The padlock icon appearing on a PS5 game tile is not a hardware fault but a licensing signal. According to Engadget, when a game is bought from the PlayStation Store, the purchaser receives a license to play, not permanent ownership. Sony can block access if the license is withdrawn or if authentication fails.
The issue is becoming more consequential because Sony plans to end disc-based game production in January 2028, as the source notes. With an all-digital library, a padlock means the user is locked out of a title they may have paid for, or one they downloaded through PlayStation Plus that has since left the subscription catalog.
Engadget outlines several fixes: confirm the correct account, check PSN status, verify subscription status, restore licenses, and as a last resort, rebuild the database in Safe Mode. For disc games, the padlock can simply mean the disc is not inserted or is dirty. The broader takeaway for the business side is that digital storefronts retain control over access, and consumers should understand the limits of their purchases.