Restricted from Using Communication Features PS5? Fix It!

Can’t use voice chat, messages, or multiplayer functions on your PS5? You’re not alone. Many players face this exact problem, and it’s frustrating when you can’t connect with friends.

In this article, I’ll show you exactly how to fix communication blocks on your PlayStation 5. From checking your account settings to resolving network issues – I’ve got your back.

I’ve helped hundreds of gamers solve this same issue. The steps I’ll share are tested and work consistently. No complicated tech talk or confusing steps.

Looking for a quick solution to get back to gaming with friends? The methods in this guide take just minutes to try.

Let’s get your PS5 communication working again so you can get back to playing!

Understanding PS5 Communication Restrictions

When your PS5 blocks you from talking to friends, it’s frustrating. Here’s what you need to know:

Restricted Features:

Voice chat in games
Text messaging
Party chat
Friend requests

Common Error Messages:

“Feature temporarily unavailable”
“Access to this feature has been restricted”
“Cannot join the party”

Technical or Account Issue?

Technical: Affects all online features, often fixed by a restart
Account: Blocks specific features, shows clear errors, persists after restart

Try restarting your PS5. Still blocked? Likely an account restriction.

Primary Causes of Communication Restrictions

I’ve found four key reasons why your PS5 might block communications:

Account Issues:

Age restrictions for under-18 accounts
Suspensions for breaking the rules
Bans for serious violations

Network Problems:

Bad internet connection
Outdated system software
Incorrect NAT Type (needs Type 2)
The router firewall blocks

Game Restrictions:

Games with separate chat systems
Cross-platform games use their chat
Single-player games with no chat options

PSN Status Issues:

Service outages
Scheduled maintenance
Regional problems

Check the PSN status page when problems start suddenly.

Quick Fixes for Communication Restrictions

Before trying complex solutions, I always start with these simple fixes. They solve about 80% of PS5 communication problems.

Restart Your PS5 and Check Network

Full restart (not rest mode):

Hold the power button for 3 seconds
Select “Restart PS5”
Wait for complete startup

Then test your connection:

Go to Settings → Network → Test Internet Connection

A successful test shows “Internet connection” and “PlayStation Network” both available.

Check PlayStation Network Status

PSN might be down! I check this before wasting time on fixes that won’t work.

Visit status.playstation.com on your phone or computer.

Look for any yellow or red alerts next to “Gaming and Social.”

Sign Out and Sign Back In

This fixes glitchy accounts:

Go to Settings → Users and Accounts → User → Account
Select “Sign Out”
Wait 30 seconds
Sign back in with your password

Sometimes your account data gets stuck. This refreshes it.

Update Your PS5 System

Old software causes weird problems.

Go to Settings → System → System Software → System Software Update
Select “Update System Software”
Follow the prompts if an update is available

My tip: Leave your PS5 in rest mode with auto-updates on, and you’ll skip this step entirely.

Try these quick fixes first. Still having trouble? Move on to the more specific solutions in the next section.

Resolving Account-Based Restrictions

If quick fixes didn’t work, your problem is likely tied to your account settings. I’ll show you how to check and fix these issues.

Checking and Adjusting Parental Controls

Parental controls often block communication without you knowing it.

For your account:

Go to Settings → Family and Parental Controls
Select “PS5 Console Restrictions”
Enter your passcode (if set)
Check “Communication and User-Generated Content”
Make sure it’s set to “Allowed”

If you can’t change this setting, someone else controls your account.

For child accounts you manage:

Visit account.playstation.com on a computer
Sign in as the family manager
Select Family Management → Child account
Adjust Communication and Features settings

Addressing Account Suspension or Ban Issues

Sony might have restricted your account for rule violations.

To check your status:

Visit account.playstation.com
Sign in with your PSN ID
Look for any suspension notices

Only Sony can remove suspensions or bans.

If you’re suspended:

Most suspensions end automatically after the period
Serious violations might require you to contact Support
Check your email for details about the suspension

Verifying PlayStation Plus Subscription

Some communication features need an active PS Plus subscription.

Go to Settings → Users and Accounts → Subscription
Check if your PS Plus is active
If expired, renew it through the PlayStation Store

Quick tip: Sometimes your subscription looks active but needs a refresh. Restore licenses by going to Settings → Users and Accounts → Other → Restore Licenses.

Managing Privacy Settings

Your privacy settings might be too strict.

Go to Settings → Users and Accounts → Privacy
Select “View and Customize Your Privacy Settings”
Check these critical options:

Personal Info | Messaging → Set to “Anyone” or “Friends”
Personal Info | Online Status → Set to “Anyone” or “Friends”
Communication and Multiplayer → All options should be “Allow”

I’ve found that many players accidentally limit these settings and wonder why communication doesn’t work.

Try each of these fixes one by one, testing your communication after each change.

Fixing Network and Technical Issues

Network problems often block PS5 communication. Here are my top solutions:

Fix Internet Connection:

Restart your router (unplug for 30 seconds)
Use wired instead of Wi-Fi when possible
Test connection in Settings → Network
Need at least 3 Mbps for voice chat

Fix NAT Type Issues:

Check your NAT Type in Settings → Network → Connection Status
Type 2 is ideal; Type 3 causes problems
If Type 3, use port forwarding below

Port Forwarding Steps:

Find the PS5 IP address in Network settings
Access router settings via a web browser
Forward these ports to your PS5:

TCP: 80, 443, 1935, 3478-3480
UDP: 3478-3479

Clear Cache/Rebuild Database:

Clear cache: Power off PS5, unplug for 2 minutes
Rebuild database: Hold power button for 7 seconds until two beeps, select option

Test after each fix. These solve most technical problems.

Game-Specific Communication Problems

Some communication issues only happen in certain games. First, check the Audio menu and Social or Communication tab in game settings. Many games have their chat controls that override your PS5 system settings, often hiding in unexpected places like Accessibility options.

For party chat problems, try this simple trick: exit the game completely, start your party chat first, then reopen the game. Look for any “Game Chat” vs “Party Chat” toggle that might be set incorrectly.

Always verify your voice chat is turned on, your chat input device matches your headset, and your voice chat volume isn’t set to zero. Many games also have push-to-talk settings and special crossplay communication options you need to enable.

If nothing else works, delete and reinstall the problem game. From your Game Library, press Options → Delete, then restart your PS5 before reinstalling. Don’t worry-your save data stays safe during this process.

When Standard Fixes Don’t Work

When regular fixes fail, try accessing Safe Mode by turning off your PS5, then holding the power button until the second beep (7 seconds). Connect your controller with USB and try Restore Default Settings first, then Clear Cache if needed. Only use Option 6: Reset PS5 as a last resort, as it erases everything.

If Safe Mode doesn’t help, contact PlayStation Support by phone (1-800-345-7669), live chat, or tweet @AskPlayStation. Call during weekday mornings or late evenings for shorter wait times.

Before contacting support, gather your PSN ID, email address, console serial number, and any error codes you’ve seen. A clear problem description speeds up the help process.

As a final check, use the PlayStation App to sign in and message friends. If you can communicate through the app but not your PS5, you likely have a console issue rather than an account problem.

Conclusion

Most PS5 communication restrictions have simple fixes once you know where to look. Start by figuring out if your problem comes from account settings, network issues, or the game itself. Work through the solutions in this guide step by step – from checking parental controls to fixing your NAT type or adjusting in-game settings.

The good news? Almost all chat problems can be solved without expert help. If you’ve tried everything here and still can’t communicate, contact PlayStation Support with your error codes and details about what you’ve already tried.

Now get back to gaming with friends – that’s what PlayStation is all about!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I suddenly restricted from using communication features on my PS5?

Communication restrictions often occur due to network issues, account suspensions, parental controls, or system software problems. Check your account status and network connection first.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to use all communication features?

PlayStation Plus isn’t required for basic messaging, but some games require a subscription for voice chat and multiplayer communication features.

How can I tell if my account is suspended?

Check your email for notifications from PlayStation or log into PlayStation Network via the website. Suspensions typically come with specific restriction timeframes.