How to Fix PS5 Error WS-116142-5 (Network Sign-In Issue)

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PS5 error WS-116142-5 network troubleshooting
PS5 error WS-116142-5 network troubleshooting

Quick answer: WS-116142-5 is an older code that the source video associates with PSN sign-in or network failure. Sony’s current PS5 error directory does not list it, so treat the exact label as unconfirmed: check PSN, restart the PS5, test the connection, recreate the saved network and power-cycle the router before trying optional DNS changes.

Before you start

  • Confirm another device can use the same connection.
  • Keep the Wi-Fi password handy.
  • Write down any custom IP or DNS settings before changing them.

How to troubleshoot WS-116142-5

  1. Check PlayStation Network status. If sign-in or gaming services are down, wait for recovery rather than changing the console.
  2. Restart the PS5. Close the game and choose Power > Restart PS5.
  3. Test the connection. Go to Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection.
  4. Recreate the saved network. Open Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection, forget the current Wi-Fi profile, and reconnect.
  5. Power-cycle the modem and router. Unplug both for at least five minutes, restore the modem first, then the router.
  6. Try Ethernet. A temporary wired test reveals whether wireless interference is involved.
  7. Retry later or contact Support. If normal internet access works but the code persists, record when it appears and which PSN action triggers it.

Why this works

This sequence separates a service outage from a local configuration problem without deleting games, saves or accounts. Recreating the connection clears stale Wi-Fi settings, while a wired test bypasses signal and band issues.

Optional Wi-Fi-band and DNS tests

The video demonstrates forcing 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz and entering Cloudflare DNS. Those are unofficial, reversible diagnostics. Use 5 GHz near the router and 2.4 GHz at longer range. If you test manual DNS, use a trusted provider and record the old values. To undo it, edit the connection and set DNS to Automatic.

Warnings

  • Do not factory-reset the router; use a normal power cycle.
  • Do not remove the PSN account as an early step.
  • Because the code is absent from the current directory, do not assume every occurrence has the same cause.

FAQ

Is WS-116142-5 currently documented by Sony?

It does not appear in Sony’s current public PS5 error-code directory as of October 4, 2026.

Is public DNS guaranteed to fix it?

No. It helps only when DNS resolution is the failing component.

How do I undo the workaround?

Return the connection’s DNS and frequency-band choices to Automatic.

Official references

Source video

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