Xbox Game Share Not Working: Step By Step Guide to Fix it

There could be multiple reasons why your Xbox Game Share is not working. Sometimes, this happens because the console is not set as the “Home Xbox” for the account sharing the games. That’s why ensuring both accounts are correctly set up for game sharing is highly recommended.

Moreover, it can also happen if “Home Xbox” settings have been changed several times and the limit has expired. Xbox lets you switch five times only per year.

Sometimes, it also happens when one of the accounts’ Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate subscription expires. But this article provides you with a step-by-step guide for fixing this problem.

How Does Xbox Game Share Work

How Does Xbox Game Share Work?

Xbox Game Share lets two users play each other’s games without having to buy them individually. The users can share their game libraries with each other through Xbox Game Share.

Each player must log in to the other’s Xbox console and set it as his Home Xbox. This way, Xbox game sharing allows both players access each other’s digital game libraries. The players can share Xbox Live Gold benefits, including free monthly games and online multiplayer.

Therefore, Xbox game sharing allows you to enjoy a wide range of games with your family and friends, and it’s also a great way to save money.

Why is My Game Share Not Working on Xbox?

Several possible reasons can stop your Xbox game share from working. It mainly happens when the console you want to share games with is not set as the “Home Xbox” for the account that owns the games.

The access to shared games and subscriptions only works on one console on which the “Home Xbox” feature is activated for an Xbox account.

Besides, you cannot game share on Xbox if you have switched your Home Xbox setting more than five times a year.

Other reasons for Xbox game share not working include deactivated Xbox Live Gold, network connectivity errors, and temporary issues with Xbox Live services.

How Do I Enable Gameshare on Xbox
Photo Credit: Chrissy Montelli; businessinsider.com

How Do I Enable Gameshare on Xbox?

To enable game sharing on Xbox, log in to the primary console and set it as your Home Xbox. To do this, go to Settings > Personalization > My home Xbox and finally select “Make this my home Xbox”. Next, repeat the same process on the secondary console on which you want to receive the shared games.

XBOX Game Share Not Working

If you’re unable to game share on Xbox, the following step-by-step guide can help you fix the problem:

01. Verify Home Xbox Settings

First, log in with the Xbox account that owns the games. Then, set the “Home Xbox” feature:

  • Press Xbox button on the controller
  • Then, go to “Profile & System” and open “Settings”
  • Now, select “General”, and go to “Personalization”
  • Then, navigate to “My Home Xbox”
  • Make that “Make this my home Xbox” is selected.

Check Subscription Status

You should also verify active Xbox Live Gold or Game Pass Ultimate subscriptions for both accounts: the sharing one and the receiving one. Here’s how you do it:

  • Go to “Profile & System”.
  • Open “Settings”
  • Select “General”
  • Open “Account”, then select “Subscriptions” and check the status.

Ensure Correct Account Login

You also need to check whether you’re logged into correct account both on primary and secondary console. You should ensure that you’re logged into the console with the account that is meant to receive the games.

Moreover, switch to the account that owns the games on the secondary console, and make sure everything is set up right.

Restart the Console

Sometimes, restarting the console also works.

  • First press and hold the Xbox button for 10 seconds to turn off the console.
  • Now, unplug the power cable and wait for 30 seconds.
  • Plug the power cable back in.
  • Now, turn your console back on and see if the Game Share is working now.

Moreover, you should also try checking the internet connection, resetting and reassigning the Home Xbox, and contacting Xbox support if the issue persists.

How to Game Share Xbox?

Follow the step-by-step guide mentioned below to game share on Xbox:

  1. First, you need to log in on the primary console. So, power on the primary Xbox control, and sign in with your Xbox account which owns the games and subscriptions.
  2. Now, set the console as your “Home Xbox”. Here’s how you do this:
  3. Navigate to “Profile & System”
  4. Go to “Settings”
  5. Select “General” and then “Personalization”
  6. Select “My Home Xbox”
  7. Then select “Make this my Home Xbox”.
  8. Now, sign out of your Xbox account from the primary console and sign in with the same account on your secondary console. Repeat the Home Xbox setup for the secondary console.
  9. Then, verify game sharing on the secondary console. To do this, navigate to “My games and apps” on the secondary console and make sure you can access the shared games and subscriptions.
  10. Then, launch a game from the shared library and see if everything is working fine.

If you encounter any problem, you can contact Xbox support and ask how to game share Xbox.

How to Game Share
Photo Credit: Flickr.com; CC

Can You Gameshare With 3 Xboxes?

No, you cannot, as you can only have one Home Xbox at a time. The Home Xbox feature is limited to only one console for each account at any given time.

It means that you can only set one console as your Home Xbox with your Xbox account. Setting a third console to access your shared games and subscriptions would require you to change the Home Xbox setting.

Is Game Sharing illegal?

No, game sharing on Xbox is not illegal. Microsoft officially supports the “Home Xbox” feature of the Xbox. However, there are terms and conditions for the use of the Home Xbox feature.

You can legally share your digital games and subscriptions with another console unless you violate any of Microsoft’s terms and conditions, in which case you’re held accountable for that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Xbox Game Share Still Work?

Yes, it still works. The Xbox Game Share allows the players to set each other’s console as “Home Xbox” and share their games and subscriptions.

Can You Both Play at The Same Time on Xbox Game Share?

Yes, you can. You need to set one account on a console as your Home Xbox and log in with the same account on the second console, but don’t set it as your Home Xbox.

How Many People Can Game Share on Xbox?

The Xbox Game Share features primarily work between two people. So, only two people can game share on Xbox.

How to Game Share on Xbox Series S?

To game share on Xbox Series S, add your friend’s account to your console, set it as your home Xbox, and then download games from their library.

Final Thoughts

So, if the Xbox Game Share is not working, it must be because the console is not set as the “Home Xbox” for the account that owns the games.

You can fix it by setting up the Home Xbox feature on the console. Moreover, you should check the internet connection, Home Xbox feature’s limitation, and Xbox Live Gold Status.