- Gaming and consoles
- PlayStation 5
WS-116520-5
PlayStation WS-116520-5 on PS5: error connecting to the server
Risk level
Low
Usually safe to check without specialist tools.
Urgency
Low
Quick answer
The PS5 hit an error connecting to the server. Check the PlayStation status page, restart the console on a cable if you can, turn the router off for at least 5 minutes and, if nothing changes, update its firmware or open the ports Sony lists.
Safety first
Stop and check this first
- Before changing the router, wait a few hours: Sony says this error may be a temporary service problem.
Safe checks you can perform
- Look at the PlayStation status page
- Restart on cable and turn the router off for 5 minutes
- Update the router firmware and open ports
Leave these tasks to a qualified professional
- Do not attempt this professional task: Your internet service provider (ISP)
- Do not attempt this professional task: PlayStation Repairs diagnostic tool
What a technician must be able to justify
Technician visit
These are the steps they must carry out and show you. Tick them as they work: if steps are skipped, do not accept a part swap.
These are not instructions for opening or handling the equipment yourself. They are the checks that should support a technical conclusion.
Your internet service provider (ISP)
What they doSony refers you to the provider to open ports. It can also check the line if the error repeats for days.
They must show youwhich ports they opened and on which device.
In writingticket number and changes made.
PlayStation Repairs diagnostic tool
What they doIf the error continues on other networks and on different days, the PlayStation Repairs diagnosis assesses the console.
They must show youthe diagnosis result.
In writingrequest number and the error dates.
Before accepting a part or repair
Nothing has been shown yet. Do not accept a part swap based on the code alone.
Follow these steps
Note: Follow the documented order. An error code identifies the affected system, but it does not prove by itself which part has failed.
Look at the PlayStation status page
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- go to status.playstation.com and look for notices on PlayStation services.
- Result that matters:
- a general failure is ruled out or confirmed.
- If there is a notice:
- leave your network alone and retry once it clears.
- If there are none:
- carry on with the console and router.
- Evidence to keep:
- Screenshot with date and time.
Evidence: PS5 error code WS-116520-5 (PlayStation Support)
Restart on cable and turn the router off for 5 minutes
- Who:
- you.
- How:
- restart the PS5 and wire it if possible; on Wi-Fi, move it closer to the router. Turn the router off, wait at least 5 minutes and turn it on.
- Result that matters:
- the console connects to the server.
- If it connects:
- the signal or router was in a bad state.
- If WS-116520-5 returns:
- check firmware and ports.
- Evidence to keep:
- Connection type and result.
Evidence: PS5 error code WS-116520-5 (PlayStation Support)
Update the router firmware and open ports
- Who:
- you with the router maker, or your internet provider.
- How:
- update the router to its latest firmware following its maker. If possible, open TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480 and UDP 3478, 3479, 49152 to 65535.
- Result that matters:
- the connection works with the router up to date and ports open.
- If it works:
- the router was blocking the connection.
- If nothing changes:
- wait a few hours and retry, as Sony says.
- Evidence to keep:
- Firmware and ports before and after.
Only on a router you manage and with the ports Sony lists. Note the previous configuration in case the change must be undone.
Evidence: PS5 error code WS-116520-5 (PlayStation Support)
Still not solved
If the error persists, stop here. See what the technician must do and show you.
Where this code applies
A code is meaningful only inside the right product and version context.
Primary scope
- System
- Gaming and consoles
- Brand
- PlayStation
- Product type
- PlayStation 5
Known code variants
- código de error WS-116520-5 PS5
- error al conectar con el servidor WS-116520-5
- error connecting to the server WS-116520-5
- error WS-116520-5 PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 5 error code WS-116520-5
- PlayStation 5 WS-116520-5
- PlayStation error WS-116520-5
- PlayStation WS-116520-5
- PS5 error WS-116520-5
- PS5 WS-116520-5
What it means
WS-116520-5 is a server connection error. Sony starts with service status and continues with the console (restart and cable), Wi-Fi (distance and obstacles), the router (5-minute power off and current firmware) and ports TCP 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480 and UDP 3478, 3479, 49152 to 65535, which your provider can help open. If nothing works, Sony says it may be temporary and to retry after a few hours. The code proves no fault.
Warnings and stop conditions
- Loweditorial warning
Before changing the router, wait a few hours: Sony says this error may be a temporary service problem.
Evidence: PS5 error code WS-116520-5 (PlayStation Support)
Symptoms and causes
Probable causes · in order
- Temporary service problemCommon
Sony cites it as the final possibility. The status page or a retry a few hours later confirms it.
Evidence: PS5 error code WS-116520-5 (PlayStation Support)
- Weak wireless connectionPossible
If the error does not appear over cable or with the PS5 near the router, the signal was the cause.
Evidence: PS5 error code WS-116520-5 (PlayStation Support)
- Router with old firmware or closed portsPossible
If it connects after updating the firmware or opening Sony's ports, the router was blocking the connection.
Evidence: PS5 error code WS-116520-5 (PlayStation Support)
Virtual technician
Does WS-116520-5 still appear after these checks?
Answer a few questions to narrow down the likely cause and the safest next action. Guidance only - it never replaces a professional.
Sources and technical references
- 1
How to set up an internet connection on PlayStation consoles
Sony Interactive Entertainment (playstation.com/en-us) · 2026 · official_doc
- 2
PS5 error code WS-116520-5 (PlayStation Support)
Sony Interactive Entertainment (playstation.com/en-us) · 2026 · official_doc
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