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Yes. You can use a PS4 or PS5 without Wi-Fi to play some games that are already installed, provided the console is activated for offline access and the specific game supports it. Digital games must be downloaded first; disc games require the disc and compatible drive hardware. Online multiplayer, downloads, Store purchases, and other network features still need an internet connection.
What works on PlayStation without Wi-Fi?
Offline play is possible, but it is not guaranteed for every game. Sony says a PS5 with Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled can run purchased and downloaded games and media while offline. On PS4, activation as the account’s primary console supports access to the account’s games. Individual games may still require a connection for first launch, license checks, updates, or particular features, so check the publisher’s requirements for a specific title.
- Can work offline: previously downloaded and installed games that support offline play, and compatible disc games installed on the console.
- Needs internet: downloading games or updates, purchasing from the PlayStation Store, and online multiplayer or other network-dependent features.
- May vary by game: whether the game requires an online first launch, periodic connection, or a connection for some modes.
Sony notes that some PS4 games require PlayStation Plus for online multiplayer. A subscription or offline setting cannot make an online-only game mode work without a connection.
PS5: enable offline access before disconnecting
Sony calls the relevant setting Console Sharing and Offline Play. It is enabled automatically on the first PS5 where you sign in, but verify it if you have changed consoles or accounts.
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- Connect the PS5 to the internet and sign in to the account that owns the digital games.
- Open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play.
- Confirm the feature is enabled. Sony allows this setting on only one PS5 at a time for an account.
- Download and install the games you want before going offline. Sony requires an internet connection and account sign-in to purchase and download games.
With the setting enabled, users of that console can play purchased and downloaded games and media while offline. It does not provide access to online services or multiplayer. If the console cannot access a digital game offline, reconnect and confirm that the account and sharing setting are correct.
PS4: activate the console as your primary PS4
On PS4, the equivalent account setting is Activate as Your Primary PlayStation 4. Sony allows one primary PS4 per account, and an account may have both a PS4 and a PS5 activated under their respective rules.
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- Connect the PS4 to the internet and sign in to the account that owns the games.
- Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PlayStation 4.
- Activate the console, then download and install your digital games before disconnecting.
For the current activation steps and account rules, see Sony’s PS4 activation guide.
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Digital games versus discs
| Format | What to do before going offline | Offline requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Digital game on PS5 | Sign in, purchase or redeem, download, and enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on the console. | The game must support offline play; the PS5 setting lets the console access purchased and downloaded games offline. |
| Digital game on PS4 | Sign in, purchase or redeem, download, and activate the console as the account’s primary PS4. | Offline access can depend on the game’s own requirements. |
| PS4 disc game | Install the game and keep the disc available. | The disc must be inserted while playing. Installation does not establish that every title can complete first launch or updates offline. |
| PS5 disc game | Install the game and keep the disc available. | The console needs compatible disc-drive hardware. Sony’s CFI-71xx quick start guide specifies a disc drive for disc games; confirm the exact PS5 model and drive configuration. |
Sony’s PS4 setup guide says disc games install automatically and the disc must be inserted to play. For PS5 hardware, consult the manuals for the specific model; the CFI-71xx quick start guide is model-group-specific, not a universal description of every PS5.
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Prepare the console for a trip or outage
- Connect to the internet, sign in to the account with the game licenses, and download the games you plan to play.
- Install available game updates while connected, especially if you expect to use a mode that may depend on current data.
- Check the PS5 offline-play setting or PS4 primary-console activation before leaving.
- For disc games, bring the disc and confirm the console has the required drive.
- If a particular title matters, check the publisher’s page for offline, first-launch, and mode-specific requirements. There is no universal Sony list confirming that every PS4 or PS5 game works fully offline.
What you cannot do without an internet connection
You cannot download a game or update, make a PlayStation Store purchase, or use online multiplayer while disconnected. Other features that rely on online services may also be unavailable. A game can have both offline and online modes, so losing Wi-Fi may disable only some parts of it—or prevent play altogether if the title requires a connection.
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