How To Fix PS5 “Share Play” Not Working

Several reasons could be causing your PS5 Share Play to malfunction. Here are some potential issues and solutions:

Connectivity Issues:

• Internet connection: Ensure both you and your guest have a stable internet connection with sufficient bandwidth. Try using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for increased stability.
• NAT Type: Both players need an open or moderate NAT type for optimal Share Play performance. Check your console’s network settings and adjust NAT Type if necessary.
• Firewall restrictions: Temporarily disable any firewalls on your router or network that might be blocking Share Play connections.

Software and Settings:

• Software updates: Make sure both your PS5 consoles and controllers are updated to the latest software versions.
• Console Sharing and Offline Play: Enable “Console Sharing and Offline Play” on both consoles involved in Share Play. You can find this setting under Settings > Account > Console Sharing and Offline Play.
• Privacy settings: Check your privacy settings on both consoles. Ensure you allow “Share Gameplay” and “Communicate with Users While Sharing Gameplay.”
• Game compatibility: Not all games support Share Play functionality. Verify that the game you’re trying to share is compatible.

Troubleshooting Steps:

• Restart both PS5 consoles.
• Try inviting the guest player through the game itself instead of the party menu.
• Change the Share Play settings: Choose “Pass the Controller” or “Watch Gameplay” depending on your desired experience.
• Rebuild PS5 database: This can sometimes clear up software glitches. Go to Settings > System > Software > System Software > Rebuild Database. (Note: This process can take some time.)
• Check PSN server status: Visit the PlayStation Network Service Status page to see if there are any ongoing issues affecting Share Play: https://status.playstation.com/

Useful User Experiences

Experience #1

If you can’t join a Share-Play session, try restarting the console first then launch any game that is a PS5 version.

In my case, when I couldn’t join a Share-Play session, I would simply start FIFA 22 (the PS5 version) then ask my friend to start the Share-Play session again. and it worked.

Experience #2

You’ll all have to try troubleshooting your home networks. Port forwarding, changing DNS servers on PS, turning off VPNs, rebooting your modem/routers.

Experience #3

Most likely either:

• Strict NAT or nat type 3. If regular party chat doesn’t work, then this is strict NAT problem. Try port forwarding or turn on router UPnP.
• Slow, overloaded connection for either you or the other person. Pause all downloads. Lower share play resolution if there is an option to do so.
• Possibly Mismatch region or version of game. If on a PS5 version of game and other person is on PS4 console, try PS4 version of game.
• Possibly this game no longer exist in PlayStation store.
• If trying to use “Play Together”, some games may limit to local play mode, not online.