Why Isn’t Share Play Working on Your PS5? Troubleshooting and Solutions
Share Play on the PlayStation 5 is an incredible feature, allowing you to share your gaming experience with friends, even if they don’t own the game themselves. Imagine letting a friend tackle a challenging boss fight, collaboratively conquering a co-op level, or simply showing off your latest gaming conquest. But what happens when this seemingly magical feature refuses to cooperate? Why isn’t Share Play working on your PS5?
The simple answer is that multiple factors can contribute to Share Play malfunctions. These range from simple oversights like inadequate PlayStation Plus subscriptions to more complex network configurations and game-specific limitations. Let’s dive into the common culprits and how to troubleshoot them.
Common Reasons for Share Play Issues
1. PlayStation Plus Subscription Requirements
This is the most common pitfall. Share Play requires both the host (the person sharing their screen) and the guest (the person watching or playing) to have active PlayStation Plus subscriptions. It’s a non-negotiable requirement. If either of you has a lapsed subscription, Share Play simply won’t work. Check your subscription status in your PlayStation Network account settings to confirm.
2. Network Connectivity Problems
A stable and robust internet connection is crucial. Share Play relies on streaming video and sending input commands in real-time. Poor Wi-Fi signal, slow internet speeds, or network congestion can all disrupt the connection and lead to Share Play failures. Consider using a wired Ethernet connection for a more stable connection. Check your internet speed, aiming for at least 5 Mbps upload speed, and consider a speed test if you suspect issues.
3. Game Compatibility Restrictions
Not all games are created equal when it comes to Share Play. Some games have restrictions that prevent certain scenes or the entire game from being shared due to licensing agreements or developer-imposed limitations. Before assuming a technical fault, verify if the game you’re trying to Share Play is fully compatible.
4. Parental Controls and System Restrictions
Parental controls or family management settings can inadvertently block Share Play functionality. If you or your friend have restricted settings on your PS5, particularly those related to new user creation and guest login, it might be preventing Share Play from working. Review these settings under Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > PS4 System Restrictions > New User Creation and Guest Login and ensure “Allow” is selected. (Even though it says PS4 system restrictions, the PS5 often inherits these!)
5. Software Glitches and System Errors
Sometimes, the issue isn’t a clear-cut technical problem but rather a temporary software glitch within the PS5 system. A simple restart of your console can often resolve these minor errors and restore Share Play functionality. Power cycle both consoles involved to ensure a clean slate.
6. PS5 System Software Outdated
Running an outdated version of the PS5 system software can also lead to compatibility issues, including problems with Share Play. Make sure both consoles are running the latest version by going to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update. Regularly updating your console is essential for optimal performance and security.
7. Distance Limitations
Share Play isn’t bound by physical location in the traditional sense, but extremely large distances between the host and guest can introduce latency and negatively impact the experience. While not a complete block, high latency can make the feature unusable.
8. Firewall and Router Configurations
Your firewall or router settings might be blocking the necessary ports for Share Play to function properly. Enabling Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) on your router can help resolve this issue by allowing your PS5 to automatically configure port forwarding. Consult your router’s manual or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance with enabling UPnP.
9. Conflicting Applications
Rarely, other applications running in the background might interfere with Share Play. Closing unnecessary applications before initiating Share Play can sometimes resolve these conflicts.
10. The One-Hour Limit
Share Play sessions have a one-hour time limit. After an hour, the session will automatically end. However, you can immediately start a new session if you wish to continue playing. This is a design limitation, not a malfunction, but it’s important to be aware of it.
Troubleshooting Steps
- Verify PlayStation Plus Subscriptions: Confirm both you and your friend have active PS Plus memberships.
- Check Network Connection: Use a wired connection if possible, and run an internet speed test.
- Confirm Game Compatibility: Check if the game supports Share Play and if there are any scene restrictions.
- Review Parental Controls: Ensure parental controls and system restrictions are not blocking Share Play.
- Restart Your PS5: Perform a full restart of your PS5 console.
- Update System Software: Ensure your PS5 is running the latest system software.
- Check Router Settings: Enable UPnP on your router or manually configure port forwarding.
- Close Unnecessary Applications: Close any other applications running in the background.
- Test with a Different Game: Try Share Playing a different game to see if the issue is game-specific.
- Contact PlayStation Support: If all else fails, contact PlayStation Support for further assistance.
Share Play: More Than Just Gaming
Beyond the fun and convenience of sharing games, features like Share Play contribute significantly to social learning and collaborative experiences, especially in the realm of gaming. This intersection of gaming and learning is something explored in depth by organizations like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org), which researches and promotes the educational potential of video games. Share Play offers a unique opportunity for players to learn from each other, improve their skills, and engage in collaborative problem-solving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 Share Play
1. Do both players need PlayStation Plus for Share Play?
Yes, both the host and the visitor need to have active PlayStation Plus subscriptions for Share Play to function.
2. How do I start Share Play on PS5?
Press the PS button to go to the control center, select the party voice chat card, and then select Start Share Play. You must be a PlayStation Plus member to initiate Share Play.
3. Why can’t my friend join my Share Play session?
Possible reasons include game incompatibility, parental control restrictions, network issues, or the absence of PlayStation Plus on either account.
4. Is Share Play available on PS5?
Yes, Share Play is a feature available on the PS5 console.
5. How do I enable gameshare on PS5?
To enable gameshare, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play. Enable this feature on the console of the account that owns the games.
6. Can two players play Remote Play on PS5?
When a player begins using Remote Play, others can join as added players. You’ll need to log in to the client PS5 console and then press the (options) button on your controller.
7. How many times can you Share Play on PS5?
You can Share Play as many times as you want, but each session is limited to one hour. You can start a new session immediately after one ends.
8. Can I have two PS5 consoles on one account?
Yes, but only one PS5 console can be activated for game sharing and offline play simultaneously.
9. Why isn’t my SharePlay working?
Common reasons include missing PlayStation Plus subscriptions, network problems, game restrictions, or parental controls.
10. Can I connect to Share Play using a wired connection?
Yes, a wired Ethernet connection is highly recommended for a more stable and reliable Share Play experience.
11. Can 2 PS5 accounts share games?
Yes, by enabling Console Sharing and Offline Play on the console of the account that owns the games, other accounts on that console can access those games.
12. Is there a 1-hour limit on PS5 Share Play?
Yes, each Share Play session is limited to 60 minutes. You can immediately start a new session after the previous one ends.
13. Can multiple people watch SharePlay?
While technically SharePlay is designed for one-on-one interaction, a SharePlay session can include up to 32 people as part of the Party. However, only the host and one other person can actively interact with the gameplay.
14. Can you Shareplay PS5 to PC?
No, Shareplay is a console-to-console feature. However, you can use Remote Play to stream your PS5 gameplay to a PC.
15. Does PS5 have a browser?
Yes, the PS5 has a functional web browser, but it’s not directly accessible as a standalone app. You can access it through the Users and Accounts settings, by linking to other services like Twitter/X.