Users, Accounts and Sub Accounts

Users

  • You can have multiple “users” on one PS3
  • Each user has their own:
    • Theme & background settings
    • Save data for PS3 games & software
    • Trophies
    • Friends list & messages (when associated with a Playstation Network account)
  • All users share:
    • Saved data for PS1/PS2 games
    • Games in the Game menu
    • Everything in the Image, Music, and Video menu
  • Not password protected
  • Each user can be associated with one Playstation Network account.

Playstation Network (PSN) Accounts

There are two types of PSN accounts: Master and Sub. Both types have these properties:

  • Password protected
  • Online ID (nickname)
  • Access to online community & Playstation Store
  • Mailbox for sending & receiving messages to other accounts
  • Trophy collection that can be viewed by friends

PSN accounts do not cost anything to create and there is no subscription fee. An account is required to play games online.

Eligibility requirements for master accounts and sub accounts vary depending on the country or region of residence.

For details, read the Terms of Service for your region.

PSN Master Accounts

These are standard accounts. You need to be a certain age (generally 18 or older) to create a master account. With one you can:

  • Use a “Wallet”–add billing information to make purchases on Playstation Store
  • Associate (manage) up to six sub-accounts

PSN Sub Accounts

Sub-accounts (“subordinate accounts”) can be used by anyone, including children/minors. They are assigned to a master account (e.g. of the parent/guardian) therefore a sub account can not be created without an existing master account.

Some games are known to prevent sub-accounts from playing online (offline works fine), despite the user being a reasonable age and having the consent of the parent. If you are creating an account for your child and will allow them to play games online and do not need to control their actions, it would be advised to create a Master account for them.

  • The associated Master Account has the following control (Parental Control Settings) over the Sub Account:
    • Finances
    • Some voice/video chat restrictions

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← Older Comments
  • Gayboy

    gay

  • embarassed

    Ive bought my friends ps3 and have been using it for a while under the account that was already there (seemed easier) but his internet search history is there and its quite embarassing to explain that it is not mine.

    Is there a way i can clear his search history for good, or is there a way i can take my game accomplishments and what not move to a new user?

    Any help/advice would be appreciated

  • HappyFeet

    Yuss thanks peoples now i can convince dad i can have an account!!!!!!!!!!!!   :D DDD

  • Damien Jackson55

    Is it possible to set it up where only the master account has any access to the playstation store and not sub accounts?

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