When you own a PlayStation 5 (PS5), it can be useful to set an account as the “primary account” to enjoy various benefits, including sharing games and content with other users, managing security settings, and easier access to PlayStation services. Setting a primary account on PS5 also allows you to maximize the console’s features and simplify the user experience, especially if multiple users share the same console.
Why set a primary account on PS5?
Before diving into the steps, it is important to understand why this setup is advantageous. Here are some reasons why it is recommended to set a primary account on PS5:
- Game and content sharing: A primary account can share games and subscriptions with other users of the same console. This allows multiple people to play your games without having to purchase them each time.
- Access to PlayStation Plus subscriptions: If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, it will be accessible to all users of the console, provided your account is set as primary.
- Data synchronization: As a primary account, your account will benefit from automatic synchronization of your saves and settings between the different devices linked to your account.
- Simplification of console management: By setting up a primary account, you facilitate the management of your PS5, especially if the console is shared with others, such as friends or family members.
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Prerequisites before setting a primary account on PS5
Before you can set an account as primary on PS5, here are some prerequisites to fulfill:
- You must have a PlayStation Network (PSN) account. If you don’t have one, you will need to create one before continuing.
- The account you wish to set as primary must be connected to the PS5.
- You must be the primary user of the PS5 or have the necessary rights to make this change (this usually requires access to an account with administrative privileges).
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Steps to set a primary account on PS5
Follow these simple steps to set an account as primary on your PS5:
Step 1: Turn on your PS5 and log in to your PSN account
- Turn on your PS5 and log in to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account with your account information (username and password).
- If you are not yet logged in, go to the main menu, select “Settings” then “Users and Accounts”. Enter your PSN credentials to log in.
Step 2: Access the PS5 settings
- Once logged in, go to the main menu of the PS5.
- Select “Settings” (the gear icon located in the upper right corner of the home screen).
Step 3: Access the “Users and Accounts” option
- In the settings menu, scroll down and select “Users and Accounts”.
- Then, select “Other” to access additional options.
Step 4: Enable console sharing
- Under the “Other” option, you will find an option titled “Primary Console”.
- Click on “Enable this PS5 as primary console”. This sets your connected account as the primary on this PS5.
Step 5: Confirm activation
- Once you have selected the option, a pop-up window will appear asking you to confirm your choice.
- Confirm that you want to set your account as primary by selecting “Activate”.
Step 6: Verification
- If the PS5 was already set up with another primary account, activating your account as primary will revoke the latter.
- You will receive a confirmation message indicating that your account is now set as primary.
What to do if you want to deactivate a primary account?
If you need to deactivate a primary account from the PS5 (for example, if you change accounts or sell the console), here is how to proceed:
- Log in to your account on the PS5.
- Go to “Settings” > “Users and Accounts” > “Other”.
- Select “Deactivate this PS5 as primary console” and confirm your choice.
- The account will then be deactivated as primary, and you will need to activate another account if necessary.





