If you’re one of the lucky few who own a PS5, you know that one of the best features is the ability to have multiple accounts. This is great for families or roommates who want to share the console without having to share their games and progress. However, there can be some confusion about which account is the “primary” account. The primary account is the one that is used to purchase and download games, and it’s also the account that is used to access PlayStation Plus. If you’re not sure which account is your primary account, or if you want to change the primary account, here’s a step-by-step guide.
To make an account primary on PS5, you first need to sign in to the account you want to make primary. Once you’re signed in, go to the Settings menu and select “Users and Accounts.” Then, select “Other” and then “Make This Your Primary PS5.” You’ll be asked to confirm your decision, and once you do, the account you selected will become the primary account on your PS5. This process will only take a few minutes, and it can be done at any time.
There are several benefits to making an account primary on PS5. First, the primary account is the only account that can purchase and download games from the PlayStation Store. This means that if you want to buy a game for your PS5, you’ll need to make sure you’re signed in to the primary account. Second, the primary account is the only account that can access PlayStation Plus. This means that if you want to play online multiplayer games or access exclusive PlayStation Plus content, you’ll need to make sure you’re signed in to the primary account. Finally, the primary account is the only account that can be used to activate a PS5 console. This means that if you want to use your PS5 with a different account, you’ll need to deactivate the primary account first.
Linking Your Primary Account
To set your primary account on PS5, follow these steps:
Step 1: Sign In to Your PlayStation Network Account
Start by powering on your PS5 and connecting it to the internet. Navigate to the top right corner of the home screen and select the user icon. If you’re already signed in to your PSN account, skip to Step 2. Otherwise, select “Sign In” and enter your account credentials.
Once signed in, your account picture will appear in the top right corner. Make sure the account you want to make primary is the one currently logged in.
Step 2: Navigate to the Console Settings
From the home screen, scroll down to the bottom of the left-hand menu and select the gear icon to access the Settings menu. Use the D-pad or analog sticks to navigate to the “Users and Accounts” section on the left-hand side.
Step 3: Select “Other Users” and “Set as Primary PS5”
Under the “Users and Accounts” section, choose “Other Users.” This will display a list of all PSN accounts that have been used on your PS5. Find the account you want to make primary and press the corresponding X button on your PS5 controller.
A confirmation pop-up will appear, prompting you to “Set as Primary PS5.” Select the “Confirm” option to finalize the process.
Setting Your Default Account
To designate a primary account, navigate to the “Settings” menu on your PS5’s home screen. Under the “Users and Accounts” section, select “Users.” All user accounts linked to your PS5 will be displayed here.
Locate the account you wish to set as primary. This account will become the default account for all actions and purchases made on the PS5. Once you have selected the desired account, press the “Options” button on your controller and choose “Set as Primary PS5.”
To ensure that the account is successfully set as primary, restart your PS5. Upon reboot, the designated account will be active and have full control over the console. When making purchases or accessing subscription services, this account will be used as the default payment method and benefit holder.
Important Considerations
Setting an account as primary grants it several privileges and responsibilities, including:
| Privilege | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Default payment method for PS Store purchases | Subscription renewal and purchase costs |
| Ability to create new user accounts | Parental controls and account management |
| Access to all installed games and apps | Storage space management and game updates |
| Primary account’s save data is accessible by other users on the console | Responsible for safeguarding personal information and privacy settings |
Switching to Your Primary Account
To switch to your primary account on PS5, follow these steps:
- Select the “Settings” icon from the PS5 home screen.
- Go to “Users and Accounts” and then “Other Users.”
- Select the user you want to make primary and then choose “Set as Primary User.”
- Enter your password to confirm the change.
Once you have set your primary account, it will be used for all purchases and downloads on the PS5. Your primary account will also have access to all of your games and saved data.
Things to Consider When Setting Up Your Primary Account
There are a few things to keep in mind when setting up your primary account:
First, your primary account will be linked to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account. This means that you will need to have a PSN account in order to set up a primary account on PS5.
Second, your primary account can only be used on one PS5 at a time. If you want to use your primary account on a different PS5, you will need to deactivate it on the first PS5.
Third, your primary account will be the default account used for online multiplayer games. If you want to play online multiplayer games with a different account, you will need to set that account as the primary account.
| Primary Account | Accessible on only 1 PS5 at a time |
| Non-Primary Account | Can be accessed on multiple PS5s simultaneously |
| Access to Games and Data | Full access to games and data associated with the account |
| Default Account for Online Multiplayer | Yes, unless a different account is set as primary |
Primary Accounts: The Ultimate Guide for PS5 Users
Advantages of a Primary Account
Having a primary account on your PS5 comes with a plethora of perks that enhance your overall gaming experience. From seamless game sharing to exclusive discounts, here are the key advantages:
1. Game Sharing with Friends and Family:
With a primary account, you can share your entire game library with up to two other PS5 consoles and two PS4 consoles. This allows your loved ones to enjoy your games without having to purchase them separately.
2. Automatic Game Updates and Downloads:
As the primary account holder, you’ll receive automatic updates and downloads for your games as soon as they become available. This ensures that you’re always playing the latest versions and have access to the most recent content.
3. Cloud Storage and Backups:
Having a primary account gives you access to cloud storage, where you can save your game progress, screenshots, and videos. This provides an extra layer of protection against data loss and allows you to continue your games from any PS5 or PS4 console linked to your account.
4. Exclusive Discounts and Promotions:
As a primary account holder, you’ll have access to exclusive discounts, promotions, and loyalty rewards from PlayStation Store. These perks can save you significant amounts of money on game purchases and other digital content.
| Discount | Description |
|---|---|
| Welcome Back Offer | 10% off your next game purchase after creating a primary account |
| PlayStation Plus Subscriber Discount | Up to 20% off select games and add-ons for PS Plus subscribers |
| Loyalty Rewards | Unlock exclusive rewards and discounts based on your total spending on PlayStation Store |
Managing Subscriptions on the Primary Account
The primary account on your PS5 is the one that you use to purchase and manage your subscriptions. This includes PlayStation Plus, PlayStation Now, and any other paid services that you may have. To manage your subscriptions, follow these steps:
1. Go to the PlayStation Store on your PS5.
2. Select the “Subscriptions” tab.
3. You will see a list of all of your active subscriptions.
4. To cancel a subscription, select it and then press the “Cancel Subscription” button.
5. To renew a subscription, select it and then press the “Renew Subscription” button.
You can also manage your subscriptions from the PlayStation website. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Go to the PlayStation website and sign in to your account.
2. Click on the “Subscriptions” tab.
3. You will see a list of all of your active subscriptions.
4. To cancel a subscription, select it and then click the “Cancel Subscription” button.
5. To renew a subscription, select it and then click the “Renew Subscription” button.
Transferring Games and Content
Once you’ve made your primary account, you can now transfer games and content from one PS5 to another. Here’s how to do it:
1. On the PS5 with the games and content you want to transfer, go to Settings > System > Data Transfer > Transfer Your Data.
2. On the other PS5, go to Settings > System > Data Transfer > Continue.
3. Connect the two PS5s with an Ethernet cable.
4. Select the games and content you want to transfer, then select Start Transfer.
5. The transfer will take some time, depending on the amount of data being transferred.
6. Once the transfer is complete, you’ll be able to access the games and content on the other PS5.
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Here are some additional tips for transferring games and content: |
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Troubleshooting Common Issues
Unable to Set Account as Primary
Ensure you are signed in to the correct PlayStation Network account. Verify that the console is connected to the internet and try again.
Other Users Can’t Access Content
Check the family management settings on your PS5. Make sure that the other users have the appropriate age restrictions set and are allowed to access the content associated with your primary account.
Console Not Recognizing Primary Status
Check that the PS5 is connected to the internet and that the PlayStation Network servers are functioning properly. Try restarting both the console and your modem/router.
Cannot Access Games from Other Accounts
Ensure that the games you are trying to access are installed on the PS5 and are not locked to a different PlayStation Network account. Check the game licenses and verify that they are associated with your primary account.
Unable to Connect to PlayStation Store
Verify that the PS5 is connected to the internet and that the PlayStation Store servers are online. Check the network settings on your console and ensure that DNS settings are correct.
Receiving Error Messages
If you encounter an error message while setting your account as primary, consult the PlayStation support website or contact PlayStation support for assistance.
Other Issues
| Issue | Troubleshooting Steps |
|---|---|
| Unable to set account as primary on multiple consoles | Only one console can be set as primary per account at a time. |
| Cannot remove primary status from old console | Deactivate your PS5 as the primary console from the old device’s settings menu. |
| Changes to primary status not taking effect | Restart both consoles and try again. Contact PlayStation support if the issue persists. |
Deactivate Primary Account
If you have multiple PlayStation consoles, you can designate one of them as the primary console for your PlayStation account. This will allow you to play digital games that you have purchased on that console without having to be online. To deactivate your primary account, follow these steps:
1. Sign in to your PlayStation account on the console that is currently set as the primary console.
2. Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS5.
3. Select Deactivate.
4. Enter your password to confirm.
Your primary account will now be deactivated on that console.
| If you want to activate your account on a new console, you will need to sign in to your PlayStation account on that console and follow the steps below: | |
| 1. Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS5. | |
| 2. Select Activate. | |
| 3. Enter your password to confirm. | |
| Your account will now be activated on that console. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I delete a non-primary account from my PS5?
Yes, you can delete any non-primary account linked to your PS5. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Users > Select the account you want to delete > Delete User.
2. Can I make a non-primary account the primary account?
Yes, you can. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Users > Select the desired non-primary account > Make Primary.
3. What happens if I delete the primary account from my PS5?
Deleting the primary account will also remove all downloaded games and applications associated with that account. However, you can reactivate the account later to access the content again.
4. Can I have multiple primary accounts on my PS5?
No, each PS5 can only have one primary account at a time. However, you can switch between primary accounts if needed.
5. What is the difference between a primary and non-primary account?
The primary account has full access to all downloaded games and applications on the PS5, while non-primary accounts have limited access.
6. How do I change the primary account on my PS5?
Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Users > Select the desired non-primary account > Make Primary.
7. What if I forgot the password for my primary account?
You can reset the password through the Sony PlayStation website. Go to the PlayStation website, click on “Forgot Password,” and follow the instructions to reset your password.
8. Can I have two PS5 consoles with the same primary account?
Yes, you can have two PS5 consoles with the same primary account. However, you can only play downloaded games and applications on one console at a time.
9. How do I Set Up a Child Account and Make it Primary on the PS5?
1. Create a child account by going to Settings > Family and Parental Controls > Manage Family > Add Family Member > Create a Child Account.
2. Enter the child’s information and create a unique password.
3. Select the “Make Primary” option to make the child account the primary account on the PS5.
4. Set parental controls and restrictions as desired.
5. The child account will now have primary access to the PS5 and can access age-appropriate content and features.
How to Make Account Primary on PS5
To make an account primary on PS5, follow these steps:
- Sign in to the PS5 with the account you want to make primary.
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other Users.
- Select the account you want to make primary.
- Select Make Primary.
- Enter your PS5 passcode.
Once you have made an account primary, it will be the default account used for all PS5 activities, including game downloads, purchases, and online play.
Tips for Effective Account Management
- Use a strong password. Your password should be at least 8 characters long and include a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account by requiring you to enter a code from your phone or email in addition to your password when you sign in.
- Be careful about what information you share online. Never share your password or personal information with anyone you don’t trust.
- Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your account from hackers.
- Be aware of phishing scams. Phishing scams are emails or websites that try to trick you into giving up your personal information by posing as legitimate companies or organizations.
- Only download games and apps from trusted sources. Malicious software can be hidden in games and apps, so it’s important to only download content from trusted sources.
- Be careful about who you add as friends. Only add people you know and trust as friends on your PS5.
- Report any suspicious activity. If you see anything suspicious on your PS5, such as unauthorized purchases or changes to your account settings, report it to PlayStation Support immediately.
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Do’s Don’ts – Use a strong password.
– Enable two-factor authentication.
– Keep your software up to date.
– Be aware of phishing scams.
– Only download games and apps from trusted sources.– Never share your password or personal information.
– Don’t click on links in emails or websites that you don’t recognize.
– Don’t download games or apps from untrusted sources.
– Don’t add people you don’t know as friends.
– Don’t ignore suspicious activity. - Remember to back up your account. You can back up your account to a USB drive or to the cloud. This way, if you ever lose your PS5 or your account is hacked, you can restore your account to a new PS5.
How to Make Account Primary On Ps5
1. Sign in to your PS5 with the account you want to make primary.
2. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account.
3. Select the account you want to make primary.
4. Select Set as Primary PS5.
People Also Ask About How To Make Account Primary On Ps5
What does it mean to make an account primary on PS5?
When you make an account primary on PS5, it means that the console will be associated with that account. This will allow you to share games, DLC, and other benefits with other users on the same console.
Can I have multiple primary accounts on PS5?
No, you can only have one primary account per PS5 console.
What happens to my games and DLC if I make a different account primary on PS5?
If you make a different account primary on PS5, you will lose access to any games or DLC that were purchased or downloaded using the previous primary account.
Can I change my primary PS5 account?
Yes, you can change your primary PS5 account by following the steps outlined in the “How to Make Account Primary On PS5” section above.
