Understanding & Fixing PS5 Error Code (NW-102216-2)

The PS5 Error Code (NW-102216-2) usually occurs when the PS5 tries to connect to the PlayStation Network (PSN). This error can prevent the PS5 from accessing online features and services, such as multiplayer games, streaming apps, updates, and more.

In this report, we will explain what this error code means, what are its consequences, what are its possible causes, and how to fix it.

Definition

The NW-102216-2 error code on the PS5 usually signals a problem with the console’s online connection. Issues with your internet connection, router, modem, or PS5’s network settings could all contribute to this error message. The error code may appear when you try to test your internet connection, download or update a game or app, or access any online service on the PS5. The error code may also be accompanied by a message that says “An error occurred while connecting to PlayStation Network” or “Cannot connect to the server within the time limit”.

Consequences

The NW-102216-2 error code can have several negative consequences for PS5 users. Some of these are:

It is possible that you will encounter restrictions in your ability to engage in online gameplay with other individuals or utilize online functionalities within certain games.
There may be limitations preventing you from downloading or updating games and applications via the PlayStation Store or alternative platforms.
The utilization of streaming applications such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and similar services might be inaccessible to you.
The synchronization of your trophies, game saves, or other data with cloud storage or other devices may not be achievable.
Access to your friends list, messages, parties, and other social features on the PlayStation Network (PSN) may be unavailable.
The redemption of codes, vouchers, or subscriptions on the PSN might not be feasible.

Causes

There are several possible causes of the NW-102216-2 error code on the PS5. Some of these are:

Your internet connection is slow, unstable, or interrupted by interference or congestion: This means that the network connection between your PS5 and the internet is not functioning optimally. Slow or unstable internet speeds can cause the NW-102216-2 error code to occur. The connection may be affected by various factors such as a weak Wi-Fi signal, physical obstacles between the PS5 and the router, or heavy network traffic in your area. Interference from other electronic devices operating on similar frequencies can also disrupt the connection.
Your router or modem is faulty, outdated, or incompatible with the PS5: If your router or modem is defective, outdated, or not compatible with the PS5’s network requirements, it can lead to the NW-102216-2 error code. Faulty hardware components or outdated firmware on the router or modem may cause compatibility issues, preventing a stable connection between your PS5 and the internet. Incompatible network settings or security protocols used by the router or modem can also trigger the error code.
Your PS5’s network settings are incorrect, such as the IP address, DNS server, MTU value, etc.: The network settings on your PS5 can impact its ability to establish a successful connection to the internet. Incorrectly configured settings such as an invalid IP address, DNS server, or Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) value can cause the NW-102216-2 error code. These settings define how your PS5 communicates with the network and the internet, and any misconfiguration can disrupt the connection.
The PSN servers are down, undergoing maintenance, or experiencing high traffic: The PlayStation Network (PSN) servers, which handle online services for the PS5, may experience temporary downtime, maintenance, or high traffic. During such periods, you may encounter the NW-102216-2 error code because your PS5 is unable to establish a connection to the PSN servers. This issue is usually temporary and will be resolved once the servers are back online or when the traffic subsides.
There is a software glitch or bug on the PS5 that affects its network functionality: In some cases, the NW-102216-2 error code may be caused by a software glitch or bug within the PS5’s operating system. These glitches can affect the network functionality of the console, resulting in connection issues and error codes. Software updates from Sony can address these bugs and provide fixes to improve the network performance and resolve the error code.

Understanding these potential causes can help you troubleshoot and resolve the NW-102216-2 error code on your PS5 effectively.

How To Fix

Depending on the cause of the NW-102216-2 error code on your PS5, there are different ways to fix it. Here are some of the common solutions that you can try:

Solution 1: Check your internet connection

The first thing you should do when you encounter this error code is to check your internet connection. Make sure that your internet speed is fast enough to support online gaming and streaming on the PS5. You can use a speed test app or website to measure your internet speed and compare it with the recommended speed for PSN services. You should also check if your internet connection is stable and consistent. You can use a ping test app or website to measure your internet latency and packet loss. If you notice any problems with your internet speed or stability, you should contact your internet service provider (ISP) for assistance.

Solution 2: Restart your router and modem

Sometimes, restarting your router and modem can help resolve network issues and improve your internet connection. To do this, follow these steps:

Turn off your PS5 and unplug it from the power source.
Unplug your router and modem from the power source and wait for about 30 seconds.
Plug your router and modem back into the power source and wait for them to boot up completely.
Plug your PS5 back into the power source and turn it on.
Try to connect to the PSN again and see if the error code is gone.

Solution 3: Use a wired connection

If you are using a wireless connection (Wi-Fi) to connect your PS5 to the internet, you may want to switch to a wired connection (Ethernet) instead. A wired connection can provide a faster and more stable internet connection than a wireless one. To do this, follow these steps:

Connect an Ethernet cable from your router or modem to your PS5.
Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection on your PS5.
Select Set Up Using a LAN Cable and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup.
Try to connect to the PSN again and see if the error code is gone.

Solution 4: Change your DNS settings

Another possible solution to fix the NW-102216-2 error code is to change your DNS settings on your PS5. DNS stands for Domain Name System, which is a service that translates domain names (such as www.playstation.com) into IP addresses (such as 192.168.1.1) that computers can understand. Sometimes, using a different DNS server can help improve your internet connection and resolve network issues. To do this, follow these steps:

Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection on your PS5.
Select the connection method that you are using (Wi-Fi or LAN Cable) and then select Custom.
Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the DNS Settings option.
Select Manual and enter the following DNS server addresses:
- Primary DNS: 8.8.8.8
- Secondary DNS: 8.8.4.4
These are the DNS servers provided by Google, which are known to be fast and reliable. You can also try other DNS servers, such as Cloudflare (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220).
Continue with the rest of the setup and save the settings.
Try to connect to the PSN again and see if the error code is gone.

Solution 5: Check the PSN status

Sometimes, the NW-102216-2 error code can be caused by issues with the PSN servers, such as downtime, maintenance, or high traffic. To check the PSN status, you can visit the official website (https://status.playstation.com/) or use the PS App on your smartphone or tablet. If you see any problems with the PSN services, such as Account Management, Gaming and Social, PlayStation Store, PlayStation Video, etc., you may have to wait until they are resolved before you can connect to the PSN again.

Solution 6: Update your PS5 software

The last solution that you can try to fix the NW-102216-2 error code is to update your PS5 software to the latest version. Updating your PS5 software can help fix any bugs or glitches that may affect its network functionality. To do this, follow these steps:

Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings on your PS5.
Select Update System Software and follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest update.
Restart your PS5 and try to connect to the PSN again and see if the error code is gone.

Conclusion

The NW-102216-2 error code on the PS5 is a common network issue that can prevent you from accessing online features and services on the console. This error can be caused by various factors, such as internet issues, router or modem problems, PSN server problems, or incorrect network settings on the PS5. To fix this error, you can try some of the solutions mentioned above, such as checking your internet connection, restarting your router and modem, using a wired connection, changing your DNS settings, checking the PSN status, or updating your PS5 software.

I hope this report has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please let me know.