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Why Can’t I Play Multiplayer on PS5? Troubleshooting & Solutions

So, you’re ready to dive into the online world of your PlayStation 5, team up with friends, and conquer virtual challenges, but… you can’t. This can be incredibly frustrating! The good news is that there are several reasons why you might be experiencing this issue, and most of them are relatively easy to fix.

The most common reasons you can’t play multiplayer on PS5 are:

PlayStation Plus Subscription: Most multiplayer games require a valid PlayStation Plus subscription. Without it, you’re locked out of online play.
Internet Connection Issues: A weak or unstable internet connection is a major culprit.
Parental Control Restrictions: Parental controls on your account or a linked Microsoft account (for games like Minecraft) might be blocking multiplayer access.
Game-Specific Issues: Sometimes, the game server itself is down, or there’s a temporary glitch.
Firewall/Router Settings: Your firewall or router settings might be blocking the necessary ports for online gameplay.
Account Issues: Corrupted account data or incorrect account settings can sometimes cause problems.

Let’s break down each of these potential problems and provide solutions to get you back in the game.

Diagnosing and Fixing the Problem

1. Verify Your PlayStation Plus Subscription

The first and most crucial step is ensuring you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. Most PS4 and PS5 games require it for online multiplayer.

How to check: Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Payment and Subscriptions > Subscriptions. Here, you can see if your PlayStation Plus is active and when it expires.
Solution: If your subscription has lapsed, renew it through the PlayStation Store. Some games may offer free multiplayer so check the Playstation Store to see if PlayStation Plus is required for online play.

2. Troubleshoot Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is fundamental.

Test your connection: Go to Settings > Network > Test Internet Connection. Pay attention to the connection speed and status. Ideally, you want a stable connection with sufficient bandwidth for gaming (at least 5 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload).
Restart your modem/router: Turn off your modem and router, wait for at least 5 minutes, and then turn them back on.
Wireless interference: If you’re using Wi-Fi, try moving your PS5 closer to the router or eliminating potential sources of interference (e.g., microwaves, Bluetooth devices).
Wired connection: For the most reliable connection, use an Ethernet cable to connect your PS5 directly to your router.
Contact your ISP: If you’re still experiencing issues, there might be a problem with your internet service provider.

3. Review Parental Control Settings

If you’re using a child account or a Microsoft account linked to your PS5 (especially for games like Minecraft), parental control settings could be the problem.

Microsoft Account Settings: Go to the Microsoft account website and sign in with the parent account: https://account.xbox.com/Settings. Check the Privacy tab and the Xbox & Windows Online Safety tab. Ensure that multiplayer is allowed for the child account. Look for settings like “You can create and join clubs” and “You can join multiplayer games” and make sure they are set to Allow.
PlayStation Family Management: Go to Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Family Management on your PS5 to manage restrictions for child accounts on your PlayStation network.

4. Check Game Server Status

Sometimes, the issue isn’t on your end. The game’s servers might be down for maintenance or experiencing technical difficulties.

Search online: Search for “[Game Name] server status” on Google or check the game developer’s social media accounts (e.g., Twitter) for updates.
Wait and try again: If the servers are down, the only thing you can do is wait until they are back online.

5. Configure Firewall and Router Settings

Your firewall or router might be blocking the ports required for online gameplay.

Check your firewall settings: Make sure that the game is allowed through your firewall. This usually involves adding the game’s executable file to the firewall’s exception list.
Port forwarding: This is a more advanced step. Consult your router’s manual or online resources to learn how to forward the necessary ports for the game you’re trying to play. Common ports used for PlayStation Network include:
- TCP: 80, 443, 3478, 3479, 3480
- UDP: 3478, 3479
UPnP: Enable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) in your router settings. This allows devices on your network to automatically configure port forwarding.

6. Address Account-Related Issues

Sign out and sign back in: Sometimes, simply signing out of your PlayStation Network account and signing back in can resolve temporary glitches.
Re-add your account: If that doesn’t work, try removing your account from the PS5 and then re-adding it.
Check for account bans/suspensions: If you’ve violated the PlayStation Network’s terms of service, your account might be banned or suspended.

7. Other potential solutions

Game version compatibility: if playing cross-generationally, make sure PS5 user and PS4 user are both launching the same version.
Controller compatibility: PS4 controllers lack the new improvements and features that come with the PS5 controller that will affect gameplay.

FAQs about PS5 Multiplayer

1. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play all online games on PS5?

No, but the vast majority of them require it. Some free-to-play games do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online play. Check the game’s description on the PlayStation Store to confirm.

2. Why does my PS5 say I have no multiplayer games?

The PS5 allows you to download both versions of the game, so definitely have you both double-check that you’re launching the same version. In regards of not seeing your friend on the list, try removing each other from your friends lists and re-add each other.

3. My internet connection is fast, but I still lag in online games. What gives?

While speed is important, latency (ping) matters just as much. High latency means there’s a delay in communication between your console and the game server. Try using a wired connection and closing any bandwidth-intensive applications running on your network.

4. Can PS5 players play with PS4 players?

Yes, PS5 can play with PS4, as long as you both have a PlayStation Plus subscription.

5. How do I invite friends to play multiplayer on PS5?

Go to the control center and select Game Base. Select either an online friend, group of players, or party, and select Invite to Game.

6. I can’t hear my friends in online party chat. What should I do?

Check your microphone settings in the PS5 settings menu. Also, ensure that your headset is properly connected and that the volume is turned up. Make sure that in party settings that your friends aren’t muted.

7. What is Share Play on PS5, and how do I use it?

Share Play allows you to share your screen with a friend and even let them take control of the game. To use it, start a party chat, select the Share Screen option, and then choose Share Play.

8. Can two people play the same game on one PS5 console simultaneously?

That depends on the game. Some games support local multiplayer (split-screen or shared screen), while others do not.

9. Why is my Gameshare locked PS5?

If you see a padlock icon next to your purchased content, download the content through your account and activate Console Sharing and Offline Play on your PS5 console. If you’re trying to play on a PS4 console, activate the console as your primary PS4.

10. My Microsoft account is preventing me from playing multiplayer. How do I fix it?

Sign in to your parent account on the Microsoft account website and check the Privacy and Xbox & Windows Online Safety settings for your child account.

11. How do I make my PS5 my primary console?

Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PlayStation 5.

12. What is “Console Sharing and Offline Play” on PS5?

“Console Sharing and Offline Play” allows other users on your console to play your downloaded games, even when you’re not signed in or connected to the internet. This is the replacement for the previous “primary console” setting.

13. Can I use a PS4 controller to play PS5 games in multiplayer?

No, PlayStation has confirmed that a PS4 controller cannot be used to play PS5 games because it lacks several new improvements and features that come with the PS5 controller.

14. What if I’m still having trouble after trying all of these solutions?

Contact PlayStation Support for further assistance. They can help diagnose more complex issues.

15. How can I learn more about the social aspects of gaming and online communities?

Explore resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society for insights into the positive impact of gaming. Understanding the social dynamics and collaborative potential of online games can enhance your overall experience. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide has helped you identify and resolve the issue preventing you from enjoying multiplayer on your PS5. Now get out there and game on!

Why can’t i play multiplayer on PS5?