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Has PlayStation Stopped PS Plus Sharing? The Truth Revealed

No, PlayStation has not stopped PS Plus sharing. While there have been changes and some confusion surrounding the topic, the core functionality of sharing your PlayStation Plus benefits remains intact, albeit with some limitations and specific configurations required. This article will delve into the details of PS Plus sharing, clarifying how it works on both PS4 and PS5 consoles, and address some common misconceptions. Think of it as your ultimate guide to navigating the world of sharing your PlayStation privileges with family and friends.

Understanding Console Sharing and Offline Play

The key to understanding PS Plus sharing lies in grasping the concept of Console Sharing and Offline Play on the PS5, and the concept of a primary PS4 console. These settings determine which accounts on a console can access your PS Plus benefits and digitally purchased games.

Console Sharing and Offline Play (PS5)

On the PS5, the Console Sharing and Offline Play setting dictates whether other users on that console can access your PlayStation Plus benefits (such as online multiplayer, cloud storage, and monthly games) and play your digitally downloaded games, even when you are not logged in or the console is offline.

Enabling Console Sharing and Offline Play: To enable sharing, you need to activate this setting on the PS5 that your friends or family use. This can be found under Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play.
One PS5 at a Time: Importantly, you can only have Console Sharing and Offline Play activated on one PS5 at a time. Deactivating it on one PS5 allows you to activate it on another.
Primary Account: The account with the PlayStation Plus subscription needs to be the one enabling Console Sharing and Offline Play.
Padlock Issues: If you encounter a padlock icon on your games, ensure you’ve downloaded the content through your account and that Console Sharing and Offline Play is enabled.

Primary PS4 Console

On the PS4, the concept is similar but uses the term “primary PS4“. Activating a PS4 as your primary console allows other users on that console to access your PlayStation Plus benefits and games.

Activating as Primary: To activate a PS4 as your primary, go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
Only One Primary PS4: Just like with the PS5, you can only have one PS4 activated as your primary at any given time.
Access Limitations on Your Own Console: On your own PS4, only your account will have access to your games and PS Plus subscription. Other accounts on that console won’t have access to your games and PS Plus unless you activate Console Sharing and Offline Play.

Addressing Common Misconceptions

Many users have questions regarding the specifics of PS Plus sharing. Let’s clear up some common points of confusion:

Sharing with Multiple Friends: While you can share your PS Plus benefits, you can’t share them with unlimited friends. The system is designed for sharing within a household or with one trusted friend due to the limitations on Console Sharing and Offline Play and the primary PS4 setting.
Gamesharing and Bans: Sharing your account details with untrusted individuals can lead to account compromise and potential bans. Sony actively discourages sharing login credentials, and doing so violates their terms of service.
Games Leaving PS Plus: Games available through PS Plus Extra and Premium are subject to removal. These titles are not permanently yours unless purchased separately. Always check the leaving dates to avoid losing access.
Console Sharing and Internet Connection: While not explicitly required to be on the same internet connection, sharing outside of a household can be risky as Sony monitors account activity and may flag suspicious behavior.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, PS Plus sharing doesn’t work as expected. Here are some troubleshooting steps:

Restart Consoles: A simple restart of both consoles can often resolve temporary glitches.
Sign Out and Back In: Signing out of your account and then signing back in can refresh your account status.
Restore Licenses: Go to Settings > User and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses to refresh the licenses for your digital games.
Check Game Compatibility: Some games may have restrictions on sharing, so verify that the game you’re trying to play is compatible.
Contact Support: If all else fails, contact PlayStation support for assistance.

The Future of PlayStation and Game Sharing

As PS4 support winds down towards 2025, Sony’s focus is undoubtedly on the PS5. While PS Plus sharing remains a viable option, its implementation may evolve as Sony continues to refine its services. The removal of the PS Plus Collection in May 2023 serves as a reminder that PlayStation’s offerings are subject to change. It is wise to stay informed of any changes that Sony makes to its products and services to stay on top of these types of changes.

FAQs About PS Plus Sharing

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional clarity on PS Plus sharing:

1. Can I share PS Plus with accounts on two PS5 consoles?

No, you can only share your PS Plus benefits and games with accounts on one PS5 console with Console Sharing and Offline Play activated.

2. Is PS Plus going away?

No, PlayStation Plus is not going away. Sony is continuously evolving its subscription services, but PS Plus remains a core offering.

3. Can I share PS Plus with 2 friends on different consoles?

Technically, no. You can only share with one console at a time (either a PS5 with Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled or a primary PS4). Sharing with multiple individuals would require repeatedly switching the activated console, which is not practical and can raise suspicion with Sony.

4. Does PS Plus carry over with Gameshare?

Yes, when you activate Console Sharing and Offline Play on a PS5 or set a PS4 as your primary console, any account on that console can access your games and use your PS Plus subscription benefits.

5. Why is console sharing not working on my PS5?

Possible reasons include: Console Sharing and Offline Play is not activated, your account is not the primary account on the console, there are network issues, or the game you’re trying to play has sharing restrictions.

6. Why is my Gameshare locked on PS5?

Ensure you’ve downloaded the content through your account and that Console Sharing and Offline Play is enabled. Try restoring licenses.

7. Is it okay to Gameshare on PS5?

Yes, gamesharing (using Console Sharing and Offline Play) is permitted, but sharing your login credentials is not recommended. Always prioritize account security.

8. Can I have 2 PS5s on the same account?

Yes, you can log into the same account on two PS5s, but only one can have Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled at a time.

9. Can you get banned from console sharing?

Sharing within a household or with one trusted friend is generally acceptable. However, sharing account details with numerous individuals or engaging in activities that violate Sony’s terms of service can lead to a ban.

10. Can you enable console sharing on PS4?

The equivalent of console sharing on the PS4 is setting a console as your primary PS4. This allows other users on that console to access your games and PS Plus benefits.

11. How do I share my PS Plus online?

The key is enabling either the Console Sharing and Offline Play feature on PS5, or activating the Primary PS4 console on your PS4. This ensures that other users have access to your shared content and online multiplayer access.

12. What happens when games leave PlayStation Plus?

When a game leaves PlayStation Plus Extra or Premium, you will no longer be able to play it through the subscription unless you purchase it separately.

13. How do I cancel my PS Plus subscription?

Go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > PlayStation Subscriptions and select Cancel Subscription.

14. How much longer will PS4 be supported?

Sony plans to continue supporting the PlayStation 4 until 2025.

15. Does console sharing also share my cloud storage?

Other users on the console can access the save data from your cloud storage, but they cannot upload their own saves to your cloud storage unless they have their own PS Plus subscription.

Conclusion

While the details of PS Plus sharing can be complex, the core functionality remains active. By understanding the settings for Console Sharing and Offline Play on the PS5 and the primary PS4 on the PS4, you can effectively share your PlayStation Plus benefits with family and friends, within the permitted limitations. Remember to prioritize account security and stay informed about any changes to Sony’s policies.

For more on gaming and learning, consider exploring the resources available at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Has PlayStation stopped PS Plus sharing?