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Can You Play on Two PS4s With One Account? The Ultimate Guide to PlayStation Sharing

Yes, you can play on two PS4s with one account, but there are crucial limitations and configurations to understand to make it work smoothly. This involves a concept known as game sharing, and it hinges on the primary PS4 setting. Let’s dive deep into how to make this happen, what the restrictions are, and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure you’re a PlayStation sharing pro.

Understanding PlayStation Game Sharing

The core of playing on two PS4s with one account lies in understanding how Sony allows you to share your purchased digital games and PlayStation Plus benefits. The key is to designate one of your PS4 consoles as your “primary” PS4.

Here’s the breakdown:

Primary PS4: This is the PS4 you activate as your primary console through your account settings. Anyone who uses this PS4, even with different accounts, can access the games you’ve purchased digitally with your account. They also benefit from your PlayStation Plus subscription, including online multiplayer access.
Secondary PS4: On this PS4, you’ll need to be logged in with your account to play the games you’ve purchased. This is crucial: the games are tied to your account, so if you log out or someone else logs in with a different account, the games will be inaccessible.

Setting Up Game Sharing: Step-by-Step

Here’s how to set up game sharing between two PS4s:

Log in: On the PS4 you want to share games with (the one that will be used by other people), log in with your PlayStation Network (PSN) account.
Navigate to Settings: From the PS4 home screen, go to Settings.
Account Management: Select Account Management.
Activate as Your Primary PS4: Choose Activate as Your Primary PS4.
Activate: If the console isn’t already activated, select Activate. If it is, you’ll need to Deactivate it first and then Activate it again.
On Your Personal PS4: Log in to your own PS4 with your account. Make sure this PS4 is NOT activated as your Primary PS4. This is important to retain your ability to use the games that were purchased on this account while another account can as well on the ‘primary’ console.

Important Notes:

You can only have one PS4 activated as your primary PS4 at a time.
You can deactivate and reactivate your primary PS4 at any time, but there may be a cooldown period if you do it too frequently.
To play shared games on the non-primary console, the account that owns the game needs to be logged in.
Your account can only be signed in to one PS4 console at a time.
Up to four users can log in to a PS4 system at the same time.

Potential Issues and Troubleshooting

While game sharing is a fantastic feature, things can sometimes go wrong. Here’s a quick guide to troubleshooting common problems:

Game is Locked: Ensure the PS4 you’re using to play the shared game is NOT activated as the primary PS4 for your account. Also, make sure you’re logged in with the account that purchased the game.
Primary PS4 Activation Issues: If you’re having trouble activating a PS4 as your primary, double-check that you haven’t already activated another console. You might need to deactivate the other console first.
Slow Download Speeds: This can be due to network congestion or PlayStation Network issues. Try restarting your router, using a wired connection, or checking the PlayStation Network status page.
Account Sharing Violations: Sony monitors account activity, and excessive or suspicious sharing can lead to account suspension. Only share your account with trusted family or friends.

Is Game Sharing Worth It?

For many PlayStation owners, game sharing is a valuable way to save money and share their gaming experiences with loved ones. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the limitations and potential risks involved. If done responsibly, game sharing can enhance your PlayStation gaming experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing on two PS4s with one account:

Can two people play the same game at the same time using game sharing? Yes, as long as one person is playing on the primary PS4 and the other is playing on the non-primary PS4 while logged in with the account that owns the game.
Can I share PlayStation Plus benefits with someone else? Yes, PlayStation Plus benefits, such as online multiplayer access, are shared with other accounts on your primary PS4.
How often can I change my primary PS4? While there isn’t a hard limit, frequent changes can trigger a security lockout, preventing you from activating another console for a certain period. It’s best to avoid changing it too often.
Can I share games with someone who lives in a different city or country? Yes, but make sure you trust the person, as they will have access to your account. Also, ensure they won’t use your account maliciously, as your account is at risk.
What happens if I get banned from PlayStation Network? Your account will be suspended, and you’ll lose access to all your digital games and PlayStation Plus benefits. The other user will also no longer be able to access the games through your account.
Is game sharing against PlayStation’s terms of service? Game sharing itself is not explicitly prohibited, but selling access to your account or sharing it with a large number of people is a violation of the terms.
Can I share games with my PS5 and PS4 using the same account? Yes, your digital purchases are tied to your account and can be downloaded on both consoles. However, the Console Sharing and Offline Play settings on PS5, is similar to the Primary PS4, but not exactly the same.
What if I forget to deactivate my primary PS4 before selling it? You can deactivate all your consoles remotely through the PlayStation Network website, but there’s a limit to how often you can do this.
Do both players need PlayStation Plus to play online together using share play? Yes, both you and your visitor need to be PlayStation Plus members to use the share play functionality in some games.
Can I download my games multiple times on different consoles? You can download your games as many times as you want, but you are limited on how many consoles you can have tied to your account.
How many PlayStation 4’s can I share games with? Game sharing allows you to share your games with one other PlayStation 4 console through the primary console activation process.
Can you have 2 PS4 set as primary? You can activate only one PS4 system per account.
Is there a PlayStation Plus family plan? Currently, there is no PlayStation Plus family plan but individual plans such as PlayStation Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium are offered.
Is it OK to have two consoles in the same room? As long as they are not covering any crucial vents, its totally ok.
I purchased a game on one account, can I access it from a different account on the same console? Yes, accounts can be shared on one console, those other accounts will be able to play all the games you purchased on the first account.

The Future of Game Sharing

As PlayStation continues to evolve with new consoles and services, the methods and rules surrounding game sharing are subject to change. Always stay informed about the latest PlayStation Network policies to ensure you’re using the feature within the allowed boundaries. You can even explore more about gaming and its impact on learning at sites like Games Learning Society, which is dedicated to understanding how games can positively influence education and development. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more.

Remember, responsible game sharing is key to a positive and enjoyable PlayStation experience. By understanding the rules and taking the necessary precautions, you can share your favorite games with friends and family without risking your account or violating the terms of service.

Can you play on two PS4 with one account?