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Can I Share My Game Pass? A Comprehensive Guide to Xbox Game Pass Sharing

Yes, you absolutely can share your Xbox Game Pass subscription, but the specifics depend on your subscription type and how you’re trying to share it. The good news is that Microsoft has built in features to allow for family sharing and even some degree of friend sharing, though with some limitations. Let’s delve into how this works, and what you need to know to get the most out of your Game Pass subscription.

Understanding Xbox Game Pass Sharing

The primary way to share your Xbox Game Pass is through the “Home Xbox” setting. When you designate an Xbox console as your Home Xbox, any profile signed into that console can access your Game Pass benefits. This means anyone in your household can enjoy the games and perks associated with your subscription. However, it’s not as straightforward as sharing your Netflix password across different homes. Here’s a detailed look at how it functions and what factors influence your ability to share:

The Role of the “Home Xbox”

Your “Home Xbox” is the console that is designated as primary for your Microsoft account. Any Xbox Live profiles that sign in to that console can access and play all digital games you own, regardless of whether you’re logged in. Here’s how this relates to Game Pass:

Sharing Game Pass: If your account has an active Game Pass subscription (whether it’s for console, PC, or Ultimate), anyone who uses your Home Xbox can play games from the Game Pass library. This feature is extremely useful for families who share a console.
Designating Your Home Xbox: You must actively designate an Xbox as your Home Xbox. You can do this through your console’s settings.
Switching Home Xboxes: You can switch your Home Xbox up to five times per year, though it’s recommended to only do so when necessary.
Limitations: When someone else uses your games on your designated Home Xbox, you must be online on your own profile to use your games on another console.

Sharing Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate combines the benefits of console Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, and cloud gaming. This is the most flexible type of Game Pass in terms of sharing:

Home Sharing: The same “Home Xbox” rules apply. If you have Game Pass Ultimate and have designated your home Xbox, anyone on that console benefits from your subscription.
PC Game Pass & Xbox Play Anywhere: Your Ultimate subscription also grants you access to games on your PC. Many titles are “Xbox Play Anywhere,” meaning your game progress saves across both platforms, enabling seamless gameplay. However, you are not directly sharing PC Game Pass access with multiple users.
Cloud Gaming: Your Ultimate subscription also allows you to stream games on supported devices, including smartphones and tablets. This is an additional personal benefit not intended for sharing with others.

Sharing Within a Family

Microsoft also allows for family management through their Microsoft Family feature. Here’s how it interacts with Game Pass:

Adding Family Members: You can add family members to your Microsoft account. This allows for easier management of subscriptions and parental controls.
Family Group Limitations: There’s no specific “family plan” for Game Pass, although Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can be shared amongst family members who use the designated home Xbox. Microsoft offers a similar Xbox Game Pass Family plan in select regions, typically supporting a primary account holder and up to four group members.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide more insight into Xbox Game Pass sharing:

1. Can I share my Xbox Game Pass with someone not in my household?

Technically, yes, through the Home Xbox feature, but it’s not designed for this. You would need to designate their console as your Home Xbox, limiting your access to your own games on other consoles. You can only have one Home Xbox at a time. This is better suited for those you trust, due to account login requirements.

2. Can two people play games simultaneously with one Game Pass account?

Yes, if they are playing on different consoles. The account holder can play on any console, while other people can play simultaneously on the designated Home Xbox. You must be signed into the console in use by the account holder.

3. Can I share my PC Game Pass with my family?

The PC Game Pass can be shared in so far as the account holder can log into multiple PC’s, but not in a way that would allow two users to simultaneously game on two PC’s. You can log into the Microsoft Store on multiple PC’s with the same user details. You cannot use the same account concurrently to play Game Pass titles.

4. Do both accounts need Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer if one is using Game Pass Ultimate?

No. On the Home Xbox, all profiles can access the benefits of Xbox Live, and Game Pass Ultimate, with only one subscription. This means that if your account that has Game Pass Ultimate has designated the console as a “Home Xbox”, all other accounts on that console can play online. Note that if they play online, it is not the account holder that will have the credit for the online play, but the user who is logged in, i.e. achievements and so forth are tied to that account.

5. Can I gameshare with a friend on Xbox?

Yes, the Home Xbox feature allows you to share games and subscription benefits with one other console. You essentially designate each other’s consoles as the “Home Xbox” for the other account.

6. How do I switch my Home Xbox?

To switch your Home Xbox, go to Settings > General > Personalization > My Home Xbox on the console you want to designate as your new Home Xbox. Then select “Make this my home Xbox.”

7. How many times can I change my Home Xbox?

You can change your Home Xbox up to five times in a 12-month period, use this feature carefully.

8. Can I share games and Game Pass from Xbox to PC?

Yes, with Xbox Play Anywhere titles and your Game Pass Ultimate subscription. These titles allow you to continue progress between consoles and PC, but don’t technically share the license for simultaneous play on two devices.

9. Does game sharing still work on the newest Xbox consoles?

Yes, game sharing, and Game Pass sharing through Home Xbox, is fully functional on both the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. It is also functional on the Xbox One consoles.

10. Can I sign in to my account on multiple Xbox consoles at the same time?

Yes, but only one can be used to play games at one time for your primary account. Multiple consoles can be used by your account at any given time so long as you are not playing games. The account holder can only play on one console simultaneously, and must be signed into the console in use at the time to access games on a device other than the designated home Xbox.

11. Why is my Game Pass not sharing on my home console?

Ensure that the console is actually set as your Home Xbox and your subscription is active. A network issue may be preventing it working, so restart your modem and console. Check that both Xbox devices are updated to the latest version of the software.

12. Can I gameshare with more than one person?

No, you can only gameshare with one other person at a time, as you can only have one Home Xbox at a time.

13. Can I gift Game Pass to a friend?

Yes, you can gift Game Pass to a friend through the Xbox app or via Xbox.com. Check for promotional friend referral invitations, which are sometimes available on the Xbox app.

14. Can I use a different account for each console on Game Pass?

Yes, however, you cannot use the primary account to play on two consoles concurrently. The account holder must be signed into the non-Home Xbox for use, while the Home Xbox can be used simultaneously by anyone who is logged into that device.

15. How much is the Xbox Family Game Pass?

Xbox Family Game Pass is currently only available in select regions. Pricing will vary, but it is generally more cost effective than multiple Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions, and allows for five users to access the service.

Conclusion

Sharing your Xbox Game Pass is a great way to get more value from your subscription and allow others in your household, or trusted friends, to enjoy its benefits. While there are some limitations, understanding the Home Xbox system, and how it interacts with different Game Pass subscriptions, makes it easy to share your gaming experience. Keep these FAQs in mind, and you’ll be ready to make the most of your Xbox Game Pass.

Can I share my Gamepass?