Do you happen to own a newly purchased PlayStation Portable and you’re wondering that how to activate PSP?
Then you’re in the right place.
Many PSP user purchases their first PSPs and finds it difficult to set it up for use. It sure is frustrating having been excited about your new device, only for it to pose problems of activation. The first important step you need to take after purchasing a new PSP device (or any other gadget for that matter) is to read the manufacturer’s manual. These come with instructions on how to set up your new device, as well as how to activate and maintain it for long-term use. If you find the manual a bit too technical or complicated, be sure to research the device before getting started.
Gaming is a fun activity enjoyed by people of all ages and the PSP has a long, impressive history of entertaining people anytime, anywhere, thanks to its most important feature: portability. However, it is common that people encounter problems in the process of activating their devices, and most complain about receiving the following error code when trying to play a title download from the PlayStation Store:
“ To use this content you must activate the system(8010850F)”
The error message above simply implies that you cannot play games downloaded from the PlayStation Network without activating your PlayStation Portable system—which is sort of a no-brainer
These error codes are more encountered with second-hand or repossessed devices. A general truth is that to be able to download content from the PlayStation Store onto your device, you would need to first activate the device on the PlayStation Network.
Whatever the case may be, if you find yourself asking how to activate PSP, this is a step-by-step guide on how to activate your PlayStation Portable PSP device.
There are two ways to activate your PSP. The first is by activating directly from the console, and the alternative is to activate the PSP using your Computer System.
Option One – Activating the PSP Directly From The Device
- Power on the PlayStation Portable device
- Connect the device to the internet
- Navigate to the PlayStation Network icon and select the Account Management option
- Select System Activation
- Choose between “Game” to download games from PlayStation Network or to play pre-downloaded games
or “Video/Comic” to download and watch movies or videos from the PlayStation Network Video Download Service.
- Select Activate
- A message should pop up on your screen indicating your success.
Option Two – Activating The PlayStation Portable System Via PC
- Open your web browser on your Computer
- Go To The PlayStation Network Account Management Website.
- Sign in to your PlayStation Network account. Should this be your first time accessing the site, you’ll have to select your region from the list of countries available.
- Once signed in, locate and select the “Account Management” option.
- Select “Activate or Deactivate PSP System”
- Choose between “Game” to download games from PlayStation Network or to play pre-downloaded games
Or “Video/Comic” to download and watch movies or videos from the PlayStation Network Video Download Service.
- Connect the PSP to your PC via a USB cable and set the PSP to USB mode
{Settings}>{USB Settings}
- Select Activate to activate the PlayStation Portable device.
- The system will detect your PSP and activate it
Note: If the PSP device has been previously activated with another PlayStation Network account, you may encounter a warning message informing you that the PSP device will be deactivated from the previous account once activated with this one; Select “Yes” to proceed.
- You will receive a message on your PC screen confirming the success.
Activating your PlayStation device on the PlayStation Network is a necessity if you’re to enjoy the console at its full capacity. At the very least, access to the PlayStation Store and all its contents is reason enough to activate your system
It is important to note however that there are limits to your ‘flexibility’ in PlayStation Network activation. You can only have a maximum of five different systems registered to one PlayStation Network Account at a time.
Don’t forget to turn off your device after use and keep it away from liquids or potentially damaging storage conditions.
If you have more questions on how to activate PSP, please let us know in the comment section.
