Sharing PS4 Games with Family: Primary Console + Sub-Accounts

You **cannot directly share a digital license** between two separate PSN accounts. But Sony's **Primary Console** system lets your son play your games on **one** console.

How It Works (Console Sharing / Primary PS4)

1. On **your PS4** (the one your son uses): Settings → Account Management → **Activate as Your Primary PS4** → Activate.
2. **Any user** on that PS4 can play **your purchased games** (including DLC) and access **your PS Plus benefits** (online multiplayer, monthly games) — **even offline**.
3. On **any other PS4**: Only **you** (signed in) can play your games. Requires internet check.

Setup for Your Son

1. Create a **Child / Sub-Account** under your Family Management (Settings → Parental Controls / Family Management).
2. Set age rating limits, spending limits, playtime limits.
3. He signs in with **his own account** on the Primary PS4.
4. He sees your games in Library → Purchased. Launches them. Earns **his own trophies / saves**.

What If He's On a Different PS4?

• He **cannot** play your games unless **you are signed in** on that console (and it's not your Primary).
• Buy the game on **his account** (gift via Store → "Buy as Gift" — not all regions support).
• Or: Make *his* PS4 your Primary (but then *your* other console loses sharing).

PS5 Note

**Console Sharing and Offline Play** (PS5 term for Primary) works similarly. **PS5 games cannot be shared to PS4.** PS4 games shared to PS5 via BC work.

Physical Discs

Share freely. Disc in = play. No account lock.

Set Primary PS4 once. He plays your library on his profile. You play anywhere online. Best of both worlds.