Why are My PS5 Games Locked After Game Sharing?

So, you’ve jumped into the world of game sharing on your PS5, eager to share your digital bounty with a friend or family member, or perhaps benefit from their collection. But then, the dreaded padlock icon appears next to your games, halting your gaming dreams in their tracks. What’s going on?

The primary reason your PS5 games are locked after game sharing boils down to licensing issues. When you digitally purchase a game, you’re not buying the game itself, but a license to play it. This license is tied to your account and, crucially, to a specific PS5 console. Game sharing essentially involves extending this license to another console. When things go wrong, it’s usually because the license validation process has failed. Here’s a breakdown of the common culprits:

• Console Sharing and Offline Play Issues: The most frequent cause is incorrect setup of the “Console Sharing and Offline Play” feature. This setting, found under “Users and Accounts” > “Other” on your PS5, allows others on your console to play your games even when you’re not logged in or the console is offline. If this isn’t enabled on the primary console sharing the games, locks will appear on the secondary console.
• Primary PS4 Activation (PS4 Games): If you’re trying to play PS4 games shared from another account, the account that owns the games needs to have your PS4 activated as their primary PS4. This is a different setting than the PS5’s “Console Sharing and Offline Play,” and often a source of confusion.
• PlayStation Plus Subscription Required: Some games obtained through PlayStation Plus are only playable as long as you have an active PS Plus subscription. If your subscription lapses, these games will be locked, regardless of game sharing settings. The lock icon usually has a PS Plus symbol near it to indicate this.
• Internet Connection Problems: The PS5 periodically needs to connect to the PlayStation Network (PSN) to verify game licenses. If the secondary console has intermittent or unstable internet, it may fail to validate the license, resulting in locked games.
• Account Login Conflicts: Logging into the same account on multiple consoles simultaneously can cause license issues. Sony’s system is designed to prevent widespread account sharing, and simultaneous logins can trigger security measures that lock games.
• Parental Controls: In some cases, parental controls set on the PS5 can restrict access to certain games, even if the account has a valid license. Check the parental control settings to ensure the game isn’t being blocked.
• Game Updates: Occasionally, games require updates that can affect license validation. Ensure both consoles have the latest game updates installed.
• Restoring Licenses Needed: Sometimes, the license data on the PS5 can become corrupted or outdated. Using the “Restore Licenses” option in the settings (Users and Accounts > Other) can refresh the license information and unlock your games.
• Game Region Differences: If the games were purchased in a different region than where you’re currently located and playing, there could be region locking restrictions.
• Account Suspension or Ban: If the account that owns the games has been suspended or banned from PSN, all associated games will be locked.
• Glitches and Bugs: While rare, software glitches can sometimes cause games to be incorrectly locked. A system restart or a full console reset might be necessary in these situations.
• Games are purchased on disc: if you are trying to play a disc-based game, the gamesharing features will not work, as you would need the disc.

Troubleshooting locked games after game sharing requires a systematic approach. Start by verifying the “Console Sharing and Offline Play” setting, checking your PS Plus subscription status, and ensuring a stable internet connection. If those steps don’t resolve the issue, try restoring licenses and restarting your consoles. If problems persist, contacting PlayStation Support might be necessary.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here’s a quick checklist to troubleshoot locked games after game sharing:

1. Verify “Console Sharing and Offline Play”: Ensure this setting is enabled on the primary console sharing the games.
2. Check PS Plus Subscription: Confirm that the account owning the games has an active PS Plus subscription if the locked games were obtained through PS Plus.
3. Test Internet Connection: Ensure both consoles have a stable and reliable internet connection.
4. Restore Licenses: Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses on both consoles.
5. Restart Consoles: Fully restart both the primary and secondary PS5 consoles.
6. Check Parental Controls: Verify that parental control settings aren’t blocking the game.
7. Update Games: Ensure that both consoles have the latest updates installed for the locked games.
8. Contact Playstation Support: If all else fails, contacting the playstation support will be your last step to resolving the issue.

FAQs About PS5 Game Sharing

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you better understand PS5 game sharing and how to avoid those pesky lock icons.

1. Can you get banned from PSN for game sharing?

Yes, there is a risk. While Sony doesn’t explicitly prohibit game sharing among family members within the same household, sharing your account with individuals outside your immediate family is a violation of the PlayStation Network Terms of Service. If detected, Sony may suspend or ban your account. For more information on the Games Learning Society visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

2. How many times can you share a game on PlayStation?

Technically, you can only actively “game share” with one other person at a time. This is because you can only have one PS5 console activated with the “Console Sharing and Offline Play” at a time.

3. Do you need PS Plus to game share?

No, you don’t need PS Plus to game share in general. However, if the games you’re sharing were obtained through PS Plus, the account sharing those games needs to maintain an active PS Plus subscription for the other console to access them. Also, PS Plus is required for online multiplayer features.

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

You can log in to the same account on multiple PS5 consoles, but you can’t be logged in simultaneously. If you log in on a second console, you’ll be automatically logged out of the first.

5. How does “Console Sharing and Offline Play” work on PS5?

When you enable “Console Sharing and Offline Play” on your PS5, anyone who uses that console can play your downloaded games, even when you’re offline. They can also enjoy some benefits of your PlayStation Plus membership, such as online multiplayer (if the game supports it). This essentially designates your console as the “home” console for your account.

6. Why are my games locked on my other PlayStation account?

If you’re using a secondary PS4, you need an active internet connection to validate the game licenses. Connection issues during validation can cause games to be locked. Additionally, make sure the account that purchased the games has your PS4 set as its primary console.

7. Does restoring licenses on PS5 delete everything?

No, restoring licenses does not delete any of your data. It simply refreshes the license information for your games and DLC.

8. How long can you use Share Play on PS5?

Each Share Play session is limited to one hour. After the hour is up, you can start a new session. A minimum upload speed of 2 megabits per second is recommended for smooth screen sharing.

9. Why can’t I access my games on PS5?

There are several reasons why you might not be able to access your games on PS5: a system software problem, storage device problem, system software, or game incompatibility problem. The most common reasons include license issues, PS Plus subscription problems, parental controls, and internet connectivity issues. Start by troubleshooting those areas.

10. Can I mirror my phone to my PS5?

While there isn’t a direct mirroring feature built into the PS5, you can use the PS Remote Play app on your phone to access and play games remotely.

11. What are the risks of game sharing?

The primary risk is the potential for account suspension or ban if Sony detects that you’re sharing your account with people outside of your household. There’s also a security risk if you share your login credentials with someone you don’t fully trust.

12. How do I restore my game license on PS5?

To restore your game licenses on PS5, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Restore Licenses. Select “Restore,” and wait for the process to complete.

13. Why is my PlayStation account locked?

Your account might be locked if there have been too many incorrect password attempts. In that case, you’ll need to wait a certain period (usually around 120 minutes) before trying again, or you can reset your password.

14. Does swearing get you banned on PSN?

Using offensive language, including excessive profanity or hate speech, can result in a temporary or permanent ban from the PlayStation Network. It’s important to adhere to the PSN Code of Conduct.

15. Can my PS5 be blocked?

Yes, if you violate the PlayStation Network Terms of Service, Sony may suspend your account or even block your PS5 console from accessing the network.