Sony rolls out 30-day online DRM check-in for PlayStation digital games — players could temporarily lose access if they don't keep their consoles online
Sony has implemented a new DRM policy requiring PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users to connect to the internet every 30 days to maintain access to certain digital games. Failure to check in online within the rolling 30-day window results in temporary loss of access until the license is renewed. The change, confirmed by PlayStation Support but not officially announced by Sony, affects digital games downloaded after a recent firmware update. Players are criticizing the move as a betrayal of offline gaming and a reversal of Sony's earlier stance against online check-ins.
- ▪PlayStation users must connect their console online every 30 days to retain access to affected digital games.
- ▪Games purchased after the March 2026 firmware update are subject to the new DRM requirement.
- ▪Setting a console as primary does not exempt users from the 30-day online check-in rule.
- ▪A dead CMOS battery can also trigger loss of access to digital games under this DRM policy.
- ▪Sony has not issued an official public statement about the change, fueling player frustration.
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Video Games Console Gaming PlayStation Sony rolls out 30-day online DRM check-in for PlayStation digital games — players could temporarily lose access if they don't keep their consoles online News By Hassam Nasir published 28 April 2026 Silent policy change infuriates PlayStation owners When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. (Image credit: Sony) Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter A few days ago, reports of a new DRM policy surrounding PS4 and PS5 consoles began popping up. Many users are seeing a new 30-day online check-in requirement for some games.
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