Buzz
Learn how to easily share your Xbox games with friends using this straightforward guide.
Have you seen those TikToks about game sharing on Xbox and wondered how to make it work? If that sounds like you, you're in the right place! In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to game share on both Xbox One and Series X|S, while also covering any limitations you need to be aware of. Keep reading for all the details!
Game Sharing with Xbox One & Series X|S Explained
To start game sharing on your Xbox One or Series X|S, you'll first need to link your friend's account to your console. Switch to their account, head into the Xbox settings, and navigate to Personalization > My home Xbox. Set your Xbox as their home Xbox, and you'll be able to download and play their games right away.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Share Games on Xbox
Exchange Xbox login details with a friend. In order to share games between two consoles, you'll need to exchange Xbox login credentials with your friend—both sharing your own login with them and receiving theirs in return.
Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the menu. If your Xbox is off, power it on and ensure you're signed into your account before proceeding.
Navigate to your profile (Xbox One: Left, Xbox Series X|S: Right). On Xbox One, you’ll find the Sign In menu; on Xbox Series X|S, head to the Profile & system section.
Add your friend's account. This process varies depending on your console:
- Xbox One: Choose Add new.
- Xbox Series X|S: Select Add or switch > Add new.
Switch to your friend's Xbox account. Press the Xbox button to bring up the menu and navigate to the profile section (left for Xbox One, right for Xbox Series X|S). Then, select your friend's account.
Go to settings and select Personalization > My home Xbox. You'll find the Personalization option under the General tab in the settings menu.
- On Xbox One, you’ll see Personalize instead of Personalization.
Activate Make this my home Xbox. This will let you play your friend's games on your Xbox. If they have a Game Pass, you'll also be able to enjoy their Game Pass subscription.
Install the games you want to access. To play your friend's games, you'll need to install them on your console. Simply go to the Microsoft Store, search for the games, or visit the Ready to Install section.
- If you want to share your games on your friend's Xbox, repeat steps 2 through 7 on their console using your own account.
Limitations of Game Sharing
You are allowed to change your home Xbox only five times per year. Once you've used up all your switches, the home Xbox settings will show the next available date for you to change it. Microsoft has stated that customer support cannot provide extra switches, so be sure to use them wisely.
You can only access your friend's games when they're signed out. If your friend is logged in, you’ll only be able to play the games you own (and vice versa).
Not all games are shareable. Only digital games or those included in a Game Pass subscription can be shared. Physical copies cannot be shared, nor can game-specific content, in-game currency, or certain pre-order/special edition bonuses.
You can only share games with one person at a time. If you'd like to share with a different friend, you'll need to remove the current person from the sharing setup and follow the steps again with your new friend.
You and your friend can make purchases using each other's accounts. It's important to only share games with friends you trust, and to keep your payment information off your Xbox unless it's absolutely needed for a subscription.
