How to Play Games from Another Account on PS5

The core method to play games from another account on your PS5 revolves around utilizing the Game Sharing feature, officially termed Console Sharing and Offline Play. This feature allows you to share your digitally purchased games and PlayStation Plus benefits with other accounts on the same console. To enable this, the account that owns the games must activate Console Sharing and Offline Play on your PS5. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Log in to the PS5 with the account that owns the games you want to share.
2. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts.
3. Select Other.
4. Choose Console Sharing and Offline Play.
5. Select Enable.

Once enabled, any other account on that PS5 will be able to access and play the games digitally purchased or claimed through PlayStation Plus on the primary account. It’s crucial to note that only one PS5 can be activated for Console Sharing and Offline Play per account.

Understanding Console Sharing and Offline Play

Console Sharing and Offline Play is a fantastic feature for families or individuals sharing a single PS5. It avoids the need to purchase the same digital games multiple times for each account on the console. However, understanding its limitations and functionalities is key to preventing issues.

Benefits of Console Sharing and Offline Play

• Game Sharing: Allows other accounts on the PS5 to play the games purchased or claimed with PlayStation Plus on the primary account.
• PlayStation Plus Benefits Sharing: If the primary account has PlayStation Plus, other accounts on the console can access online multiplayer (where the game supports it), cloud storage, and other benefits tied to the subscription.
• Cost Savings: Significantly reduces the need to purchase the same digital titles multiple times.

Limitations of Console Sharing and Offline Play

• One PS5 per Account: Each account can only activate Console Sharing and Offline Play on one PS5 at a time.
• Primary Account Dependency: While other accounts can play the games, they are dependent on the primary account owning the games and having the Console Sharing and Offline Play feature enabled.
• Internet Connection: Although the feature includes “Offline Play,” an initial internet connection is required to verify the game licenses and download the games. Games claimed through PlayStation Plus might require periodic online verification to ensure an active subscription.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with a straightforward process, you might encounter some issues when trying to play games from another account. Here are some common problems and their solutions.

Account Lockout

One common issue is an account lockout due to multiple failed login attempts or potential security concerns.

• Solution: Reset the password for the locked account through the PlayStation website or app. Enable two-factor authentication for added security.

Game Lock Icons

Sometimes, even with Console Sharing enabled, games may appear with lock icons, indicating that they cannot be played.

• Solution: Ensure that Console Sharing and Offline Play is properly enabled on the primary account. Restore licenses by going to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. Restart the PS5.

Internet Connection Problems

Console Sharing relies on occasional internet verification to ensure the validity of game licenses.

• Solution: Check your internet connection and ensure the PS5 is connected to the internet. Reset your router if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about playing games from another account on PS5 to provide additional clarity.

1. Can I play games from my friend’s account if they are not present at my home? No, Console Sharing and Offline Play only works on the same console. Your friend would need to log in to their account on your PS5 and enable Console Sharing and Offline Play for their account on your console. They can only have it enabled on one console at a time.

2. What happens if the account that owns the games has PlayStation Plus expire? You will lose access to any games that were claimed through PlayStation Plus on the primary account. Games purchased outright will still be accessible as long as Console Sharing and Offline Play is enabled.

3. How do I disable Console Sharing and Offline Play? Log in to the account that has Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play, and select Disable.

4. Can I share my games with multiple PS5 consoles using this method? No, you can only activate Console Sharing and Offline Play on one PS5 console per account.

5. If I buy a physical game, can I share it with other accounts on my PS5? No, Console Sharing and Offline Play only applies to digital games purchased on the PlayStation Store or claimed through PlayStation Plus. Physical games can be played by any account on the PS5 as long as the disc is inserted.

6. I have two PS5 consoles. Can I share games between them? Yes, but with limitations. The account that owns the games can only activate Console Sharing and Offline Play on one of the PS5 consoles. The other PS5 can only access the games if the account that owns the games is logged in and actively playing.

7. My game is locked even though Console Sharing is enabled. What do I do? Try restoring licenses by going to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. Also, ensure that the primary account still has an active PlayStation Plus subscription if the game was claimed through PlayStation Plus.

8. Can I play games from another account offline? Yes, once the game is downloaded and the Console Sharing and Offline Play feature is enabled, you can play the game offline. However, periodic online verification may be required, especially for games claimed through PlayStation Plus.

9. Will I earn trophies on my own account when playing games from another account? Yes, trophies will be earned on the account that is actively playing the game.

10. Can I make in-game purchases when playing a game from another account? Yes, you can make in-game purchases on the account that is actively playing the game, using that account’s payment methods.

11. What happens if the account sharing the games gets banned? If the account sharing the games gets banned, all accounts that were benefiting from Console Sharing and Offline Play will lose access to those games.

12. Can I stream games I’m playing from another account? Yes, you can stream games you’re playing from another account using your own account’s streaming settings and platforms.

13. Is it against PlayStation’s terms of service to use Console Sharing and Offline Play? No, Console Sharing and Offline Play is a legitimate feature provided by PlayStation, as long as it’s used within the intended guidelines. Selling or profiting from shared games is likely a violation of the terms of service.

14. I forgot the password for the account that owns the games. How can I recover it? You can recover the password through the PlayStation website or app by following the password reset instructions. You’ll likely need access to the email address associated with the account.

15. Does this method work for PlayStation Now/PlayStation Plus Premium games? Yes, if the account that owns the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription has Console Sharing and Offline Play enabled, other accounts on the console can access the games available through the subscription.