cannot connect to the server to verify license on PS4


The error Cannot use content. Cannot connect to the server to verify license on the PS4 is caused by a number reasons. Below is the list of reason I have gathered for you on what causes the error cannot connect to server to verify license.


1. PSN server issues

One of the main reason why you are getting the error cannot connect to the server to verify license is because of PSN server issues. When there is a server issue on the PSN server this error will likely come.


This is because the PS4 is unable to communicate with the PSN server to verify your license is valid.


The Fix

To fix this check that the PSN server is active and working properly Here. Then select your country or region. If the server shows that it is down, then that is the reason why you are getting the error cannot connect to server to verify license.


If everything seems fine on the Server status you can try signing out from your PSN account and then signing back in. What this does is when you sign back in the PS4 will be forced re-verify the licenses that are valid on your account with the server.


When this happens the error will stop coming up and you will be able to play your game.


2. PS4 is not activated as Primary

Another common reason why you are getting the error cannot connect to the server to verify license, is that your PS4 is not set as primary. When your PS4 is not set as primary you will be randomly getting the this error. 


This is because each time you have to play a digital game when your PS4 is not set as primary there is supposed to be an internet connection to verify that you own the game.


The PS4 has to communicate with the PSN server to verify that you own the game and that the license is valid.


The Fix

To fix this issue activate your PS4 as primary and the error will go away. To activate your PS4 as primary follow the steps below.
  1. Go to (Settings)
  2. Select [Account Management]
  3. Activate your PS4 as Primary
  4. Select [Activate]
If you can't activate your PS4 as primary see this article.


3. You have lost internet connection

When you lose internet connection you will most definitely get the error cannot connect to the server verify license.


This is because you haven't activated your PS4 as primary and for the license to be valid you have to be continuously signed in and have an active internet connection.


The reason for this is because when the PS4 is not set as primary the licenses for the games are not saved in the console for offline use. They are activated every time you start the game by connecting to the PSN server for verification. 


And then continue checking every time as you play your game. As soon as it detects anything or fails to verify it brings the error.


The Fix 

Ensure that you have a stable working internet connection. Disconnect some of the devices that are connected to your Router or any access point you are using that maybe hogging your bandwidth. 


Also try restarting your router, if possible reset it and open all the ports. Opening the ports might also help with this issue.


4. Timed Demos

Another common scenario that causes the error cannot connect to the server to verify license are the timed demos. You may discover that you still have time left before the demo expires but you are getting the error. If that's the case then you can follow the fix below


The Fix

If you still have times left left on the game demo you have then you can just sign out of PSN restart your PS4 and then sign back in. This should fix the issue.


Alternatively you can restore licenses on the PS4. To restore licenses on the PS4 go into the (Settings) > [Account Management] > [Restore Licenses] and then select [Restore]. 


This should fix the issue and you should be able to play without any issue.


Conclusion

As we have seen from the article what mostly causes the error cannot connect to the server to verify license is a failed verification of the License for a specific game. If you own the game then you do not have to worry as verifying your license is simple. Just follow the article and you should be good.



FAQs

Why are my games randomly getting locked

Your games are getting locked because the PS4 is unable to verify the license for the specific game(s). You can fix this by connecting to the internet and signing in with your PSN account to verify the license.


Alternatively you can just activate your PS4 as primary to avoid your games getting locked in the future. You can also try to restore licenses on your PS4 as it also helps with unlocking locked games.


Can I play offline on my secondary PS4

Assuming you are using game disks then yes you can play offline on your secondary PS4. Otherwise you need to be signed in to play your digital games on your secondary PS4.


How many PS4s can I activate as Primary

You can activate one PS4 console as primary at a time. If you wish to activate another PS4 you have to deactivate the activated PS4 and then activate the PS4 you want to activate.