Exit and Relaunch Steam via the Steam App

If the Steam app is responsive on your PC or Mac, you can exit it directly through the app before relaunching it. To do this, follow these steps.

1. Bring up the Steam client interface and select Steam in the upper left corner of the window.
   
2. Choose Exit from the dropdown menu. Steam will close.
   

3. Re-launch Steam via its desktop icon or the Start menu on your PC. If you’re on a Mac, select the icon on the Dock, Launchpad, or the Applications folder.
   

If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with Steam, you might want to toggle Offline Mode—select the Go Offline option in the Steam menu—before exiting the application. After restarting Steam, re-open the Steam menu and choose Go Online to reconnect to Steam’s online services.

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam

If Steam is unresponsive, forcibly closing and relaunching the application might get it working correctly again. The method you’ll need to follow differs depending on whether you’re on a Windows PC or an Apple Mac.

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam—Windows

If you’re on a Windows PC, use the Task Manager to shut down the Steam client. Here’s how:

1. Press Control + Shift + Escape to open the Task Manager.
   
2. Locate and highlight the Steam process under the default Processes tab.
   
3. Select the End Task button to force-close the process.
   

4. Close any other Steam-related processes that continue to appear within the list of processes, such as Steam Client Service and Steam Client WebHelper.
   
5. Exit the Task Manager.
   
6. Re-launch Steam from the desktop or Start menu.
   

Force-Quit and Relaunch Steam—macOS

If you’re on a Mac, use the Force Quit Applications dialog to force-close Steam. Just:

1. Press Option + Command + Escape to open the Force Quit Applications dialog.
   
2. Select Steam within the list of open programs.
   
3. Select the Force Quit button.
   

4. Select Force Quit again on the confirmation pop-up.
   
5. Relaunch Steam via the Dock, Launchpad, or Applications folder.
   

An alternative method is to use the Activity Monitor on your Mac to force-quit Steam. Start by opening the Launchpad and selecting Other > Activity Monitor. Next, highlight Steam under the CPU tab, select the X button on the top of the window, and choose Force Quit.

Restart Steam via Command Line

Suppose you have trouble quitting an unresponsive instance of Steam through the Windows Task Manager or the Force Quit Applications dialog on a Mac (or the Activity Monitor). In that case, you can resort to your computer’s command line to end and relaunch the Steam process.

Restart Steam via Command Line—Windows

On Windows, use the Command Prompt console to shut down and re-open Steam. Here’s how:

1. Open the Start menu, type cmd, and select Open as administrator on the search results.
   
2. Type taskkill /F /IM steam.exe and press Enter to force Steam to close.
   

3. Run the cd C:Program Files (x86)Steam and start Steam.exe commands one after the other to re-launch Steam. Or, exit the Command Prompt console and reopen Steam from the desktop or Start menu.
   

Restart Steam via Command Line—macOS

You can use Terminal on a Mac to quit and re-open Steam. Just:

1. Open the Launchpad and select Other > Terminal.
   
2. Type killall Steam and press Enter to force Steam to close.
   

3. Type open -a Steam to relaunch Steam. Or, exit the Terminal and re-open Steam via the Dock, Launchpad, or Applications folder.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache

Another way to force-restart Steam is by deleting its download cache. Unlike the standard and force-restart techniques mentioned above, this method can address various issues related to downloading or updating video games.

The most straightforward way to clear the Steam download cache is through the Steam app’s Settings console. Just:

1. Open Steam and select Steam > Settings on the menu bar.
   
2. Select the Downloads tab on the sidebar.
   
3. Select the Clear Cache button next to Clear Download Cache.
   

4. Select Confirm—Steam should turn off and reboot automatically.
   
5. Log in to your Steam account again.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache—Alternative Method

If you have trouble accessing Steam’s Settings console, use the following workarounds to clear the Steam download cache.

Clear Steam Download Cache—PC

You can use a Run command to clear the Steam download cache on the PC. Just:

1. Press Windows + R to open a Run dialog.
   
2. Type steam://flushconfig and select OK.
   

3. The Steam client should launch and display a confirmation pop-up—select Confirm.
   
4. Wait until the Steam client clears its cache and relaunches itself.
   
5. Sign in to Steam with your Steam account credentials.
   

Clear Steam Download Cache—Mac

On the Mac, you must run a command through a browser to clear Steam’s download cache. Just:

1. Open Safari or another web browser.
   
2. Type steam://flushconfig into the address bar of a new tab and press Enter.
   

3. Select Open Steam. The Steam client should launch and display a confirmation pop-up—select Confirm.
   
4. Wait for Steam to relaunch itself.
   
5. Sign in to Steam.
   

Start Fresh

Restarting the Steam app on a PC or Mac can resolve many issues and is also a great starting point for more advanced fixes. Try quitting and relaunching Steam normally first. If that doesn’t work, force-closing the Steam processes, using your computer’s command line, or clearing its download cache should help.

The post How to Restart the Steam App first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In the immersive world of gaming, encountering a black screen issue on your PS5 can be frustrating. Whether you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session or gearing up for a cinematic adventure, a sudden loss of visual output can disrupt the gaming experience and ruin your day. But don’t worry, we’ve curated a comprehensive list of basic troubleshooting steps and advanced solutions to help you navigate through the potential causes behind the PS5 black screen issue.

Also, if you have a PS4 console with the same problem, check out our detailed guide on how to fix the Playstation 4 black screen issue.

Why Does the Black Screen Happen on PS5?

Unfortunately, there’s no one cause behind the Black Screen when it comes to PS5 consoles. Fortunately, troubleshooting the problem and fixing it can be quite easy. As soon as you discover what’s the problem with your TV or the console, you can start fixing it.

Here’s a short list of the most common PS5 Black Screen causes:

1. The HDMI connection between the TV and the PS5 console is lost. Typically this happens due to a loose or damaged cable.
2. The console displays games at a higher resolution than your TV model supports.
3. PlayStation 5 software issues can also lead to a Black Screen. The software could be simply outdated, or not compatible with the TV software.
4. Similarly, the device’s hardware issues can lead to a Black Screen. These issues are mostly physical damage to the console or the TV.
5. Sometimes, the PS 5 doesn’t exit the rest mode correctly and will display a black screen.

These are the most common known issues that result in a black screen with PS5 consoles. Now let’s see how to fix them.

1. Check Your TV or Monitor

Before you dive into more complicated fixes, check if your TV or monitor is in working order. This is especially important if the PS5 console displays a black screen but the sound is unaffected. If you saw the PlayStation logo before the screen went dark, your TV or monitor works and you can continue troubleshooting the issue.

But if there was no display of the PS logo, but your console is working (you can see the blinking blue light on it), then you should check if your display device is still working. Plug in another console or a computer, return to the TV mode, or streaming device.

If your display works with other devices, but not with the PlayStation 5, you’ll know the fault is not in your TV or monitor.

2. Check the HDMI Connection

The HDMI connection is one of the top reasons users experience black screen with or without sound, or periodical black screen dropouts. HDMI is responsible for both video and audio output, and that’s why you might hear sound or not when experiencing a black screen.

Improper HDMI connection can be on either console’s or TV’s end. That’s why you’ll need to check both HDMI ports, as well as the cable integrity. First, unplug the HDMI cable from both the TV and console and plug it back in. Make sure it sits in the ports correctly and firmly.

In the meantime, while the cable is out, check it for breakpoints and any physical damage. You can also connect it to other devices to see if it works. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to replace the HDMI cable.

Finally, some TVs have multiple HDMI ports. Try switching the cable from one port to another and see if this helped solve the black screen issue.

3. Unplug Any Other Devices Using the TV’s HDMI Port

Some TVs have been known to display a black screen if there are multiple devices connected to their HDMI ports at the same time. This could be the reason why your PS5 is having trouble displaying the image on your TV or monitor.

The solution is simple, plug out any other devices that are using TV’s HDMI ports, and leave only the PS5 console plugged in. See if this fixed the issue. If not, continue reading.

4. Force Shut Down Your PS5 Console

If your console doesn’t boot properly, it can display a black screen after the logo. In other cases, the black screen can occur when your PS5 enters the rest mode and gets stuck in it. If this is what you’re experiencing, you’ll have to force shut down your PS5. Here’s how:

1. Turn the PS5 console on.
2. While it’s on, press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps. You’ll have to wait for the second sound signal around 7 seconds after the first one.

3. Release the power button on your PS5 after the second beep and wait 5 to 10 minutes for the console to cool down.
4. Turn the console back on and see if it boots properly.

5. Power Cycle the Console and the TV

A power cycle is nothing else but a soft reset. It can fix a lot of issues you may have experienced with your PS5 console, including the display of pitch black screen. Power cycling your console won’t affect your files, apps, and games. Here’s how to do it:

1. Power off your console. Press and hold the power button until the white light stops flashing.
2. Remove the power cable from your console and the wall outlet. Remember that this step is very important. If you skip it, you aren’t power cycling your console.
3. Wait for around a minute or two before returning the cable back to the console and the wall outlet.
4. Turn your PS5 console on.

If you suspect the issue is with your TV instead of your console, you can power cycle your TV too. Turn it off, remove the cable from the power outlet, and wait a minute or two before plugging the cable back in and turning the TV on.

6. Boot and Fix the Console in Safe Mode

Booting the PS5 console in safe mode will allow you to fix various issues you might have. Safe mode is especially useful when the console is unresponsive, and you can’t to its dashboard to change settings and configurations.

To boot your console in Safe Mode:

1. Press the power button on the front panel to turn your PS5 off.
2. When the console powers off, press and hold the power button and release it only after the second beep.
3. Connect the controller with the USB cable. The charging cable is very important here.
4. Press the PS logo button on your controller to enter the safe mode.

Once you’re in the safe mode there are different things you can do to tackle the Black Screen issue. Let’s see them all one by one.

1. Restart PS5 in Safe Mode

Once in the Safe Mode menu select Restart PS5 and wait for the console to boot up.

If you’re still experiencing a black screen, check out what else you can do in safe mode.

2. Change the PS5 Output Resolution

If your TV doesn’t support the video output resolution selected within your PS5 console, it won’t display anything. You can change the output resolution to the proper one for your TV model within Safe Mode.

1. In the Safe Mode Menu select Change Video Output.

2. Select Change Resolution on the next screen.

3. The console will display a message that it’ll restart. Select OK.
4. When the restart finishes you can select a new resolution. Make sure it’s supported by your TV.

3. Restore Default Settings

Sometimes, it’s the software issue or the console settings that are causing the black screen on PS5. Restoring it to the factory typically fixes it. All the settings and configurations you might save will be lost. But all the files, apps, and games will remain on your console.

Once you are in the Safe Mode menu, select Restore Default Settings. The console will do the rest automatically, and you don’t have to do anything else but be patient.

4. Defrag or Rebuild Database

An issue with the PS5 database can also cause a black screen to appear. That’s why you need to defrag, more popularly called Clear Cache and Rebuild Database. To do it:

1. Select the Clear Cache and Rebuild Database from the Safe Mode menu.

2. Select Rebuild Database on the next screen.

Wait until your PS5 console finishes the process. This should fix the black screen problem but also make your gaming console work faster.

5. Update System Software

Software bugs are a common thing on gaming consoles. That’s why you should regularly update the system software on your PS5. It helps get rid of any potential bugs and glitches that could cause various problems.

Follow these steps to update your PS5 system software:

1. Once in the Safe Mode menu, use your controller and select the Update System Software option.

2. Then select to update from a USB drive or the Internet.

3. Once you make this selection, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the updates.

6. Reset PS5 Console in Safe Mode

Many users claim that performing a PS5 reset from the Safe Mode menu helped them get rid of the black screen issue.

But if you do the PS5 Reset, you’ll lose all your files, games, and apps stored on your device. This is why this option should be the last thing you try to fix the Black Screen on the PS5 issue.

To perform a PS5 reset:

1. Once in the Safe Mode menu select the Reset PS5 option. It’s number 6 on the list.

2. On the next screen confirm you want to perform the reset.

Once the reset is done, your Black Screen problem should go away.

7. Use the PS5 Troubleshooting Mode to Fix the Console

If you don’t want to go through the Safe Mode options and troubleshoot the problem yourself, you can force your console to go into the troubleshooting mode and attempt to fix the issue. Here’s how:

1. Turn your PS5 console on.
2. When the PS Logo is displayed, unplug the console from the power outlet.
3. The next time you turn on the device, it’ll go into the forced troubleshooting mode automatically.
4. Wait until the console finds and fixes the problem.

8. Switch Picture Mode on the TV

If your Black Screen issue started after a console update, you should try changing the Picture Mode on your TV. Many users report this method helped them get rid of the black screen.

Different TV models, such as Samsung, LG, Sony, or Vizio offer different picture modes. You can switch between Movie, Sports, Vivid, Dynamic, Game, or Standard mode. Each of these mods has different settings for different features your TV model has to offer.

Switch through the different Picture Modes until you find one that’s compatible with your PS5 Console.

9. Contact Sony Support

If none of the above methods helped you remove the black screen on your PS5 console, it’s time to contact Sony support. You might be dealing with a hardware issue such as a faulty GPU. If this is the case, you’ll need technical support.

Use your warranty to fix your Sony PlayStation console at no cost. But be patient as it could take several weeks for the console to be fixed or replaced. Visit the official PlayStation service web page to get the return authorization and shipping instructions, or call 1-800-345-7669.

The post How to Fix a PS5 Black Screen Issue first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Sony’s social features on the PlayStation 5 enable you to text or voice chat with other people, share gaming sessions via Share Play, see what others are up to, and much more. But before you do all of that, you must build up your friends list.

This tutorial will show how to add and interact with friends on PSN through your PS5 console and the PS App for Android and iOS. Additionally, if your friends list becomes overcrowded, you’ll learn how to manage it by blocking or removing people.

Send Friend Requests on PS5 & PS App

Creating a network of gamers who share your interests is critical to the PlayStation experience. Whether you’ve encountered someone during online gaming or want to reconnect with an old buddy, sending out friend requests on PSN (PlayStation Network) is the starting point. You can do that via the PlayStation 5 or the PS App.

Send Friend Requests on PS5

1. Visit the Home Screen of your PS5, press the PS button on the DualSense controller, and select the Game Base control center option.

2. Switch to the Friends tab and select Search for Players.

3. Players whom you’ve played with recently in multiplayer should automatically show up. Type their PSN ID in the search field to search for a specific person. You can also type the person’s real name if you believe they have their real name and profile picture set to be public.

4. Select the player ID or real name on the search results and select Add Friend.

5. Check the box next to Become Close Friends if you’d like to share your real name and profile picture (you can always do that later) and select Send to send out a request.

Send Friend Requests on the PS App

1. Open the PS App on your smartphone. You can get the PS App via the Play Store or App Store if you don’t have it.
2. Tap the Friends icon at the top right corner of the app, followed by the Add Friends icon (represented by a figure and a plus sign).
3. Enter the PSN ID or the real name of a person and tap the name on the search results.

4. Tap the Add button on the player’s profile page.
5. Enable the switch next to Share Your Real Name and Picture if you want to share your real name and profile picture, and tap Send Request.

Manage Friend Requests on PSN

You can accept friend requests from other players and manage pending requests you’ve sent to other people on PSN via your PS5 or the PS App.

Manage Friend Requests on PS5

1. Press the PlayStation button and select Game Base.
2. Under the default Friends tab, select the Friend Requests icon.

3. You can then:

• View requests you’ve received under the Received tab—press the Options button to accept or decline.
• View requests you’ve sent under the Sent tab—press Options to cancel.

Manage Friend Requests on Mobile

1. Open the PS App on your Android or iPhone.
2. Select the Friends icon.
3. You can then:

• Switch to the Requests tab and accept or decline received requests.
• Tap the Add Friends icon, search for a person’s ID or real name, and visit their profile to cancel a sent request.

View Friends List on PSN (PS5 & Mobile App)

Players who accept your friend requests appear within the friends list on the PS5 and PS App. Visit it to perform various actions like sending messages, starting party chats, and initiating Share Screen and Share Play sessions.

View Friends List on PS5

1. Press the PS button on the PS5 controller and select Game Base.
2. Your friends’ list will be displayed by default—scroll through to view all friends. You should see their current statuses underneath their IDs—online, last online, in a game, etc.
3. Select a new friend.

4. Use the following options to interact with the player:

• Start Party: Start an open or closed party chat. You can add multiple people to the discussion.
• Send Message: Send a message or view an existing messages thread.
• Share Screen: Share your screen or game in Share Screen or Share Play. Both you and the other person must have active PlayStation Plus subscriptions to the features.
• Invite to Game: Invite the player to a multiplayer game.
• View Profile: View the player’s profile, such as trophies, video games, and their friends.
• Become Close Friends: Share your real name and profile picture with the player. They must also share their real name and profile picture in return.

View Friends List on Mobile App

1. Open the PS App.
2. Tap on the Friends icon.
3. You should find your friends list under the All tab, including their status and the games they are actively playing. Tap on a friend’s name to view their profile. You can then:

• Tap Party to start an open or closed party chat.
• Tap Messages to start or continue a text conversation.
• Select Friends and tap Send Request to become close friends by sharing real names and profile pictures.
• Tap the More icon (three dots) and enable the switch next to Notify When Online to be notified whenever the player comes online.
• Check their trophies list, friends list, and recently played games.

Delete or Block Friends on Block PS5 & Mobile App

As time goes by, you may need to trim your friends list on your PS5 for any number of reasons. For example, it could be that you don’t game together anymore or just want to organize your connections.

Additionally, you have the option to block friends in scenarios like harassment. Blocking a person ensures you cannot view each other’s online statuses, hear each other in party chats, or see texts in group conversations.

Delete or Block Friends on PS5

1. Press the PS button and select Game Base.
2. Find the player you wish to remove from your friends list and select their profile.
3. Select Options (represented by three dots).
4. From the dropdown menu, select Remove as Friend or Block.
5. Confirm your decision.

Delete and Block Friends on the PS App

1. Open the PS App.
2. Tap on the Friends icon.
3. Tap the player you intend to delete.
4. Tap the Friends option within the person’s profile page.
5. Select Remove as Friend and confirm your choice. Alternatively, tap the More icon on the top right of the screen and select Block to block the person.

Keep Managing Your Friends on PS5

You now understand how to add, manage, and remove friends on the PlayStation 5 and through the PS App. Remember to explore and use the various ways to connect with other players to enjoy your time on the PS5 gaming console fully.

The post How to Add and Remove Friends on PlayStation 5 (PS5) first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Steam Error 16 is a generic Steam error that pops up while editing your account info or when the game client crashes. Typically, it’s a sign of a problem with the internet connection, graphics drivers, or your device’s memory. In other words, Steam Error 16 is a timeout error that lets you know the Steam app stopped working or that certain Steam features are currently unavailable. This guide will teach you how to troubleshoot the problem if you encounter Steam Error 16 and how to attempt to fix it.

1. Simply Wait for a While

There’s a big possibility that error 16 occurred due to a minor glitch in the Steam app, Steam services, or even your PC. Waiting a few minutes before you retry whatever you were doing in the app should resolve the issue.

In most cases, Error 16 is that simple to resolve. But if Error 16 keeps popping up, you should perform some of the slightly more complicated methods described below.

2. Check Your Network Connection

Another common reason for Steam Error 16 is a slow or disrupted internet connection. If you’re updating your account information and the internet stops working, the Steam app won’t be able to save your details and will display Error 16.

If this is the case, you must check your internet connection and ensure it’s in working order. Restart your router or reconnect to the WiFi network you’re using, and try whatever you were doing on Steam again.

3. Close Conflicting Apps

Some apps you use on your device conflict with Steam, causing error 16. If you suspect this is why you’re experiencing the Steam Error, try closing all the apps and services running in the background and see if this fixes the issue.

You can close all running processes with Task Manager if you’re using Windows OS:

1. Press Shift + Ctrl + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Processes tab.

3. Right-click the running process you want to close, and select End Task from the list.

4. Alternatively, select the process you want to end, and then click the End Task button in the lower right corner of the Task Manager window.

5. Repeat the step above for all the running programs.
6. Go back to Steam and see if this fixed the problem.

If you’re using macOS, you can quit the running apps with the Force Quit tool. You’ll find it in the menu bar of the Apple logo in the upper left corner of the screen. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command + Option + Esc to open this tool.

When the Force Quit window opens, select the apps you want to close and click the Force Quit button.

4. Update Steam, your OS, and Graphic Drivers to the Latest Versions

For game clients such as Steam, you must keep your system up to date. To do this, you’ll need to install its latest version. Check if there are any pending OS updates and install them. This process will depend on which operating system you’re using.

Updating Your OS

For Windows:

1. Open the Settings and Select Windows Update.

2. Select Check for Updates.

3. If there are pending updates select Download & Install.

Once the process is finished, go back to Steam and see if you’re still getting Error 16 message.

For macOS:

1. Click on the Apple logo in the corner of your screen to open up the Apple menu.
2. Select System Settings, or System Preferences if you’re using an older macOS version.

3. Select General from the left sidebar, and then Software Update from the right menu.

4. If there are available updates, select the Update Now button.

Updating Graphics Drivers

The best way to update graphics drivers is to visit the website of the graphic card manufacturer you’re using (such as Intel, NVIDIA, or AMD), and check for the latest versions to download and install on your PC. Just make sure to install the correct version of drivers for the operating system you’re using.

Update the Steam App

Typically, Steam automatically downloads and installs any available updates when you launch the app. But if this doesn’t happen, do it manually. Here’s how:

1. Launch the Steam app on your PC and click on the Steam menu in the top-left corner.

2. Select Check for Steam Client Updates.

And that’s it. Steam will automatically find and install any missing updates. See if this fixed the issue.

5. Re-install Runtime Libraries

Corrupted files associated with Microsoft Visual C++ sometimes cause Steam to display Error 16 or even Error 80. Reinstalling the Visual C++ package on your device should help with this issue. Here’s how:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type Appwiz.cpl and hit Enter, or click the OK button to open Programs & Features.

3. Find Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Package and right-click on it.
4. Select Uninstall.

5. Restart your PC.
6. Go to Microsoft Download Center and download the latest Visual C++ Redistributable Package.
7. Install the new version and restart your PC again.

Check if this helped with Steam Error 16.

6. Run Disk Cleanup

If you’re still experiencing Steam Error 16, perhaps your device simply doesn’t have enough storage space. Deleting unnecessary files and programs might help with this. Run a disk cleanup to get rid of temporary files. This is a semi-automated process and the Disk Cleanup app will scan your device and decide which files are safe to delete instead of you. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Go to Start and type disk cleanup in the search bar. Double-click the first result.

2. Select your main drive (typically its c:) and hit the OK button.

3. Wait until Disk Cleanup scans your PC and then select the Clean up system files button at the bottom of the window.

Hopefully, this will help with Steam Error 16.

If you’re using macOS, there are several tools available to you that can help you free some storage space. You can use the Optimize Storage function to delete files purchased on iTunes. Empty Trash Automatically feature will permanently delete all items in the trash bin after 30 days. Finally, the Reduce Cluster tool will help you go through your Mac’s files and help you decide which files can be moved to the Cloud or an external drive if you wish.

7. Authenticate The Integrity of Steam Files

If there’s an issue with the integrity of the Steam files, Steam may display Error 16. To tackle this:

1. Type Steam in the Windows search box and right-click the app, then select Run as Administrator. Alternatively, select Run as Administrator from the app’s menu in the Windows search.

2. Click on the Library tab in the Steam window.
3. This is where your games are stored. Right-click on the game which throws Error 16 when you try to run it, and select Properties.

4. Select Installed Files from the left tab.
5. Click the Verify Integrity of Game Files button.

6. Wait until Steam finishes the process. It’ll automatically replace all the files that have integrity issues.

When the process is done, open Task Manager and end all tasks related to Steam. Restart your PC, and once the system is up run Steam to see if the Error 16 problem persists.

8. Check Security Permissions for the Steam Folder

It might be that the wrong security permissions for Steam are causing it to display Error 16 for you. Checking the Steam Folder’s security permissions on Windows is very easy:

1. On your keyboard press Win + E to open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to the Steam folder on your system. By default, it should be located at C:Program Files(x86) if you didn’t change the installation location.
3. Right-click on the Steam folder and select Properties.
4. Uncheck the box next to the Read-only option under the General tab.
5. Click Apply and then the OK button to save changes.

Restart the Steam app and see if this fixes the issue.

9. Clear Steam’s Cache

Steam is using cache files to enhance your experience with the app. However, these files can get corrupted and cause problems such as Steam Error 16. Follow these steps to clear the cache:

1. Launch Steam and go to the Steam tab in the upper left corner of the window.
2. Choose Settings from the drop-down menu.

3. Select Downloads from the left sidebar on the Settings window.
4. On the right pane. Select the Clear Cache button next to the Clear Download Cache option.

5. Finally, select Confirm when prompted.

10. Reinstall the Steam App

If the Steam app core files are corrupted you might get the error 16 message. However, clearing the cache won’t help you if this is the case. You’ll have to uninstall and reinstall the Steam app.

On Windows 11:

Go to Settings, then select Apps, and finally Installed Apps. Click the three dots next to the Steam and select Uninstall. Select Uninstall again in the prompt.

On Windows 10:

Head to the Settings and select Apps. Select Steam from the list and then click on the Uninstall button. Confirm when prompted.

On Mac:

Head to the Finder and then click Applications. Right-click the Steam app and select Move to Trash.

Occasional errors are inevitable, but your ability to troubleshoot and apply these fixes ensures a smoother gaming experience on the Steam platform. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just diving into the gaming world, resolving Error 16 is a crucial step toward uninterrupted gameplay and a hassle-free Steam experience.

The post How to Fix Steam Error 16 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Your Steam library not loading can occur for various reasons. Your Steam client might be glitchy, or your Steam web browser data might be corrupted. You can fix those and a few other items to resolve your problem. We’ll show you how to do that on your Windows PC.

Other reasons Steam doesn’t let you access your library are that the app’s hardware acceleration feature is faulty, your login session is problematic, your download cache is corrupted, and more.

Fully Close and Re-run Steam

When you can’t access certain menus in Steam, a basic fix to apply is to quit or force quit and re-open the app. Doing so allows the app to reload all the in-app components, fixing items that might be causing your issue.

Here’s how to restart Steam:

1. Select X in Steam’s top-right corner to close the app window.
2. Right-click Steam in your system tray and choose Exit Steam.

3. Wait for Steam to shut down.
4. Open the Start menu, find Steam, and launch the app.

You can use Task Manager to force quit Steam if the app refuses to close.

Update Steam to Resolve a Black Screen Issue

If your Steam version is outdated, that may be why you can’t access your library. Steam’s older versions have bugs, which you can patch by updating your app to the latest version. An updated app version often brings new features.

1. Launch Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates in the menu bar.

3. Allow Steam to check for the available updates.
4. Download and install the updates.
5. Restart your Steam client.

Turn Off GPU Acceleration in Steam

GPU acceleration enhances your Steam experience, but sometimes, this feature causes some issues. You can turn off this feature to see if that resolves your library not loading issue.

1. Launch your Steam client.
2. Select Steam > Settings from the menu bar.
3. Choose Interface in the left sidebar.
4. Turn off Enable GPU accelerated rendering in web views (requires restart) on the right.

5. Select Restart Now to quit and re-open your app.

Log Out and Back Into Your Steam Account

If Steam still fails to load your game library, your login session in the app might be faulty. Such issues prevent the app from loading various sections in the app. In this case, sign out and back into your account in the app to fix your problem.

Keep your login details handy, as you’ll need those details to sign back in.

1. Open Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Sign Out from the menu bar.

3. Choose Confirm in the prompt.
4. Log back into your account using your login credentials.

Remove Steam’s Web Browser Data

One way to fix a Steam library not loading issue is to clear the app’s browser data. User reports suggest deleting this data helps resolve the issue.

1. Launch Steam on your machine.
2. Select Steam > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Choose In Game from the left sidebar.
4. Select Delete next to Delete Web Browser Data on the right.

5. Choose Confirm in the prompt.
6. Close and re-open Steam.

Fix Steam Library Issues by Clearing the Download Cache

Steam recommends clearing your download cache when you have trouble using the app. User reports suggest that removing this cache helps fix the issue that prevents you from accessing your game library.

Note that you don’t lose your downloaded games or other data when you clear the download cache. You’ll have to log back into your account when you’ve removed the cache, so keep your login credentials handy.

1. Launch Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Choose Downloads in the left sidebar.
4. Select Clear Cache next to Clear Download Cache.

5. Choose Confirm in the prompt.

Remove the Contents of the “steamui” Folder

Some user reports suggest clearing the files inside the steamui folder resolves the Steam game library not loading issue. This folder contains your Steam user interface customizations. These files may be corrupted, causing the library screen not to open.

Close Steam on your computer and then follow the following steps to empty the folder.

1. Open the Start menu, find Steam, right-click the app, and select Open file location.
2. Right-click Steam in the open folder and choose Open file location.
3. Access the steamui folder.
4. Select all files by pressing Ctrl + A.
5. Right-click a selected file and choose Delete.

6. Close File Explorer and launch Steam.

Remove and Reinstall Steam to Fix a Black Screen Problem

If nothing else works, your last resort is to delete and reinstall Steam on your computer. Doing so removes all the app files, fixing any issues caused by faulty app files. Note that you lose your downloaded games when you uninstall Steam. You can preserve your games by copying the steamapps folder from your Steam directory to another location on your computer.

On Windows 11

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Installed apps on the right pane.
4. Find Steam, select the three dots next to the app, and choose Uninstall.

5. Select Uninstall in the prompt.

On Windows 10

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Select Apps in Settings.
3. Find Steam, choose the app, and select Uninstall.

4. Choose Uninstall in the prompt.

Reinstall Steam by visiting the Steam website, downloading the app installer, and running the installer on your computer.

Troubleshooting a Steam Library Black Screen Problem

Steam fails to load your game library for various reasons. Depending on the cause, you can use one or more of the above methods to resolve your problem. Once you’ve applied these fixes, Steam will display your library content, allowing you to pick and play your favorite games.

The post How to Fix a Steam Library Not Loading Issue first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Why Is My PS5 Screen Flickering?

If you’re wondering why you’re experiencing the PS5 screen flickering issue, there could be a number of reasons. The most common one is a handshake problem from the HDCP or transfer rate to the HDMI cable — or your HDMI cable may be damaged or faulty. Resolving this could be as simple as replacing your HDMI cable, or might involve tinkering with some settings on your PS5. For the PS5, an HDMI 2.0 or high-speed HDMI cable is the one to get. We’ll also look at some other things that could be causing the problem and ways to fix it below.

Related: Flickering screen not the problem? Learn how to fix a black screen issue on PS5.

1. Restart Your PS5

Turning it off and on again may be an age-old solution to common tech problems, but it rings true here, too. Restarting your console might make the issue go away if you’re looking for a temporary fix. If this resolves your problem for good, great! However, you might find the flickering starts up again after your PS5 has been on for some time.

2. Try Using Your PS5 Horizontally

This may sound a bit strange, but bear with us. If your console is usually vertical, try lying it down horizontally. This has solved the screen flickering issue for some people.

3. Disable HDR

If it seems like your PS5 screen flickering started after you edited HDR settings, you can try changing the settings back, then ensure HDR is disabled on both your console and your TV. Hopefully, this will solve the issue. Here’s how to disable HDR on your PS5:

1. Go to Settings > Screen and Video.
2. Scroll down to Colour and select HDR.
3. Select Off.
4. Restart your console to ensure the changes are applied.

4. Adjust Your Transfer Rate Settings

If you’re still experiencing issues with your PS5 screen flickering, you can try changing the 4K transfer rate to -1 or -2, as this seems to fix the issue for many gamers. Here’s how to do that:

1. On your PS5, go to Settings > Screen and Video.
2. Select Video Output, scroll down, and select 4K Video Transfer Rate.
3. Change the transfer rate setting to -1 or -2.
4. Save the changes and restart your console.
5. Hopefully, one of these changes will stop the screen flickering.

5. Disconnect your PS5

Handshake issues with your HDMI cable could be the culprit of your PS5 screen flickering. Disconnecting everything could help! Here’s what to do:

1. Unplug your PS5 from the TV for 60 seconds by removing the HDMI cable at both ends.
2. Turn both your TV and PS5 off and remove the power cables.
3. Then, plug everything back in, power things up, and see if the issue is fixed.

6. Adjust Resolution, RGB Mode, and HDCP Settings

If none of the above fixes have worked for you so far, another thing you can try is disabling game mode and HDCP (high-bandwidth digital copyright protection) by going into your PS5 settings. HDCP prevents external devices recording video from your console, so don’t disable this if you’re using a game capture device to record video. If you want to disable HDCP, here’s how to do that:

1. Go to Settings > System.
2. Choose HDMI.
3. From the list of options, turn the toggle off next to Enable HDCP.
4. Restart your PS5 to see if the issue is resolved.

To turn off game mode, go to Settings > Screen and Video > Video Output > ALLM and turn the setting off. You can also disable your TV’s Game Mode to see if this helps.

The PS5 screen resolution is set to Automatic by default. However, if you’re experiencing PS5 screen flickering, you can try reducing the resolution to 1080p to see if this resolves the issue by going to Settings > Screen and Video > Resolution and manually selecting 1080p.

Setting the RGB Range to full or limited may also help. Here’s how to do this:

1. Go to Settings > Screen and Video.
2. Scroll down and select RGB Range.
3. By default, this should be set to Automatic (Recommended).
4. Try changing it to Full and save your changes.
5. Restart your console to see if this fixes the issue.
6. If it’s still flickering, try changing RGB range to Limited, saving your changes, and restarting.

7. Update your PS5

Not having the latest updates installed on your console could be causing issues. Try updating your PS5 system as well as your TV firmware to see if you can fix the screen flickering problem. To do this, go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings to check for the most recent updates.

8. Enable Performance Mode

The PS5’s Performance Mode favors high frame rates, and turning it on might help with issues if your PS5 screen is flickering. Here’s how to enable it:

1. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
2. Select Game Presets > Performance Mode or Resolution Mode.
3. Ensure Performance Mode is selected.
4. Restart your console.

9. Adjust Screen Size/Display Area

Still no luck? Some PS5 owners have reported that adjusting the screen size or Display Area so it’s a bit smaller has resolved issues with screen flickering. Here’s how to do that:

1. Go to Settings > Screen and Video.
2. Select Screen.
3. Select Adjust Display Area.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a smaller display area.
5. Once you’re finished, save any changes and restart your PS5.

10. Replace Your HDMI Cable

As mentioned earlier, the issue could be as simple as a faulty, damaged, or incompatible HDMI cable. Check that you’re using a high-speed or HDMI 2.0 cable and that it isn’t frayed or damaged. If you’re using a slower cable or if it is damaged, replacing it with a new one could be the key to solving your PS5 screen flickering issue. Luckily, HDMI cables can be sourced cheaply from Amazon and other retailers.

Hopefully, one of these fixes worked for you! If none of these fixes have stopped your PS5 screen flickering, it might be time to reach out to the retailer you bought your PS5 from, if you purchased it recently, or to Sony for support and a repair or replacement so you can get back to gaming. Before you go, check out our fixes to try if your PS5 isn’t connecting to your TV.

The post PlayStation (PS5) Screen Flickering? 10 Ways to Fix first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Why Check Your Purchase History on Steam?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to check your Steam purchase history. If you’re considering purchasing a game or DLC, you might want to make sure you don’t already own it. Or perhaps you want to check if the game you own is a special edition. You might also have forgotten how much you paid for an item or game and need to check.

Reviewing your purchase history on Steam is also useful in the event something goes wrong. For example, if there’s a Steam transaction on your bank statement that you don’t recognize or if you have been overcharged for a game, you can check your purchase history.

You may need your purchase history as proof of purchase if a game or DLC goes missing from your Steam library, if a game key you purchased doesn’t work, or if a Steam game won’t launch. Finally, if you need a refund on a game or in-game item, you’ll need the details from your Steam purchase history.

Below, we’ll show you three ways to check your Steam purchase history.

Check Purchase History on Steam via the App

The quickest and easiest way to check your purchase history on Steam when you’re on the go is via the mobile app on Android or iOS. Here’s how to do that:

1. Launch the Steam app on your device and ensure you’re logged into your account.
2. In the upper right corner of your screen, tap your profile name/picture.
3. Select Account Details.
4. Under Store & Purchase History, tap View Purchase History to see all your Steam Store purchases.

You should be able to see the date of the purchase, the name of the game or item purchased, the transaction type (e.g., card, PayPal, etc.), and the transaction amount.

Check Steam Purchase History on PC

Another way to check your purchase history on Steam is on your desktop or laptop PC. It’s often easier to see details of your transactions on a larger screen!

You can either use the Steam client (recommended) or check your purchase history on the Steam website.

How to Check Purchase History on Steam via the Desktop Client

It only takes a few seconds to check your Steam purchase history via the desktop client. Here’s how to see purchase history on Steam using the client:

1. Launch the Steam client on your PC and log into your Steam account.
2. Click the drop-down arrow next to your profile name in the top right corner and select Account Details.
3. Under Store & Purchase History, select View Purchase History.
4. The next window will show you your Steam purchase history since you opened your account.

Check Steam Purchase History via the Website

If you don’t use the Steam client or just prefer to check your purchase history on Steam via the website, here’s how to do that:

1. Navigate to https://store.steampowered.com/ in your browser.
2. Log into your Steam account.
3. Click the drop-down arrow next to your profile name at the top right of your screen.
4. Select Account Details.
5. Under Store & Purchase History, select View Purchase History.
6. You should now see a list of your items purchased.

Understanding Steam Purchase History

You can click on any item in your Steam purchase history to bring up further details about that transaction. You’ll also see a number of support options available to choose from, including I would like a refund, I was charged the wrong amount, I have a question about this purchase, and I would like to view or print the receipt for this purchase.

If you’re having any issues with your item, for example, if you need a refund for a game on Steam after an accidental purchase, or if you’re having trouble with a game key, select I have a problem with a product in this purchase. On the following page, select the issue that applies and follow the on-screen prompts for support.

Now, you no longer need to worry about how to check purchase history on Steam. It takes just a few seconds of your time and you can easily check your purchase history via the app, website, or desktop client, depending on your preferences.

The post How to Check Your Purchase History on Steam first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In this article, we’ll discuss why your PlayStation 4 console keeps disconnecting from WiFi, and we’ll show you several potential fixes. However, you’ll have to do some troubleshooting first to discover the reasons behind the constant disconnections. Fortunately, all the proposed fixes are quick to try and you’ll be back playing your favorite PS4 games in no time.

Why Does My PS4 Keep Disconnecting from WiFi?

If your PS4 constantly drops the WiFi connection, it could be due to:

1. Outdated firmware of either the console or the router. If the PS4 or router’s firmware is outdated, they would be incompatible with one another. Your PS4 will keep disconnecting from WiFi.
2. PS4 database corruption. A corrupted or overloaded database table of PS4 can cause PS4 network modules to fail executing their operations and the result would be frequent internet disconnections.
3. Wrong DNS settings. Your WiFi router could forcefully close any PS4’s web requests if the DNS servers are experiencing any issues and fail to respond. This often happens when the DNS servers can’t translate the web addresses of the PS4-related traffic due to wrong settings.
4. Wrong router configuration. It could be that your router is not properly configured and it causes frequent WiFi disconnections.
5. Weak WiFi Signal. WiFi signals can easily weaken if it’s affected by interference. Maybe your router is too far away from the console.

As you can see there are different reasons why your PS4 gaming console keeps disconnecting from WiFi. So try to figure out why you are experiencing this issue or simply apply each fix on our list until one works for you.

1. Perform a Connection Test

If you’re wondering if your PS4 has a stable WiFi connection, you should perform a connection test. It’ll help you get an insight into the network problems that are causing your gaming console to frequently drop the WiFi connection.

1. Start your PS4 console and go to Settings.
2. Select Network from the menu.

3. Select Test Internet Connection.

4. Once the test is over check if the PS4 problem is solved.

If you’re certain your PS4 console has a stable WiFi connection, but you keep getting disconnection errors, you should know that some games, such as Ghost of Tsushima, send false disconnection notifications during the gameplay.

2. Move Your PS4 Console Closer to the WiFi Router

If you notice your WiFi connection is not stable, just moving your PS4 console closer to the router could solve this problem. This will increase the signal strength and reduce the chance of experiencing disconnections. You can also opt for moving the router somewhere where it won’t be physically blocked by anything else. Metal objects that are blocking the router are the main problem, so make sure there are no house appliances, other gadgets, or even walls between your PlayStation 4 and the router.

If you’re not only experiencing frequent WiFi disconnections but also noticed your games are lagging, you should consider switching to an ethernet cable. Don’t rely on a patchy WiFi connection when an ethernet cable ensures optimal connection stability and speed.

3. Power Cycle the PS4 and Restart Your WiFi Router

Your PS4 device might be getting constant WiFi disconnects because there’s a temporary glitch with your console or router, such as a glitch in the communication modules between the PS4 and the router. The best course of action is to perform a cold restart of both devices.

Follow these steps to Power Cycle the PS4 gaming console and the router simultaneously:

1. Open the Quick Menu on your PS4 and select the Power button.
2. Select Turn Off PS4.

3. Once you are sure your console is completely powered down, unplug the power cable.
4. Turn your router off and unplug the power cable.
5. Wait at least 30 seconds before turning both devices on again. This will allow them to fully power down and clear their memory.
6. Plug back the cables in the router and turn it on.
7. Make sure there are no other devices connected to the WiFi.
8. Plug the cable back into your PS4 console and turn it on. Check if the WiFi connection is stable.

If the problem persists, check if other devices work properly when they are connected to the same WiFi.

4. Change the WiFi Frequency Settings

While the old PS4 models support only the 2.4 GHz frequency, PS4 Pro supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. However, the 2.4 GHz frequency is the default one for all PS4 models. If you have PS4 Pro don’t hesitate to change the frequency settings. 5 GHz offers a faster rate of data transmission. This could resolve your issue with the WiFi connection.

Follow these simple steps to change the frequency settings on your PS4 Pro console:

1. Turn your console on and go to settings.
2. Select Network from the menu, and then select Set up Internet Connection.

3. Select Use Wi-Fi from the offered solutions.

4. On the next screen choose Easy.

5. Now press the Options button on the controller and select Wi-Fi Frequency Bands.
6. Now select 5GHz and apply the changes.

Make sure you reboot your PS4 and see if this solves your WiFi issues.

5. Update the PS4 Firmware

Updating the PS4 firmware to the latest version is a great way to deal not only with the WiFi connection issues but also with any glitches and bugs you might be experiencing with your console.

Here’s how you can update PS4 firmware:

1. Go to Settings and select System Software Update.

2. Select Next, and then Update or Update Now, and your console will automatically install the update.

3. The console will reboot after the updates are fully installed. After the system is on again, check if the WiFi problem is still there.

6. Change DNS Settings

DNS stands for Domain Name System and it’s a crucial part of the PS4 network connection settings. Its role is to make the communication between the console and the router seamless. Changing the DNS settings might fix network problems and help your PS4 console establish a stable wireless connection.

Follow these steps to change the DNS settings on a PS4 console:

1. Go to Settings and select Network, then Set Up Internet Connection.

2. Select Use Wi-Fi.

3. Choose Custom.

4. Select Automatic under the IP Address Settings.

5. Select Do Not Specify under the DHCP Host Name.

6. Choose Manual under the DNS Settings.

7. Enter the following Primary and Secondary DNS values:

Google
Primary: 8.8.8.8
Secondary: 8.8.4.4

Cloudflare
Primary: 1.1.1.1
Secondary: 1.0.0.1

8. Next, in the MTU Settings select Automatic, and at the Proxy Server window select Do Not Use.

Finally, select the Test Internet Connection button to check if your Wi-Fi connection works properly.

7. Restore Default PS4 Settings

If your PS4 console settings are improperly configured, you might experience frequent WiFi disconnections. Just resetting them to default might fix the issue for you. If you opt to reset the console’s settings, you should know you might lose some game saves, but no content will be deleted. All your games, screenshots, videos, and apps will remain intact.

Here’s how to reset the PS4 settings to default:

1. Power off your console and press and hold the power button to enter the safe mode.
2. Wait until you hear the second beep sound and only then release the power button.
3. In the safe mode screen select the Restore Default Settings. It’s the fourth option.

4. Once the console’s system is back up, check if your WiFi connection issue is resolved.

8. Rebuild PS4 Database

Maybe your current data table on the PS4 is overloaded, or not optimal, and is causing constant WiFi disconnects. If this is the case, your only option is to rebuild the PS4 database. During the process, the system will scan the storage drive and create a new database of all the content. All the corrupted data discovered during the scan will be automatically deleted. But don’t worry, but that doesn’t mean you’ll lose data from your console. The deleted corrupted files will simply be replaced with fresh versions. This means rebuilding the PS4 database is a safe process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Power off your console and press and hold the power button to enter the safe mode.
2. Wait until you hear the second beep sound and only then release the power button.
3. In the safe mode screen select the fifth option, Rebuild Database.

4. Wait until the system finishes the process. Depending on how big your database is, this could take anywhere from several minutes to several hours.
5. Once the process is done and the database is rebuilt, check if you are still having WiFi connection issues.

If this didn’t solve your issue you might want to try rebuilding the database for the second time. But this time, keep your PlayStation 4 console powered off for a whole day.

Remember that a stable Wi-Fi connection is crucial for an uninterrupted gaming experience, and by following these steps, you can regain control of your gaming destiny. Whether it’s resolving interference issues, optimizing your network settings, or performing a factory reset, these methods can help ensure your PS4 stays connected to the internet, allowing you to immerse yourself in your favorite games without interruption.

The post PS4 Keeps Disconnecting From Wi-Fi? Try These 8 Fixes first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

In this article, we’ll explain how to fix Roblox Error Code 262.

1. Reboot Your Device and Perform These Quick Fixes

The Roblox error 262 is a common error that’s often caused by temporary glitches. Here are some quick fixes that can help resolve these bugs and get Roblox working again:

1. Close your Roblox app and restart the game
2. Reboot your device
3. Log in and out of your Roblox account
4. Update Roblox
5. Clear your web browser cache
6. Try playing Roblox on a different device, like an Android or iOS device
7. Switch the Roblox client to either the Roblox Player (via the Microsoft Store) or the Roblox website
8. Disable your VPN to prevent IP address changes from logging you out

2. Check the Roblox Server Status

Double-check that the Roblox servers are up and running. If they’re down for maintenance (or are experiencing technical difficulties), you may receive the 262 error code. In this case, all you can do is wait for them to go live again.

To check whether the Roblox game servers are experiencing downtime, head to the Roblox status page. If everything’s working as expected, it should say, “All Systems Operational.”

3. Check (and Troubleshoot) Your Network Connection

Another likely cause of the 262 error code is a problem with your network or internet connection. Below, we’ll list some of the major connection issues that are easy to fix. For more possible fixes, check out our in-depth internet troubleshooting guide.

1. Verify that your device is connected to the internet. Try to open a website in your web browser. If it doesn’t load, your internet might be down. Contact your internet service provider (ISP) to find out what’s going on.

4. Whitelist Roblox in the Microsoft Defender Firewall

If you play on your Windows PC, make sure Microsoft Defender hasn’t blacklisted Roblox. To check this:

1. Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.

3. Select Windows Security then press Firewall & network protection.

4. Select Allow an app through firewall.

5. Scroll down and make sure the Roblox checkboxes are ticked. If it isn’t in the list, select Allow another app… then locate and select the Roblox executable file.

Note: If you use third-party antivirus software, this may also cause Roblox issues. Refer to your antivirus provider’s instructions to find out how to whitelist Roblox.

5. Disable Mods and Browser Extensions

Roblox doesn’t allow users to use custom mods to alter their gameplay experience. If you use mods, they may be causing the Roblox error code as the game prevents you from playing with them. Worse yet, your account might be suspended temporarily or terminated if you continue to use them.

Similarly, there are several browser extensions that can help improve certain aspects of Roblox games. However, they might cause compatibility issues with Roblox, causing the 262 error code (especially if you’ve recently updated Roblox).

To prevent mods or browser extensions from disrupting your Roblox sessions, we recommend uninstalling them entirely.

6. Reinstall Roblox

If nothing else has worked, we recommend reinstalling your Roblox app. This should replace any corrupt files and ensure that you’re using the latest version of Roblox.

To uninstall Roblox on Windows:

1. Press the Start key and search for “Add or remove programs.”
2. Select Add or remove programs from the list.
3. Scroll down, find Roblox, and select Uninstall.

4. Head to the Roblox website and download the Roblox client.

5. Double-click the installer in your downloads folder, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

To reinstall Roblox on Apple iOS:

1. Tap and hold the Roblox app and press Remove App.
2. Open the App Store, search for Roblox, and tap Download.

To reinstall Roblox on Android:

1. Tap and hold the Roblox app, then press Uninstall.
2. Open the Google Play Store, search for Roblox, and tap Download.

Play Roblox in Peace

Constantly disconnecting in the middle of a game is one of the most frustrating experiences a gamer can have. Hopefully, this article has helped you fix this painful Roblox error so that you can play in peace.

However, if this error continues to plague you, your final resort is to contact the Roblox Support team. They should be able to determine exactly what’s going wrong and get you back in the game in no time.

The post How to Fix Roblox Error Code 262 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

This troubleshooting guide will walk you through multiple suggestions and solutions for a PS5 console that keeps automatically shutting down.

1. Disable PS5’s Sleep Mode

If you’re new to the PS5, it’s easy to confuse Rest Mode with unexpected shutdowns. Rest Mode is a low-power state that suspends the console, allowing you to boot it up and resume games faster.

By default, the PS5 automatically enters Rest Mode after 20 minutes of inactivity—the casing’s light turns amber when that happens. If you’d like to disable Rest Mode or lengthen the duration before it kicks in:

1. Select the Gear icon on the top right of the Home Screen.
2. Scroll down the Settings menu and select System.
3. Go to Power Saving > Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode.
4. Set During Media Playback and While Playing Games to Don’t Put in Rest Mode or pick an extended period—e.g., 1, 2, or 3 hours.

2. Check the HDMI Link

HDMI Device Link on the PS5 allows the console to power on when you switch on your TV. However, a particular sub-setting within this feature also forces the console into Rest Mode when you turn off the TV. If that seems to be the issue you’re facing:

1. Visit the Settings menu on your PS5.
2. Go to System > HDMI.
3. Under Enable HDMI Device Link, deactivate the switch next to Enable Power Off Link.

3. Check the Power Cables

If the PS5’s shutdowns aren’t related to Rest Mode, it’s best to confirm there’s nothing wrong with the power strip or extension cord supplying power to the console.

Just connect the PS5 directly to a wall outlet and check if it continues to turn off randomly. If it doesn’t, consider replacing the power strip or extension cord to ensure stable power delivery.

While at it, check the power cable leading into the console’s casing for signs of fraying or damage and replace it if needed.

4. Rebuild the PS5 Database

A corrupted PS5 database can lead to system failures and unexpected shutdowns, so the next logical fix is to rebuild it in Safe Mode. The procedure takes several minutes to complete and depends on the amount of data within the SSD and any extended storage drives you’ve connected to the console. If you’d like to go ahead:

1. Turn off your PS5 and hold the Power button until you hear two beeps.
2. Connect your DualSense controller to the PS5 via USB.
3. Press the PS button to enter Safe Mode.
4. Select the Rebuild Database option.
5. Wait for the console to rebuild its database.

5. Power Cycle Your PS5

Power-cycling a PS5 is an effective way to deal with random firmware-related issues that crop up with the hardware components inside the console. Unlike a standard shutdown and reboot, a power cycle requires you to:

1. Turn off the PS5.
2. Disconnect the console from the power outlet and wait. Sony’s recommendation is 20 minutes.
3. Reconnect and turn on the console.

6. Install the Latest Firmware Updates

Up-to-date system software and firmware play an essential role in ensuring the stability of the PS5. The standard method to update the console is to:

1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu.
2. Go to System > System Software Update and Settings.
3. Select Update System Software.

If your PS5 keeps shutting down repeatedly before it can download and install newer updates, try updating the console in Safe Mode.

7. Check for Video Game Updates

If the PS5 shuts down only while playing a specific video game, it’s worth checking if any updates from the developer could rectify the issue. To do that, highlight the game’s Home Screen thumbnail and select Check for Update.

If there are no new updates, you must wait until the next update hits the PlayStation Network. Unfortunately, older games typically don’t receive updates—e.g., that can be problematic when running PS4 games via backward compatibility.

8. Reset the PS5’s Settings

Resetting your PS5 preferences to factory defaults addresses shutdowns caused by corrupt, broken, or misconfigured settings. The process doesn’t result in data loss, so here’s what you must do:

1. Open the PS5’s Settings menu.
2. Select System > Reset Options.
3. Choose Restore Default Settings.

9. Stop Console From Overheating

Over time, dust and debris build up on your PS5, blocking its vents and causing the internal components to overheat. Since that can lead to protective shutdowns, clean the console to airflow and check if that makes a difference. Here’s how:

1. Disconnect the PS5 from its power source.
2. Unscrew the stand from the casing.
3. Use compressed air to blow out dust from the PS5’s air vents. Hold the can upright and keep the nozzle a few inches away to avoid moisture contact.
4. Wipe the exterior of the casing with a microfiber cloth.
5. Re-attach the stand in vertical or horizontal alignment and reconnect the console to its power source.

Check our guide to resolving overheating issues on the PS5 for additional tips and tricks.

10. Factory Reset Your PS5

Factory resetting your PS5 is a last-resort measure to resolve random shutdowns. However, unlike a standard settings reset, the procedure erases all data, so back up games, apps, and save files before proceeding. Once you’ve done that:

1. Boot your console into Safe Mode.
2. Select the Reset PS5 option.
3. Wait until the console resets the system software.

If the reset procedure fails, select the Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) option, download the PS5’s system software to a USB flash drive via a PC or Mac, and use that to reset and reinstall the PS5’s software. For comprehensive step-by-step instructions, refer to our complete guide to factory resetting the PS5.

Contact Sony Customer Support

If your PS5 continues to shut down despite trying all the above solutions, the problem’s likely due to a severe hardware issue, possibly with the power supply unit inside. In that case, you must reach out to PlayStation Support for further troubleshooting advice. If your game console is within its warranty period, you should qualify for a free repair or replacement.

The post PlayStation 5 (PS5) Keeps Turning Off Randomly? Try These 10 Fixes first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Can You Use an Adapter to Connect an Xbox Controller to the PlayStation 5?

You could use an adapter like the Gam3Gear Brook Adapter or the BigBig Won Adapter to connect your PS5 and Xbox controller, but both of these adapters have their issues. A firmware update is required for the Gam3Gear Brook Adapter to ensure it’s compatible with PS5. At the time of writing, it’s not likely to be on its way any time soon.

The Gam3Gear Brook Adapter can connect Xbox controllers with your PS5, but there’s a caveat: You can only play backward compatible PS4 games on the next-gen console. So, an adapter won’t help use your Xbox controller on PS5.

How to Use Your Xbox Controller on PS5

It’s important to note that to use your Xbox controllers on PS5, you’ll need an Android or iPhone with the PS Remote Play app installed. You can download the app for free from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Unfortunately, there’s no way to connect your Xbox controller to the PS5 without this app, as the controller isn’t natively compatible with the PS5 console. Here’s how to use the Remote Play app to connect an Xbox controller to your PS5 and play all your favorite games alone or with friends.

How to Connect an Xbox Controller to Your Smartphone

The first step is to connect the Xbox controller to your phone, and here’s how to do that:

1. Install the PS Remote Play app on your smartphone.
2. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on on your smartphone.
3. Press the Xbox button on your controller until the logo flashes.
4. On your phone, in Bluetooth settings, find your controller in the available devices list and select it.
5. Your controller should now be connected to your smartphone.

How to Connect the PS5 to the Remote Play App

Now, we need to connect the app to your PlayStation console. This just takes a few seconds.

1. On your smartphone, open the Remote Play app.
2. Log into your PSN account.
3. When the app asks you which device you want to connect to, select PS5.

Enabling Remote Play on Your PS5

We’re almost there! The next step is to enable remote play on your console.

1. Boot up your PS5 and go to Settings > System.
2. Select Remote Play > Enable Remote Play.

How to Link Your PS5 to Your Smartphone

The final step is to link your PS5 and smartphone, enabling you to use your Xbox controller with your PlayStation console. Here’s how to do that:

1. On your PS5, go back into Settings > System > Remote Play.
2. Select Link Device.
3. A number will be generated that you’ll need to enter into the Remote Play app on your smartphone.

That’s it! Your Xbox controller is hopefully now connected to your PS5, so you can play all your favorite games without having to learn your way around a new controller. These simple steps only take a few minutes to complete, so you could be up and gaming sooner than expected.

Are There Any Cons to Using Your Xbox Controller on a PS5?

It’s worth noting that you might experience lag if you use the Remote Play app to connect your Xbox controller to your PS5, so this may not be the best option for fast-paced shooter games, MMORPGs, or other co-op games where time is of the essence and lag could mean the difference between success and failure for your team or guild! You could try reducing lag by connecting your PS5 to the internet via an ethernet cable rather than Wi-Fi. If you’re experiencing issues with your Xbox controller disconnecting, there are a few things you could try.

Also, you won’t be able to experience the features that the PS5 DualSense controller offers, such as adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Plus, game tutorials could be confusing, as they will show PS5 DualSense controller button prompts which will be different from the buttons you’ll need to use on your Xbox controller.

So there you have it, a few simple steps to allow you to use your Xbox controller on a PS5 console. It’s the perfect solution for anybody who can’t get to grips with a PS5 controller or die-hard Xbox players who would rather game on PlayStation with a familiar controller. While you’re here, check out our guide to connecting your Xbox One controller to a PC.

The post How to Use Xbox Controllers on a PlayStation 5 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Some reasons your Roblox client doesn’t work well include an inactive internet connection, a corrupt DNS cache, Roblox not having the required permissions to function, and other Roblox app glitches.

Check if Your Internet Connection Is Working

When Roblox stops working and displays a 268 error code, ensure your internet connection is working. Your connection may have stopped working, breaking Roblox’s connection to the platform’s servers.

You can check your connection by opening a web browser and launching a site. Your site won’t load if your connection has issues. In this case, disconnect and reconnect your PC to your Wi-Fi network, restart your router, resolve your network adapter problems, or contact your internet service provider (ISP) for help.

Check if Roblox Servers Are Down

Your internet connection alone being active isn’t enough for Roblox to work. The platform’s servers must not be experiencing issues, or you’ll have trouble using the app on your computer. This is because your app connects to its servers to fetch various information, which fails when the platform’s servers are down.

You can check Roblox’s server status using the Roblox Status or the Downdetector site. If these sites say the platform is down, wait until the company brings the service back up. Note that you can only access your Roblox content when the servers are back up and running.

Clear Your Computer’s DNS Cache

Your computer caches your DNS queries to help your apps translate domain names to IP addresses quickly. This process fails if your DNS cache is corrupted, which may be the case with your computer.

Clear your computer’s DNS cache and resolve the issue.

1. Open the Start menu on your PC, find Command Prompt, and launch the tool.
2. Enter the following command on the CMD window and press Enter:
   ipconfig /flushdns

3. Close Command Prompt and launch Roblox.

Check if Roblox Has Banned Your Account

If you still can’t use Roblox and continue to get an error 268, Roblox may have suspended your account. This usually happens when you go against the company’s terms of use.

You can check that by accessing the Roblox website and logging in to your account. You’ll see a suspended message after logging in if your account is suspended. In this case, you can contact Roblox’s support team to seek a solution.

Stop Using Roblox Cheat Software on Your Computer

If you’re using a cheat tool for Roblox on your computer, you may get an error 268 in the app. Using such tools is against Roblox’s terms of use, and these tools may have caused Roblox to display the above error.

You can fix that by turning off and removing all such tools on your computer. Make sure to give your computer a reboot when you’ve deleted your cheating tools.

Run Roblox With Admin Privileges

Roblox can fail to work when the app doesn’t have the required permissions to function.

You can fix that by running Roblox as an admin on your Windows PC.

1. Find Roblox in your Start menu or on your desktop.
2. Right-click the app and select Run as administrator.

3. Choose Yes in the User Account Control prompt.

If your app works as expected in admin mode, make Windows always launch your app with admin rights using these steps:

1. Right-click your Roblox desktop shortcut and select Properties.
2. Access the Shortcut tab and choose Advanced.
3. Turn on the Run as administrator option and select OK.

4. Choose Apply followed by OK on the Properties window.

Fix Roblox Error Code 268 by Clearing the App’s Cache Files

Like many other apps, Roblox caches various files to speed up your experience in the app. When you encounter an issue in the app, your cached files may be corrupted. Such corruption often causes many problems in the app, and yours may be one of those issues.

Luckily, you can fix that by removing your Roblox cache files. This doesn’t affect your installed games in the app.

1. Open the Run dialog box on your PC by pressing Windows + R.
2. Type the following path in the box and press Enter. This Roblox folder contains all the app’s cache files.
   %temp%Roblox
3. Select all files in the folder by pressing Ctrl + A.
4. Delete all selected files by right-clicking a file and choosing Delete (a trash can icon).

5. Launch your Roblox app.

Temporary Disable Your Antivirus Software

If you still get an error 268 in your Roblox app, your computer’s antivirus program can block the app.

If you’ve downloaded Roblox from the company’s official site, you can temporarily turn off your antivirus protection and see if that resolves your issue:

1. Open the Windows Security app on your PC.
2. Select Virus & threat protection in the app.
3. Choose Manage settings in the Virus & threat protection settings section.
4. Turn off the Real-time protection toggle.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Launch your Roblox app.

Remove and Reinstall Roblox on Your Computer

If nothing else works, your last resort is to uninstall and reinstall the Roblox app on your computer to resolve any core-level issues.

Note that you’ll lose your local games when you remove Roblox from your computer.

On Windows 11

1. Right-click the Start menu icon and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps > Installed apps in Settings.
3. Find Roblox on the app list, select the three dots next to the app, choose Uninstall, and select Uninstall in the prompt.

On Windows 10

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps in Settings.
3. Locate Roblox, select the app, choose Uninstall, and select Uninstall in the prompt.

Reboot your PC after removing Roblox, head to the official website, download the app, and install the app on your computer.

Troubleshooting a Roblox Error Code 268 on Your Computer

If Roblox suddenly closes your gaming session with an error code 268, something’s off either with the app or your computer. Fortunately, you can use the methods described above to find and fix your app and your computer’s faulty items, resolving your error 268.

Your Roblox app will then work as expected, allowing you to play all your favorite games in the app.

The post How to Fix a Roblox Error Code 268 first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

Some other reasons you can’t get past the Steam captcha page are that your web browser cache is corrupted, your DNS cache is faulty, you’re using an incompatible VPN or proxy, and more. In this tutorial, we’ll take a look at all these reasons, starting with the most likely ones.

Enter Your Steam Captcha Correctly

When you face issues with the captcha on Steam, ensure you’re entering the captcha correctly. You may be making mistakes while entering the digits and alphabets from the shown image, leading to your issue.

Be very careful while entering the captcha, and double-check the entered value before submitting the form. If you have someone around you, it may be a good idea to seek their assistance in filling up the captcha field.

Close and Relaunch Your Web Browser

If Steam doesn’t accept your captcha despite entering the value correctly, your web browser may have a temporary issue. Such minor problems can cause your browser to malfunction, leading to a captcha issue in some cases.

In this case, you can give your browser a reboot to potentially fix your error. Closing and relaunching the browser turns off and back on all the browser features, fixing minor issues with those items.

Make sure you’ve saved your unsaved work before closing and reopening your browser.

1. Select X in your web browser’s top-right corner to quit the browser.

2. Relaunch the browser by double-clicking the browser shortcut on your desktop. Another way to do that is to open the Start menu, find your browser, and select your browser in the search results.
3. Load the Steam site and see if you can get past the captcha screen.

Delete Your Web Browser Cache

Your web browser caches various web files to improve your browsing experience. Sometimes, these saved files become corrupted, causing random issues in the browser. Your browser may be suffering from a bad cache, causing your problem.

In this case, clear your web browser’s cached data to resolve your issue. Your web browser will rebuild this cache as you visit sites. Also, you don’t lose your bookmarks, passwords, browsing history, and other content when you clear the browsing cache.

Google Chrome

1. Open Chrome, type the following in the address bar, and press Enter:
   chrome://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Choose All time from the Time range drop-down menu, select the Cached images and files option, deselect all other options, and choose Clear data.

3. Close and reopen Chrome, then launch the Steam site.

Mozilla Firefox

1. Launch Firefox, select the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner, and choose History > Clear recent history.
2. Choose Everything in the Time range to clear drop-down menu, enable the Cache option, disable all other options, and choose Clear Now.

3. Quit and relaunch Firefox, then open the Steam site.

Microsoft Edge

1. Access Edge, enter the following in the address bar, and press Enter:
   edge://settings/clearBrowserData
2. Select All time from the Time range drop-down menu, activate the Cached images and files option, deactivate all other options, and choose Clear now.

3. Close and reopen Edge, then access your Steam site.

Flush DNS Cache on Your Computer

Your computer caches DNS queries to help your web-enabled apps quickly translate domain names to IP addresses. It’s possible this cache has become corrupted, causing the Steam site not to work as expected.

In this case, clear your DNS cache, and your issue will be resolved. You don’t lose any personal data when you do this, and your computer will rebuild your DNS cache.

1. Open your PC’s Start menu, find Command Prompt, and launch the tool.
2. Type the following command on the CMD window and press Enter:
   ipconfig /flushdns

3. Close Command Prompt when you’ve cleared the DNS cache.
4. Launch your web browser and access the Steam site.

Turn Off Your VPN and Proxy to Fix Steam Captcha Not Working

If you’re using a VPN or proxy server on your computer, these items may be interfering with Steam’s captcha system. It’s a good idea to turn these features off when you experience issues loading or working with an online site.

Disabling your VPN service is as easy as launching your VPN app and turning off the main toggle.

You can turn off the proxy server on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 PC as follows:

Windows 11

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Network & internet in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Proxy on the right pane to access your proxy settings.
4. Turn off the Automatically detect settings option.

5. Select Set up next to Use a proxy server and turn off Use a proxy server.
6. Relaunch your web browser and open the Steam site.

Windows 10

1. Launch Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Network & Internet in Settings.
3. Choose Proxy in the left sidebar.
4. Toggle off Automatically detect settings on the right.

5. Turn off Use a proxy server.
6. Reopen your browser and launch the Steam site.

Use Steam’s App on Your iPhone or Android Phone

If you still can’t solve Steam’s captcha and can’t sign in to your existing account or create a new account, use Steam’s app on your iPhone or Android phone to get around the issue. User reports say that Steam gives relatively easy captchas on the mobile app, allowing users to log in or create new accounts with ease.

Once you’ve created a new account using Steam’s mobile app, or you’ve logged in to your existing account in the app, you can scan a QR code on your desktop using your Steam mobile app to sign in to your account on the desktop.

1. Download and install the free Steam app on your iPhone or Android phone.
2. Log in to your account or create a new account in the app.
3. Select Steam Guard in the app’s bottom bar.

4. Open the Steam site on your desktop and select login in the top-right corner.

5. Scan the displayed QR code using your phone’s Steam app.
6. Steam will log you into your account in your desktop browser.

Troubleshooting Steam’s Captcha Error Using Many Ways on Your Computer

Steam’s captcha error prevents you from signing in to your account or creating a new account. If your issue doesn’t go away after multiple attempts, use the methods outlined above to fix the items causing the problem. Your Steam issue will then be fixed.

You can then access your Steam account settings, games, and any other content available in your profile. Happy gaming!

The post Steam Captcha Not Working: How to Fix It first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

If you’re curious why Steam displays the above error, some causes are that your Steam client has a problem, your download cache is corrupted, your PC’s firewall has blocked Steam’s access to the internet, and more.

Check Steam Server Status

When Steam fails to log you into your account, check if the platform’s servers are facing an outage. Steam’s servers may be down, causing your client to be unable to load your account. This is a rare situation, but it does happen.

You can verify if that’s the case by heading to the unofficial Steam Status or the Downdetector site. These sites will tell you if users have reported issues using Steam. If you find Steam is indeed experiencing problems, wait until the company fixes those issues and brings the service back up.

In the meantime, you can play your other games and even use other gaming clients like Roblox.

Switch Between Offline and Online Modes in Steam

When you have trouble using Steam, you can try to resolve your issue by toggling between offline and online modes in your app. Doing so forces the app to connect to the internet, possibly resolving your login error.

1. Launch Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Go Offline in the menu bar.

3. Choose Steam > Go Online in the menu bar.

Force Close and Relaunch Steam on Your Computer

If switching between offline and online mode didn’t fix your Steam problem, force close and re-open your app to possibly resolve your issue. This method should work if Steam is experiencing minor app glitches.

1. Right-click the Windows taskbar and choose Task Manager.
2. Find Steam on the list, right-click the app, and choose End task.

3. Quit Task Manager.
4. Open the Start menu, find Steam, and launch the app.

Close Other Programs Running on Your Computer

Sometimes, Steam doesn’t work as intended because your other apps are interfering with it. You may have an app that’s interfering with Steam’s functionality, preventing the app from signing you into your account.

In this case, close all other running apps on your computer and see if that makes Steam work. You can close an app in Windows by selecting X in the app’s top-right corner. Use Task Manager if an app refuses to close.

That should eliminate any interference and allow Steam to work without problems.

Clear Your Steam Download Cache

When you experience issues using Steam, one item you can clear to possibly resolve your issues is Steam’s download cache. The company recommends you clear this cache when you have problems using the app.

You don’t lose your account data when you do this, and Steam will rebuild the cache as you use the app.

1. Open Steam on your computer.
2. Select Steam > Settings in the menu bar.
3. Choose Downloads in the left sidebar.
4. Select Clear Cache next to Clear Download Cache.

5. Choose Confirm in the prompt to continue.

Update Your Steam App

If you’re using an old version of Steam, your app may have bugs and other issues, causing your login problem. It’s common for old app versions to have issues, and you can fix those problems by updating your app.

Updating Steam resolves many app bugs and possibly adds new features.

1. Run Steam on your machine.
2. Select Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates.

3. Allow Steam to find and install the latest app updates.
4. Close and relaunch Steam, then log in to your account.

Restart Your Windows PC

If your Steam login error persists, give your computer a reboot to potentially resolve your problem. This is because your computer’s operating system may be experiencing an issue, which you can resolve by restarting the computer.

1. Open your PC’s Start menu.
2. Select the Power icon in the menu.
3. Choose Restart.

4. Launch your Steam app.

Turn Off Your Firewall to Fix Steam’s Login Problem

If Steam still can’t connect to its servers and fails to log you in, your computer’s firewall may have blocked Steam’s internet access. This happens when your firewall detects a suspicious connection, but that may be a false-positive report.

In this case, temporarily turn off your firewall and see if that resolves your issue.

1. Open the Windows Security app on your PC.
2. Select Firewall & network protection in the app.
3. Choose the network that says (active).
4. Disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle.

5. Select Yes in the User Account Control prompt.
6. Launch Steam and see if you can log in.

Reinstall Steam on Your Computer

If nothing else works, your last resort is to delete and reinstall the Steam app on your computer. This fixes your app’s corrupted files, which may be causing your login error.

On Windows 11

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Select Apps in the left sidebar.
3. Choose Installed apps on the right pane.
4. Find Steam, select the three dots next to the app, and choose Uninstall.

5. Select Uninstall in the prompt.

On Windows 10

1. Launch Settings using the Windows + I keyboard combination.
2. Select Apps in Settings.
3. Find Steam, select the app, and choose Uninstall.

4. Select Uninstall in the prompt.

After removing the app, head to Steam’s website and download and install a fresh version of the app on your computer.

Troubleshooting Steam’s Verifying Login Information Error

Steam’s login error prevents you from signing in to your account and accessing your installed games. If your issue isn’t resolved after a few sign-in attempts, the methods outlined above will help you deal with the issue.

Once you’ve made a few changes here and there on your system, Steam will start working just as it should, letting you access all your gaming content.

The post How to Fix a Steam Verifying Login Information Error first appeared on Online Tech Tips.

What To Look for in a PS5 Ethernet Cable

Buying an Ethernet cable for PlayStation 5 with all the different stats and codes attached to the various options can be utterly confusing. Ethernet has been around for a long time, so there are many variants regarding cable speeds and ratings. Here’s what you should pay special attention to when picking a cable for your PS5.

Cable Standards: Understanding the Options

When it comes to the PS5, Cat5e might seem enough, and indeed, it’s suitable for 1Gbps, which is as fast as the PS5 Ethernet port. So why are gamers eyeing Cat6, Cat7, or even Cat8 Ethernet cables? Let’s look at the main modern Ethernet options:

1. Cat5e cables: It matches the PS5’s 1Gbps port. It is acceptable for most gaming experiences, but you may run into longer-length performance issues. That said, Cat5e is rated for 328 feet or around 100 meters. Cat5e cables are unshielded, so they are vulnerable to crosstalk, a type of interference.
2. Cat6 and Cat6a cables: This is a step up in bandwidth (up to 250 MHz for Cat6 and 500 MHz for Cat6a), which can mean better performance in a crowded network environment. Plus, Cat6a offers additional shielding against crosstalk. For PS5, the only real advantage is the extra shielding and perhaps less latency since it can’t take advantage of 10-gigabit speeds, but in general, we feel Cat6 overall is the best Ethernet version for PS5.
3. Cat7 cables and Cat8 cables: We don’t recommend them for use with a PS5; there’s no real benefit, and the thick shielding in some models makes the cables harder to work with.

Remember that regardless of the cable’s rated speed, you’re ultimately limited by your internet speed, which for most people in the world is nowhere near 1Gbps, no matter how fast their home network is.

Connectors and Conductors: It’s What’s Inside That Counts

Have you ever opened up an Ethernet cable? The magic happens on the inside, thanks to connectors and conductors, which can differ based on quality and cable type. When buying a network cable for your PS5, consider the following:

1. RJ45 (Ethernet) Connectors: Gold-plated RJ45 connectors won’t make your internet go faster, but they can reduce or eliminate corrosion, which can put a damper on your downloads.
2. Copper Wires: You want a cable that uses pure or “bare” copper as a conductor. Avoid cables that use Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA), which can be a fire hazard and potentially perform worse. CCA cables are often ridiculously cheap but not worth it.

Build and Design

Some varieties of Ethernet cable offer features beyond speed or shielding against interference. Flat cables, for example, might be easier to manage or slip through gaps if you’re trying to neaten your setup.

Likewise, “snagless” Ethernet cables have RJ45 connectors for frequent insertion and removal. Unless you’re moving your PS5 around or constantly swapping the cable with other devices, Snagless cables aren’t worth it versus standard molded cables.

Cable Length and Durability: Match Your Space

Ensure the cable is long enough for your space; you don’t want a 150-foot roll of cable when you only need 20 feet. You’ll also have to pay attention to the durability of the cable. If you install it permanently, you want something that will last many years without you having to dig it out again. This is one of the areas where Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables may have an advantage, but even within Cat 5e and Cat 6 cable options, some will promise better durability.

How To Set Up an Ethernet Connection on Your PS5

Before we get into the different Ethernet cable options out there for your PS5, let’s quickly go over how to use an Ethernet cable with your PS5:

1. First, plug one end of your Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on the back of your PS5 and the other into the port on your router.
2. From the home screen on your PS5, select the Settings icon.

3. Go to Network

4. Go to Settings

5. Select Set Up Internet Connection

6. Choose Set Up Wired LAN (This can’t be screenshotted).
7. Name your network and select Connect.

8. Go back to Connection Status and choose Test Internet Connection.

9. Confirm that everything looks correct.

Now, you can use Ethernet for game downloads and other network functions on your PS5. With this knowledge, let’s look at some of the best Ethernet cables on Amazon for your PS5.

The Best Ethernet Cable: Cable Matters Cat6 Snagless Long Flat Ethernet Cable 50 ft

The Cable Matters Cat6 Snagless Flat Ethernet Cable is the friend of every neat freak PS5 owner. When it comes to tucking those unruly cables neatly along the wall or over the door, this 50-foot cable makes it a breeze. And white? That goes perfectly with your PS5’s aesthetics.

With a Cat6 performance rating, this cable isn’t just about looks; it’s about speed. You can future-proof your network for Gigabit Ethernet while enjoying all the benefits of your current network if you still need to take the Gigabit plunge. The cable will also hit that speed; it meets or exceeds Category 6 performance.

The gold-plated RJ45 connectors and snagless strain-relief boots add even more value. They ensure that your connection remains solid and your cable’s life is maximized. Snagless boots aren’t essential, but you don’t have to worry about breaking off your Ethernet connector’s little retention clip. Oh, and it’s 100% bare copper wire, which means you’re getting the real deal, no compromises.

But here’s the kicker. This package includes nail-in cable clips, giving that installation a professional touch. Combined with the cable’s flat nature, this is the perfect PS5 Ethernet cable.

The Best Patch Cord for PS5: StarTech.com 6ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable

The StarTech.com 6ft CAT6 Ethernet Cable is vibrant orange, adding a splash of brightness to your gaming setup. But it’s not just about the flashy looks; this Ethernet cable packs a punch for performance and build quality. This over-engineered cable is meant for business applications, but that also means peace of mind for your gaming setup.

Equipped with Multi Gigabit connections of up to 10Gbps, it ensures that online gaming is smooth and lag-free. The 100% copper construction provides error-free links, meaning you can engage in online gaming without worrying about connection drops or slow speeds.

The quality of the construction of this cable is stellar. 50-micron gold-plated connectors prevent rust and corrosion, avoiding costly network downtime. The high-quality PVC jacket ensures that it resists bending or fraying, thus guaranteeing longevity.

The 6 feet length makes it easy to connect to your PS5 without cluttering your space, and the molded patch cable and snagless boots ensure a fuss-free installation.

StarTech.com is also a trusted brand, so we are confident that the specifications published for this cable reflect what you get for your money.

The Most Durable Cable: UGREEN Cat 6 Ethernet Cable Braided

The UGREEN Cat 6 Ethernet Cable is one of those gems that every PS5 owner would want to have in their gaming setup. What makes this cable stand out from the rest is its robust braided design, its high speed, and the universal compatibility it brings to the table.

This Cat 6 cable supports Gigabit Ethernet, meaning it can easily handle the 1000Mbps data transfer speeds of the PS5. If you’re engaged in online gaming, streaming, or other bandwidth-hungry activities on your PS5, this cable should keep trucking with no fuss.

The UGREEN Cat 6 cable has a universal RJ45 connector, making it compatible with many devices. This cable can connect it all, whether your PS5, laptop, Xbox, Switch or even networking switches and modems. Its backward compatibility with Cat5e and Cat5 ensures you can use it with older devices without a hitch.

But what truly sets this cable apart is its durable braided design. Wrapped with quality cotton, this LAN cable has been tested to endure at least 10,000 bends without breaking.

Interference can be a significant issue with network cables, often leading to slower speeds and unstable connections. UGREEN has addressed this problem by designing the cable with four shielded twisted pairs. This practical design significantly reduces interference and crosstalk from adjacent pairs and other cables, ensuring your network speed remains fast and stable.

Constructed with pure copper wire and gold-plated copper, the UGREEN Ethernet Cable minimizes data loss during transmission and maintains high performance. This level of quality, combined with unique features like its braided design and high-speed capabilities, makes it a worthy investment for your gaming setup.

The Best Basic Cable: Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (50 Feet)

The Mediabridge Ethernet Cable (50 Feet) offers a comprehensive solution for various Ethernet applications, thanks to its compatibility with Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 standards. This compatibility, with a high-speed data transfer rate and reliable connectivity, makes it an attractive option for PS5 users looking to optimize their online gaming experience.

One of the standout features of this cable is its construction, which prioritizes performance and durability. It’s built with stranded conductors, and each of the four twisted pairs is separated by PE (polyethylene) cross insulation to minimize crosstalk. Add the RJ45 connector with gold-plated contacts, and you have a cable designed for efficient data transmission and long-lasting reliability.

This cable also comes with a rugged PVC jacket that’s UL-listed, complying with key standards to ensure its quality. The 5.8mm outer diameter provides a sturdy but flexible form adaptable to various routing needs.

An added convenience that sets the Mediabridge Ethernet Cable apart is the inclusion of an adjustable and reusable Velcro cable strap. This thoughtful addition allows for easy organization and storage, especially useful in a complex gaming setup or networked office environment.

The Best Weatherproof Cable: GearIT Cat6 Outdoor Weatherproof Ethernet Cable (100ft)

The GearIT Cat6 Outdoor Ethernet Cable is not just your average cable; it’s designed for those demanding outdoor setups, like when you need to connect your PS5 that’s housed in a garden flat. Thanks to its rugged construction, including LLDPE and HDPE insulation, it withstands harsh weather conditions, making it perfect for direct burial. With the ability to conduct up to 10 Gbps and 550 MHz, it promises less signal interference, ensuring an efficient connection for gaming, streaming, or any high-bandwidth activities.

Premium features like shielded aluminum foil, crosstalk suppression spline, and improved heat dissipation make this Cat6 cable stand out for reliability. Whether connecting network devices or game consoles, GearIT’s cable offers compatibility and performance to meet various needs. Available in sizes ranging from 25 feet to 250 feet, it’s a valuable solution for those looking to extend their network outdoors.

That’s our roundup of Ethernet cables for the PS5 (or any console with Ethernet, really). Hopefully, we’ve covered a diversity of options for every need, or at the very least give you the tools to find the perfect cable for yourself.

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