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How to add friends on PS5 – step-by-step guide

Start playing your favourite games with your friends in no time
Last Updated on March 15, 2024
Expand your gaming circle with our easy guide on how to add friends on PS5, connecting you to more players for an enhanced gaming experience.
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If you don’t know how to add friends on PS5, you’re in the right place. This article is dedicated to guiding you through the simple yet essential process of connecting with friends and fellow gamers on the PlayStation 5. Whether you’re looking to join friends in multiplayer games, share your gaming achievements, or just stay connected, adding friends is a straightforward process that can be a lot of fun.

The process of adding friends on the PS5 is user-friendly and can be done in a few simple steps. Before you begin, ensure you have the online ID or real name of the friend you want to add. This second paragraph serves as a bridge to the forthcoming step-by-step instructions that will detail how to navigate the PS5 interface, locate the ‘Add Friend’ feature, and successfully connect with others in the PlayStation network.

Step-by-step guide – Adding friends on PS5

Step

1

Access the Game Base

From the PS5 homepage, press the PS button on your DualSense controller and navigate to the Game Base menu.

This action opens a central game base screen for your social interactions on the PS5, including your friends screen and party options.

Step

2

Navigate to ‘Friends’

Once in the Game Base, look for the friends tab located in the top-left area of the screen.

This section is dedicated to managing your current friends list and adding new friends.

Step

3

Search for players

Move to the right and press X on ‘Search for Players’.

This will lead you to a page where you can find new friends to add, including suggestions based on your gaming history and a search bar for specific searches.

User interface of a gaming platform showing how to add friends on PS5 with various avatars.
Screenshot of the ‘Search for Players’ screen on the PlayStation 5 interface © BGFG

Step

4

Enter friend’s PSN ID

In the search bar, type in your friend’s PSN ID or their real name, if you know it.

Make sure to enter the correct ID to find the right person.

Step

5

Send a friend request

Once you’ve found the correct profile, select it to view an overview of their profile. Here, you’ll find a prominent ‘Add Friend’ button.

Clicking ‘Add Friend’ sends a friend request to that user. They’ll receive a notification that you’ve added them, and once they accept, they’ll be added to your close friends list.

In addition to adding friends, the PlayStation 5 also offers other social management features. You have the option to delete friends from your list if you no longer wish to be connected. This can be done simply by accessing your friend’s list, selecting the friend you want to remove, and choosing the ‘Remove Friend’ option.

Can you add friends on PS5 without PlayStation Plus?

Yes, you can add friends on PS5 without a PlayStation Plus subscription. Adding friends and managing your friends list on the PS5 is a feature available to all users, regardless of their subscription status.


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PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer gaming in most games, but not for basic social features like adding friends.

Can you add friends from PS4 to PS5?

You can add friends from PS4 to PS5. The PlayStation Network (PSN) is consistent across both PS4 and PS5 platforms, meaning you can connect with friends using the same PSN account, regardless of whether they are on a PS4 or PS5.

This cross-platform compatibility allows for a seamless social experience across different generations of PlayStation consoles.

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