If you’re a PlayStation 5 owner, you may have encountered the frustrating error message that says, “Cannot Start Game or App.” This issue can disrupt your gaming experience and leave you wondering what went wrong.
In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind this error and provide you with practical solutions to get you back to gaming smoothly. Let’s dive into the common causes and effective fixes for this pesky problem.
How to Fix the Issue
Restore Licenses on PS5
One effective solution to resolve the “Cannot Start Game or App” error on your PS5 is to restore licenses. This process ensures that your digital content is properly authenticated and can be accessed without any issues. By following these steps, you can restore licenses on your PS5:
- Press the PlayStation button and navigate to “Power.”
- Select “Restart PS5” to reboot the system.
- Ensure you are signed in to the PSN and PS5 profile that you used to purchase the game or app.
- Go to “Settings” > “Users and Accounts” > “Other” > “Restore Licenses for Downloaded Content.”
- This action can help resolve licensing issues that may be causing the error.
Delete and Reinstall the Game or App
If the error persists after restoring licenses, another troubleshooting step is to delete the problematic game or app and then reinstall it. This process can help refresh the game data and potentially resolve any underlying issues that were causing the startup problem. Follow these steps to delete and reinstall a game or app on your PS5:
- Navigate to “Settings” > “Storage” on your PS5.
- Select the game or application you want to delete from the storage menu.
- Free up space by deleting the selected game or app.
- Reinstall the game or app from the PlayStation Store or your library to see if the error is resolved.
Check for Updates
Ensuring that your system software and games are up to date is essential for a smooth gaming experience on the PS5. Checking for updates can help address compatibility issues and bugs that may be causing the “Cannot Start Game or App” error. Follow these steps to check for updates on your PS5:
- Go to “Settings” > “System” > “System Software.”
- Check for the latest system software updates and install them if available.
- Additionally, check for updates for the specific game or app that is causing the error to ensure you have the latest version installed.
By following these steps to restore licenses, delete and reinstall games or apps, and check for updates, you can troubleshoot and potentially resolve the “Cannot Start Game or App” error on your PlayStation 5.
Common Reasons for the Error Message
There are several common reasons why your PlayStation 5 may display the “Cannot Start Game or App” error message. Some of the main causes include:
Corrupted Game Data
- If the game or app data on your PS5 is corrupted or incomplete, it can lead to startup issues.
Licensing Problems
- Issues with licensing or digital rights management can prevent you from accessing certain games or apps.
Outdated Software
- Running outdated system software or game versions can trigger compatibility issues.
Hardware Malfunctions
- Problems with the console hardware, such as a faulty hard drive or peripheral devices, can also cause this error.
Storage Issues
- Insufficient storage space on your PS5 can lead to errors when trying to launch games or apps.
Network Connectivity Problems
- Poor internet connection or server issues can prevent games or apps from starting.
External Hard Drive Errors
- If you are using an external hard drive to store games, issues with the drive can cause startup errors.
System Overload
- Running multiple applications or games simultaneously can overload the system and result in startup failures.
Conclusion
The “Cannot Start Game or App” error on the PS5 can be frustrating for gamers, but with the right troubleshooting steps, it can often be resolved. By following the methods outlined in this blog post, such as checking for system updates, moving the game to internal storage, and restarting the PS5, users can effectively address the issue and get back to enjoying their gaming experience.
