Why Can’t I Buy PlayStation Plus?

As an ardent PlayStation lover, you cannot fail to be enticed by the idea of PlayStation Plus. This is an exclusive PlayStation full experience, complete with online multiplayer access, monthly free games, and discounts for a number of items. Nevertheless, the way leading to them isn’t so easy from time to time. Something like, “Why can’t I buy PlayStation Plus?” As complex as figuring out why gamers cannot purchase a 1-month membership, having trouble with using funds in the wallet and facing unknown PS5 errors is a so-called roadblock to many users.

These hurdles may be annoying in 2023 when digital transactions are streamlined processes. Positively, this article demystifies these challenges. We’ll look at the possible scenarios of why PlayStation Plus purchasing might be a failure, such as server issues and troubles with payment methods. We have developed this guide to help you overcome these challenges and get down to the business of enjoying your PlayStation Plus Membership. Well, let us start this journey to help set off your PS Plus purchase troubles and put the true power of PlayStation out there for you.

Possible Causes of Purchase Issues

1. PlayStation Server Maintenance

During Sony’s server maintenance, there are instances when some parts of PSN, like the PSN Store and PS Plus, become unavailable. In this case, the purchase or renewal of PS Plus could prove difficult during these maintenance times. During this period, some of these transaction errors might be caused by failures on the side of the servers that may appear as error screens or unsuccessful transactions.

It is necessary to verify if the PS servers are in operation to prevent frustration. This is accessible on the PSN service status webpage. On the other hand, users should follow Playstation’s official social media outlets for timely updates on maintenance or server problems.

2. Issues with credit card and billing information.

The billing particulars of the credit card have to match the billing information of your PlayStation account. Failure in the transactions can be due to discrepancies in PSN accounts with credit card details like out-of-date addresses or incorrect card numbers.

It is also possible that you do not have enough money for your PSN wallet. Your wallet needs to be full of money before trying a purchase.

Keep checking your credit card details on your PSN account often. In a bid to achieve this, you may visit the ‘Account Management’ part on your PlayStation console or through the official PlayStation website. Any obsolete details like your billing address, card expiration date, and CVN should be updated.

3. PSN Account Issues

PSN security protocols may block your account from updating your payment details frequently in a short period. The aim of this move to curb fraud is a double-edged sword because it also affects legitimate customers.

Parental controls may be put in place for your account, thus restricting possible purchase transactions on the PlayStation store. 

4. Glitches in PS Store or PS Plus.

Sometimes, glitches with the PS store and PS Plus may be due to software updates or problems associated with the network connection. These hitches may block successful transactions and cannot be achieved via the PS Plus service.

Begin by restoring your PlayStation console so such hiccups may be resolved by so. Such a basic action is capable of resolving most of these little problems. Apart from that, it is also possible to clear the console’s cache or restore licenses via Account Settings. Alternatively, a user may decide to uninstall and reinstall the PS Store app. In the same way, regularly updating your console’s software ensures the latest corrections and improvements from Sony are implemented. As a result, these underlying problems of the PS Store or PS Plus may be resolved.

Effective Solutions to Purchase PS Plus

1. Add Funds and Use Wallet for Subscription.

Step-by-Step Guide to Add Funds and Use Wallet for Subscription:

• Access Wallet: Proceed towards your PlayStation console, then to ‘settings’ followed by ‘users & account.’
• Add Funds: Click on ‘account’ >> ‘payment and subscriptions’ >> add funds. Select your preferred mode of payment, for instance, a credit or debit card.
• Select Amount: Select the amount of money you want to add to your wallet. It is worth remembering that it should take care of your PS Plus subscription payments for both themselves and additional tax.
• Confirm Transaction: Click “confirm,” and your money will go into your account. After completion, the amount should appear in your PSN wallet.
• Purchase PS Plus: Proceed to the subscription page, where you will select PlayStation Plus and pick your preferred price plan.
• Select Payment Method: Select funds in ‘wallet’ at the payment screen. Confirm this transaction to finish your PS Plus shopping.

It comes in handy when your credit card does not work. Sometimes, these obstacles may be overcome by funding the wallet in advance and tapping into these monies for the subscription.

2. Restore Licenses on Console

 Procedure for License Restoration:

• Navigate to Restore Licenses: To launch the pop-up menu, press the PlayStation button in your controller while on the console. Select ‘Settings’ → ‘User and Accounts.’
• Restore Licenses: Go to ‘other’ and click ‘Restore Licences.’
• Initiate the Process: To initiate the process of restoring a license, click on “restore.” This will resync your console to PlayStation servers to verify your legal purchase and subscription items.
• Completion: Let it run. Once all licenses are reinstated, you will be informed. Then, go ahead and get your PlayStation Plus subscription again.

This step is key especially when you face problems such as “I have PSN plus, but it shows that I do not.” In case you doubt whether your console’s information on your subscription status agrees with your PSN profile, this procedure might help.

3. Buy an additional PS Plus subscription.

Alternative Methods Using PC, Smartphone, or Tablet:

• Access PS Store Online: Launch a web browser on your computer, tablet, or smartphone and log in to your PS store account.
• Log In to Your Account: Login via your PSN credentials. Ensure that you are accessing the same account that is tied to your PlayStation console.
• Navigate to PS Plus: Log into the system and click the PlayStation Plus icon located in the main menu or service section.
• Select Your Subscription Plan: Select the PS Plus subscription plan of choice (1 month or 12 months). Make sure to check the terms, conditions, and offers for each package.
• Complete the Purchase: Check out by adding it to the shopping cart after subscribing. You can make payments through different means, including the use of credit cards, PayPal, and wallet funds that you already have in your account.
• Access on Console: Your account will become active after making the purchase. The PlayStation Plus features should come up if you can log in to your PSN account on the PlayStation console.

This approach comes in handy, especially when you are facing difficulties when purchasing directly through your PlayStation console. It can be used as an easy escape route, mostly dealing with problems arising as a result of a specific console malfunction.

4. Use PS Plus Gift Cards

How to Redeem and Utilize Gift Cards:

• Purchase a PlayStation Plus Gift Card: There are several stores where you can purchase PlayStation Plus gift cards – online and offline. The codes that correspond to the particular subscription period (month, three months, and year) are included in these cards.
• Reveal the Code: In the case of a physical card, carefully scrape away the silver layer at the rear side to see the PIN. The code for digital buys shall either be sent to your email or availed in your online account.
• Redeem the Code on Your Console: Visit the PlayStation store on your console PS. On the sidebar, scroll downwards to the ‘Redeem Codes.’ Type in the code of the gift card and press ‘redeem.’
• Redeem the Code Online: Alternatively, you could go to “http://www.playstationstore.com,” where you need to login into your account and then navigate to the manage account option before clicking on ‘REDEEM CODES’ for redemption.
• Confirmation: Upon redeeming the code, you will receive a PlayStation Plus membership as long as indicated on the card.

Buying the Gift card and using it for purchasing this service is considered one of the best solutions, even if you encounter paying problems or prefer not to apply a direct card charge. Another easy alternative is availing of PS Plus subscriptions as gifts.

5. Review and Verify Credit Card Information Again

Detailed Instructions for Updating Card Details on Various Platforms:

On PlayStation Console:

• Go to ‘Settings,’ ‘Users, and Accounts.’
• Click on the ‘Account’ button, then click ‘Payment and Subscriptions’ followed by ‘Payment Methods.’
• Pick a credit/debit you want to edit or include another.
• Ensure the name, card number, expiration date, and billing address, among other necessary information, correspond with the information recorded in the credit card statement.
• Make these changes and ensure the newly added payment option is defaulted for payments in future purchases.

On the PlayStation Website:

• Sign in to your PSN account online.
• Go to ‘Account settings’ and click ‘payment management.’
• In this section, you will see all your active, added, and deleted payment methods that you can edit.
• Ensure you make adjustments to credit card information and submit as per requirement.

It’s very important never to cease updating and authenticating credit card details, especially after receiving new ones or changing residences. The second phase is meant for the buyers’ protection and involves purchase mistake elimination during the billing operations on the PlayStation store.

6. Trying Different Payment Methods

Explore Alternatives Like PayPal:

On PlayStation Console:

• Under ‘Settings’ click on ‘Users and Accounts,’ then ‘Account,’ then ‘Payment and Subscriptions.’
• Choose ‘Add Payment Method’ and opt for PayPal or any other applicable option.
• Login to your PayPal account and then click on allow access/authorization to authorize your PayPal as a payment method.
• Once you add it, you can choose PayPal at the time of checkout for PS4.

On the PlayStation Website:

• When you log in to your PlayStation account, click ‘Profile settings,’ followed by ‘Payment settings.’
• Add a different payment method and select PayPal.
• Log in to and link your PayPal account to your PlayStation account.
• Designate PayPal as your preferred mode of payment when making the purchase.

There are some alternatives to a direct charge of a credit card, such as using PayPal. It is very helpful in case of unknown errors with your credit card while operating the PlayStation Store. Moreover, most users consider that another layer of security is introduced in their online transactions by PayPal.

7. Logging out and logging back into their PS account.

Steps to Refresh Connection to the PlayStation Store:

On Your PlayStation Console:

• Go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘User and Accounts.’
• You will see the ‘Sign Out’ link at the bottom of the page.
• Wait for a few minutes after signing out.
• To sign back in, please enter your PSN login and password.
• Refreshing the connection of your account with the PSN may also solve such errors temporarily.

Via the PlayStation App or Website:

• Ensure you log off from your account on a PlayStation app or website.
• After some time, log back into your PSN account using the same credentials.
• Logging out and logging in again across various platforms should set the state of that account/device and get rid of minor connection problems or sync errors, respectively.

A simple solution that may address many problems regarding account synchronizing and errors from the PlayStation online network is this one.

8. Check PlayStation Store Network Status

How to Verify Network Functionality:

Using the PlayStation Console:

• Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Network’.
• Click on ‘The status of PlayStation Network services.’
• It will indicate the functional operating condition of various PSN services such as online stores and other applications.

Online Check:

• Go to the PlayStation Network Service Status page.
• This is where you get to enjoy information on a minute-by-minute basis update regarding all PSN services that are provided in your area.
• Ensure that there are no complaints about the PS store or other related services.

Stay Informed via social media:

• Sony’s social media handles are usually updated regarding system issues and network maintenance.
• This is where you get up-to-date information about current problems and how they may be affecting your business.

It is necessary to check the network status of the PlayStation Store, in particular, while facing troubles with buying or using PS Plus. This process determines whether the problem is of the individual or generalized across many users.

9. Update your console software.

Guidance on Updating Console Software:

On Your PlayStation Console:

• From the menu, tap on ‘Settings.’
• Scroll down and select ‘System.’
• Go to ‘System Software’ under ‘Settings’ then ‘System Software Update and Settings.’
• Click ‘Update System Software’ and then ‘Update using the Internet.’ The console will scan to see whether there are upcoming patches or software program releases/updates.
• Download and install the updates if prompted. Remember, do not turn off the console when updating it.
• This update may reboot your console. After switching back on, make sure that you should now be able to buy PlayStation Plus without problems.

10. Factory Reset Your Console

Instructions for Backup, Reset, and Restoration of your Console:

Backup your important Data:

• It is necessary to save your game saves, settings, and any other important data before you do a factory reset.
• Open ‘Settings’ >> ‘Saved data and game/app setting.’
• Save your data on a hard drive or upload it to the cloud (PlayStation Plus members only).

Perform a Factory Reset:

• Go to Settings >> System >> Reset Options.
• Select ‘Reset Your Console.’ 
• Once it is done. This will restore your console to its normal factory settings.

Restore Data After Reset:

• After resetting, set up your console as you did when you first got it.
• Restore your backed-up data from either the USB storage or cloud storage to recover your games, saves, and settings.

Post-Reset:

• After you have installed the console, restore the data and once again purchase PS Plus.

A factory reset should be considered a last resort, as it completely wipes the console. This approach might, however, help resolve deeper problems that cannot be addressed by simple troubleshooting steps.

Conclusion

The complications that come with buying PlayStation Plus make it difficult as even simple questions like why one cannot purchase PlayStation Plus and encountering problems with specific plans such as one-month or 12-month subscriptions. We have looked into numerous possible impediments, such as server service and mismatches in the bills to more technical problems. All of the solutions provided are targeted at addressing each of these concerns, such as updating your credit card, using PayPal payment alternatives, and performing a factory reset.

Please go through the listed suggestions step by step. More often than not solving these Play Station purchase problems takes patience and elimination. Remember, the benefits of a PS Plus membership – access to online multiplayer, free games, and exclusive discounts – are worth the effort. With a little troubleshooting, you’ll soon be back to enjoying everything PlayStation Plus has to offer.

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