Fixing Share Play on PS5 typically involves checking your internet connection, ensuring both consoles are updated, verifying PlayStation Plus subscriptions, and adjusting console or in-session settings.
Share Play on PS5 offers an interactive way to share gaming experiences with friends, allowing you to share your screen, pass control, or even play co-op together online. When issues arise, they can usually be resolved with a systematic approach to troubleshooting common problems.
Troubleshooting Common Share Play Issues
Here's a quick reference for common problems and their solutions:
| Issue | Quick Fix |
|---|---|
| Lagging or Frequent Disconnects | Improve network connection (wired preferred), check internet speed. |
| Cannot Start Share Play | Verify host has PS Plus, ensure latest system software, restart both PS5s. |
| Guest Cannot Join or Play | Check host's privacy settings, ensure guest has PS Plus (if required), check NAT type. |
| Black Screen or Blocked Scenes | Game-specific restrictions, try another game or re-initiate Share Play. |
Optimizing Your Network Connection
A stable and fast internet connection is paramount for a smooth Share Play experience.
Check Your Internet Speed
Both the host and the guest benefit from a robust connection, particularly the host who is streaming the game.
- Go to Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection.
- Sony recommends a minimum upload speed of 2 Mbps for the host. Higher speeds (e.g., 5-10 Mbps upload) will significantly improve performance and reduce lag.
Use a Wired Connection (Ethernet)
Wi-Fi can be prone to interference and signal drops.
- Whenever possible, connect your PS5 directly to your router using an Ethernet cable. This provides the most stable and fastest connection, crucial for streaming gameplay.
Understand NAT Types
Your Network Address Translation (NAT) type impacts your ability to connect with other players.
- You can find your NAT type in Settings > Network > Connection Status > Test Internet Connection.
- NAT Type 1 (Open) and NAT Type 2 (Moderate) are generally good for Share Play.
- NAT Type 3 (Strict) can cause connectivity issues, making it difficult to host or join Share Play sessions.
- If you have NAT Type 3, consider configuring port forwarding or enabling UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) on your router. Consult your router's manual or ISP for instructions.
Checking Subscriptions and System Updates
Ensure both consoles meet the basic requirements for Share Play.
PlayStation Plus Subscription
- For most Share Play modes where the guest takes control or plays a co-op game, both the host and the guest need an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
- The host always needs PlayStation Plus to initiate a Share Play session. Verify your subscription status on your console or the PlayStation website.
Update PS5 System Software
Outdated system software can lead to compatibility issues.
- Ensure both the host's and the guest's PS5 consoles are running the latest system software version.
- Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
- Select Update System Software to check for and install any available updates.
Managing Share Play Settings
Sometimes, simply restarting or adjusting the Share Play mode can resolve glitches.
- During an active party voice chat where Share Play is running or intended to run, go to the Control Center by pressing the PS button on your DualSense controller.
- Select the party voice chat card.
- Choose Share Play Options.
- From here, you can:
- Change the Play Mode: Switch between "Share Screen," "Play Game with the Visitor," or "Pass Controller to the Visitor." If you're experiencing issues, try stopping the session and restarting it with a different mode.
- Stop Share Play: Ending the session and re-initiating it can often resolve temporary communication or streaming issues.
- Adjust Video Quality or Audio Levels to potentially improve performance if bandwidth is a concern.
Privacy Settings
Your privacy settings might prevent friends from joining your party or seeing your game.
- Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Privacy > View Your Privacy Settings.
- Under "Communicating and Viewing Other Players," ensure settings like "Who can interact with you through parties, games, and messages" or "Who can see your activities" are set to "Anyone" or "Friends Only" as appropriate for your comfort level.
Addressing Game and Regional Restrictions
Not all content is compatible with Share Play.
- Game-Specific Restrictions: Some games, due to licensing agreements or sensitive content, may block Share Play entirely or during specific scenes (e.g., cinematic cutscenes, online multiplayer lobbies, story moments with spoilers). If you encounter a black screen, it might be a game restriction. Try Share Playing a different game to confirm.
- Regional Differences: Significant geographical distances between the host and guest can lead to increased latency and a poor Share Play experience. Also, differences in game versions or regional content between players might occasionally cause issues.
- Age Restrictions: Ensure both players meet the age rating requirements for the game being shared.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If simpler solutions don't work, consider these more in-depth steps.
Restart Both PS5 Consoles
- A full restart of both the host's and the guest's PS5 consoles can clear temporary system glitches and refresh network connections.
Clear Cache and Rebuild Database (Last Resort)
- If persistent issues occur, clearing the system cache or rebuilding the database in Safe Mode can sometimes help resolve underlying system file problems without deleting your game data.
- Turn off your PS5 completely.
- Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep (about seven seconds) to enter Safe Mode.
- Select Clear Cache and Rebuild Database. Choose Rebuild Database. This reorganizes the files on your hard drive and can fix various performance issues.
