You can't gift games on PlayStation directly through the PlayStation Store, as there is no "send as gift" button on any game page. To gift games on PlayStation, you must use one of two proven workarounds: buying a PlayStation Store gift card for the recipient or setting up game sharing through console sharing.
Can you gift games on PlayStation directly?
The short answer is no. When you try to buy a game as a present, you'll notice there is no field for the recipient's email address or PSN ID, unlike platforms like Steam or Xbox. The only "gift" option PlayStation offers is for PlayStation Plus subscriptions, and even that requires purchasing a code from a third-party retailer. This means the original step-by-step guides that tell you to click a "Gift" button are outdated or incorrect. To gift games on PlayStation today, you'll need to rely on gift cards or account sharing, both of which are explained below. If you want to play together after gifting, you can also stream PlayStation games on PC for a shared big-screen experience.
Method 1: Use a PlayStation Store gift card
The most straightforward way to gift a specific game is to buy a PlayStation Store gift card and send it to your friend. This works because the recipient can redeem a PlayStation gift card and use the funds to purchase the exact game you intended. Here's how to do it:
Step 1: Buy a digital or physical PSN card
You can purchase a PlayStation Store gift card from authorized retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, Target, or directly from the PlayStation website. Digital cards are delivered instantly via email or text message, while physical cards can be bought in stores and handed over in person. Gift card codes can be delivered to the recipient via text, email, or as a physical card, so choose whichever method suits your situation.
Step 2: Check the region lock
Before buying, verify that the gift card matches the recipient's PlayStation Network account region. PlayStation Store gift cards are region-locked, meaning a US gift card will only work with a US PlayStation Network account. If your friend lives in Europe, you must buy a European PSN card from a retailer that sells international codes. This is the most common mistake people make, so double-check the region before purchasing.
Step 3: Send the code and let them redeem it
Funds from redeemed gift cards are added to the recipient's PSN wallet and can be used to purchase any content available in their region's PlayStation Store, including games, DLC, movies, and PlayStation Plus subscriptions. After they redeem it, they can buy the game you wanted to gift them. If you want to be extra thoughtful, tell them exactly which game to buy with the credit.
Method 2: Game sharing with console sharing and offline play
If you want to gift a game you already own without spending extra money, game sharing is the way to go. This method lets a friend access your entire digital library for free, including the specific title you want to share. On PS5, this feature is called "Console Sharing and Offline Play," while on PS4 it's known as setting a "Primary PS4 Console." Here's how to set it up:
Step 1: Activate console sharing on PS5
On your PS5, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play. This makes your console the "home" console for your account, allowing any other user on that PS5 to play your games and use your PlayStation Plus benefits. This is a trade-off you need to accept.
Step 2: Activate primary PS4 on PS4
On PS4, sign in to your account on your friend's console. Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4. Confirm the activation. Once done, your friend can play any game you own from their own account, and they'll also get access to your PlayStation Plus subscription for online multiplayer and monthly free games. Just like PS5, you can only have one primary PS4, so activating it on your friend's console means your own PS4 will need to be online to play your digital games.
Step 3: Download the game on their console
After activating console sharing or primary PS4 on your friend's console, they need to log into their own PSN account. They can then go to their game library, find the game you want to gift, and download it. They don't need your password after the initial setup. This method is perfect for close friends or family members you trust, as it gives them access to your entire library, not just one game. If you only want to share a single title, this is still the most cost-effective way to gift games on PlayStation without buying anything extra.
How to gift a PlayStation Plus subscription
If you want to gift the ability to play online multiplayer or access free monthly games, you can buy a PlayStation Plus digital code from authorized retailers. Unlike regular games, PlayStation Plus subscriptions can be gifted via digital codes, providing the recipient with access to online multiplayer, monthly free games, and game catalogs depending on the subscription tier. Here's how:
Step 1: Buy a PlayStation Plus code from a retailer
Go to retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or the PlayStation Store website and purchase a PlayStation Plus digital code. You can choose between Essential, Extra, or Premium tiers, depending on your budget and what features you want to gift. The code will be sent to your email instantly.
Step 2: Send the code to your friend
Forward the code to your friend via email, text, or messaging app. Once redeemed, their subscription will be activated immediately, and they can start playing online and downloading the monthly free games. This works for both new and existing subscribers, so you can extend their current subscription or start a new one.
One important note: PlayStation Plus codes are also region-locked, just like gift cards. Make sure the code matches your friend's PSN account region. If you're unsure, ask them which country their account is registered in before purchasing. This is the only reliable way to gift a subscription directly, as Sony doesn't allow you to gift a subscription from within the PlayStation Store itself.
For those who want to get Discord on PlayStation, note that Discord integration is only available for PlayStation Plus members. Gifting a PlayStation Plus subscription is the only way to give someone access to Discord voice chat on their PS5, since the Discord app requires an active PlayStation Plus membership to use the console's voice chat features. So if your friend wants to chat with you while gaming, a PlayStation Plus gift code is the practical solution.
