How To Add Someone On PS5 Complete Steps

14 October 2026 | 43

Connecting with friends on the PlayStation 5 enhances your gaming experience by allowing you to easily form parties, join multiplayer matches, and compare trophy progress. Managing your social circle on Sony's flagship console is simple once you know where to navigate within the user interface. This guide breaks down the complete process of searching for users and sending friend requests on the PS5 system.

Accessing the Game Base Menu

To begin adding a friend on your PlayStation 5, press the PlayStation button on your DualSense controller to open the Control Center dashboard. Navigate across the bottom menu bar until you highlight the Game Base icon, which resembles two stylized avatars. Press the Cross button to open the Game Base menu where all your social interactions are centralized.

The Game Base interface serves as the primary hub for managing online presence, active parties, and message threads. From this menu, you can quickly view which of your existing contacts are currently online or actively playing games. Accessing this section is the essential first step before searching for new players to add to your list.

Searching for PlayStation Network Online IDs

Once inside the Game Base menu, select the option to view all friends or navigate directly to the search tab located near the top of the interface. Input the exact Online ID or real name of the player you wish to find using the on-screen keyboard. Make sure to double-check the spelling of the username to ensure you locate the correct profile immediately.

As you type the username, the PlayStation Network will generate real-time search results matching your query below the text box. Browse through the suggested profiles until you find the avatar and display name that matches your friend's profile. Selecting the correct account will open their full profile summary page with available interaction options.

Sending a Friend Request on PS5

On the user's profile page, locate and select the Add Friend button situated next to their profile picture and privacy details. Clicking this option sends an automated notification to the player informing them of your incoming friend request. You can also view mutual friends or recent games played on this screen to confirm their identity.

After the request is sent, the button status will update to show that the invitation is currently pending approval. The target user will receive a system alert on their console or mobile app, allowing them to accept or decline the request. Once accepted, both players will appear on each other's active friends list for seamless game invites.

Managing Privacy and Social Settings

After adding new contacts, it is a good practice to review your personal privacy settings to control who can see your online status and activity. Navigate to the main Settings menu from the home screen, then select Users and Accounts followed by Privacy. Here you can adjust visibility options for your real name, close friends list, and game history.

Customizing these social parameters ensures that your personal information remains protected while maintaining open lines of communication with friends. You can set individual permission levels for close friends versus regular online acquaintances. Regularly auditing your social preferences helps maintain a safe and comfortable environment across all online sessions.