Did PlayStation Remove PS Plus Sharing? Decoding the Nuances of Account Sharing on PS4 and PS5

No, PlayStation has not removed PS Plus sharing entirely, but it has become more restrictive. The ability to share your PlayStation Plus benefits and games is still available, but it’s now limited to one PS5 console through the Console Sharing and Offline Play feature and your primary PS4 console. Understanding the specifics is crucial to avoid disappointment and ensure everyone in your household (or close circle) can enjoy the benefits of your subscription. This article will break down the details, address common misconceptions, and answer frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive guide to PlayStation Plus sharing in 2024.

Understanding PlayStation Plus Sharing Today

The core of the sharing system revolves around the concept of a “primary” console. On PS4, you designate one console as your primary PS4. Any account on that console can access your purchased games and PS Plus benefits. On PS5, this functionality is achieved through the Console Sharing and Offline Play setting. Only one PS5 console can have this feature enabled for your account at any given time.

This means if you have multiple PS5 consoles, you can only share your PS Plus benefits on one of them. On any other PS5 console where you are logged in, you will need to be online to access your games and PS Plus features, and other users on that console will not have access to your benefits.

This change was implemented to curb widespread account sharing outside of households, impacting PlayStation’s revenue model. While frustrating for some, the current system still allows for convenient sharing within a family setting.

Setting Up Console Sharing on PS5

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on your PS5:

1. Log in: Log in to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account on the PS5 you want to designate as your sharing console.
2. Navigate to Settings: From the PS5 home screen, go to Settings (the gear icon).
3. Users and Accounts: Select Users and Accounts.
4. Other: Scroll down and select the Other option.
5. Console Sharing and Offline Play: Select Console Sharing and Offline Play.
6. Enable: If it says “Disable,” it’s already enabled. If it says “Enable,” select it to activate the feature.

Remember, you can only have this enabled on one PS5 at a time. Disabling it on one console will allow you to enable it on another.

PS4 Primary Console Activation

To activate your primary PS4 console:

1. Log in: Log in to your PSN account on the PS4.
2. Settings: Go to Settings.
3. Account Management: Select Account Management.
4. Activate as Your Primary PS4: Select Activate as Your Primary PS4.
5. Activate: Choose Activate.

Deactivating your primary PS4 will remove sharing privileges from other accounts on that console.

Important Considerations

• Security: Avoid sharing your account credentials with anyone outside your immediate household. Sharing your login information increases the risk of account compromise.
• Terms of Service: Be aware that sharing your account outside the intended use case (typically within a household) could violate PlayStation’s Terms of Service, potentially leading to account suspension.
• PlayStation Family: For younger players, utilize the PlayStation Family feature to create sub-accounts. These sub-accounts can benefit from the PS Plus subscription of the primary account holder on the designated consoles.
• Game Licenses: Keep in mind that downloaded games are tied to the account that purchased them. While other accounts on the primary console can play those games, they cannot access them if they are logged in on a different console.
• To better understand the impact of games and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I share PS Plus with a friend who lives in a different house?

No, you can only officially share your PS Plus benefits with accounts on one PS5 console with Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled and your primary PS4 console. Sharing with someone outside your household could violate PlayStation’s terms of service.

2. What happens to my PS Plus games if my subscription ends?

You will lose access to the games you obtained through PS Plus once your subscription ends. The games will remain downloaded on your system, but you won’t be able to launch them until you renew your subscription.

3. Can I have two PS5 consoles in my house and share PS Plus on both?

You can have two PS5 consoles, but you can only enable Console Sharing and Offline Play on one at a time. The other PS5 will require you to be online to access your purchased games and PS Plus benefits.

4. Is there a PlayStation Plus family plan?

Currently, there is no official PlayStation Plus family plan similar to Nintendo Switch Online or Xbox Game Pass. The sharing is limited to the Console Sharing and Offline Play feature on PS5 and the primary PS4 console activation. PlayStation Plus Premium doesn’t include any special family sharing benefits over PlayStation Plus Essential or Extra.

5. Can two people share play on PS5 without both having PS Plus?

No, both players need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use the Share Play feature. Share Play allows you to stream your game to a friend, letting them watch or even take control, but it requires both parties to be subscribers.

6. How many PS5 consoles can have console sharing enabled at once?

Only one PS5 console can have Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled for your account at any given time.

7. Do I lose PS Plus Extra or Premium games if I downgrade to PS Plus Essential?

Yes, you will lose access to games that are part of the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers if you downgrade to PS Plus Essential. You only retain access to the games included in your current tier.

8. How long are PS Plus free games available to claim?

The monthly games offered through PS Plus Essential are typically available to claim for roughly one month. Once claimed, you can play them as long as you have an active PS Plus subscription.

9. Can a PS5 be blacklisted by Sony?

Yes, a PS5 can be blacklisted if it’s found to be violating PlayStation’s terms of service, such as attempting to bypass security features. A blacklisted console cannot access online services.

10. Why can’t I delete a game on my PS5?

If you are unable to delete a game, you can access and delete any PS5 games on your Game Library: Go to your Game Library, ensure you’re on the ‘Installed’ tab, select the game, press the Options button, and select Delete.

11. Can I get a refund for PlayStation Plus?

You have 14 days to request a refund after purchasing a PS Plus subscription through the PlayStation Store. However, the refund amount may be reduced based on your usage of the service.

12. Do I keep PS Plus Extra and Premium games forever?

No, you do not keep PS Plus Extra and Premium games forever. These games are available only as long as they are part of the PlayStation Plus catalog and you maintain your subscription. Once they are removed from the catalog, you can no longer play them, even if they are downloaded.

13. Can I play PS5 games offline?

Yes, you can play PS5 games offline on the console where Console Sharing and Offline Play is enabled.

14. Do you need PS Plus to Gameshare?

No, Gamesharing can be done without needing PlayStation Plus, but to use the Share Play feature, both of you will need to have a PlayStation Plus subscription.

15. What is Console Sharing and Offline Play?

Console Sharing and Offline Play allows other users on your designated PS5 to play your purchased games and media, even when the console is offline. It also allows those users to benefit from any PlayStation Plus subscription you may have.