How to Fix ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL’ Error on PS4

Some PS4 users are encountering the ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ error when attempting to access the PlayStation Store or certain online features of games through a firewall. This problem is most frequently reported by users who have a SonicWall model or a firewall from another manufacturer with comparable capabilities.

It appears that a local network glitch, which prevents the console from connecting to the PlayStation Network (PSN), can cause this issue. Resetting the console can often remedy this problem.

If you’re using a SonicWall firewall device, you can resolve the issue by enabling Consistent NAT in your SonicWall settings. In some cases, you may need to either disable SSL Control or configure the associated policy violation to log the event rather than block the connection.

Without a dedicated firewall device, check to see if UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) is activated on your network. If not, you should enable it in your router settings to ensure that the necessary ports for your game console are forwarded.

If the issue only occurs when using the integrated web browser connected to a public Wi-Fi, consider switching from HTTPS to HTTP to enable page loading.

In rare instances, corrupted firmware—often caused by an unexpected shutdown during an update installation—may be the culprit. If this is the case, attempt to install the new firmware via Safe Mode and perform a power cycle procedure.

Method 1: Restart or Reset Your Router

Many users experiencing the ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ error have been able to resolve it by refreshing their home network, either through a restart or a reset.

Starting with a network refresh is recommended as it’s the least invasive method and preserves your network credentials and settings.

Perform a network restart by turning off your router with the power button, waiting a full minute, and then turning it back on. Ensure the process is complete by removing the power cable from the outlet for several seconds to drain the power capacitors.

If that doesn’t resolve the issue, consider resetting your network. This action may reset custom login credentials and network settings.

Use a sharp object to press the reset button for about 10 seconds until all the LEDs blink simultaneously.

If restarting or resetting your router does not resolve the issue, proceed to the next potential fix below.

Method 2: Enable Consistent NAT

The ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ error may also occur if Consistent NAT is not enabled. This feature ensures compatibility for peer-to-peer applications that rely on a consistent IP address for connections—a requirement for PSN and VoIP services.

Many users have alleviated the ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ error by enabling Consistent NAT on their SonicWall settings and restarting the network security device.

Follow this guide to enable Consistent NAT on SonicWall:

1. Access your SonicWall settings by entering the following IP address in your browser:

   https://192.168.168.168

2. Enter your user credentials when prompted. The default login information can typically be found in the SonicWall manual.
3. In the SonicWall settings menu, select ‘Manage’ from the top navigation menu.

   

4. Navigate to the ‘VOIP’ section under ‘System Setup’ on the left menu, and enable ‘Consistent NAT’ in the right-hand section.
   
5. Restart your computer and networking device, then reconnect your PlayStation 4 to verify if the issue is resolved.

Proceed to the next fix if this method does not resolve your issue or if the steps are not applicable.

Method 3: Disable SSL Control

If you’re encountering this issue with a PS3 or an older SonicWall model, it may be necessary to disable SSL Control within your SonicWall settings or change the policy action from ‘Block’ to ‘Log’.

Disabling SSL Control or altering the policy violation action has allowed several users to connect their consoles to PSN.

1. Connect to the same network as the SonicWall device.
2. Access the SonicWall settings by entering the following IP address into your browser:

   https://192.168.168.168

3. Log in with your credentials.
4. Select ‘Manage’ from the top menu within the SonicWall settings.

   

5. In the ‘Manage’ menu, click ‘Firewall Settings’ under ‘Security Configuration’ and select ‘SSL Control’.

   

6. Within ‘SSL Control’, disable ‘SSL Control’ or change the action for policy violations from ‘Block the connection and log the event’ to ‘Log the event’.

   

7. Restart your device to see if the issue has been resolved.

If the problem persists after trying the above solution, move on to the next fix.

Method 4: Enable UPnP

Enabling UPnP on your router allows the necessary ports to be automatically forwarded, potentially solving the ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ issue due to NAT inconsistencies.

For a detailed guide on enabling UPnP, refer to the following steps:

1. Ensure your PS4 console is connected to your router and enter 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1 into the browser to access your router settings.

   

2. Log in to your router using the appropriate credentials. The defaults are often ‘admin’ or ‘1234’.

   

3. In the router settings, locate the ‘Advanced’ menu, go to the NAT forwarding tab, and find the UPnP sub-menu.

   

4. Enable UPnP and restart both the router/modem and your PS4.
5. After the console restarts, try connecting to the network to see if the error has been resolved.

Method 5: Use HTTP Instead of HTTPS

The ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ error may appear when using the PS4’s built-in web browser on a public network. Try switching from HTTPS to HTTP by removing the ‘s’ from ‘https’ in the web address.

Reload the page after this adjustment and check if the problem is solved.

Method 6: Update Firmware Version in Safe Mode

Consider the possibility of corrupted firmware preventing secure network communication, which causes the ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ error when connecting to a network.

To update your PS4’s firmware through Safe Mode, follow these instructions:

1. Navigate to the Notifications panel from your PS4 dashboard and delete any pending update notifications by pressing the Options button.

   

2. Turn off your PS4 completely.
   Note: Avoid using hibernation mode.
3. Enter Safe Mode by pressing the power button until you hear two beeps.

   

4. Connect your DualShock4 controller via a USB cable and press the PS button.
5. In Safe Mode, select Option 3: Update System Software.

   

6. Install the new software and follow the on-screen instructions.

If the error persists, consider the following fix.

Method 7: Change the Default DNS

Changing the default DNS addresses to Google’s equivalents, or IPV6 defaults, has helped some users overcome the ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ error.

1. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection on your PS4 dashboard.
2. Select Wi-Fi or LAN based on your network type.
3. Choose Custom and set the IP Address to Automatic.
4. For the DHCP Host Name, choose Do Not Specify.
5. Change the DNS Settings to Manual. Use 8.8.8.8 for the Primary DNS and 8.8.4.4 for the Secondary DNS (the Google DNS addresses), or try the IPV6 default addresses:
   Primary DNS – 208.67.222.222
   Secondary DNS – 208.67.220.220
6. After changing the DNS, check to see if the problem is resolved.

   

Proceed to the next fix if the issue remains.

Method 8: Hard Reset PS4

A hard reset can address potential corrupted data causing the ‘Cannot Communicate Using SSL‘ error.

1. With your PS4 turned on, bring up the Power options menu and choose the Turn off PS4 option.
   
2. After the console is completely off, unplug the power cable and wait for at least 10 seconds.
3. Reconnect the power cable and power on the PS4.
4. Test to see if the error has been resolved by repeating the action that previously caused it.

Method 9: Check the System Clock

SSL errors can sometimes be caused by incorrect system time settings. Ensuring that your PS4’s date and time are correctly set can prevent SSL errors related to certificate verification.

1. Navigate to the PS4’s Settings menu.
2. Select Date and Time, then Date and Time Settings.

   

3. Choose Set Using Internet to automatically update the date and time.
4. After updating your system clock, retry the connection to the PSN or the problematic service.

If adjusting the system clock doesn’t rectify the issue, proceed to the next method.

Method 10: Change MTU Settings

Modifying the Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) settings on your PS4 can help resolve network connectivity problems, including SSL errors.

1. Go to Settings > Network > Set Up Internet Connection.
2. Select either Wi-Fi and LAN based on your connection type and choose Custom setup.
3. Proceed with the setup until you reach the MTU Settings. Here, select Manual.

   

4. Change the MTU value to 1473, which some users have reported to be successful in bypassing SSL communication errors.
5. Save the settings and test the network connection again.

If you’re still encountering SSL errors, here’s another method to try.

Method 11: Rebuild the PS4 Database

Rebuilding your PS4’s database can fix various issues and may help with SSL communication errors by clearing out corrupt data.

1. Turn off your PS4 completely (do not enter Rest Mode).
2. Once the console is off, press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps (one immediately and another one after about seven seconds).
3. Connect a DualShock4 controller with a USB cable and press the PS button to access Safe Mode.

   

4. Select Rebuild Database. This process can take some time and will not delete any of your saved data.
5. Once the rebuild is complete, restart your PS4 and attempt to use the network function that was previously causing errors.