How to Fix PlayStation Error WC-40378-2 "You Have Attempted This Action Too Many Times"
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You try to redeem a PSN code or add a payment method and get error WC-40378-2: "You have attempted this action too many times in a short period." This is a rate limit error — PlayStation has temporarily locked your account from making further attempts. Here's exactly why it happens and what to do.
Why This Happens
PlayStation enforces rate limits on how many times you can attempt certain actions — like redeeming voucher codes or entering payment information — in a short period. This is a security measure to protect accounts from brute force attacks and fraudulent activity.
The lockout is triggered when you:
- Enter too many incorrect voucher codes in a short time
- Attempt to redeem multiple codes rapidly in succession
- Make too many failed payment attempts
- Try to redeem a code repeatedly after it keeps failing for another reason
How Long Do You Have to Wait?
PlayStation's official guidance says to wait and try again later — but doesn't specify an exact time. Based on community reports, the lockout typically lasts between 1 hour and 24 hours depending on how many attempts triggered it.
The most important rule: do not keep trying. Every additional attempt during the lockout can extend it further. Stop completely, wait at least an hour, and ideally wait the full 24 hours before trying again.
What to Do Right Now
How to clear the WC-40378-2 lockout
- Stop all attempts immediately. Do not try to redeem the code or enter payment info again. Every attempt extends the lockout.
- Sign out of PSN and sign back in. On PS5/PS4: Settings → Account Management → Sign Out. Wait a few minutes, then sign back in. This sometimes clears minor rate limit locks.
- Wait at least 1 hour before trying again. If the error persists, wait the full 24 hours. Do not attempt anything during this time.
- After waiting, try redeeming on the web at store.playstation.com rather than the console. Sometimes the web redemption path has a separate rate limit counter.
- Check the PlayStation Network Status page before trying again. If PSN is having issues, wait until everything shows green.
If You're Still Locked Out After 24 Hours
If you've waited the full 24 hours without making any further attempts and still get WC-40378-2, contact PlayStation Support directly. Explain that you've waited 24 hours and are still seeing the rate limit error. They can investigate whether there's an account-level restriction and help lift it.
Still Need Help?
If you still need help and are getting this error, create a support ticket and we'll help you figure out the best path forward.
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