How to Share Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on Two Xboxes
Sharing your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription between two Xbox consoles is a fantastic way to maximize your investment and let family or friends enjoy the benefits. The process, while requiring a few steps, is straightforward once you understand the underlying principles. The key is leveraging the “Home Xbox” setting, which allows your subscription benefits to extend to other users on that designated console.
Here’s a direct and comprehensive breakdown of how to share Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on two Xboxes:
- Identify Your Primary Account: You’ll need to identify the account that holds the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. This is the account you’ll use to activate the sharing.
- Log In to Both Consoles: On both Xbox consoles, log in using the primary account that holds the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
- Designate the Home Xbox:
- On the console where the secondary user will primarily play (the console not used most frequently by the primary account holder), navigate to Settings > General > Personalization > My home Xbox.
- Select “Make this my home Xbox.” This step essentially links your subscription benefits to this specific console. Now any account that logs in on this console will be able to use the Game Pass Ultimate Benefits and any owned games tied to the primary account.
- It is critical that only one console can ever be designated as “Home Xbox”.
- Designate the Second Console:
- On the console you use most frequently (the primary console) with the main account holder, navigate to the same path Settings > General > Personalization > My home Xbox.
- Select “Make this my home Xbox” after it has been set on the secondary user’s console.
- This is now the main console for the primary account holder. Only the primary account will have full access to game pass on this console.
- Log Out on the Secondary Console: Once you’ve set the secondary console as your “Home Xbox”, you can log out the primary account on that console.
- Sign in With Any Other Account on the Secondary Console: Now the other users on that console will enjoy the Game Pass Ultimate features even when the primary account isn’t logged in on that console.
- Sign in With Your Account on Your Primary Console: You will continue to enjoy all features of Game Pass Ultimate and can play on your primary console with the primary account.
By following these steps, you have successfully shared your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The primary account holder will retain all features on their console, while other users on the “home” console will gain access to the subscription’s library and multiplayer features.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Does the Home Xbox Setting Work?
The “Home Xbox” setting is a core feature designed to enable game and subscription sharing. When you designate a console as your “Home Xbox,” all accounts that use that console benefit from your subscription services, and have access to digital games owned by the account, even when the primary account isn’t logged in. This includes Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Live Gold, and digital game licenses. You can only have one home Xbox at a time, which is why careful planning is essential when setting up your shared environment.
Can Multiple Users Play Simultaneously with Game Pass Ultimate?
Yes, multiple users can play games simultaneously with Game Pass Ultimate, as long as the primary account is actively using it on their primary console, and the secondary accounts on the “Home Xbox”. The number of concurrent players depends on individual game limitations, but the subscription benefits apply to all users on the designated “Home Xbox”.
Can I Change My Home Xbox?
Yes, you can change your “Home Xbox” up to five times per year. To do this, follow the steps above to make a different console your “Home Xbox”. Be mindful of this limitation when setting up your sharing arrangements.
What Happens If I’m Signed In on Multiple Consoles?
You can be signed in on multiple consoles simultaneously, but your subscription benefits are only fully active on your “Home Xbox” and on the primary console you are logged into. If you’re signed in on a console that is not your “Home Xbox,” you’ll be able to access your profile and games, but other accounts will not share your subscription.
Can I Share Game Pass With More Than One Secondary Console?
No, you can only share your Game Pass Ultimate with a single “Home Xbox” at a time. To share the subscription across additional consoles, you’d need multiple subscriptions or use the account’s primary console to use the subscription. The subscription can only be set to share on one console.
Why is My Game Pass Ultimate Not Sharing?
There could be several reasons for this:
- Ensure your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is active. Check your account settings to verify.
- Double-check that the correct console is designated as your “Home Xbox.”
- Power cycle both consoles to refresh their settings.
- If the problem persists, sign out and back into the primary account on both consoles.
- Network issues can affect subscription sharing. Ensure you have a stable internet connection.
What’s the Difference Between Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate?
Xbox Game Pass gives you access to a vast library of games on consoles or PC. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate combines Xbox Game Pass for console, PC Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, and cloud gaming into one subscription. Ultimate also allows all accounts on a “home Xbox” to benefit from these features.
Can I Play Games Offline Using Game Pass?
Yes, you can play games from the Game Pass library offline, but only on your “Home Xbox”. You’ll need to go online periodically to allow verification of the subscription and the game license. The primary user can always use the benefits and their purchased games offline on their primary console.
What Happens to Games After They Leave Game Pass?
Games that leave the Game Pass library are no longer playable unless you purchase them. However, you’ll usually get a discount on purchasing games from the Game Pass catalog. If you have purchased any games tied to the primary account, these will be shared with the “Home Xbox” as well.
Can I Use My Account on a Friend’s Console?
Yes, you can use your account on a friend’s console, but only the account holder will receive subscription benefits on that console. Only those on the “Home Xbox” get to utilize the sharing features. You can use your account to access your digital game collection and saves as well, though they’ll need to be downloaded.
What Are the Benefits of Game Sharing with Multiple Consoles?
- Cost savings: One subscription covers multiple users.
- Family entertainment: Allows sharing with family members.
- Play with friends: Multiple players can enjoy games together on different consoles.
- Access your library on different consoles: Continue game saves and progress on separate consoles.
How Can I Get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Free?
There are several ways to potentially get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for free:
- Microsoft Rewards: Earn points by using Microsoft products, such as Bing and Xbox, which you can redeem for free Game Pass subscriptions.
- Free trials: New Xbox accounts may come with a free trial period.
- Included with devices: Some devices come with a promotion to obtain a free subscription.
Can You Gameshare With 3 Xboxes?
You can only gameshare with a single console using the “Home Xbox” feature. Sharing on a third console would require another subscription or the primary user to log into the additional consoles to share its benefits.
Is It Worth It to Get Game Pass Ultimate?
If you enjoy both PC and console gaming, the value of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is substantial. The combination of game access, online multiplayer via Xbox Live Gold, and cloud gaming features makes it a compelling offering, especially when shared through the “Home Xbox” feature.
Can I Keep Games Purchased With a Game Pass Discount Forever?
Yes, if you purchase a game at a discount through your Game Pass subscription, you own that game and you can play them forever, even if you cancel your subscription. These will also be available to share on the “Home Xbox”