Sharing is caring, but sometimes Scaring ! Like most of the gamers you might want to let friends or family access your PlayStation 5 (PS5) digital game library to avoid buying multiple copies. The good thing is, PS5’s Console Sharing and Offline Play feature allows you to share your games with others.This way you can cut your extra costs, still there are few implications that you need to keep in mind. Don’t worry, let’s break it all down for you.
How to Set Up Console Sharing and Offline Play on PS5
Sharing your PS5 games is easier than you think! Just follow these steps.
- Go to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, select the gear icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Users and Accounts: Scroll down to find this option.
- Navigate to Other Settings: Within “Users and Accounts,” choose “Other.”
- Enable Console Sharing and Offline Play: Select this option and choose “Enable” if it’s turned off.
Keep in Mind:
- Once activated, other users on that console can play your digital games even if you’re offline.
- You can enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on only one PS5 at a time.
How to Share Your Games with Another PS5 Console
Want to share your library with a friend or family member on a different PS5? You’ll need to set their console as your primary PS5:
- Sign In on Their PS5: Log into your PlayStation Network (PSN) account on their console.
- Access Console Sharing Settings: Go to “Settings” > “Users and Accounts” > “Other” > “Console Sharing and Offline Play.”
- Enable the Feature: Select “Enable” to make their PS5 your primary console.
- Download Games: Your friend can now access and download your games using their own PSN account.
Heads Up!
- Enabling game sharing on another PS5 automatically disables it on your original console.
- Only one PS5 can be set as your primary console at any given time.
Sharing PlayStation Plus Benefits
This is what others are gonna get, once you enable Console Sharing and Offline Play:
- Online multiplayer access
- Monthly free games
However, PlayStation Store discounts and exclusive offers are tied to the account that purchased the subscription and cannot be shared. Simply put, all the exclusive offers are only for YOU!
Troubleshooting Common Game Sharing Issues
Game sharing is convenient, but sometimes issues pop up. Here’s how to fix the most common ones:
1. Game Shows a Locked Icon
What’s the issue?
A lock icon appears next to a game, preventing you from playing.
✅ Solution:
- Try restoring licenses: Go to “Settings” > “Users and Accounts” > “Other” > “Restore Licenses.”
- Ensure “Console Sharing and Offline Play” is enabled on the correct PS5.
2. Unable to Access Shared Games
What’s the issue?
The game library doesn’t appear or won’t download.
✅ Solution:
- Confirm that your PS5 is set as the primary console for the account that owns the games.
- Check your internet connection, as licenses sometimes require online verification.
3. Game Sharing Not Working After PSN Outage
What’s the issue?
After a PlayStation Network outage, shared games stop working.
✅ Solution:
- Deactivate and reactivate Console Sharing and Offline Play in the settings.
User Insights: What Gamers Are Saying
Many gamers have shared their experiences troubleshooting PS5 game sharing on forums:
💬 Reddit User: “I had to restart my console and toggle console sharing on and off to fix the issue.”
💬 PSNProfiles Forum Member: “Removing and re-adding the account, then restoring licenses, solved my problem.”
These insights show that while game sharing is a great feature, it sometimes requires tweaking to work smoothly. So, don’t worry, if you are getting hiccups in your way. It’s just normal.
Things to Consider Before Sharing Your PS5 Games
Before you start sharing your digital library, keep these key points in mind:
1.Trust and Security
Never share your PSN account details with someone you don’t fully trust.
2.Simultaneous Gameplay
Both users can play shared games at the same time, even in multiplayer mode!
3.Internet Connection
A stable connection is a must for game sharing, especially when verifying licenses.
Game Sharing VS Share Play:
Simply, following is the key difference between the two:
- Game Sharing allows another user to download and play your purchased games on their PS5.
- Share Play lets a friend remotely control your game for up to 60 minutes, even if they don’t own it.
How do I use Share Play?
- Press the PS button and go to Game Base.
- Start a Voice Chat with a friend.
- Select Start Share Play and choose: Share Screen (your friend watches you play)
- Give Controller (your friend plays as you)
- Play Together (co-op mode, if supported)
What Should I Do If Someone Abuses My Game Sharing?
Game sharing requires trust. Otherwise, sometimes things go wrong. It is possible that someone might take advantage of your game sharing by locking you out, making unauthorized purchases, or sharing your account without permission. If so, you need to take action immediately.
Here’s What You Need to Do:
✅ Reclaim Control
Enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on your own PS5. This will automatically disable game sharing on any other console.
✅ Change Your PSN Password ASAP
Reset your password in first place. Otherwise,they might buy games on your card, or even change your login details.
✅ Check for Unauthorized Purchases
Go to Settings > Account > Transaction History to review recent activity. If you notice suspicious charges, take screenshots for evidence.
✅ Remove the Unauthorized Device
In PlayStation Account Management, you can log out of all devices remotely.So, the other person can’t access your games anymore.
✅ Contact PlayStation Support
In critical scenarios, contact PlayStation Support for help such as in reversing charges or securing your account.
Is Using ‘Stranger Game Sharing’ Services Safe
Social media, Reddit, and Discord are full of people selling access to accounts with hundreds of games for a small fee. While tempting, these ‘paid services’ come with serious risks.
Why This Is a Bad Idea
Scams Are Everywhere: Many sellers revoke access after payment.
Permanent Account Bans: PlayStation actively tracks unauthorized game sharing and can ban accounts involved in these schemes.
No Purchase Security: Unlike official PlayStation purchases, you can’t dispute fraudulent transactions.
Side Effects of Game Sharing on PS5 Storage
Shared Games Eat Up Storage Fast
The PS5’s ultra-fast SSD is amazing. But it’s freaky limited in size. When sharing games, storage fills up quickly due to:
✔ The need to install large game files for multiple users.
✔ Automatic game updates consume extra space.
✔ Shared digital games taking priority over disc-based installs.
Solution:
✅ Invest in an M.2 SSD upgrade or an external USB SSD for PS4 games.
✅ Regularly check storage and delete games you’re not actively playing.
Is PS5 Game Sharing Worth It?
Absolutely! It is a fantastic way to save money and expand your game library without extra purchases. Just be mindful of the limitations and security risks. Here is a step-by-step visual guide to make the setup super simple for you.
