PS5 privacy settings: The complete guide to security and invisibility

Your PlayStation 5 is a social hub, but that doesn't mean you always want to be 'seen.' Whether you want to game in peace without being invited to parties, or you want to keep your trophy list private, Windows 11-style privacy controls have finally come to the PS5.

In this guide, we'll show you the 'Quick Profile' method for instant privacy and the step-by-step custom settings to hide your activity from everyone.

The Easy Way: Using PS5 privacy profiles

  1. Open settings.
  2. Open Users and Accounts.
  3. Select Privacy.
  4. Open Adjust Privacy Settings by Choosing a Profile.
    Adjust Privacy Settings by Choosing a Profile on PS5
  5. Choose the profile that fits you:
    • Social and Open: Everything is visible.
    • Team Player: Anyone can see your info, but only friends or friends of friends can chat.
    • Friend Focused: Only your friends can see your profile information and invite you to chat.
    • Solo and Focused: No player can see your profile information or invite you to chat, even if they are your friend.
    Choose a privacy profile on PS5

How to customize your account privacy (step-by-step)

To keep things simple and avoid showing you the same "Settings" icon a dozen times, please note that all the custom settings below are found in the same menu.

Follow this path on your PS5 first: Settings (Gear icon) > Users and Accounts > Privacy > View and Customize Your Privacy Settings.

Once you have navigated to the View and Customize Your Privacy Settings menu (see the Master Path above), you can adjust the following:

How to hide your friends list

  1. Select Who can see your friends.
  2. Change the setting to No One.
    Hide friends list on PS5

How to hide your gaming history

  1. Select Who can see your gaming history.
  2. Change the setting to No One.
    Hide gaming history on PS5

How to hide games from other players

  1. Open Hide your games from other players.
  2. Select the games you want to hide from other players using the toggle switches.
    Hide games from other players on PS5

How to appear offline (4 ways)

Depending on whether you are just starting your console, already in a game, or away from your house, there is a specific shortcut for you.

Method 1: The "Stealth" Start (Login Screen)

Best for: Sneaking on without your friends knowing you’re online.

  1. On the login screen, highlight your profile icon.
  2. Press the Options button (the small button with three lines).
  3. Select Appear Offline from the menu.
    Appear offline on PS5 via login screen
  4. Press the X button.

Method 2: The "Quick Toggle" (Control Center or Home Screen)

Best for: Changing your status while you are already logged in or in a game.

Appear offline on PS5 via home screen

Method 3: The "Remote" Method (PlayStation App)

  1. Open the PS App on your phone.
  2. Tap your profile icon.
    PlayStation profile icon in the PlayStation app
  3. Tap Online Status.
    Open online status settings in the PlayStation app
  4. Select Appear Offline.
  5. Tap Done.
    Online status settings in the PlayStation app

💡 Note: Even if you Appear Offline, you can still play online games and join parties. However, your friends will see you as "Last Online: X hours ago" until you switch back to "Online."

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Related:

How to manage & block players on PS5: The complete guide

PlayStation 5

References:

https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/games/hide-games-playstation-library/

https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/account/privacy-settings-psn/

https://www.howtogeek.com/736851/how-to-change-your-playstation-5s-privacy-settings/