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Why Can’t I Join a Share Play Session? Decoding PlayStation’s Cooperative Conundrum

Ever been ready for an epic gaming session with a friend, only to be met with the frustrating message that you can’t join their Share Play? It’s a common issue, and thankfully, usually solvable. The inability to join a Share Play session on PlayStation can stem from a variety of reasons, ranging from subscription issues to console settings. The most common culprits are:

PlayStation Plus Subscription: Both the host and the guest need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to utilize Share Play for games that require online multiplayer. This is the number one reason for Share Play failures. If one of you doesn’t have it, you’re out of luck!
Game Compatibility: Not all games are compatible with Share Play. Some developers restrict the feature, and some scenes within a game might be blocked due to licensing or content restrictions.
System Software Updates: Make sure both consoles are running the latest PlayStation system software. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues with Share Play.
Parental Controls/System Restrictions: The host’s or visitor’s parental control settings can prevent Share Play from working if the age rating of the game exceeds the visitor’s age or if guest login is disabled on the host’s console.
Network Issues: A poor or unstable internet connection on either end can disrupt the Share Play session. High latency (ping) or low bandwidth will make the experience laggy and potentially unplayable.
Game Availability in Region: Share Play won’t work if the game you want to play isn’t available in the visitor’s PlayStation Store region. Different regions have different game licenses.
PS4 vs. PS5 Compatibility: While you can Share Play PS4 games with a friend on a PS5, certain features may be limited or unavailable. Make sure both of you are aware of potential limitations.

If you’re encountering problems joining a Share Play session, systematically check each of these potential issues. Clear communication with your friend is key to troubleshooting the problem efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Share Play

Here’s a detailed list of frequently asked questions about share play on PS4 and PS5.

1. Do both players need PlayStation Plus to use Share Play?

Yes, for multiplayer games, both the host (the person sharing their game) and the guest (the person joining the session) need an active PlayStation Plus subscription. This is because multiplayer requires PS Plus. For single-player games where the guest is just watching or taking control, only the host typically needs PlayStation Plus. Always double-check your subscription status!

2. Can I Share Play games from my PS5 to a friend’s PS4?

Yes, Share Play is cross-generational, meaning a PS5 user can host a Share Play session with a PS4 user, and vice versa, for compatible PS4 games. However, it only works if both players are friends on the platform. Make sure both users have added each other on PlayStation Network (PSN).

3. How do I check my PlayStation Plus subscription status?

On your PS4, go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > PlayStation Subscriptions. On your PS5, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Payment and Subscriptions > Subscriptions. This will show you the status and expiration date of your PlayStation Plus subscription.

4. What if I can’t find the Share Play option?

The Share Play option is integrated into the Party feature. Start a party with the friend you want to Share Play with, then select “Share Screen” and choose “Start Share Play“. If the option is greyed out, it could be due to a number of reasons mentioned earlier, like incompatible games or lack of PS Plus.

5. How long does a Share Play session last?

Each Share Play session is limited to one hour. However, you can start a new session immediately after the previous one ends. This time limit is in place to prevent abuse of the feature.

6. How do I adjust parental control settings for Share Play?

On the host’s PS4 or PS5, go to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > PS4 System Restrictions (or PS5 equivalent) > New User Creation and Guest Login. Make sure “Allow” is selected. Also check Content Filtering and ensure the game’s rating aligns with the visitor’s age.

7. What kind of internet speed do I need for Share Play?

Sony recommends a minimum upload and download speed of 5 Mbps for both the host and the guest. However, a more stable and faster connection is highly recommended for a smoother experience. A wired (Ethernet) connection is generally more reliable than Wi-Fi. Consider using a speed test to check the speed of both connections.

8. Can I Share Play a game that I downloaded as part of PlayStation Plus?

Yes, you can Share Play games that you downloaded as part of your PlayStation Plus subscription, as long as both players have PlayStation Plus active. Keep in mind that if your PS Plus subscription lapses, the game will no longer be playable, even through Share Play.

9. Why is the Share Play screen blurry or laggy?

This is usually due to a poor internet connection. Try closing other applications that are using bandwidth, such as streaming services or large downloads. As mentioned earlier, a wired connection is recommended. You might also try adjusting the video quality settings within the Share Play session (if available) to prioritize stability over resolution.

10. How do I stop Share Play?

The host can end the Share Play session at any time by pressing the PS button, going to the Party menu, and selecting “Stop Share Play“. The guest can also leave the session by pressing the PS button and selecting “Disconnect from Share Play“.

11. Can I use Share Play to play online multiplayer games together even if only one of us owns the game?

Yes, this is one of the main appeals of Share Play! The guest can join the host in local multiplayer games, even if they don’t own the game themselves, as long as the host owns the game.

12. How do I invite someone to Share Play?

First, start a party with the friend you want to invite. Then, launch the game you want to share. Press the Share button on your controller, select “Share Play“, and then choose your friend from the party list.

13. Is there a limit to how many times I can use Share Play with the same person?

No, there is no limit to how many times you can initiate Share Play sessions with the same person. However, each individual session is limited to one hour.

14. My friend and I are in different regions. Can we still use Share Play?

While technically possible, Share Play across different regions can be problematic due to licensing restrictions and potential latency issues. The game must be available in the guest’s PlayStation Store region.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a great resource for exploring the intersection of games and learning. Check out their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to discover research, articles, and community discussions about how games can be used for educational purposes. You may find the topics discussed on Games Learning Society very insightful.

Why can’t i join share play session?