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Can DLC Be Shared Between Profiles on PS5? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer is yes, DLC can generally be shared between profiles on a PS5, but with some key caveats. Let’s dive into the specifics of how this works and what limitations you might encounter, alongside some helpful tips and tricks.

How PS5 DLC Sharing Works: A Deep Dive

The PlayStation 5 utilizes a system of primary and secondary consoles along with account-based licensing to manage how content, including DLC (Downloadable Content), is shared. Understanding these concepts is critical to optimizing your game-sharing experience.

Primary vs. Secondary Consoles

The account that purchased the DLC needs to have the console set as its primary PS5. When an account designates a PS5 as its primary console, all other accounts on that console can access the games and most of the DLC purchased by that account. However, there are some very important exceptions to remember.

Important Exceptions: What Can’t Be Shared

Not all DLC is created equal. Certain types of content are tied directly to the purchasing account and cannot be shared with other profiles on the same console. The two most common culprits are:

Dungeon Keys: Typically, in games with such keys (like in some popular RPGs and MMOs), if one person buys a key to access a dungeon, only that profile can use it. All other profiles can’t access the dungeon.
Season Passes: Similar to dungeon keys, season passes grant access to a stream of content over time. These benefits are almost always restricted to the account that purchased the pass, and can’t be shared to other profiles.

How to Enable DLC Sharing on Your PS5

Here’s a step-by-step guide to make sure your PS5 is set up for DLC sharing:

Log in to the account that owns the DLC. This is the most important step.
Go to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, navigate to the Settings menu (the cog icon).
Navigate to User and Accounts: Scroll down and select “User and Accounts.”
Select Other: Select ‘Other’, then ‘Console Sharing and Offline Play’.
Enable Console Sharing and Offline Play: Make sure this setting is enabled. If it’s already enabled, you’re good to go!

Important note: You can only activate one PS5 as the primary console for your account at any given time. If you activate another PS5, the previous one will lose its primary status, and other accounts on that console may lose access to your games and DLC.

Troubleshooting DLC Sharing Issues

Sometimes, despite setting everything up correctly, you might still encounter problems. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

Check Download Status: Ensure the DLC is fully downloaded and installed. You can usually check this in the game’s hub or in the Downloads section of the PS5 settings.
Verify Account Login: Double-check that the account that owns the DLC is logged in to the PS5 and that the console is set as its primary PS5.
Restore Licenses: Go to Settings > User and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. This can sometimes fix issues related to content ownership.
Restart the PS5: It might seem like a cliché, but sometimes a simple restart can resolve minor software glitches that might be preventing DLC from being recognized.

The Importance of Sharing in Gaming

Sharing DLC and games is more than just a way to save money. It’s about sharing experiences and building connections through a common love of gaming. Sharing games and gaming experiences can foster collaboration, problem-solving, and social skills. For more information on the social aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify how DLC sharing works on the PS5:

Can I share my PlayStation Plus subscription benefits with other accounts on my PS5?

Yes, but only if Console Sharing and Offline Play are enabled on your PS5 for the account with the PlayStation Plus subscription.
What happens if I set my friend’s PS5 as my primary PS5?

You can share your digital games and most DLC with anyone using that PS5. However, they can also access your account if they know your login credentials, so it’s not recommended for people you don’t trust.
Can I play my friend’s digital games on my PS5 if they set my console as their primary?

Yes, if they have Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled on your PS5.
How many times can I change my primary PS5?

You can only activate one PS5 per account, and there is a limit to how frequently you can deactivate and reactivate your console.
What if I bought a physical game, can the DLC still be shared?

Yes, the sharing of DLC works the same regardless of whether you own the base game physically or digitally, as long as the account that purchased the DLC has the console set as primary.
I’m having trouble sharing a specific DLC. What could be the issue?

It’s likely either a dungeon key or season pass, which generally can’t be shared. Otherwise, ensure the DLC is downloaded, the correct account is logged in, and the console is set as primary.
If I delete my account from the PS5, will the other accounts still have access to the DLC I purchased?

No, if you delete the account that purchased the DLC, the other accounts will lose access to that content.
Can I gameshare on PS5 with more than one person simultaneously on different consoles?

No, you can only activate one PS5 as the primary console for your account. To share with multiple people on different consoles, they each would need to be your primary console, which isn’t possible.
How do I redownload DLC on my PS5?

Go to Games Home. Select Game Library to see a full list of your purchased games. Select your game. In the Game Hub, scroll right to the Add-ons section. You’ll see all the add-ons that are available for your game.
Can two people be on the same Playstation account at once?

No, only one person can be logged into a single account on different consoles. The moment a second person logs in, the first user gets logged out automatically.
I lost access to my friend’s account that was sharing games with me. Is there anything I can do?

No, if your friend has deactivated your console as their primary or changed their password, you’ll lose access to their content until they restore your access.
Can I transfer games between PSN accounts?

No. Games, other software, as well as the save data for them cannot be transferred to another PSN account.
I have a new PS5. How do I transfer my DLC licenses to it?

Simply log in to your PSN account on the new PS5 and set it as your primary console. The DLC licenses will automatically transfer over.
What are the dangers of gamesharing with strangers?

Sharing your account with strangers is extremely risky. They could potentially change your password, access your payment information, or even get your account banned.
How does Share Play work on PS5?

Press the PS button to go to the control center, and select the party voice chat card. Select Start Share Play. Invite a player, and then select the play mode. Share Play starts when the player joins. Note that Share Play is for streaming gameplay and does not give access to the full game or DLC.

Conclusion

Sharing DLC on the PS5 is a fantastic way to enhance your gaming experience and share the fun with friends and family. By understanding the primary console system and being aware of the exceptions, you can maximize your gaming library while minimizing the risk of running into frustrating limitations. Enjoy your shared gaming adventures!

Can DLC be shared between profiles PS5?