Update – PlayStation Network is back online.
There has been little explanation surrounding the PlayStation Network outage which began this morning. Information regarding what’s going on with the network is nonexistent, with the only statement saying that the problem is being worked on.
We are still working on resolving today’s issues with PSN. Thanks for your continued patience. For current status: https://t.co/cLXo9fGH27
— Ask PlayStation (@AskPlayStation) 4 Janvier 2016
In spite of that, PS4 and PS3 owners can still sit back and watch Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Instant Video, Crunchyroll, and any other streaming service even though the network is down.
However, there is a slight catch: The streaming app must have already been downloaded and the console must be the primary console.
Theoretically, if you only have one PS4, it should already be set as your primary PS4, since the process of setting up the account on the console includes the option to activate it as such. However, if you didn’t answer yes to this, then you may not have access to the apps right now and there will be a white padlock on the app, indicating that the certificate for the application cannot be verified. The option to change primary and secondary console access is deep within the Account Management settings, which requires PSN access to change.
So, if Neflix or Hulu have already been downloaded and your console is the primary console, then streaming services can be used during this network downtime. Even if an update pops up, that will download; I had update 1.09 for Netflix pop up about 30 minutes ago, which is nearly five hours after PSN disconnected. If the apps aren’t already installed, however, you’ll have to find a different way to keep up with your favorite shows.
Things may still be finicky with this. Streaming is working for some of the PSU staff while others are having issues with being locked out of their apps, like what was detailed above. Let us know if things are working for you, and detail any issues with streaming, especially if they should be working under the current conditions.
We’ll keep our eyes on the network and and keep you updated as soon as more information arrives.