How to Deactivate a PS3

Last Updated: March 9, 2022

Sony PlayStation 3 gaming consoles can be deactivated using the XMB or your computer. Sony gives you options to deactivate video or game purchases on your account, or wipe your account of all your devices at once. Choose a method below to deactivate a PS3.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Deactivating a PS3 Using the Console

1
Turn on the PS3 that you want to deactivate.
2
Scroll to the PlayStation Network icon on your Xross Media Bar (XMB). Press the ✕ button to access the menu.

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3
Choose the Sign in icon. Log in to your Sony Entertainment account. This is the account you use to buy games.
4
Highlight “Account Management” under the Sign in menu and press ✕.
5
Scroll until you see “System Activation” and press ✕.
6
Choose the PS3 System listed in this menu. There may be more than 1 PS3, if you have activated several PS3 systems, so make sure you have the right one. Select it by pressing ✕.
7
Choose Game or Video System Activation.
8
Press “Deactivate System,” then press the ✕ button.
9
Return to either Game or Video to completely deactivate the system for both uses. Click on it and press “Deactivate System” again. You should be unable to access games or videos from your Sony Network account.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Deactivating All PS Consoles on a Computer

1
Get on your computer. Open a web browser.
2
Go to the following URL: https://account.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com/login.action.
3
Log in using your Sony Network Account.
4
Click the Account tab at the top of the page.
5
Choose “Media and Devices” from your list of options in the left hand Account column.
6
Highlight the Game option by hovering your mouse over the box.
7
Click “Deactivate All.” Confirm that you want to deactivate all devices on your account.
- Keep in mind that there are limitations to this function. You can only deactivate all systems every 6 months.
- You will need to reactivate a system to gain access to your downloaded games. You can share your games with up to 5 PlayStation devices that are registered to your account.
- If you want to deactivate a single PS3, you need to call Sony Entertainment Network’s customer service line at 1-855-999-7669.
8
Repeat the deactivation under Video, Music and Comics options.