS Plus Premium plan is in its Play Share feature. Use it to share your screen with online friends and play games together as if you were in the same room. Xbox Game Pass doesn’t offer this or any similar feature.

PlayStation Plus Vs Xbox Game Pass Verdict

For now, the Xbox Game Pass wins over PlayStation Plus, but PlayStation Plus is catching up and offering some nice benefits to their subscription service too. Getting premium game titles and releasing them on the same day is a huge plus for Xbox Game Pass.

Although both Sony and Microsoft offer their subscription plans for PC gaming, Xbox does it with smartphones too and allows mobile users to enjoy some of their titles without even having to bother with the controller. Sony has yet to expand its offer of exclusive high-profile titles and device support.

Although Xbox Game Pass is a better bang for your buck, it’s only because it was on the market much longer and it had time to develop. Given time, Sony will catch up and it’s already catching up reasonably quickly. You can already spend thousands of hours with a PS Plus subscription.

That said, the ultimate decision about which to choose will depend on the games you want to play. Check out the full libraries of both Sony’s PlayStation Plus and Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass and look for the titles you want to play. In this area, it’s worth mentioning that the PlayStation Plus catalog is larger than the Xbox Game Pass catalog, and Sony has some of the most attractive and award-winning titles that are exclusive to the PlayStation console.

If the Xbox app refuses to open or work correctly, you’re likely dealing with a random software hiccup, a corrupt application cache, or problems with the operating system. This article will walk you through multiple suggestions and solutions to fix Xbox app launch issues on Windows 11.

Quit and Relaunch the Xbox App

If the Xbox app hangs, freezes, or crashes upon launch, consider force-quitting and relaunching the application. This simple action often resolves minor glitches and other issues preventing it from functioning properly.

To do that:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
2. Select the Xbox process.
3. Choose End task—select the More icon (three dots) if you don’t see this button.

4. Repeat for other Xbox-related processes underneath the Background processes list—e.g., Xbox Game Bar, Xbox Identity Provider, etc.
5. Relaunch the Xbox app.

Restart Gaming Services

The Xbox app relies on a system process called Gaming Services to work in Windows 11. Restart it via the Services app and check if that makes a difference.

1. Press Windows Key + R, type services.msc into the Run dialog, and select OK.
2. Scroll down and right-click Gaming Services.
3. Select Restart.

If the option appears grayed out, double-click the service, select Start, and ensure that Startup type is set to Automatic.

4. Repeat for any other instances of Gaming Services.
5. Optionally, restart the following Xbox services further along the list:

• Xbox Accessory Management
• Xbox Live Auth Manager
• Xbox Live Game Save
• Xbox Live Networking Service.

Restart Your Windows PC

Before moving on, it’s best to restart your PC. A fresh start can often resolve minor bugs and software conflicts that could stop the Xbox app from opening. It also serves as a starting point for further troubleshooting.

Just open the Start menu and select Power > Restart to initiate a system reboot. Continue with the rest of the fixes if the issue persists.

Check for Network-Related Issues

If the Xbox app launches but nothing loads, it could be something to do with the Microsoft servers. Visit the Xbox System Status page. If any Xbox servers appear down, wait until Microsoft gets them back online.

Additionally, check the speed of your internet connection at Fast.com. If it’s slow, try rebooting or resetting your router. You should also turn off any active VPNs (virtual private networks). If the issue persists, learn how to fix a slow Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.

Set the Correct Date and Time

An incorrect date or time in Windows 11 can prevent the Xbox app from communicating with its servers, resulting in loading issues. To check:

1. Right-click the Clock and select Adjust date & time.
2. Enable the switches next to Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically. If they’re already active, disable and re-enable them.

3. Select Sync now.

If the date and time continue to appear incorrectly, learn how to set the date and time manually in Windows 11.

Run the Windows Store Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a dedicated troubleshooter that helps identify and resolve problems with Microsoft Store-related apps like Xbox. To run it:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot.
3. Select Other troubleshooters.
4. Select Run next to the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter.

5. Follow the onscreen instructions to resolve issues the troubleshooter detects.

Reset and Repair the Xbox App

If the Xbox app fails to open, resetting it to its default settings can resolve issues caused by configuration problems.

To do that:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Settings.
2. Select Installed apps.
3. Scroll down the list and select the More icon (three dots) next to Xbox.
4. Select Advanced options.

5. Select Terminate.
6. Select Reset.

7. Open the Xbox app. If it launches or loads correctly, sign in to Xbox Live with your Microsoft Account.

If resetting doesn’t help, repeat the steps above and select the Repair button in step 6 to repair the Xbox app installation.

Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Clearing the Microsoft Store cache and restoring the program to its default settings can resolve issues with Microsoft Store-related apps, including the Xbox app.

To do that, use the WSReset tool. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
2. Type wsreset.exe into the search bar.

3. Press Enter.

A blank Command Prompt console should briefly appear and disappear, and the Microsoft Store should momentarily appear. Attempt to re-open the Xbox app after that.

Re-register Microsoft Store Apps

Re-registering the list of Microsoft Store-related apps in Windows helps resolve problems originating from corrupt configurations. To do that:

1. Type Windows PowerShell into the search box on the taskbar and select Run as administrator.
2. Select Yes on the User Account Control pop-up.
3. Copy-paste and execute the following command:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}

Update the Xbox App

Updating the Xbox app is a vital troubleshooting step for resolving launch issues on Windows 11. This is because updates often contain bug fixes and compatibility improvements with the operating system. To do that:

1. Open the Microsoft Store and select Library.
2. Select Get Updates.
3. Select Update next to Xbox if there’s a pending update.

Remove and Reinstall the Xbox App

If there are no new updates or the issues persist, it’s time to remove and reinstall the Xbox app. That should help patch severe problems from a corrupt program installation.

To do that:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Apps & features/Installed apps.
2. Select the More icon next to Xbox.
3. Select Uninstall.
4. Select Uninstall again to confirm.

5. Visit the Microsoft Store and visit the Xbox app’s store page.
6. Select Install.

Update Windows to Its Latest Version

Keeping Windows up to date is crucial for smooth application performance. Updates ensure enhanced compatibility between the operating system and apps, resolve known bugs for greater stability, and improve security by patching vulnerabilities. This creates a more reliable and secure environment for applications.

To update Windows 11:

1. Open the Windows Settings app.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Select the Check for Updates button. If there are pending updates, select Download and Install.

Get the Xbox App Up and Running ASAP

We’ve gone through various troubleshooting steps to fix the “Xbox app not opening” issue on Windows 11. From simply restarting your PC to making sure Windows is updated, these steps should systematically help you find and solve the problem effectively.

Once the Xbox app is working again, you can enjoy all the features and gaming experiences it has to offer without hitches. Plus, remembering some of these easy fixes will come in handy for quickly solving any issues that might come up later on.

How to Check PS5 DualSense Controller Battery Life

It’s easy to check your controller’s battery life while it’s charging. Just press the PS button on the controller. While it’s charging, you’ll see an animated battery icon. Once the controller’s battery is fully charged, the battery icon will be static and display three bars.

How to Make Your PS5 DualSense Controller Battery Last Longer

You might be doing certain things that cause your controller battery to drain faster than normal — and you’re not alone. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make your PS5 controller battery last longer, and we’ll show you some tips and tricks below.

Set Your Controller to Turn Off Automatically

It makes sense that leaving your controller on for hours when you’re not using it quickly drains battery life. The best way to combat this is to set your controller to turn off automatically when you’re not using it. Here’s how to do that:

1. From the PS5 main menu, select Settings.
2. Select System > Power Saving.
3. Under Set Time Until Controllers Turn Off, you can choose After 10 Minutes, 30 Minutes, 60 Minutes, or Don’t Turn Off.
4. For maximum battery saving, select 10 Minutes.

Your PS5 DualSense controller will now turn off automatically after ten minutes of inactivity.

Turn Off Your Controller Manually

While you could set your controller to turn off automatically, you might prefer to do this manually, for example, if you know you’re going off to do something else and don’t want to wait the set time for it to turn off. Here’s how to turn off your controller manually:

1. Press the PS button.
2. Scroll to the right of the Quick Menu and select Accessories.
3. In the controller pop-up, select DualSense Wireless Controller.
4. Choose Turn Off.

5. When you’re ready to use your controller again, just press the PS button.

Automatically Mute Your Mic

If you’re playing solo and you’re not using a headset, the controller will use a lot more battery life constantly listening for voice commands. While you can press the mic button on the controller to mute it, you might forget to do that every time you’re gaming. You can set your mic to automatically mute, and here’s how:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select Sound > Microphone.
3. Set Microphone Status When Logged In to Mute.

4. You can always quickly turn your mic on and off again using the button on the DualSense controller, if needed.

Change Haptic Feedback and Trigger Effect Intensity

Realistic rumble is all well and good, but the PS5 DualSense controller’s vibration and trigger effect intensity could be impacting battery life. Both of these are set to Strong by default. Here’s how to change them to eke more juice out of your controller’s battery:

1. Go to Settings > Accessories.
2. Select Controller (General).

3. Under Vibration Intensity, select from Strong, Medium, Weak, or Off.
4. Under Trigger Effect Intensity, select from Strong, Medium, Weak, or Off.

5. Though you’ll see maximum battery saving from Weak or Off, we’d recommend Medium for most players, as this gives a good mix of performance and battery saving.

Charge Your Controllers In Rest Mode

Ensuring your controllers are charging whenever your console is in rest mode is a good habit to get into. When you see the orange light on your PS5, it’s in rest mode. Here’s how to set your controllers to charge in rest mode.

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Select Power Saving.

3. Choose Features Available in Rest Mode.
4. Under Supply Power to USB Ports, select Always, 3 Hours, or Off.

5. The controller should generally reach full charge within three hours, so it’s up to you whether to select Always or 3 Hours.
6. You’ll know whether your controller is charging in rest mode as its LEDs will pulse orange.

Reduce the DualSense Controller Speaker Volume

The controller’s built-in speaker can drain battery life so you can reduce this to save battery, or wear headphones so it isn’t used. Here’s how to reduce the DualSense controller speaker volume:

1. Go to Settings > Accessories.
2. Select Controller (General).
3. Scroll down to Controller Speaker.
4. Use the slider to reduce the volume.

5. You can also access this setting by going to Settings > Sound > Volume > Controller. Speaker.

Adjust Brightness of Controller Indicators

While this won’t make a huge difference to your PS5 controller battery life, every little bit helps. Turning down the brightness of your controller indicators could eke out a little extra battery life to see you through intense gaming sessions without the need to recharge. Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings > Accessories.
2. Select Controller (General).
3. Under Brightness of Controller Indicators, choose from Bright (Standard), Medium, or Dim.
4. Medium is a good setting for most games.

Buy an Extra-Long Charging Cable

If you still can’t seem to get as much battery life as you’d like out of your PS DualSense controller, why not grab an extra-long charging cable? The one shipped with the PS5 is rather short, and buying an extra-long one (around nine feet) means you can carry on gaming while your controller is charging. If your PS5 controller isn’t charging, we’ve got some fixes you can try.

Whether you give a few of these tips and tricks a go or implement them all, you’re sure to notice an improvement in your PS controller battery life, so you won’t need to be constantly plugging your controller in to charge.

How to Cancel Nintendo Subscription on Your Switch

Your Nintendo Switch Online subscription is set to automatically renew at the end of each billing period. Luckily, it’s easy to turn off auto renewal if you want to cancel Nintendo subscription. The easiest way to cancel your subscription to Nintendo Switch Online is to do it from the Nintendo Switch eShop on your Switch – great if you’re already in the middle of a solo gaming session or your console is switched on. Here’s how to do it.

Note: Make sure you turn off automatic renewal at least 48 hours before the billing period ends or you risk being charged for another month’s subscription fees.

1. From the HOME Menu, select Nintendo eShop.
2. Select your account.
3. In the upper right corner, you’ll see your user icon. Tap it to access Account Information (this is also where you can change card details for your subscription).

4. From the menu on the left side of your screen, select Nintendo Switch Online.
5. If you have an active subscription, you’ll see Terminate Automatic Renewal next to the appropriate membership (if you don’t, you’ll see Membership Options).
6. Select it to cancel Nintendo subscription.

7. Provided it’s more than 48 hours until your next billing date, you won’t be charged and your membership will be automatically canceled from the next billing date.

How to Cancel Your Nintendo Switch Online Subscription From Your Browser

If your Switch is turned off, or if you’re away from home and don’t have your console with you, you can easily cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription through any internet browser in just a few clicks. Keep reading, and we’ll show you how.

1. In your browser on your smartphone or computer, navigate to http://accounts.nintendo.com and sign in to your Nintendo account.
2. Select Shop Menu.
3. Scroll down to select Nintendo Switch Online, then select Terminate Automatic Renewal next to the Nintendo Switch Online subscription you wish to cancel.

It takes just a few minutes of your time to cancel Nintendo subscription, and canceling doesn’t have to mean forever. You might just want to cancel to save money for a month or two, and it’s easy to resubscribe should you change your mind and decide you want to game online or play the best Nintendo Switch retro games.

One thing to bear in mind is that when you cancel your subscription, your Save Data Cloud backup is no longer available, and Nintendo can’t guarantee that it will keep your data for an extended period of time, should you resubscribe in future.

Minecraft Factions are servers that enable players to engage in large-scale PvP content. In Factions servers, players form groups and defend their land and resources against rival factions. Below, we’ll list the six best Faction servers in Minecraft.

1. OP Blocks

OP Blocks is one of the best Minecraft faction servers around at the moment. With multiple servers, including Prison, Survival, Skyblock, and Pixelmon, there’s something for everyone. They also provide servers for both Java and Bedrock Edition.

OP Blocks is presently one of the most (if not the most) popular servers, with up to 4,500 players at any time.

However, to get the most out of OP Blocks, you need to purchase a rank (using real money). Serf, the lowest rank, lets you use basic commands, play minigames, and gain access to a rudimentary kit of a pickaxe and basic materials. This rank has a one-time cost of $21.98. To get the highest rank, you’ll need to spend $439.98.

Server IP Address: fun.opblocks.com

Discord Server: Yes

Popularity: 10/10

2. Complex Vanilla

Complex Vanilla is a Factions server hosted by Complex Gaming. Currently, they have five different types of servers: Prison, Creative, Survival, Skyblock, and Factions, all of which run on Minecraft Java Edition version 1.19.2.

They also host three different Factions worlds. In these, players can fight for their Faction or create a hidden base and attempt to go unnoticed. By killing mobs, players can generate in-game currency and purchase more powerful equipment. And every two months, the servers are reset for another round.

Complex Vanilla is one of the more popular Factions servers around at the moment, with almost 2,000 players spread across their servers.

Unfortunately, as in many Factions servers, Complex Vanilla is somewhat pay-to-win. In-game upgrades can be bought using in-game money (that’s purchased with real money).

Server IP Address: hub.mc-complex.com

Discord Server: Yes

Popularity: 9/10

3. MassiveCraft

MassiveCraft is one of the original Minecraft Faction servers, combining PvP, Factions, survival, roleplay, quests, duels, dungeons, and adventure game modes into a single experience. With multiple maps and several custom plugins, everyone can find something that’s their speed on the MassiveCraft server.

For example, you can join a Faction, create your base, and fight for supremacy. Alternatively, you can create a towny character and make your own unique story in the roleplay hub of Regalia.

MassiveCraft claims to have no pay-to-win features. However, they offer purchasable ranks with cosmetic perks and “fair gameplay” features. Rather than using an in-game currency based on real money, trading is done via silver blocks.

Server IP Address: massivecraft.com

Discord Server: Yes

Popularity: 4/10

4. LemonCloud

LemonCloud, unlike some of the other options on this list, is mostly dedicated to Factions. Because of this, they have many Factions-specific events, kits, and features that improve gameplay considerably.

In their competitive server, players grind for overpowered gear and compete to rule the land. However, to get most of the powerful weapons, armor, and skills, you’ll need to make in-game purchases or buy “Dragon Keys.”

A unique feature LemonCloud provides is the ability for players to create shops and sell items that they’ve designed themselves. This enables players to bypass (somewhat) the pay-to-win nature of the server by generating in-game money (it’s a TNT-based economy) without spending real money.

Server IP Address: play.lemoncloud.org

Discord Server: Yes

Popularity: 5/10

5. Purple Prison

Mostly known for its prison server, Purple Prison also provides a lesser-known Factions server. Having been online since 2014, Purple Prison is one of the longest-running servers on Minecraft. The server runs on Java Edition and uses an older version (Minecraft 1.20) to increase accessibility for players.

Purple Prison provides dozens of server types, including Bedwars, Skywars, Skyblock, Prison, Parkour, LifeSteal SMP, RPG, PvP, Factions, KitPvP, and MiniGames.

Like many of the other servers in this list, Purple Prison suffers from a pay-to-win problem. Veteran players are mostly active spenders on the server, using money to access premium features.

Server IP Address: purpleprison.org

Discord Server: Yes

Popularity: 6/10

6. Advancius Network

Advancius advertises itself as a non-pay-to-win server and offers 100+ free ranks so that new players can dive right in without spending real money. Their goal is to provide a rank system that rewards skill and hard work rather than rewarding whoever spends the most money.

As you gain ranks, you gain new abilities, skills, equipment, and enchantments that increase your power and make you a force to be reckoned with.

Advancius servers include Prison, Factions, Skyblock, Survival Multiplayer (SMP), Creative, and many more game modes, all hosted on the Java Edition with various plugins and mods.

Server IP Address: mc.advancius.net

Discord Server: Yes

Popularity: 4/10

Honorable Mentions

There are dozens if not hundreds of Minecraft Factions servers, and while they aren’t all as good as the six we’ve listed above, many others deserve a mention. If the listed servers didn’t pique your interest, have a look at these:

1. ManaCube. A long-running Factions server with multiple game modes, daily events, tournaments, and full-time staff moderators. They have thousands of active players but are heavily pay-to-win.
2. TheArchon. A well-reviewed Factions server with a respected staff team and great community. Usually, around 150 active players are online at any time. The server gets reset every few weeks to keep content fresh.
3. SnapCraft. A relatively new server with multiple game modes and an active community. They use TNT mechanics in their Factions server to make battles more fun.

Join a Factions Server Today

Factions servers are so great because they allow large groups of gamers to get together, create an army, gather resources, and fight to be the strongest Faction on the server. Unfortunately, many Factions servers are pay-to-win, which is often frowned upon by Minecraft players.

In this server list, we’ve tried to provide a well-rounded list of servers that enable in-game purchases and those that don’t, so hopefully, there’s something for everyone!

This article will describe everything you need to know about refunds and subscription cancellations, whether directly from an Xbox console or through a Microsoft account.

Requesting a Refund for Game and Game Purchases

The Xbox ecosystem has thousands of games, apps, DLCs, subscription services, and more. But with such a complex system, mistakes can happen. You may have simply bought the wrong game, or someone from your household purchased a game from your account without your approval. You need a refund for many reasons, and nothing stops you from requesting it. But before you send a refund request, you should be familiar with Microsoft’s refund policy:

1. Use the account from which the purchase was made to request a refund. If someone else has access to your account, you’ll have to ensure it’s secured and that you are familiar with all the security settings. Make sure you are the only one who can sign into your account, and there won’t be any unwanted purchases in the future.
2. Refunds are not guaranteed, so you’ll need to make a request. Even when you do so, Microsoft will review your problem and make an appropriate decision on whether to refund you or not. Their comprehensive refund program is part of the “buying experience,” but Microsoft reserves the right to decline a refund if they find you are abusing their system.
3. Not all products in the Microsoft Store are eligible for a refund. The Xbox refund program applies only to digital gaming content. If you want to refund your Xbox device, you must go through a different program.

What Is Eligible for a Refund

Here are the products that are eligible for refund or cancellation through the Xbox program:

• Xbox digital games and game offers. This includes bundles that contain multiple games or digital products.
• Digital games, expansions, and DLCs.
• Non-redeemed and not used digital game single-use consumables.
• Digital pre-orders up to 10 days before the product launch. You’ll find them in the Microsoft Account Order History.
• Gifted games and game purchases if you are a sender, not a receiver.

Note that refunds do not apply for digital movies, TV shows, or TV app purchases.

Refund requests also must meet specific Microsoft criteria:

1. Refund requests must be made within 14 days of the purchase. Sometimes, this period can be extended to 30 days, especially if you are unsatisfied with the license agreement or warranty terms of a purchased product.
2. You must not have significant playtime invested into a game you want to refund. The exact limit is not specified and is on a set case-to-case basis.
3. You must stay within the limit of allowed refunds on your account. The financial compensation is measured yearly, but Microsoft does not disclose the limits.

Finally, be patient. Refund requests may take several days to be reviewed and approved or declined. Even when the refund request gets approved, it may take several business days to see the money back in your account.

How to Request a Refund Online

Requesting refunds for game purchases is made through Xbox Support and a web browser. This is valid for any Xbox device you own, whether it’s Xbox One S, Xbox Series X, or Xbox Series S, as long as it’s a digital purchase. You must refer to the store’s return policy if you bought a physical copy of the game.

Here’s how to request a refund online:

1. Open the web browser and go to the Xbox support refund request page.
2. Make sure you are signed in to access your Xbox Account.

3. Go to the Request Availability tab. It should be in the middle of the page.

4. Find the game purchase you want to be refunded and click the checkmark box next to the title to select it.

5. Select the Request a Refund button either above or below the game. This will begin the refund process.

6. When prompted, give Xbox Support reasons for the refund request and any additional information they might need.

7. Click Next to continue.
8. You’ll get a summary of your request. If you are satisfied with all the information in it, select Submit to send your refund request.

Note: If you can’t find the video game you want to refund, remember that new purchases take up to 24 hours to show up on the list. If you still can’t find it, you’ll have to use the order number and your personal information to fill in a request form using this link.

Canceling an Xbox Subscription

Although Xbox has a variety of subscription services, such as Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or Xbox Live Gold, you can cancel any of them at any time. Perhaps the prices are rising, and you can’t afford it, or you simply want to switch to another gaming platform like a PC or a PlayStation.

You can easily refund an Xbox subscription on the Xbox console or Microsoft’s Xbox website. But there are some things you should be aware of.

You can get a full or partial refund or none at all, depending on where you live and your subscription type. Choose from options like “Don’t charge me on the next renewal date” or “Cancel immediately and get a refund.”

The first one simply turns off the automatic recurring billing, but you’ll still have access to all your Xbox games and apps until the end of the billing cycle. There’s no refund if you choose this option. The second option cancels your subscription, denies you access to the games, and refunds you fully or partially, depending on your subscription period.

Canceling Your Subscription through the Xbox

Follow these simple steps to cancel your subscription via Xbox console:

1. Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the Xbox Guide.
2. Navigate to the Profile & System, and select Settings.

3. Go to the Account located on the left side of the screen.

4. Select Subscriptions. You may have to enter your Xbox PIN to access this page.

5. Select the subscription type you want to cancel. All your active subscriptions will be listed first.

6. Now choose the canceling option, Turn off recurring billing, or Cancel subscription.

Your subscription will be canceled immediately, but if you are eligible for a refund, you may have to wait several business days for the money to appear in your account.

Canceling Your Xbox Subscription Online

If you want to cancel your Xbox subscription through a web browser, follow these steps:

1. Open the web browser and go to the Microsoft Account Services page.
2. Sign in to your account if you are not already signed in.
3. Find the subscription you want to cancel and click the Manage button at the top right corner of the screen.

4. On the next screen, find the Turn off recurring billing or Cancel subscription option. Select the one that suits you.

5. Microsoft will offer you different subscription options to switch to. Confirm your decision to cancel the Xbox subscription on the next screen.

6. Click the button that matches your canceling choice, Turn off recurring billing, or Cancel subscription. The options will depend on what you selected on the previous page.

And that’s it. You managed to cancel your Xbox subscription without a hassle.

Request a Refund Without Abusing the Process

All in all, requesting a refund for an Xbox game or subscription doesn’t have to be a stressful process. With the correct steps and information, you can easily request a refund. Once you’ve requested your refund, it may take up to 10 days for the money to appear in your account. However, if you run into any issues, you can contact Xbox Support or Microsoft Support, who are always there to help. Though your refund options might differ here and there depending on where and what you’re trying to refund, we hope our guide answered your questions.

If you’re new to playing video games or want to explore new genres, trying to sort through all the different kinds out there can be a bit overwhelming. Below, you’ll find a simple breakdown of each genre and the subgenres within each one. Some of the most popular games within the genre will also be listed, so if you find one you feel you’d enjoy, you can try them out for yourself.

1. Action

Video games in the action genre tend to be fast-paced and focus more on hand-eye coordination skills. They are usually the games that will keep you on the edge of your seat and include many combat mechanics. Some subgenres are shooters, platformers, fighting games, and survival games. Action games often combine elements from other genres, such as role-playing or strategy games.

As you can probably tell, this genre encompasses a variety of video games. Some of the most popular in this genre are Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Doom, Super Smash Bros., Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, and many more.

2. Adventure

Adventure games were some of the earliest games created with text-based games. These games aren’t focused on action or any coordination or reflex skills but instead are based on exploration and decision-making. Adventure games are great for casual and laid-back entertainment. Popular adventure games of today include Life is Strange, Myst, Firewatch, and more.

However, many games are considered action-adventure games that combine elements of both genres, such as Fallout, The Last of Us, God of War, and The Legend of Zelda. Action-adventure games tend to be more common than just pure adventure games.

3. Role-Playing Games

Roleplaying games, or RPGs, derive many mechanics from classic tabletop role-playing games. RPGs are heavily focused on gaining experience, leveling up your characters, and growing progressively stronger in strength and skill. RPGs combine adventure elements to the game, such as exploring areas. RPGs may also include strategy or action elements depending on if the combat within the game is turn-based or in real time.

There are quite a few sub-genres to the RPG genre, like MMORPGs (massively multiplayer online role-playing games), roguelikes, which focus mainly on exploring randomly generated dungeons, tactical RPGs, which focus on turn-based combat, and sandbox RPGs, which are RPGs placed in an openly explorable environment.

Some popular RPG games include Final Fantasy, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Elden Ring, Pokemon, Witcher 3, World of Warcraft, and many more.

4. Sandbox and Open-World

In open-world and sandbox games, players are not constrained to taking a single route but can explore an environment in any way they wish. Sandbox games give players plenty of creative avenues to alter the in-game world, while open-world games are more geared towards an open environment.

Sandbox and open-world games are often combined with other types of games, especially RPGs. Some examples of sandbox and open-world games include Minecraft, Garry’s Mod, Grand Theft Auto, No Man’s Sky, and more.

5. Strategy

In strategy games, players must make careful and thought-out decisions based on several factors within the game to be successful. For this reason, many strategy games do not have time constraints and are turn-based. Strategy game mechanics are very similar to board games. However, many strategy games still operate in real time as well.

Some popular examples of strategy games include Sid Meier’s Civilization, Warhammer 40,000, Starcraft, League of Legends, and more.

6. Simulation

Games in the simulation genre are generally created to simulate aspects of real life in various ways. Some common types of simulation games are life simulators, farming simulators, and building simulators. These games have many variable mechanics depending on the kind of simulation. They are also usually more geared toward casual play.

Examples of simulation games include The Sims, Stardew Valley, Animal Crossing, SimCity, Zoo Tycoon, etc.

7. Puzzle

Puzzle games focus on a player’s problem-solving skills to advance through the game. Many other genres employ puzzle elements, but pure puzzle games only focus on puzzles. This is a popular genre for mobile games, like Candy Crush or Cut the Rope. More expansive puzzle games may include a story to follow as puzzles are completed, and the story may directly relate to the puzzles themselves.

Examples of puzzle games include Portal, Professor Layton, Tetris, Scribblenauts, The Room, and more.

Find Your Next Favorite Game By Exploring These Genres

No matter what sort of gamer you are, with so many different kinds of games available, you can always find something new that provides you with an exciting and entertaining experience. Whether you want fast-paced gameplay, games that take time and thought, or relaxing games to play when you have some downtime, video games can provide something for everyone.

The Oculus Quest 2 is a phenomenal VR headset with amazing games and experiences. However, sometimes casting the headset’s display to a larger screen, like a Chromecast or a smart TV, can be tricky to get right. Let’s explore several fixes to common casting issues.

Note: In this article, we’re referring to the “Oculus” Quest since that’s the name most people know and still use with search engines. However, the company has changed its name to “Meta,” so the correct name for the headsets is now the Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2.

Understanding Your Router’s Role in Oculus Quest 2 Casting

Your Wi-Fi network is vital to cast to an external device. Your router facilitates communication between your Oculus Quest 2 headset, mobile device, and casting device. If you’re experiencing casting issues, ensure your Wi-Fi router functions correctly.

While we can’t offer a comprehensive router troubleshooting guide in this article, when it comes to optimizing things for use with Quest casting, there are a few basic tips to consider:

• Assess your router’s power and connectivity through LED indicators: Take a moment to examine your router’s LED indicators to confirm it’s powered on and connected to the internet.
• Keep your router’s firmware updated: Staying up-to-date with the latest firmware not only boosts your router’s performance but also addresses bugs and bolsters security. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or contact their support team to ensure your router runs the latest firmware version. Many modern routers have a companion app that lets you check for and install firmware updates from your phone.
• Compatibility is key: Double-check that your router, Oculus Quest 2 headset, and casting device are all playing nicely together. If your router uses an older Wi-Fi standard than the Quest, consider upgrading your router to one that supports the most recent Wi-Fi standards for a smoother casting experience.
• Give your router a quick power cycle: Unplug your router, count to 30, then plug it back in. This simple trick can reset your internet connection, resolving temporary hiccups and reestablishing a stable connection between your router and devices. If you’re using mesh Wi-Fi, check out our Mesh Wi-Fi troubleshooting guide.
• Router placement matters: Find a central spot in your home for your router, ensuring it’s free from obstructions and far from other electronics that might cause interference. This will provide your Oculus Quest headset and casting device with a strong Wi-Fi signal for a seamless casting experience.
• Use a wired connection: If possible, connect your target device to the network using wired Ethernet. This can improve the entire experience, including connection issues.

If you’re confident that your router isn’t the reason casting isn’t working correctly, it’s time to move on to other likely culprits.

1. Ensure That Your Headset Is Properly Configured for Casting

To cast from your Oculus Quest or Quest 2 headset, you need to have the Oculus app installed on your mobile device, and you must have paired your Quest with the app, according to Meta’s instructions. Assuming your headset is paired with the app, launch the app and make sure your headset is connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your casting device.

2. Troubleshoot Any Bluetooth Connectivity Issues for a Seamless Cast

Bluetooth connectivity is crucial for the Quest 2’s casting feature. While the Quest uses Wi-Fi for the actual video data, Bluetooth is necessary to communicate with the mobile app, and that’s the easiest way to manage and troubleshoot casting issues.

If you’re using an Android or Apple iPhone, ensure your mobile device’s Bluetooth is also turned on. With some mobile devices turning mobile data off temporarily may improve Bluetooth connectivity.

3. Use This Step-by-Step Guide: How To Cast Oculus Quest 2 to Your Preferred Device

Casting your Oculus Quest 2 to a compatible device, such as a Chromecast or Samsung TV, is straightforward. Follow these steps:

1. Ensure your casting device and headset are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Turn on your casting device, and switch to the HDMI input where it’s connected.
3. Open the game or VR app you want to Cast from. You can’t initiate casting from the home interface.
4. On your hand controller, press the Oculus button to open the menu.
5. Select the casting icon.

6. Choose your casting device from the list, and press Start Casting.

Your VR experience should now appear on your chosen device. If you encounter any issues like a black screen or glitches, try rebooting your headset or performing a factory reset as a last resort.

You can also initiate casting from the Meta Quest app. On the Explore page, you’ll see your Quest (if it’s on and paired) and a Cast button.

4. Update Your Oculus Quest 2 and Casting Device

Keeping your Oculus Quest 2 and casting device updated with the latest software is crucial for maintaining optimal performance and compatibility. Regular updates often include bug fixes, improved functionality, and enhanced security measures.

To update your Oculus Quest 2, follow these steps:

1. Put on your headset and ensure it’s connected to your Wi-Fi network.
2. Press the Oculus button on your right controller to access the menu bar.
3. Click on the Settings icon.

4. Select System.

5. Select Software Update.

6. If an update is available, install it.

For your casting device, such as a Chromecast, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for updating to the latest software version.

5. Verify Casting Device Compatibility

Not all casting devices are compatible with the Oculus Quest 2 headset. Ensure that your casting device, such as a smart TV or Chromecast, is compatible before casting. Oculus Quest 2 is compatible with Chromecast devices, including Chromecast Ultra and Chromecast with Google TV. For smart TVs, refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for compatibility information.

6. Use Screen Mirroring (if Supported)

Some casting devices support screen mirroring, which allows your mobile device to project its screen onto a larger display. If your casting device supports this feature, try using screen mirroring as an alternative method for casting your Oculus Quest 2. Cast your Quest to your Meta Quest app while mirroring the device to your TV.

We tested this with a Quest 2, an iPhone 14 Pro, and an Apple TV 4K. To get it to work, we first mirrored the iPhone to the Apple TV, then initiated casting to the Quest app, rather than the TV.

You may run into stability or performance issues if you’re simultaneously casting to the mobile app and wirelessly mirroring the phone to a compatible TV or another device. Instead, consider using a USB to HDMI (or similar) adapter to mirror the mobile device to a large screen and then cast from the Quest to the mobile app.

7. Keep Your Oculus App Updated and Connected

The Oculus app on your mobile device is essential for managing your Oculus Quest 2 headset and casting to other devices. Ensure your app is updated to the latest version, as this can resolve compatibility issues and improve overall performance.

8. Restart Your Oculus Quest 2 Headset

Sometimes, restarting your Oculus Quest 2 headset can resolve casting issues. To restart your headset, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the power button on the side of your headset for a few seconds.
2. A menu will appear; select Restart to reboot your device.

Enjoy Seamless Casting

Casting your Oculus Quest 2 to a larger screen can significantly enhance your virtual reality experience and allow you to share your adventures with others. By following the steps and troubleshooting tips outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the most common casting issues and enjoy a seamless connection between your headset and the casting device.

Picture this: You’re downloading a new game or updates for a favorite game — or maybe you just downloaded one of the top Nintendo Switch games and were about to start playing, when bam! Error code 2123-1502 ruins the fun. We’ll explain why error code 2123-1502 on Switch occurs as well as the eight best ways to fix it so you can get back to gaming.

What Causes Error Code 2123-1502 on Nintendo Switch?

There are a number of things that could cause this error code. Outdated or corrupt firmware, a corrupt cache on your console, or even a DNS configuration error could mean your Switch can’t connect properly to Nintendo’s servers. Error code 2123-1502 on Switch could also be caused by your console unexpectedly entering sleep mode while it’s updating or while downloading a game or app. Luckily, there are some quick fixes you can try to get your connection back up and running, and we’ll take you through these below.

How to Fix Nintendo Switch Error Code 2123-1502

These are the x best ways to fix the error code 2123-1502 on Nintendo Switch. If none of these methods work for you, you may need to contact Nintendo Support.

Retry Your Download

If you receive the error code while downloading an app or game, the first thing to do is to try your download again.

1. Close the error message by selecting OK.
2. You may see another message letting you know the download stopped due to an error.
3. To re-try the download, select Continue.
4. You might want to try repeating this step a few times until you see a message which says “Downloading data…” which indicates that the issue is now resolved.

Restart Your Console

There’s a lot to be said for turning devices off and on again, so if the above steps haven’t worked for you, try restarting your device.

1. Press and hold the Power button for three seconds.
2. Select Power Options > Turn Off.
3. Wait until your Switch has powered down, then press the Power button to restart it.

Turn Airplane Mode On and Off

Still no joy? It’s worth toggling Airplane Mode on and then off again on your Switch console if you’re still seeing error code 2123-1502 on Switch. This refreshes your network connection and should hopefully resolve any issues.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Navigate to System Settings, then press the A button to select Flight Mode.
3. Press the A button again to turn Flight Mode on.
4. Wait a few seconds, then turn it off again and wait for your Switch to connect to the internet.
5. Once connected, retry your download or update to see if the error message persists.

Clear Your Nintendo Switch Cache

Another good idea is to clear the cache on your console, as error code 2123-1502 on Nintendo Switch could be caused by a corrupt cache. Note that clearing your cache deletes saved IDs and passwords, cookies, and browsing history, so make sure you remember any logins before doing it:

1. Press the Home button.
2. Navigate to System Settings and select System.
3. Scroll down to select Formatting Options.
4. Click Clear Cache and wait for the console cache to clear, then restart your Switch and try your download or update again.

Test Your Internet Connection

If none of the above methods seem to be resolving the issue, the fault could be with your internet connection. Here’s how you can test it to make sure everything is working as it should be.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Select System Settings.
3. Scroll down and select Internet > Test Connection.
4. You’ll see a message letting you know if the test was successful or not, providing details about your connection such as your IP address.

Reconfigure Your Internet Connection

You could try setting up a new internet connection to see if this resolves your problem with error code 2123-1502 on Nintendo Switch. For the best results, you should ensure your console is within 10 feet of your wireless router.

1. Press the Home button, then navigate to System Settings.
2. Select Internet > Internet Settings.
3. Your Switch will start to search for available Wi-Fi networks.

4. Choose your network name from the list and select Connect to This Network.
5. If you notice the network name is grayed out, the wireless security type in use isn’t supported by the Switch.
6. Your Switch may prompt you to enter your network’s wireless password.
7. Enter this, then the console will automatically test the internet connection.
8. Select OK once the test is finished.
9. If the connection fails, you’ll see an error code and message.

Disable Sleep Mode

If your console unexpectedly enters sleep mode while updates or downloads are taking place, this could be the cause of error code 2123-1502 Switch. Here’s how to disable sleep mode to stop this from happening.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Navigate to System Settings.
3. Select Sleep Mode.
4. Click Auto Sleep (Playing on Console Screen) and select Never.
5. Then click Auto Sleep (Playing on TV Screen) and select Never.
6. This ensures Auto Sleep is disabled when gaming on the go and while your Switch is in the dock.

Reconfigure Your Switch’s DNS Settings

There’s one final thing you can try if you’re still being plagued by error code 2123-1502 on Nintendo Switch. If the DNS you’re attempting to use isn’t working, manually entering an alternate DNS might fix the issue.

1. Press the Home button.
2. Navigate to System Settings.
3. Select Internet > Internet Settings.
4. Your Switch will search for nearby Wi-Fi networks.
5. Select your network.
6. Choose Change Settings.

7. Scroll down to select DNS Settings and choose Manual.
8. Select Primary DNS and hold down the B button to delete the DNS.
9. Enter 8.8.8.8 as the primary DNS.
10. Select OK.
11. Select Secondary DNS, then hold down the B button to delete the DNS.
12. Enter 8.8.4.4 as the secondary DNS.
13. Select OK.
14. Restart your console.
15. Try your download or update again to see if the error code persists.

If none of the above methods seem to resolve the problem and you continue seeing error code 2123-1502 on Switch, it may be that there’s a temporary network issue. Give it a few hours and then try your download or update again. If the problem persists and 24 hours have passed, you should contact Nintendo support for assistance. While you’re here, you might want to check out our helpful guide if your Nintendo Switch isn’t connecting to your TV.

Why Your PlayStation 5 Lags or Freezes

There are several reasons why your PS5 is having lag issues. Some are more common than others. We recommend you rule out the simple causes of lag before you move on to troubleshooting the more serious ones. Here are a few known issues that can cause lag, freezes, or a PS5 shutdown:

• Poor internet connection.
• PSVR connection issues.
• Software issues.
• Overloaded network.
• Interference between the router and the console.
• The game is not optimized.
• Problems with internal hardware.
• Storage issues.
• Unstable power source.

Each of these possible causes is fixable, so let’s see what you can do to improve your gaming session.

1. Turn Your PS5 Off and On

Sometimes you can solve serious performance issues with the most straightforward solutions. Turning your PS5 off and then on again can improve how your device runs games. But the important part is to wait a few minutes before turning it on to reset your PS5 completely.

Turning off your console is a good habit. Unfortunately, some users don’t turn off their devices for long periods. Instead, they leave it in the rest mode. But to keep your gaming console healthy, you should fully shut down your PS5 regularly.

Here’s how to turn your PS5 off the right way and reset it:

1. Go to the PS5 control center menu by pressing the PlayStation logo on your controller.
2. Scroll down to find the power button on the right-hand side of the menu.

3. Select the power button, and you’ll get three options: Enter Rest Mode, Turn Off PS5, and Restart PS5.
4. Select Turn Off PS5, the second option. This will close all the games and apps and shut down the PS5 system.

5. Once the console is turned off (when the lights on it go off), unplug the power cable. Wait for three minutes before plugging it in again.
6. To turn the PS5 back on, press the PS logo button on the controller.

Try playing a game now and see if it’s lagging.

2. Check All the Cables and Connectors

If you’re a PlayStation VR gamer, a reason why your PS5 might be lagging is the poor connection between the PS5 and the VR device. A data-sensitive device needs a good connection to work. Loose networking cables or a bad HDMI port can cause lag. So go ahead, and check all the connections between the console and its connected devices. Ensure all cables are plugged in properly and the HDMI port works. You can try using a different cable or port.

3. Check the Power Source

PS5 can lag or even freeze if it has an unstable power source. That’s why you’ll have to check everything related to the power connection, from the cable to the wall socket.

The power cable can be damaged, which may also cause your console to experience power surges. All defective power supply equipment must be changed.

4. Check the Internet Connection

A slow internet connection and DNS settings problems are the top reasons for lag. You need a good internet connection for the PS5 to run smoothly and give you the best possible online gaming experience. Test the internet connection with your PS5 console.

1. Start your PS5 and go to the Settings menu. You’ll find a gear icon next to your profile image in the upper right corner of the screen.

2. Select Network.

3. Go to Test Internet Connection.

4. Let the test finish and look at the results. They should give you an insight if something is wrong.

You can also use your PC or a laptop to test your network’s download speeds through a website like Speedtest.

Finally, you can restart your router or modem to fix the internet issues. Remember that wireless connections are prone to causing lag because they can get crowded. Instead of WiFi, try connecting with an ethernet cable.

5. Check the Air Vents

Your console could start performing poorly due to overheating. Constant lag might be one of the signs that this is the case. If your console is getting too hot, you should check the air vents. Air needs to circulate freely around your PS5 console. Don’t block the air vents by placing the console in a tight space or keeping different objects around it.

You should also regularly clean the air vents of dust and other particles that might accumulate on them. Dust can gather enough to clog the ventilation system and cause the device to overheat.

6. Check the Internal Storage Drive

If the internal storage drive is full or nearly full, your PS5 might lag. This happens because the cache files have nowhere to be stored. They’ll end up in a queue, waiting to be saved on your device, and the result will be a system malfunction that manifests as lag or a freeze.

That’s why you should occasionally ensure enough room on your PS5 internal storage drive. You should always have at least 10GB of free space. This’ll ensure the optimal performance of the console.

Here’s how you can free up some space on the internal storage device:

1. Go to Settings, the gear icon at the top right of the home screen.
2. Select Storage.

3. You can choose from Games and Apps, Media Gallery, Saved Data, and Other. Select Games and Apps, as that’s what’s taking up the bulk of the storage. Here you’ll be able to delete games you are no longer playing or don’t think you’ll play any time soon.

4. On the next screen you can individually select a game to delete by checking the box next to it. You can also select multiple games to delete at once. Select Delete at the bottom right corner, and then the OK button to confirm.

5. Delete everything you don’t need to keep on the SSD. Check if you have old images and videos you no longer need in the Media Gallery. These can easily clutter the internal storage device.

7. Update All PS5 Applications and Software

Always keep your software updated to the latest version. Follow these steps to update the PS5 applications:

1. Find the app you want to update on the PS5 home screen and highlight it.
2. Press the Options button on the controller.
3. Select Check for Updates.
4. Follow the instructions to download and install available updates for the selected app.
5. Repeat for all the apps that need updating.
6. Reboot the PS5 console.

Typically system updates are automatic. But if you have set it to manual, here’s how to do it:

1. Go to Settings and select System.

2. Select System Software and go to System Software Update and Settings.

3. Select Update System Software to start the process.

4. Select the Update button.

5. Wait for the process to finish. The console will reset automatically.

If you experience a failed download, restart your console and try again. If you experience multiple failed downloads, contact Sony PlayStation support.

8. Rebuild the Database

The database doesn’t only get clogged over time, but it also gets corrupted. This makes it inefficient and slow, and it can cause lag and screen freeze. If that happens to your PS5, you must rebuild the database.

Note that this process can take a long time, so be patient while your console scans the drive and creates a new database.

Follow these steps to rebuild the PS5 database:

1. Turn off the PS5 console by pressing the power button.
2. When the console is completely off, press the power button again and hold.
3. Release it only after you hear the second beep. You’ll hear the first beep when you press the button and the second a few seconds later.
4. Connect the controller with the USB cable and press the PlayStation logo button.
5. You entered the PS5 Safe Mode. Select Rebuild Database from the offered options, and wait for the process to complete.

9. Change Game Settings

If you’re experiencing lag only in certain games, the problem might be in the game itself and not with your PS5 console or network. Changing the in-game settings typically solves this issue. It’s important to play power-intensive games in the performance mode.

If you’re experiencing frame rate issues, select the higher FPS mode from the game’s settings. This should reduce the lag, although your graphics might look worse.

10. Factory Reset Your PS5

If nothing works, your only option might be to factory reset your PS5 console. Note that this is the last resort. Factory reset deletes everything on your device, and it’ll install a fresh copy of the PS5 software. This might be the only option if your PS5 lags due to system errors.

To perform a factory reset:

1. Press the power button on the console to turn it off completely.
2. Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds, until a second beep.
3. Connect the controller with the USB cable and press the PlayStation logo button.
4. You’ll enter safe mode. Select the Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) option. It’s the last on the list.

Wait for the process to be finished, and only then try playing your favorite game to see if you still experience lag issues.

While fixing latency issues can sometimes be a challenge on the PS5, with a few smart troubleshooting steps like these, you’ll be able to enjoy a new online gaming session in no time.

But don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll walk you through the top ways to fix this DNS error, so you can get back to gaming as soon as possible.

Please note that all screenshots in this guide are from an Xbox Series S, but the steps apply to both Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles, although the exact menu labels may differ.

1. Check Your Internet Connection

The first thing to do when troubleshooting this error is to check your internet and network connection. Ensure your Xbox console is correctly connected to your wireless network or wired connection.

If you’re using WiFi, check the wireless settings on your console to ensure they are correctly configured. If using a wired connection, ensure the cable is properly plugged in. Try loading a web browser on another device connected to the same network to see if the internet connection works correctly or if the problem is specific to your Xbox.

You can also use the built-in Xbox network connection test by going to Profile & System> Settings > General > Network settings > Test network connection.

2. Restart Your Modem and Router

If your internet connection seems to be operating as it should, the next suspect on the list might be your modem or router. These devices, though usually reliable, can occasionally trip up, causing network-related headaches such as the “DNS isn’t resolving Xbox server names” error.

Firstly, locate your modem and router. They could be two separate devices, or you might have a two-in-one unit. Once located, unplug the power cable from each device.

Once unplugged, give them a bit of a breather. A minute should do the trick. This allows any temporary data (such as IP assignments and routing tables) stored in the device’s memory to be wiped, making way for a fresh start when power is restored.

After the minute has passed, plug the devices back in. As they boot up, they’ll go through their startup procedure, establishing a fresh connection with your ISP and reassigning network information.

3. Fix DNS Settings

If restarting your modem and router doesn’t work, you should check your DNS settings. The Domain Name System (DNS) is like an internet phone book that translates domain names to IP addresses. If your Xbox isn’t able to resolve Xbox server names, it could be due to incorrect DNS settings.

Go to your Xbox console’s settings, then to General > Network > Advanced Settings, and then DNS settings. Choose manual settings and enter the DNS addresses.

Make sure your primary DNS address and secondary DNS address are correctly set. If you are unsure what to set them to, you can use Google DNS, which is reliable and free. The primary Google DNS address is 8.8.8.8, and the secondary is 8.8.4.4.

You can use other DNS servers besides Google DNS, such as Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220). There are numerous free DNS servers to choose from.

4. Change Your Router’s DNS Settings

If you manually set DNS settings on your Xbox and it does not work, you might need to change the DNS settings on your router. To do this, you need to access your router’s configuration page. Open a web browser on a device connected to the router (e.g., Windows, Mac, or Android) and type in your router IP address. This address is usually something like “192.168.1.1” or “192.168.0.1”, often labeled as the “default gateway number,” but you can find the exact address in your router manual.

Once on the configuration page, look for a DNS settings option. Like with the Xbox settings, you can set the primary DNS and secondary DNS to Google’s DNS if you’re unsure what to use.

Remember that changing the router’s DNS settings might affect other devices on the network, so you should proceed with caution and make a note of the original settings in case you need to revert them.

Note: Some modern routers also offer a mobile app you can use to change its settings instead of a web interface.

5. Update Your Router’s Channel Width

When it comes to a wireless connection, not all settings are created equal. While your router’s default settings might be optimal for general internet browsing or streaming videos, they might not fit your Xbox console’s needs best. This is particularly true when we talk about the WiFi channel width.

In the world of WiFi, “channel width” refers to the range of frequencies a WiFi network can use. The wider the channel, the more data it can transmit at once, which sounds great. Well, it’s not quite that simple. While a larger channel width can theoretically provide faster speeds, it can also be more susceptible to interference and congestion, particularly in crowded areas with lots of competing devices in that frequency band.

Xbox consoles can sometimes have issues with channel widths greater than 20MHz. So, how do you adjust your router’s channel width?

First, you’ll need to access your router’s settings as we described above under point number four. Once you’ve logged into your router’s configuration page, you’ll need to find the WiFi settings. This can usually be found under a menu named “Wireless” or something similar.

In the WiFi settings, look for an option named “Channel Width” or “Bandwidth.” You should see an option to change this to 20MHz. If it is currently set higher, adjust it down to 20MHz, then save the changes.

Note: Some newer routers may no longer have this option, especially if you’re using mesh routers, which are much more advanced and dynamically manage channel width and operating frequency.

6. Clear Your Xbox Caches

If you were having DNS issues on a Windows computer, you”d simply open the Command Prompt type “ipconfig /flushdns” and press Enter. Unfortunately, an Xbox doesn’t have such a convenient way of shaking out problematic DNS data. Instead, we have to use somewhat crude workarounds to get a similar result.

Sometimes called a “hard reset,” power cycling your console can clear its caches. Turn off your console and unplug it. Leave it unplugged for at least a few minutes, then plug it back in. While it’s off, press and hold the power button a few times. When you power it back on, your cache should be clear, and your console’s performance should feel snappier​ to boot!

7. Restore Default Settings

You can try restoring your console to its default settings as a last resort. This should be done with caution as it will delete all data and settings. It will, however, restore any network settings that may be causing the Xbox server names error back to their default values. To do this, navigate to the System > Console Info > Reset console.

To confirm, select Reset and Remove Everything.

8. Contact Your ISP or Microsoft

If you’ve tried all of the above and you’re still getting the error, it might be time to call in the cavalry. Your ISP might be experiencing issues with their DNS server that they need to fix, or there could be a problem on Microsoft’s end with the Xbox servers. Either way, reaching out to your ISP or Microsoft could help you resolve the issue.

The “DNS isn’t resolving Xbox server names” error can be a pain for any gamer, but as we’ve seen, you can try several methods to fix it. With patience and troubleshooting, you should resolve the issue and get back to your Xbox game in no time!