How to play online on PlayStation 5

If you want to take your PlayStation® 5 experience to the next level, playing online is the way to go. Whether you're battling it out in multiplayer matches, teaming up for co-op adventures, or just hanging out in a virtual world, getting online unlocks a whole new level of fun. 

Game on with Asurion. Our experts, many of whom are gamers themselves, are here to help with all your console needs—from stopping PS5 overheating to setting up parental controls, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to start playing online on your PS5.

Create a PSN account and sign in

To play online, you’ll first need a PlayStation Network (PSN®) account.

How to create a PlayStation Network (PSN) account

1. On your PS5 Home screen, select Add User > Get Started.
2. Read the user agreement and check the I Agree box.
3. Hit Confirm > Create an Account.
4. Follow the on-screen prompts to enter your country/region, language preference, and birth date.
5. Enter your email address and create a password for your PSN account. Press Next. 
6. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your sign-up.

Some online games require a PlayStation Plus subscription. So, sign in to your PSN account and go to PlayStation Store > Subscriptions. Choose your preferred plan—Essential, Extra, or Premium—and subscribe.

Apart from granting you access to exclusive games, a PlayStation Plus subscription allows you to manage your game group, download and stream games, and receive two free games every month.

Set up and use PS Remote Play

After creating a PSN account, set up PS Remote Play to stream your PS5 games on other devices, such as a smartphone, tablet, PC, or PS4®, over the internet or a local network.

1. From the home screen, select Settings > System > Remote Play. 
2. Toggle Enable Remote Play to On.
3. Download the PS Remote Play app on the device you want to use for streaming PS5 games. 
4. Launch the PS Remote Play App and sign in with the PSN account you created above.
5. The app will search for your PS5 automatically. If both devices are connected to the same network, you should see your console. Select it. 
6. If the app does not find your PS5, go to Settings > System > Remote Play.
7. Select Link Device and enter the displayed code to the PS Remote Play App.

Once connected, your device will display your PS5’s screen.

Master Share Play with friends

The PS5 also has a Share Play feature that allows friends to participate in a session, even when they don’t own the game. You can use Share Play to invite friends or join co-op games.

1. Press the PS Button on your controller to open the Control Center.
2. Select Game Base > Friends and select friends from the list.
3. Select Voice Chat to start a party and invite every friend on your list.
4. Click Start Share Screen.
5. After your friend accepts the invite, choose Share Play > Visitor Plays as You or Play With the Visitor, depending on how you want to play. 

Manage privacy and security settings

PlayStation has privacy and security settings to protect your online gaming experience. To adjust your privacy settings:

1. Go to Settings > Account Management > Privacy.
2. Select View and Customize Your Privacy Settings.
3. Choose a feature or a preset privacy setting level you want to change and click Edit.
4. Select preferred privacy settings from the menu and hit Confirm. 

If you want to manage your security settings, go to Settings > Account Management > Security. Select Edit next to the security setting you want to manage. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the changes.

Join game groups and connect with friends

Once you make your account, you can build an online community by adding friends on your PS5 for a richer gaming experience. If you have a friend in a game group, find the group in their profile or on the card labeled Play With Friends in the Control Center. Select the game group and then click Join.

Sometimes, you may be required to request to join the game group. When this is the case, select Request to Join.

You can also invite friends to your current game. Go to a player’s profile, select Invite to Game, and follow on-screen instructions. Alternatively, press the PS button, choose Game Base, select an online friend, group of players, or party, and hit Invite to Game.

Troubleshoot online gaming issues 

If you face any trouble at any step, you’ll want to find and fix the problem right away. Try these troubleshooting tips for your new PS5 to get you back in the game.