How to Fix PS4 Showing Cannot Communicate using SSL error?

The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a popular gaming console that provides hours of entertainment to gamers worldwide. However, sometimes users may encounter an error message stating “Cannot Communicate using SSL” when trying to connect to the PlayStation Network (PSN). This issue is often caused by a local network glitch that prevents the console from establishing a secure connection. In this article, we will guide you through several troubleshooting steps to fix the PS4 SSL error and get you back to gaming in no time.

Let’s dive into each method in detail.

Restart Modem/Router

The first and most important step in troubleshooting the PS4 SSL error is to restart your modem and router. A local network glitch may be causing the issue, and a simple reboot can often resolve it. Follow these steps to properly restart your modem and router:

1. Press and hold the power button on your modem/router until the lights turn off.
2. Unplug the router from the power source.
3. Keep it unplugged for 1-2 minutes.
4. Plug it back into the power source.
5. Press the power button to turn it back on.
6. Wait for all the lights to become stable.
7. Restart your PS4 and try connecting to the internet again.

If you notice any unusual behavior from your router, it’s recommended to contact your internet service provider for further assistance.

Enable consistent NAT(Network address translation)

If you are using a SonicWall model or a similar firewall device, enabling consistent NAT can help resolve the PS4 SSL error. Follow these steps to enable consistent NAT on a SonicWall device:

1. Open your default browser and enter the following IP address in the navigation bar:https://192.168.168.168.
2. Enter your user credentials when prompted. You can find the default username and password in the SonicWall user manual.
3. Once you’re in the SonicWall settings menu, select “Manage” at the top of the list.
4. In the “Managed” menu, select “VOIP” from the left-hand menu under “System Setup.”
5. On the right-hand section, check the box next to “Enable consistent NAT.”
6. Restart your computer and networking device.
7. Attempt to connect your PS4 to the internet and check if the SSL error is resolved.

If you have a different firewall device, consult the user manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions on enabling consistent NAT.

Disable SSL Control

Disabling SSL Control on your firewall device can also help resolve the PS4 SSL error. Here’s how you can do it on a SonicWall device:

1. Open your default browser and enter the following IP address in the navigation bar:https://192.168.168.168.
2. Enter your user credentials as prompted.
3. Once you’re in the SonicWall settings menu, select “Manage” at the top of the list.
4. In the “Manage” menu, click on “Firewall Settings” under “Security Configuration.”
5. Select “SSL Control” from the list of sub-items.
6. Under “General Settings,” either disable SSL Control or change the default action for policy violations to “Log the event.”
7. Restart your device and check if the PS4 SSL error is resolved.

If you have a different firewall device, refer to the user manual or contact the manufacturer for instructions on disabling SSL Control.

Using HTTP instead of HTTPS

Sometimes, simply removing the “s” from “https” and using “http” instead can help bypass the PS4 SSL error. Follow these steps:

1. When encountering the “Cannot Communicate Using SSL” error, press the up button on the D-pad.
2. Remove the “s” from “https” in the URL.
3. Load the page again and check if the SSL error is resolved.

This method may not work for all websites or applications, but it’s worth trying as a quick workaround.

Update firmware version in Safe Mode

Updating the firmware version of your PS4 in Safe Mode can also help resolve the SSL error. Follow these steps:

Delete Pending Notification (if any):

1. Start your PS4 and access the Notifications panel from the main dashboard.
2. Select the update notification.
3. Press the Options button and delete every pending update from the Notification panel.
4. Turn off your PS4 completely and wait until it’s fully turned off.

Boot into Safe Mode:

1. After your PS4 is completely turned off, press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps, approximately 10 seconds apart.
2. Your PS4 will automatically enter Safe Mode.
3. Connect your DualShock4 controller to the console via the USB cable and press the PS button on the controller.
4. In the Safe Mode interface, select “Option 3: Update System Software.”
5. Wait for the new software to download and install.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the newest firmware version.

Updating the firmware in Safe Mode can help resolve any software-related issues that may be causing the SSL error on your PS4.

Change the default DNS

Changing the default DNS (Domain Name System) settings on your PS4 can sometimes resolve the SSL error. Follow these steps:

1. Open your PS4 console and navigate to the main dashboard menu.
2. Go to “Settings.”
3. Open “Networks” and then “Set Up Internet Connection.”
4. Choose either Wi-Fi or LAN, depending on your network type.
5. Select “Custom” when prompted and set the IP Address to “Automatic.”
6. When asked to specify the DHCP Host Name, choose “Do Not Specify.”
7. Set the DNS Settings to “Manual.”
8. Set the Primary DNS to “8.8.8.8” and the Secondary DNS to “8.8.4.4.”

Once you have changed the default DNS settings, try connecting your PS4 to the internet again and see if the SSL error is resolved.

Hard Reset PS4

If all else fails, performing a hard reset of your PS4 may help resolve the SSL error. Follow these steps:

1. With your PS4 turned on, press and hold the PS button on your controller to bring up the Power options menu.
2. Select the “Turn off PS4” option and press the X button.
3. Once the lights on your PS4 go off completely, unplug the console’s power cable and wait for 10 seconds or more.
4. Plug the power cable back into your PS4.
5. Press the power button to start it up again.

Performing a hard reset can help clear any temporary issues that may be causing the SSL error on your PS4.

Conclusion

Encountering the “Cannot Communicate using SSL” error on your PS4 can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to restart your modem/router, enable consistent NAT, disable SSL Control, try using HTTP instead of HTTPS, update the firmware in Safe Mode, change the default DNS settings, and perform a hard reset if necessary. By following these steps, you can get back to enjoying your favorite games on the PS4 without any SSL errors. If the issue persists, take it to a skilled technician for repair. Happy gaming!