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Can Two Profiles Play the Same Game on PS5? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, two profiles can indeed play the same game on a PS5. However, the specifics of how this works depend heavily on whether the game is a digital game or a physical disc, and how the accounts are configured on the console. This article will delve into the intricacies of sharing games across profiles on your PlayStation 5 and answer some frequently asked questions.

Understanding Game Sharing on PS5

The PS5 offers a degree of flexibility when it comes to sharing games, but it’s not without its limitations. The core concept revolves around the primary console setting and account privileges. Let’s break down the key elements:

Digital Games and Account Activation

Digital games are tied to the PlayStation Network (PSN) account that purchased them. For other profiles on the same PS5 to access these games, the account that owns the games must be activated as the primary console for the PS5.

Primary Console Activation: When an account is activated as the primary console, any other account on that PS5 can access the games and PlayStation Plus benefits associated with that account.
Simultaneous Play: However, the account that purchased the game can only play the game on a single console at a time. If the account is logged in on another PS5 (even a PS4) and starts playing the same game, the other player on the primary console might encounter an error or be kicked off.
PlayStation Plus Benefits: If the primary account has an active PlayStation Plus subscription, other accounts on the primary console can enjoy online multiplayer access, cloud storage, and some free monthly games (depending on the specific PS Plus tier)

Physical Disc Games and Sharing

Physical disc games are less restrictive in some ways but have their own limitations.

No Account Restrictions: Any profile on the PS5 can play a physical disc game without needing to be tied to a specific account.
One Console at a Time: The most obvious limitation is that only one PS5 can play the game using the physical disc at any given time. You can’t duplicate the disc!
Save Data: Each profile will have its own separate save data for the game, ensuring progress isn’t mixed up.

Using Game Sharing Responsibly

While game sharing can be a great way to share games within a household, it’s essential to understand the terms of service. Sharing your account details with individuals outside of your household is generally discouraged and can violate Sony’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Setting up game sharing isn’t always smooth sailing. Here are some potential issues and how to address them:

Game Lock Errors

If you encounter a lock icon on a game despite the account owning it being active as primary, try the following:

Restore Licenses: Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. This often resolves license-related issues.
Reactivate as Primary: Deactivate and then reactivate the account as the primary console.
Restart the PS5: A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches.

PlayStation Plus Issues

If other accounts on the primary console can’t access PlayStation Plus benefits, ensure the following:

Primary Account Subscription: The primary account needs an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
Game Restrictions: Some games might have specific restrictions that prevent sharing PlayStation Plus benefits.
Check Account Status: Ensure the primary account isn’t suspended or banned.

Save Data Conflicts

While each profile has its own save data, cloud saves can sometimes cause confusion.

Cloud Save Management: Ensure each profile is uploading its save data to the cloud under its respective account.
Download Correct Save: When starting a game on a different PS5, make sure you download the save data associated with your profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding playing the same game on two PS5 profiles:

Can my friend and I share digital games if we live in different houses? While technically possible, sharing account details outside your household is generally not permitted by Sony’s terms of service and carries the risk of account suspension.
How do I set up my PS5 as the primary console for my account? Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play and select Enable. Only one PS5 can be activated as your primary console at a time.
What happens if I try to play a game on a secondary PS5 while someone is playing it on my primary PS5? You may encounter an error message or be kicked off the game on the secondary PS5. The account owner can only play on one console at a time if the game is digital and being played by the primary console.
Can I play offline games on my non-primary account if the primary account is not logged in? Yes, if the primary account has enabled Console Sharing and Offline Play, other accounts can play downloaded digital games even when the primary account is offline.
If I buy a game on sale with PlayStation Plus, can other accounts on my PS5 play it? Yes, as long as your account is the primary account and has an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
Can I share PlayStation Now (PlayStation Plus Premium) games with other profiles on my PS5? Yes, profiles on your primary PS5 can access PlayStation Now games if the primary account has a PlayStation Plus Premium subscription.
What happens if I deactivate my PS5 as my primary console? Other accounts on that PS5 will no longer be able to play your digital games or access your PlayStation Plus benefits until you reactivate it as your primary console.
Is there a limit to how many times I can activate/deactivate a PS5 as my primary console? Sony does impose limits on how frequently you can activate and deactivate consoles. Deactivating too often may lead to temporary restrictions.
If I buy DLC for a game, will other profiles on my PS5 be able to use it? Yes, if the account that purchased the DLC is the primary account on the PS5.
Can two profiles play the same physical game at the same time on the same PS5 using split-screen? Yes, if the game supports split-screen multiplayer.
Can I transfer game saves between profiles on my PS5? No, there is no built-in feature to directly transfer game saves between profiles.
If I have a PS4 and a PS5, can I share games between them? Yes, as long as the PS4 is also activated as your primary console (or the PS5, depending on where you want to play the digital games). Note you can only have one primary console active per console type (one for PS4, one for PS5).
What do I do if I am getting an error that says “Cannot use the content. Cannot connect to the server to verify the license”? Try restoring licenses in Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. Also, ensure you have a stable internet connection.
Does game sharing work with PS5 games downloaded through PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium? Yes, if the account with the PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium subscription is set as the primary account on the PS5, other profiles on that console can access the games downloaded through the subscription.
If I delete a profile from my PS5, will the games purchased by that profile be deleted as well? Deleting a profile will not delete the games, but other profiles on the console will no longer be able to access those games unless the original account is reactivated as the primary console. The game licenses remain tied to the PSN account that purchased them.

Conclusion

Game sharing on the PS5 provides a convenient way to share games with family members and friends on the same console. By understanding the rules and limitations surrounding primary console activation and account sharing, you can effectively manage your game library and enjoy a seamless gaming experience. Remember to adhere to Sony’s terms of service to avoid any potential account issues.

Can two profiles play the same game on PS5?