After investigating this particular issue, it turns out that there are several different causes that might cause this particular error code. Here’s a shortlist of potential culprits that might be involved in the apparition of this error:
Method 1: Checking the status of PSN
One of the most common causes that will trigger this particular error code is a problem with the PSN network. If the entire network (or portions of it) are under maintenance ore are in the middle of an unexpected outage period, the sign-up process might not work at all. If you suspect you’re seeing the CE-33986-9 due to a widespread server issue, you can investigate your suspicion by visiting the PSN Status Page. Once you reach the Status page link, check to see whether Sony reports any problems with the Account Management function or Playstation store. If the investigation you just performed has revealed a server problem that might be responsible for the CE-33986-9 error code, this particular issue is entirely beyond your control. All you can do in this case is to wait for Sony to fix the problem on their side. On the other hand, if there is no evidence that there’s a problem with PSN, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 2: Rebooting or Resetting your router
If you previously made sure that you’re not dealing with a widespread server issue, the next thing you should do is make sure you’re not actually dealing with a TCP or IP consistency. In case you’re seeing this error because of a bad DNS rage or due to a different superficial network inconsistency, you should be able to fix this problem by rebooting or resetting your local network from your router. This problem is reported to occur when multiple devices in the household are connected at the same time to a piece of low-tier router equipment that works with limited bandwidth. If this scenario is applicable, you should start by disconnecting any non-essential device to free up as much bandwidth as possible. Once you do this, follow one of the sub-guides below to refresh the TCP / IP data that was previously assigned to your PlayStation 4 console.
A. Rebooting your router
The ideal way to start is by doing a quick router restart in order to force a refresh of the TCP / IP data. This operation will end up clearing the majority of temporary data that might be causing the CE-33986-9 error code. In order to go for a router restart, look for the power button – typically located on the back of your router. Once you see it, press it once to turn it off, then wait for a full minute. While you wait, make sure to physically disconnect the power cable from the power outlet in order to allow the power capacitors to drain physically. Once the waiting period is over, restore power by reconnecting the power cable, power up your router equipment once again, and wait for internet access to be re-established. In case the PSN sign up still fails with the same error code, move down to the next potential fix below.
B. Resetting your router
If the simple router restart procedure didn’t work in your case, it’s likely that you’re dealing with a more serious network inconsistency that a simple temp data refresh won’t solve. It’s possible that a network restriction you enforced from your router settings or a different setting in end up inhibiting the connection with the PSN. If you don’t remember exactly which settings, where changed that, might produce this error, the best course of action is to go for a router reset. Important: Before you initiate this operation, keep in mind that this operation will essentially revert your router to the factory state. You will lose any forwarded ports, whitelisted items, blocked devices, and any other custom settings you previously established from your router settings. If you’re determined to initiate this operation, look at the back of your router and locate the reset button. Most router manufacturers will build the Reset button inside to prevent accidental presses, so make sure you prepare with a sharp object like a small screwdriver, toothpick, or needle. Note: If you’re using PPPoE, keep in mind that this procedure will reset the currently saved ISP credentials. If this scenario is applicable, ensure that you have the login PPPoE credentials (issued by your ISP) at the ready). Initiate the reset procedure by using a sharp object to press and hold on the reset button for about 10 seconds or until you see all the front LEDs on your router flashing synchronously. After the operation is complete, re-establish internet access, return to your Playstation 4 console and see if the operation is now complete. In case this problem is still not resolved, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 3: Power Cycling your PS4
If none of the potential fixes above have worked for you, it’s possible that you’re seeing the CE 33986 9 error code due to some type of firmware inconsistency brought about by a temporary file. Several affected users that were previously dealing with the same issue have confirmed that the issue was resolved after they initiated a power-cycling procedure. This operation will ensure that your PlayStation 4 doesn’t carry any data in-between restarts by draining the power capacitors. If you didn’t try this yet, follow the instructions below to initiate the power-cycling procedure on you PlayStation 4 console: In case you still end up seeing the CE 33986 9 error code, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 4: Connect to the Internet via LAN cable (if applicable)
If you’re currently connected to a wireless network, you might be able to circumvent the CE-33986-9 error code entirely by making the switch to a wired connection. This fix was confirmed to work by a lot of affected users that were previously encountering this problem while using a wireless headset – Apparently, with certain wireless headsets that are using a wireless dongle, you can expect a conflict with the Wi-Fi network unless you change the default channel from your router settings (Method 5). But if you’re looking for a quick fix and you don’t mind using an ethernet cable to connect your PlayStation console to the internet, follow the instructions below to set up a wired network connection:
Method 5: Change the Wi-Fi channel from Router Settings (if applicable)
If you are encountering this issue only when you connect a wireless headset that’s using a dongle, it’s very likely that you’re dealing with a wireless channel conflict – Most likely, both your router and your wireless headset are attempting to use the same Wi-Fi Channel which ends up causing the CE-33986-9 error code. If this scenario is applicable, you should be able to fix this problem by logging into your router settings and modifying the default used channel. Most likely, the setting is set to Auto, which ends up facilitating the conflict. Follow the instructions below to change the Wi-Fi channel from your Router Settings in order to fix the CE-33986-9 error code: Note: The steps below are just for orientation as your screens will be different depending on your router manufacturer. The steps below were performed on a TP-Link router. In case the same problem is still appearing, move down to the next potential fix below.
Method 6: Switching to Google DNS
If none of the methods above have worked for you, you should also start to consider the possibility that you might be dealing with a DNS (Domain Name System) inconsistency. Several affected users that were previously dealing with the same problem have confirmed that they manage to fix the issue by making the switch to the DNS range provided by Google. If you think this scenario is applicable, follow the instructions below to swap up the default DNS range that was automatically assigned to you with the DNS provided by Google: In case you are still seeing the CE-33986-9 error code, move down to the next method below.
Method 7: Contacting your ISP
If none of the potential fixes above have worked for you, you should seriously start to consider that this problem can be actually caused by an ISP issue that is beyond your control. According to some affected users, this problem can either occur due to a restrictive Level 3 note that’s making the connection unstable or due to a network-level restriction. Either way, you should be able to resolve this problem by getting in contact with your ISP and asking for assistance. If you can, try to get in contact with a live agent rather than opening a ticket (if you don’t mind waiting for several days).
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