What does it mean to set as primary PS4?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

Setting a primary PS4 is a feature that allows multiple users to share digital content on a single console. When you designate a PS4 as your primary console, any other user on that console can access and play the digital games, DLCs, and other content you own, even if they are not logged in to your account.

Let me give you an example to make it clearer. Imagine I buy a popular game like Minecraft on my PS4. After setting my console as the primary PS4, my brother can log into his own user account on the same console, and guess what? He can play Minecraft too, without having to purchase it himself. It’s like sharing the game with him, but without physically lending him the disc or sharing my account credentials.

This feature is particularly useful for households with multiple gamers. Instead of having to buy the same game multiple times for each person, you can simply purchase it once and share it with everyone on the primary PS4. This can save a lot of money in the long run, especially if you have a big family or a group of friends who frequently play games together.

Setting a primary PS4 also has a few other benefits. Firstly, any user on the primary console can access and use your PlayStation Plus subscription, which includes online multiplayer, free monthly games, and exclusive discounts. So, if you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, all users on the primary PS4 can enjoy these benefits without having to purchase their own subscriptions.

Secondly, any user on the primary console can make use of your PlayStation Store purchases, such as game add-ons, season passes, or digital downloads. This means that if you buy additional content for a game, like extra levels or character skins, all users on the primary PS4 can access and use that content.

It’s important to note that setting a primary PS4 does have some limitations. While all users on the primary console can access and play your purchased content, they cannot access it on any other console. So, if my brother wants to play Minecraft on his own PS4 or a friend’s console, he would need to purchase it himself or use a different account that owns the game.

Additionally, only one console can be set as the primary PS4 for your account at a time. So, if you have multiple consoles, you need to choose which one to designate as the primary console. This means that on any other consoles you own or use, you will only be able to access and play your purchased content while you are logged in to your account.

Setting a primary PS4 allows multiple users on a single console to enjoy your digital content, including games, DLCs, and PlayStation Plus benefits. It’s a convenient way to share your purchases with others in your household, saving money and allowing everyone to enjoy the same games and additional content. However, it’s important to remember that this sharing is limited to the designated primary console and does not extend to other consoles or accounts.