Quick Summary
Error code NP-31736-0 indicates that the PlayStation Network (PSN) is undergoing maintenance or is temporarily unavailable. This usually means you will be unable to connect to online services, access the PlayStation Store, or play online games.
Common Causes
- PSN Maintenance: The PlayStation Network servers are undergoing scheduled maintenance. Sony often performs maintenance to improve service stability and introduce new features.
- PSN Outage: There is an unscheduled outage affecting the PlayStation Network. This can be caused by unforeseen technical issues or high traffic volumes.
- Internet Connection Issues: Problems with your own internet connection prevent communication with the PSN servers, even if the PSN itself is functioning correctly.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Check the PSN Status Page
Step 1: Visit the official PlayStation Network Service Status page (status.playstation.com).
Step 2: Review the status of each service (Account Management, Gaming and Social, PlayStation Store, etc.). If any service shows as having issues, it's likely the cause of the error.
Step 3: If the services are down, wait until they are restored before attempting to reconnect. There is nothing you can do on your end except wait.
Method 2: Restart Your PlayStation Console
Step 1: Completely power down your PlayStation console. Do not just put it into rest mode.
Step 2: Wait for at least 10 seconds.
Step 3: Power the console back on and try connecting to PSN again.
Method 3: Restart Your Home Network Devices
Step 1: Power off your modem and router completely.
Step 2: Wait for at least 30 seconds.
Step 3: Power on your modem and wait for it to establish a connection.
Step 4: Power on your router and allow it to connect to the modem.
Step 5: Test your PlayStation network connection again.
Method 4: Check Your Internet Connection
Step 1: On your PlayStation, go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection.
Step 2: Review the results of the connection test. Pay attention to the 'Internet Connection' and 'PlayStation Network Sign-In' results. If the internet connection fails, troubleshoot your home network. If the PSN Sign-In fails, the issue is likely with PSN.
Method 5: Check Your PlayStation's DNS Settings
Step 1: Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
Step 2: Select your Wi-Fi network or LAN cable connection method.
Step 3: Choose 'Custom' when prompted for how you want to set up the internet connection.
Step 4: Configure the IP Address Settings: If prompted choose 'Automatic'.
Step 5: Configure the DHCP Host Name: select 'Do Not Specify'.
Step 6: Configure the DNS Settings: select 'Manual'.
Step 7: Set the Primary DNS to 8.8.8.8 and the Secondary DNS to 8.8.4.4 (Google's Public DNS). You can also try 1.1.1.1 (Cloudflare's DNS) as an alternative.
Step 8: Select 'Next'.
Step 9: Configure the MTU Settings: Select 'Automatic'.
Step 10: Configure the Proxy Server Settings: Select 'Do Not Use'.
Step 11: Test your internet connection again.
Method 6: Contact Your Internet Service Provider (ISP)
Step 1: If all other troubleshooting steps fail, contact your ISP to inquire about any known issues with your internet service.
Step 2: Ask if they are experiencing any outages in your area or if there are any known problems affecting your internet connection speed or stability.