Wondering what PS5 error code WS-116489-9 means? It’s simple!
The error means that the device is unable to connect to the response server!
There could be two general reasons why:
- The PlayStation Network is undergoing a Maintenance
- The PlayStation 5 Console is not connected to WiFi/Internet
When the PS5 WS-116489-9 Error Code appears, we need to first check whether the PlayStation Network is online. The next step is to make sure that our console is connected to a currently working WiFi or Ethernet connection to determine the cause.
Let’s next jump straight into the solutions and learn how to solve the problem!
How To Fix PS5 Error Code WS-116489-9?
As we’ve learned, the WS-116489-9 error means that the console can’t reach the server responsible for the service you’re attempting to reach.
In most cases, this error is seen when users attempt to use an online PlayStation service or a game network.
Let’s jump straight into the methods and learn how the WS-116489-9 error is solved on PS5:
Method #1 Reboot The PlayStation 5
Even when the issue appears to be related to the networking, the good old restart method always comes first.
When the problem is related to a dead service or an operating system process, the restart will refresh everything, providing a fresh start.
Turn OFF and Disconnect your PlayStation 5 from the power for 3 minutes!
This will be enough to discharge the device and restart ALL services and processes, which in most cases solves a wide variety of networking issues.
When the power cycle is over, test opening the service that you’ve previously encountered the PS5 WS-116489-9 error on.
Tip: Waiting for longer when the device is unplugged is better than not waiting long enough!
Method #2 Check the PSN Network Status
The next step is to check whether the problem is on their or our side.
When you can’t reach a PlayStation service, there’s always a probability that the PlayStation Network Servers are temporarily offline, leading to downtime.
Go to the PlayStation™ Network and check for services that are currently offline!
For example, when only the PlayStation Store is in red, that would mean that error code WS-116489 is highly likely to appear when we access the server.
The Gaming and Social would translate into your Friend’s List and online gaming and Account Management is your profile.
In case the service in red aligns with your trouble, then you should wait this out.
Note: In case you see “All Services Are Up and Running”, proceed with the next step!
Method #3 Reconnect Console To WiFi/Internet
The next probability that we’re going to address is the connection between the console and your WiFi device (modem/router).
The PlayStation 5 would often display WS-116489-9 when the device can’t connect to the PSN Server not because they are offline, but because you are.
Here’s how to reconnect PlayStation 5 to the WiFi/Internet:
- From the Home Screen, go to Settings.
- Select Network and then Settings again.
- Choose Set up Internet Connection.
- Wireless or Wired for WiFi or via Ethernet cable.
- Select your WiFi and insert the password.
It doesn’t really matter whether your PlayStation is connected to the WiFi or not.
Sometimes your network router is offline, which leads to all devices connected to the WiFi being offline as well.
In that set of thoughts proceed only if you’re confident that the internet supply is OK.
Method #4 Boot Console In Safe Mode
The Safe Mode is a way to turn on the PlayStation 5 with many of the services stopped, therefore not much could go wrong.
This method has proven to solve process and service networking issues related to the WS-116489-9 PlayStation 5 error code.
Let’s now learn how to restart the PlayStation 5 into Safe Mode:
- Turn OFF your PlayStation 5 using the power button.
- Press and hold the power button until you hear the second beep.
- Release the power button and connect a controller.
- Press the PlayStation button on the controller.
- From the Safe Mode Menu select Restart.
Now after the reset, test whether the error WS-116489-9 will appear.
In case the error is still there when you’re trying to use a certain service or a game, proceed with the next step!
Alert: Some options from the Safe Mode Menu lead to a permanent data loss!
Method #5 Configure the DNS Settings
Sometimes the PlayStation 5 even when connected with Ethernet cable or WiFi, there is no internet because of a misconfiguration in the DNS Settings.
In the steps below we’ll learn exactly what to do to enable the internet connection by adjusting the DNS settings manually.
Here’s how to change the DNS settings on your PlayStation 5:
- Reach the Settings from the Main Menu.
- In the settings choose Network.
- From there select Set Up Internet Connection.
- Select Custom and choose your network type (Wireless or Wired).
- When asked, set the DNS Settings to Manual.
Then insert the Public Google DNS Server addresses:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS:8.8.4.4
From there finalize the configuration and save the changes. Now it’s recommended to restart the PlayStation 5 and test whether the error WS-116489-9 will appear.
In case, however, the problem is persistent and nothing helps, we’re moving on to more harsh methods!
Note: For Cloudflare DNS use (Primary - 1.1.1.1 / Secondary - 1.0.0.1).
Method #6 Factory Reset The PlayStation
The initialization is not a method that should be executed for every minor issue, since it does wipe ALL data, games, and settings and disconnects you from your PSN Account.
The reason is that the factory reset can and probably will solve the problem with the WS-116489-9 error.
Let’s next learn how the factory reset is done via PlayStation 5 Safe Mode:
- Turn OFF the PlayStation.
- Hold the Power Button until you hear the second beep.
- Connect a DualSense Controller to the PS5 and press the PlayStation button.
- Select the 6th option from the Safe Mode Menu “Reset PS5”.
- The PlayStation 5 will reset its operating system.
You will know that the reset is over when the PlayStation 5 restarts and prompts you to begin the initial setup.
That translates into selecting a Language, Time & Date, Connecting to WiFi, and everything that you’ve done when opening the console out of the box.
When setup is completed, test whether error WS-116489-9 continues to appear.
Method #7 Contact PlayStation Support
The final step that will complete our guide is to seek assistance from PlayStation Customer Service where you can report your problem.
Perhaps something is wrong with your PSN Account that needs checking? Or maybe the issue is on their side?
We’ll find that out…
- From the PlayStation Support Page find answers to your questions!
In case nothing there answers your inquiries you’ll need to sign in to your account to be able to get in touch with a support representative via Live Chat, Ticket, or Live Call.
It’s important to share everything that you’ve tried in this guide to save both instances as much time as possible.
Note: The response to your inquiry can take up to a few business days!
What About PlayStation 5 Error Code WS-116520-5?
The reality is that all “WS” errors 116489-9, 116520-5 as well as 116521-6 are all related to the console’s connectivity to the response PSN server.
In case, however, the problem is not related to your internet connection and the PSN Network Status is “up and running” it’s not good.
One thing that is left to check is whether we’re connecting to a 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz frequency, and both broadband’s strength is different. If possible, switch to the other one and test.
In case you’re unable to defeat your “WS” error, use method #7 to seek help!
Quick Recap:
Thus, the PlayStation 5 WS-116489-9 error appears because the console can’t connect to the response server for a certain online service. We’ve learned that this could happen either because the PSN Network servers are down or we are connected to the internet.
Read Next: How to Fix PS5 Error Code E2-81760020?
Final Thoughts:
Now that we’ve learned why PS5 error code WS-116489-9 appears and how to solve the problem in a matter of minutes, we are now ready to enjoy our online services.
However, we now know where to seek help even when the problem is persistent so there is nothing to be concerned about.
We hope that this guide was helpful and for more relevant topics, check our blog!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.