The Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) allows users to create two types of accounts: "master" and "sub". Master accounts allow users to access and change payment information for credit cards associated with their PlayStation Store balance. They also provide in-game voice and video chat control across 6 sub accounts. Master accounts are typically for people over the age of 18, while sub accounts are usually reserved for teens and children under 18 (the actual age limit varies depending on which part of the world you are in). The guide below describes how to set up a master account on a PS3 console.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Create a PS3 Master Account
Step 1. Go to the "PlayStation Network" icon on the PS3 main menu and select "Sign up for PlayStation Network"
Make sure you are not already logged into another PlayStation Network (PSN) account or the "Register" option will be replaced by the "Login" option.
Step 2. Select "Create New Account"
A screen will appear showing you the information you need to create your account: name, address, email, online ID, date of birth. Select "Continue".
Step 3. Choose your country, language and date of birth
The date of birth you enter determines whether you can create a master or sub account. Usually, master accounts are assigned to anyone over the age of 18.
You can check the specific age requirements in different regions and languages on the PlayStation3 License Terms
Step 4. Read the Terms of Approval and Privacy Policy, then select "Accept"
Step 5. Register an email address, password, and security question for the account
Your password must be at least 6 characters long and should include letters and numbers.
Step 6. Enter an online ID
This screen asks you to create an ID that will be visible to others online. The ID must be between 3 and 16 characters long, and can contain letters, numbers and special characters (such as hyphens and underscores). The ID cannot be the same as your password, and you cannot change it once it is created.
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You may see the message "The online ID you created cannot be used". It means that someone else already has the same ID you chose, or that your ID contains keywords that are not allowed for online IDs. An example of a keyword would be "PS3".
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Step 7. Enter your name, address and gender
Name and address are required; while entering the gender is optional.
Step 8. Select the boxes of the information you want to receive on your specified email address
You can choose to receive information about PlayStation products and services, as well as information from third party companies. You can enter a different email address than the one used to register.
Step 9. Double-check all the details, and then select "Confirm"
You can edit various information by selecting the "Edit" button next to the corresponding field.
Method 2 of 2: Assign a Sub Account on PS3 and Via Email
Step 1. Go to "Sign up for PlayStation Network", found in the "PlayStation Network" section in the PS3 main menu
Step 2. Select "Create New Account"
A screen will appear showing you the information you need to create your account. Select "Continue".
Step 3. Choose your country, language and date of birth of your child
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The next screen explains that a parent or guardian will be required to create the account. Select "Continue".
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Step 4. Enter the email address and password of the master account to be associated with the sub account
A confirmation screen will follow. Select "Continue".
Step 5. Read the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
This section explains that the sub account you are creating will be associated with the master account.
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A sub account registration confirmation email will be sent to the master account email. The email will confirm the successful registration of a sub account.
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Step 6. Enter your child's login ID and password
Step 7. Enter an Online ID for your child
Step 8. Enter your child's name and address
The address should automatically appear according to the one entered in the master account.
Step 9. Check the boxes of any information you want to receive on your specified email address
You can choose to receive information about PlayStation products and services, as well as information from third party companies.
Step 10. Double-check all the details, and then select "Confirm"
You can edit various information by selecting the "Edit" button next to the corresponding field.
Advice
- Once you have created your master account, you can browse the PlayStation Store, play online, add funds to your virtual wallet, choose an online avatar, create a friends list and send messages to the people on your list.
- You may be asked to fill in a questionnaire once registration is complete. This is an optional survey to catalog your experience creating the account.
