Can You Track a Stolen PS5?
Unfortunately, yes, but it is very difficult. While PlayStation 5 consoles contain some tracking capabilities, experienced thieves know how to avoid detection. With over 1 million PS5s sold in 2022 in the US alone, black market demand also makes them prized targets.
However, all hope is not lost. By taking quick action and leveraging all available recovery methods, you may successfully locate your cherished gaming system. This comprehensive guide explains everything grieving gamers need to know.
Reporting Your PS5 as Stolen
Your first step is contacting the proper authorities:
File a Police Theft Report
Provide officers with your PS5‘s serial number, model details, date purchased, and any other unique identifiers. Also hand over evidence like security footage, if available. With over $35 million in consoles stolen annually, investigators take these cases seriously.
Contact PlayStation Support
Not only can their agents brick and ban your system‘s network access, you‘ll need an official record when filing insurance claims or tracking theft patterns in your area. Support may even flag your device‘s serial in Sony‘s internal systems.
Table A: Key Details to Have Handy When Reporting
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Serial # | Found on the bottom of console |
| Model # | Located on packaging + bottom label |
| Date/Location Purchased | For purchase verification |
| Accessory Descriptions | Controllers, headsets, etc. |
Unfortunately at this stage, even PlayStation themselves cannot actively pinpoint or track your PS5‘s location. So what other options exist?
Tracking Methods to Locate Your PS5
Sony‘s latest console contains advanced software allowing for potential tracking. But success depends greatly on thieves‘ resources and whether they connect your system online.
Internet Connection Detection
If powered on and connected to WiFi, your PS5 automatically receives a dynamic IP address from the network provider. Sony can subpoena these ISPs to release associated customer information.
Geolocating the assigned IP narrows down the device‘s metropolitan area, though efforts still may only yield a radius of 25+ miles. Note geo-tracking requires your PS5 interact online – simply connecting unseen to someone‘s WiFi prevents detection.
Location Tracking Apps
Apps like Apple‘s Find My or Tile trackers use GPS and Bluetooth data to display an item‘s last known location. If planted inconspicuously and not discovered, thieves likely won‘t disable these passive services during a quick grab.
Review historical data the moment you notice your PS5 missing. Accuracy depends greatly on app sophistication, but past coordinates may yield investigation leads.
Table B: PlayStation Tracking App Recommendations
| App | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Find My | Tracks Apple devices | Free w/Apple device |
| Tile Mate | Bluetooth tracker | $25 |
| Logitech Tracker | Long 250 ft range | $30 |
Serial Number Tracking
Checking known resale sites for your PS5‘s unique serial offers another avenue, albeit tedious. Since fences move items quickly, you must act fast.
I recommend this list of 36 sites known for stolen gaming sales. Setup alerts for new merchandise containing your PS5‘s etched S/N. Cross-reference location details in sellers‘ profiles to pinpoint thieves‘ whereabouts.
Preventing PlayStation Theft
While no perfect guarantees exist, several precautions minimize risk:
- Never openly display or carelessly store your console
- Install home surveillance systems covering entryways
- Secure PS5 inside locked cabinets when not home
- Note serial #s and take photos for records
- Utilize renters/home insurance with theft protection
- Add hidden GPS tracking inside console‘s casing
- Setup two-factor authentication on your PSN account
As demand for Sony‘s latest system continues outpacing supply, law enforcement expects black market interest only rising higher through 2024. Hopefully these proactive measures and recovery tips help anxious gamers rest easier during this ongoing crisis.
Stay vigilant friends – together we can beat these thieves! Never hesitate reaching out with your own experiences or advice. This ongoing dialogue truly makes a difference.
