Question about Playstation system Activation/Deactivation

Gabriel · July 1, 2023

Hi all. I'm popping back in with a question. I'm hoping someone has a knowledgeable answer.

I have a PS4 which I actively use for gaming. I also have several PS3s and PS Vita pieces of hardware which are no longer active, but which are still on and Activated on my Playstation Network account.

I have a new, clean PS3 which I'd like to load up with my PS3 content before the store for that system is gone. Sadly, a large percentage of that content is already at its download limit (was already downloaded to two previous systems). So, I need to get my previous systems deactivated, but I cannot log in using those systems.

Sony's solution is to allow me to deactivate all systems. This would be perfectly fine except for my still active PS4.

If I deactivate all my systems, which includes my PS4, will I have to redownload EVERYTHING on my PS4 again in order to get it to work? Or will there be a quick reacativation as soon as I sign on with it?

Austin · July 5, 2023

I don't have a definitive answer, sorry, but I would assume you shouldn't need to re-download anything on the PS4. Deactivating doesn't remove the games you've downloaded. Just go to system settings and make it your primary console once again after it's already been deactivated.