Fix: WS-43709-3 Error Code on PS4 or PS5

Do you see a WS-43709-3 error code on your PS4 or PS5?

The Playstation Network is an online service made for Playstation consoles. It offers digital copies of games and PS Plus. Playstation Plus is a paid subscription service on the Playstation that gives you access to exclusive titles every month, discounts and online gaming capabilities.

Unfortunately, this service doesn’t work all the time and could experience downtimes, which could get in the way of your gaming.

The WS-43709-3 error code is a common issue on the PS4 and PS5, which occurs when your credit card is expired, or you’ve used an invalid payment option.

However, other technical issues should also be considered, like problems with your software or offline servers.

To help you out, we’ve decided to make a guide for fixing the WS-43709-3 error code on the PS4 or PS5.

Let’s get right into it!

1. Check PSN Servers.

Sony’s developers may be conducting system maintenance on its servers, or it may have encountered technical issues, causing the error code on your console. To confirm this, you can visit the dedicated page on Playstation’s website to check the status of the servers.

If the PSN’s servers are currently unavailable, the only option you have is to wait for their team to address the problem.

On the other hand, you can proceed to the rest of the solutions below if there are no reported outages on PSN’s end.

2. Check Your Credit Card.

One of the main reasons for the WS-43709-3 error code on the PS4 or PS5 is expired credit cards. If you’ve been using your credit card for a while, make sure it is still active and has not expired.

The WS-43709-3 error code may have occurred when your console tried to renew your subscription with PS Plus, or you’re trying to purchase a new game.

If your card is expired, get in touch with your bank and ask for a new one. Register your new card afterwards and check if the WS-43709-3 error code would still occur.

3. Delete Your Payment Method and Register Again.

Another thing that you can try is deleting your current credit card from your account’s payment method and add it back afterwards. This way, your data would refresh, and you can ensure that every detail is correct.

Here’s how you can remove your payment method:

1. First, access a computer and launch any browser.
2. After that, go to Playstation Store and log in to your PSN Account.

1. Next, navigate to Online ID > Payment Management.
2. Lastly, delete your current payment method and refresh your browser.

Once done, add another payment method and ensure that all the details are correct. Go back to your console afterwards and check if the WS-43709-3 error would still occur.

4. Try Using Another Credit Card.

If you have multiple credit cards, you can register a different card on your PSN account and see if it would work. Your bank could be experiencing technical difficulties at the moment, causing the WS-43709-3 error code.

On the other hand, try waiting for 12 to 24 hours before making another purchase if you don’t have other credit cards. You can also contact your bank to see if their services are currently unavailable.

5. Restore Your Licenses.

There could be a problem with the licenses of the games you’ve purchased, which causes the WS-43709-3 error code. Usually, this happens when you switch from an old Playstation to a new one.

To fix this, restore your game licenses by doing the following:

1. On your console, go to the Settings and open Account Management.
2. After that, select Activate As Your Primary PS4 and follow the on-screen instructions to continue.
3. Next, go back to the previous page and click on Restore Licenses.
4. Finally, select Restore.

After restoring your licenses, go back to PSN or PS Plus and check if the problem is solved.

6. Check and Reset Your Internet.

A slow or unstable network could also trigger the WS-43709-3 error code on the PS4 or PS5. Since PSN and PS Plus are online services, a stable internet connection is required to use PSN’s features without issues.

To check the status of your network, run a speed test on any of your devices using Fast.com to measure your network’s upload and download bandwidth.

If the result shows that your connection is slow, reboot your router to re-establish the link between your modem and your ISP’s servers.

Once done, go back to your Playstation and check if the error code would still occur. Contact your ISP if you continue to experience network-related problems and ask them to address the issue.

7. Update Your PS4 or PS5.

Sony releases timely updates on its console to ensure that everything is in order. If you see a WS-43709-3 error code on your PS4 or PS5, try updating its system version to fix any bugs or glitches that may have occurred.

For the PS4, follow the steps below to update its system software:

1. First, open the Settings of your PS4.
2. After that, access the System Software Update tab.

1. Lastly, click the Update Now button if there’s a new version available and follow the on-screen prompts.

On the PS5, you can check for updates by doing the following:

1. On your PS5, go to Settings and click on the Systems tab.
2. Now, navigate to System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
3. Finally, click on Update System Software and select Update Using Internet.

Go back to PS Plus or PSN afterwards and check if the WS-43709-3 error code would still occur on your PS4 or PS5.

8. Reset Your PS4 or PS5.

If none of the solutions above worked out for you, we recommend resetting your PS4 or PS5 back to factory defaults. This way, you can ensure that everything is configured correctly on your device.

For PS4 users, here’s how you can reset your console:

1. On your device, navigate to the Settings using your controller.
2. After that, go to the Initialization tab.
3. Lastly, click on Restore Default Settings and follow the on-screen prompts to reset your PS4.

If you are using a Playstation 5, check out the steps below to reset your device:

1. First, ensure that your device is turned off completely.
2. After that, press and hold the Power button until you hear a second beep to boot your PS5 into Safe Mode.
3. Connect your controller using the power cable afterwards and press the PS button.
4. Finally, click on Reset PS5 and wait for the process to complete.

Once done, restart your console normally and observe if the WS-43709-3 error code would still occur on your PS4 or PS5.

9. Report the Problem to PSN.

At this point, we suggest that you leave the matter to the professionals. Your PSN account may have an issue that needs attention on their end, or your console has a much serious problem.

Go to Playstation’s support page and contact their customer service team to report the issue with your Playstation Network account. Provide the details of your account and the model of your console to make it easier for PSN to assess the situation.

This wraps up our guide for fixing the WS-43709-3 error code on PS4 or PS5. If you have questions or other concerns, please let us know in the comment section, and we’ll be glad to help you out.

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