To game share on PS5, sign in with the account that owns the games, enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on the PS5 others will use, and download the games. Other users of that console can then play those downloaded games. Each account can enable sharing on only one PS5 at a time.
These steps apply to current PS5 system software on PS5, PS5 Digital Edition, slim models and PS5 Pro. You can share purchased and downloaded compatible games, plus eligible PlayStation Plus games and benefits through the subscribing account.
The short version
- Main setting: Open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play and select Enable.
- Console limit: Each account can enable sharing on one PS5 at a time.
- Game downloads: Download games using the purchasing account before other console users play them.
- Locked games: Check sharing and subscription eligibility, then restore the purchasing account's licenses if needed.
| Option | Use it for | Requirement or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Console Sharing and Offline Play | Sharing downloaded games with other users | One enabled PS5 per account |
| Automatic activation | Checking whether setup is already complete | First PS5 used to sign in |
| Local deactivation | Moving sharing to another PS5 | Access to the previous console |
| Remote deactivation | Clearing activation when the old console is inaccessible | Affects all console activations |
| PS5 library download | Installing games directly | Purchasing account |
| PlayStation App sign in and pairing | Signing in or preparing remote downloads | Same account on app and console |
| PlayStation App download | Requesting installation from your phone | Linked destination console |
| Browser download | Requesting installation from the web | Destination PS5 logged in with the owner's account |
| PlayStation App installation | Getting the download companion app | Compatible iOS or Android device |
| PlayStation Plus sharing | Sharing eligible games and benefits | Active subscription and eligible content |
| Share Play control mode | Letting a visitor control your game | PS5 host needs PlayStation Plus |
| Share Play multiplayer mode | Playing together using the host's game | Both players need PlayStation Plus |
| Guest account permission | Allowing a guest account for Share Play | Console restriction setting |
| Physical disc lending | Playing a borrowed disc | Supported disc drive with disc inserted |
| PS5 or web parental controls | Managing a child's game access | Family manager or appointed parent or guardian |
| PlayStation Family app controls | Managing a child's access from mobile | Child account using PS5 |
| PlayStation Family app installation | Getting the parental management app | Compatible iOS or Android device |
| License restoration | Repairing missing games or padlock icons | Purchasing account |
| Primary PS4 activation | Setting up sharing on a PS4 | PS4 only |
Enable sharing on the PS5 others will use
On the PS5 where other users will access your games, sign in with the account that purchased them. Open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play, then select Enable.
Sony says this setting is enabled automatically on the first PS5 you use to sign in to PlayStation. Check its status at the same settings path, since your intended console may already have sharing enabled. If another PS5 is activated for your account, move the activation using the steps below.
Sign in only through PlayStation’s own app or website, and never share a code, password, or remote access with someone who contacts you. For an app-assisted PS5 sign-in, open PlayStation App, then open Settings > Sign in on PS5. Scan the QR code on the console's sign-in screen, or select Enter Code Manually.
Download games from the purchasing account
Using the account that owns the games, open Games home > Game Library > Your Collection. Choose a game and select Download; installation completes automatically. With sharing enabled, other users of that console can play the downloaded game.
This works with owned PS5 games and compatible PS4 games. Downloading a game and enabling sharing are separate parts of setup, so a phone or browser download does not activate sharing. Keep Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled for other accounts to use the owner's downloaded games.
Use your phone or browser for downloads
For phone downloads, install PlayStation App using the App Store or Google Play link on the official PlayStation App page. Sign in with the owner's account, then open Settings > Pair Console to App and pair the destination PS5. The app and console must use the same account.
In the app, select the Game Library icon, then open Purchased. Choose a game and select its download button to send it to your console. For the download to start while you are away, keep the PS5 in rest mode with Stay Connected to the Internet turned on under Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode; otherwise, downloading begins when the console is next switched on.
For a browser download, go to PlayStation's website, select Sign In, and use the owner's account. Select the account avatar, open Game Library > Purchased, and choose the game. Select Download, or use the download icon in a mobile browser. The destination PS5 must be logged in with that account.
Share eligible PlayStation Plus benefits
Enable Console Sharing and Offline Play for the subscribing account on the designated PS5, then download eligible subscription games using that account. Other users of the console can access supported benefits, including online multiplayer, downloaded Monthly Plus games, and eligible Game Catalog or Classics Catalog games.
The available benefits depend on the subscription tier, and the subscription must remain active. Catalog availability also continues to apply. Cloud storage, claiming games on another account, subscriber purchase discounts and early game-trial access are not shared.
Move sharing to a different PS5
Disabling sharing removes the previous PS5's sharing activation but does not delete installed data. On that console, open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play, then select Disable. Sign in with the same account on the destination PS5 and enable the same setting there.
If the previous console is inaccessible, use remote deactivation through PlayStation's website. This option is available only once every six months, and it does not remotely activate the replacement PS5.
The next action deactivates all console activations associated with your account. Sign in to Account Management through PlayStation's website, open Device Management > PlayStation Consoles, and select Deactivate All Devices. Afterward, enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on the intended PS5 using its settings.
Restore access when shared games are locked
When another user cannot open a downloaded game, check that the purchasing account has Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled on this PS5. For a PlayStation Plus game, also check that the subscription remains active and the game is still eligible. Sharing activation does not remove subscription or catalog conditions.
For missing games or padlock icons, use the purchasing account and open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. Select the affected licenses. Alternatively, highlight the game on the home screen or in the game library, press the Options button, and select Restore License. Restoring licenses repairs license access; it does not create sharing rights.
Allow a child to access an eligible shared game
If you are the family manager or an appointed parent or guardian, open Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management, select the child, and adjust the relevant parental control. For a requested game exception, open Allowed Games. Alternatively, press the PS button, select Notifications, open the child's request, and select Go to [Allowed Games].
To manage access through the web, sign in to Account Management, open Family Management, select the child, and select Edit for parental controls. Requested game exceptions appear under Allowed Games > Gameplay. These controls govern access, but they do not grant game ownership or enable console sharing.
Use Share Play or lend a game disc
For temporary remote multiplayer using the host's game, start Share Play while in party voice chat. Press the PS button, select the party voice chat card, and select Start Share Play. Invite a friend and choose Play with the visitor; your friend opens the invitation and selects Join.
This mode requires PlayStation Plus for both the PS5 host and the visitor, plus suitable multiplayer gameplay. Sessions last one hour and support one visitor. During a session, open the party voice chat card and select Share Play Options to change modes or stop.
For a physical game, insert the borrowed disc into the receiving PS5's built-in or supported attached disc drive. Allow installation, then select the game from Games home and keep the disc inserted whenever playing. This method supports PS5 discs and supported PS4 discs; disc-free consoles cannot use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you keep a primary PS4 alongside your sharing PS5?
Yes, your account's primary PS4 can coexist with its sharing-enabled PS5. On PS4, open Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PlayStation 4, then select Activate. That menu applies to PS4, including PS4 Pro, and does not share PS5-only games to PS4.
Can a friend control your game instead of playing alongside you?
Yes, while in party voice chat, press the PS button, select the party voice chat card, and select Start Share Play. Invite a friend and choose Visitor plays as you; your friend opens the invitation and selects Join. The PS5 host needs PlayStation Plus, and the visitor must use a supported PlayStation console. Sessions last one hour, and game, age, region and parental restrictions apply.
What setting allows a guest account for Share Play?
On a PS5 where Share Play will use a guest account, open Settings > Family and Parental Controls > PS5 Console Restrictions > User Creation and Guest Login. Select Allow.
How do you install a borrowed game that comes on two discs?
Install the game from the data disc first. When prompted, replace it with the play disc and leave that disc inserted while playing.
Can you manage a child's game access from your phone?
Yes, install PlayStation Family app on a compatible iOS or Android device through the mobile-store download link on Sony's official PlayStation Family app product page. Select the child at the top of the app home screen and select the Settings icon next to their name, then open Parental Controls > Games and Apps to manage age levels, Game Requests and Allowed Games. You can accept or decline game requests there. For communication restrictions, open Parental Controls > Online Communication.