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You can play compatible PS4 games directly from a USB extended-storage drive connected to your PS5. You cannot play PS5 games directly from that drive: move them back to PS5 console storage or an installed M.2 SSD before launching them. A USB drive is therefore useful for PS4 games and for storing PS5 games between play sessions—not as a direct-play location for PS5 titles.
Can I play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive?
No. PlayStation’s support guidance says PS5 games cannot be played directly from USB extended storage. You can move a PS5 game there to free console space, then copy it back to console storage or move it to an installed M.2 SSD when you want to play. PlayStation’s USB extended-storage guidance explains the copy-back requirement.
Can I play PS4 games from an external hard drive on PS5?
Yes, compatible PS4 games can be installed on USB extended storage and played directly from it. You can also choose USB extended storage as the installation location for PS4 games. Compatibility can vary by title; see PlayStation’s PS4 backward-compatibility guidance for details about PS4 games on PS5.
What kind of external drive works with PS5?
Sony specifies a SuperSpeed USB drive with a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB for external storage. Its overview lists SuperSpeed USB speeds of 5, 10, or 20 Gbps; these are stated interface specifications, not a guarantee of a particular game-loading speed. Not every drive is guaranteed to work, and the drive must connect directly to the console rather than through a USB hub. Check PlayStation’s external-storage overview before choosing a drive.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
How to set up a USB drive as PS5 extended storage
- Back up anything you need. Formatting a drive as USB extended storage erases its existing contents. Copy important files elsewhere before continuing.
- Connect the drive directly to the PS5. Do not connect it through a USB hub. If the drive has already been formatted as extended storage for PS4 or PS5, Sony says you can connect it without formatting it again.
- Format a new drive as extended storage. Follow the console’s on-screen prompt to format it as USB extended storage. Menu wording can vary with system software; use the current instructions shown on the console.
- Check storage and manage games. Open Settings > Storage to review space and manage game data. PlayStation’s storage-management guide covers the available storage locations and game-management options.
How to install or move games to the drive
Install PS4 games there for direct play
Choose USB extended storage as the installation location for supported PS4 games. Once installed, compatible PS4 titles can launch directly from the drive.
Move PS5 games there to make room
Use the console’s game-management options, including the Move Games and Apps flow, to move PS5 game data to USB extended storage. When you want to play the game again, find it in your Game Library and select Copy, or move it back using the console’s storage-management controls. It must be back on console storage or an installed M.2 SSD to play.
Rank #2
- Ultra-fast Data Transfers: Works with USB 3.0 technology, this USB hard drive is much faster than - but still compatible with - USB 2.0 backup drive, allowing for super fast transfer speed at up to 5 Gbps
- Ultra Slim and Sturdy Design: Merely 0.6 inch thick. Sturdy plastic anti-scratch model delivers remarkable strength,durability and reliability
- Multi- Compatibility: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS (10.6.5 and above), Linux, Android, Chromebook, PC, Laptop, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, TV and so on
- Plug and Play: The drive has been formatted. It's ready to use without software installation needed. You can save and backup any files, movies, music, photos, games and more
- Upgraded Version USB Cable: The drive with 2in1 Micro-USB 3.0 Cable, The multifunction USB cable can match different connect port and stabilize the transmission speed
Which storage option fits your goal?
| Option | What it does | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| USB extended storage (external HDD or SSD) | Plays compatible PS4 games directly and stores PS5 game data between play sessions. | PS5 games must be moved back to console storage or an M.2 SSD before play. |
| Internal M.2 SSD | Stores PS5 and PS4 games and can be used as a play location. | It must meet Sony’s M.2 requirements and be installed in the console. |
| Delete and redownload | Frees console storage; purchased games can be downloaded again from your Game Library. | You need to download the game again when you want to play it. |
For more on the console’s storage choices, see PlayStation’s storage-management guide. An ordinary USB drive used for media or PS4 save data is not the same thing as USB extended storage for games; consult Sony’s guidance for the separate save-data rules.
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Before unplugging USB extended storage, make sure the PS5 power indicator is completely off. Do not disconnect the drive while the console is on or in Rest Mode; follow Sony’s instructions for removing extended storage.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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