Can I Keep Changing My Primary PS4? The Ultimate Guide
The short answer is: yes, you can change your primary PS4, but there are limitations you need to be aware of. You can only have one primary PS4 per account at a time, and while you can switch which console is primary, there’s a cooldown period for remote deactivation. This guide will delve deep into the nuances of primary PS4 accounts, game sharing, and everything else you need to know to maximize your PlayStation experience.
Understanding Primary PS4 Activation
Activating a PS4 as your primary console grants several benefits. Firstly, anyone using that console can access your digitally purchased games and PlayStation Plus benefits, even when you’re not logged in. This makes it ideal for households with multiple users. Secondly, it enables offline play of your digital games on that specific console.
However, the system is designed to prevent widespread game sharing. This means that while you can switch your primary console, doing so frequently might lead to complications. The key limitation is the deactivation process, especially when you don’t have direct access to the original console.
How to Activate a PS4 as Primary
- Log in to your PlayStation Network account on the PS4 you want to make primary.
- Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Select Activate.
How to Deactivate a PS4 as Primary
There are two main ways to deactivate a PS4:
- Direct Deactivation (Recommended):
- Log in to your PlayStation Network account on the PS4 you want to deactivate.
- Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Select Deactivate > Yes.
- Remote Deactivation (Limited Use):
- Go to the PlayStation Network website and log in to your account.
- Navigate to Account Management > Device Management > PlayStation Systems > Deactivate All Devices.
- Important: You can only use this option once every six months.
The Six-Month Deactivation Limit
The six-month limit on remote deactivation is the most significant factor limiting how often you can change your primary PS4. If you have access to the console you want to deactivate, using the direct deactivation method is always the preferred approach as it does not trigger this cooldown.
Consequences of Frequent Switching
While technically, you can switch frequently if you have direct access to both consoles, constantly deactivating and reactivating can lead to confusion and potential issues with accessing your content. It’s best practice to only switch when absolutely necessary, such as when you get a new console or need to share games with a different household member.
Game Sharing and its Limitations
The primary PS4 system is inherently tied to game sharing. By activating a console as primary, you allow other users on that console to play your purchased games, even without your account being logged in. This is a legitimate feature, but also one that is carefully controlled by Sony to prevent abuse.
Can You Share Games on Multiple Consoles?
No, you cannot simultaneously share your games on multiple PS4 consoles. Only the console designated as your primary PS4 grants access to all users. If you try to log in to a second console and play your games while another user is playing them on your primary console, you may encounter errors or be unable to launch the game.
The Importance of PS Plus
Remember that some features, particularly online multiplayer, often require a PlayStation Plus subscription. While your primary console can share some PS Plus benefits with other users, the user playing on a non-primary console will typically need their own PS Plus subscription to access online features.
PS4 and PS5: A Combined Ecosystem
If you own both a PS4 and a PS5, it’s crucial to understand how primary console settings work across generations. You can have one primary PS4 and one primary PS5 linked to the same account. This allows you to maximize game sharing within your household, letting family members play your games on both consoles.
Upgrading to PS5
When you upgrade from PS4 to PS5, you’ll likely want to make your PS5 your primary console. Make sure to deactivate your PS4 as the primary console before activating your PS5. This ensures a smooth transition and avoids any conflicts. You can also use the data transfer features to bring your games and saves from PS4 to PS5.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I don’t deactivate my primary PS4 before selling it?
If you sell your PS4 without deactivating it, whoever buys it will be able to access your games and potentially your account information. Remotely deactivating all devices via the Sony website will solve the problem, but remember you only get to use this function once every six months. Always prioritize deactivating the console directly before selling.
2. Can I have two primary PS4 accounts?
No, each PS4 device only supports one primary account.
3. Can I Gameshare on two different consoles?
You can effectively game share with people on one device, however there can only be one primary PS4 account.
4. How many times can I switch primary PS5?
If you have access to both PS5s, you can change the primary account as many times as you want.
5. What happens if I deactivate my PS4 as primary?
You won’t be able to use some PS+ features such as cloud save uploading. Some other stuff too. It’ll tell you everything. Also if PSN goes down you MIGHT have trouble playing things you bought digitally.
6. How many PS4 can be a primary account?
You can activate only one PS4™ system per account.
7. Can you remotely deactivate primary PS4?
Yes, remotely deactivating all devices attached to your account is possible using Account Management on a web browser. Select Console Sharing and Offline Play > Disable. However, this can only be used once every six months.
8. Can I have two primary consoles?
You can have one primary console at a time for your Nintendo Account. The first Nintendo Switch console you use to connect to Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch will become your primary console. While using the primary console, any user account on the console can play the downloadable content you have purchased.
9. Can you have 1 primary PS4 and PS5?
You can only have one primary of each generation. For example I have both, and I can be logged into my account from the PS5, while my GF is logged into her account from the PS4, and we can both run games that I own, because both consoles are my primary.
10. How do I remove primary PS4 without console?
If you can’t access the console, it’s still possible to remotely deactivate all devices attached to your account using Account Management on a web browser. Select Console Sharing and Offline Play > Disable. Remember that you can only deactivate your consoles once every six months.
11. Can 2 PS4 accounts share games?
Yes, you can play games together or share your game library with friends and family members who are also still using their PS4, thanks to a feature called Share Play.
12. Can you 3 way Gameshare on PS4?
If it’s your primary ps4, yes. How it works is, if you have a playstation set up as your primary, every other user on it can use the software and its associated dlc like they own it, but only on that one specific console. If they started using their own ps4 they would have to buy it for themselves.
13. How do I force someone off my primary PS4?
Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4. Select Deactivate > Yes.
14. How do I share games on PS4 without primary?
You, log in PS4 A, but PS4 A is not your primary device. This means, you can play your games bought from PSN, as long as you log in as this account. You, then log in PS4 B, your friends, and activate his/her PS4 as your primary. This means, he/she now can play your PSN games you bought from his/her account.
15. Why are my games locked on PS4?
The locked symbol indicates that your account does not have the licenses for the game (you didn’t buy the game or you do not own the game) if it has a playstation plus logo by the lock, it means you have to renew your playstation plus subscription to gain access to the game.
Conclusion
While you can change your primary PS4, the six-month deactivation limit adds a layer of complexity. Understanding the rules and best practices for activating and deactivating consoles will help you avoid potential issues and maximize the benefits of game sharing within your household. Remember to always prioritize deactivating your console directly before selling it and consider how primary console settings work across both PS4 and PS5. For more insights on gaming and its broader impact, explore resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.