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To make a PS5 the console that shares your PlayStation account’s games, sign in with the account that owns the content, then open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play and select Enable. Sony automatically enables the feature on the first PS5 used to sign in, but only one PS5 can have it enabled for an account at a time.
Enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on PS5
- Sign in on the PS5 with the PlayStation account that owns the games or media you want other console users to access.
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play.
- Select Enable.
Sony says the first PS5 used to sign in to PlayStation is automatically allowed to use Console Sharing and Offline Play. If you are setting up a different PS5 and the feature is already enabled elsewhere, disable it on the old console first. See Sony’s PS5 Console Sharing and Offline Play guide.
What the setting shares
- Other users on the enabled PS5 can play games and use media purchased and downloaded by the account holder, including when the console is offline.
- Other users can use some PlayStation Plus benefits. Not every subscription benefit is shared. Sony describes the arrangement as sharing selected benefits on a primary PS4 and one PS5 with Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled; see PlayStation Plus sharing guidance.
- PlayStation Plus games and benefits require the relevant subscription to remain active. Access to a particular game can also depend on whether it is still available through the service.
- If the content belongs to another user of the PS5, that account’s owner must enable sharing for their account.
Why people call it a “primary PS5”
“Primary PS5” is common shorthand for the console that shares an account’s games, but Sony’s PS5 setting is called Console Sharing and Offline Play. Sony’s “primary console” activation terminology applies to PS4; the PS5 feature is configured separately and has its own menu path. Use the PS5 setting above rather than looking for a PS4-style primary-console option.
Switch sharing to another PS5
Disable Console Sharing and Offline Play on the PS5 that currently has it enabled, then enable it on the new one. Sony permits the setting on one PS5 at a time for an account. This PS5 limit does not change the account’s other console activation limits.
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If you cannot access the old console, Sony provides an Account Management option to deactivate all devices remotely. This is a broader fallback than switching the sharing setting on one PS5, and Sony says it can be used only once every six months. Follow Sony’s account and console-sharing instructions.
Troubleshoot activation or missing content
Enable is unavailable or activation fails
- Check whether Console Sharing and Offline Play is enabled on another PS5; disable it there before trying again.
- Check PlayStation service status.
- Update the PS5 system software and restart the console.
- Power-cycle the router: turn it off, wait at least five minutes, then turn it back on.
These are among the steps in Sony’s troubleshooting guide.
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A game or PlayStation Plus benefit is missing
- Confirm the account with sharing enabled purchased the game or media.
- For a subscription benefit, check that the relevant PlayStation Plus subscription is active and that the game is still available through the service.
- If you see a padlock icon, Sony notes it may indicate a license or network issue; consult the official guide for the applicable license checks.
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