This content cannot be selected at this time [PS4]

June 2024 · 5 minute read
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Playing games on your PS4 can be a fun way to spend your free time, but what happens when the console throws various error messages your way?

For instance, if you’re a fan of digital releases, you might’ve encountered the infamous This content cannot be selected at this time error in the PS store.

Well, more often than not the issue is caused by server overloading. For those times when the underlying issue is someplace else, we have some suggested fixes you may want to try before calling it quits.

As a side note, it seems that This content cannot be selected at this time error in FFXV, Assassin’s Creed, Modern Warfare & DiRT Rally had a higher rate of occurrence than with other games.

Nevertheless, it still continues to affect other PS4 users every now and then.

How to fix This content cannot be selected at this time on PS4

1. Restart your PS4

Sometimes cached network data in your PS4 system may prevent you from accessing certain sections of the PS Store. This goes double for much-awaited releases of new or free games, updates, or DLCs.

Much like performing this operation on your Windows 10 PC, restarting your PS4 is probably one of the most overlooked fixes we could suggest.

However, this time it’s a bit different. Instead of choosing Restart PS4 from the Quick Menu, you’ll need to power it off completely. After the console has been shut down, power it back on, and try accessing the Store content once more.

Note: Rest mode keeps the system operating in a low power consumption mode and keeps most things in a suspended state. Therefore, make sure you don’t choose the Rest mode option when switching up your PS4.

2. Restore Licenses

If you recently purchased some content from the PS Store and you’re facing the dreaded This content cannot be selected at this time error, you may be able to fix it by restoring licenses.

On your PS4’s home screen, select Settings, then go to Account Management. Once you’re there, select the Restore Licenses option and confirm your selection if necessary.

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It’s not a guaranteed fix, but if there’s some mismatch on your console, this suggestion ought to fix it.

3. Access the PS Store from the PS4 dashboard

Reportedly, many users receive this error when trying to access or purchase PS Store content in-game. For instance, if you’ve purchased (or want to purchase) DLCs for some of your games, you may try to access them from within the game.

If you’re encountering the abovementioned error, try long-pressing the PS button and accessing the PS Store from the PlayStation dashboard. If that doesn’t work, try closing the game, then go to the dashboard Store app once more.

4. Be patient

Sometimes, PS Store content is made available ahead of schedule, but not accessible. For instance, some US Assassin’s Creed fans were disappointed when the Hidden Ones DLC was a bit delayed (at least on their side), albeit available in the store.

Other times, due to fan enthusiasm, PS Store servers just give up. Usually, during a server outage, you may not be able to access the PS Store altogether, but it’s not uncommon for certain content (such as DLCs) to become inaccessible during these events.

In this case, your best option would be to wait. Be patient and try accessing the content a bit later, if possible.

5. Use a VPN

  • Purchase a premium VPN subscription (we recommend Private Internet Access)
  • Download and setup the VPN on your PS4 
  • Change the PSN country & region on your PS4

    • This is quite an extreme measure, as it involves creating a new PSN account. And we all know that switching accounts is not exactly a great measure, especially if you invested a lot of time in your account.

    However, if you have a VPN and want to see if the This content cannot be selected at this time error is purely regional, this is a good way to check.

    If you can confirm that the error is indeed related to your region, just go back to step 4 and repeat it as necessary.

    Final thoughts on fixing the This content cannot be selected at this time error

    All things considered, if you encounter the This content cannot be selected at this time error, don’t fret. More often than not, the error is purely regional, meaning that you’ll need to wait for it to pass.

    Other times, merely powering off your PS4 and switching it back on can save you from a lot of headaches.

    Last, but not least, if you’re really determined to find out what’s wrong, you could use a VPN and create an account using a different region. It won’t fix your issue if you care about your old account, but will definitely provide some useful insight.

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