How often can you deactivate primary PS4?

As a passionate gamer and content creator, I get this question a lot – so let‘s settle it once and for all! You can deactivate your primary PS4 just once every 6 months. After that, you can set a new primary system right away.

But why is there a limit at all? What happens when you deactivate? Read on for my complete breakdown as a gaming expert.

Why The Primary PS4 Limit Exists

Sony restricts each PSN account to having 1 primary PS4 to prevent unchecked game and content sharing. By limiting deactivations, they reduce piracy risks.

I don‘t love the 6 month policy, but it lets friends borrow games while still encouraging support for developers.

Workarounds: Game Sharing With Multiple Consoles

While you can only have 1 primary PS4, your friends can still set your PS4 as their primary to access your games.

The table below shows how primary status impacts game sharing across PS4s:

So with some PS4 juggling, you can share games between multiple friends. But risks come too…

The Dangers of Account Sharing

While game sharing can save cash, it also threatens your account security. Having many primaries raises red flags for Sony.

Tip: Never game share with strangers – only trusted friends. And limit borrowers to 1 or 2 max.

Step-By-Step Guide to Deactivating Your Primary PS4

Ready to deactivate? Just follow these simple steps:

1. On your PS4, go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4
2. Select Deactivate > Yes to confirm
3. When prompted, activate your new PS4 as primary

And you‘ve successfully deactivated! It‘s quick, but has serious impacts…

What Happens When You Deactivate Your Primary PS4?

Deactivating your primary PS4 cuts off access to content bought under that account.

Here‘s what you lose:

• Access to digital games, DLC and add-ons
• PlayStation Plus benefits like monthly games
• Playing disc-based games you own digitally

Other key points:

• Your game saves are NOT deleted or lost
• You keep all trophies and progress earned
• Can‘t play digital content without an internet connection to verify ownership

So you lose access temporarily until you activate a new primary PS4.

Managing Save Data When Deactivating

While save data isn‘t deleted automatically, you risk losing it when factory resetting later. Manage your saves carefully via:

• PlayStation Plus cloud storage
• External USB drive
• Manually uploading to PlayStation Network

This preserves saves if you sell your PS4.

Deactivating Before Selling or Giving Away Your PS4

Another key reason to deactivate – you‘re passing your PS4 to a friend or selling it.

By deactivating, you ensure no incoming owner can access:

• Your downloaded games and content
• Saved payment info

You want to wipe personal data before gifting. Factory reset afterwards too.

Should I Delete My PSN Account Too?

No, deactivate only. By deleting the account entirely, you lose all content licenses and purchases.

Deactivating is reversible – just activate another PS4 later to restore access.

Troubleshooting Primary PS4 Deactivation

Having issues removing primary status? Try these fixes:

Accidentally Set PS4 as Primary Too Soon

If under 6 months, you‘ll need to contact PlayStation Support to deactivate early. Explain your situation.

Can‘t Sign-In to Deactivate

If signed out, sign in directly via the Sign In option in Settings. Or try using a mobile device browser instead.

Other User Set My PS4 as Their Primary

You‘ll need to coordinate with them – only that user can deactivate remotely. Request they free up the slot so you can activate your new primary.

Locked Out Completely After Deactivating

If you can‘t activate a new primary PS4, your account may be suspended for excessive deactivations. Again PlayStation Support can investigate and restore access.

In Summary: Smart Primary PS4 Management

While essential for security, deactivating limits content access temporarily. So manage game sharing judiciously and prepare new primaires ASAP.

I suggest archiving saves beforehand too. And loop Support if running into any blocking issues.

So that conclusively answers the infamous question – you can deactivate just once every 6 months! I hope breaking down the policy plus tips helps optimize your PS gaming and sharing. Let me know if you have any other questions.