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To move games, saves, captures, account information, and settings from an old PS5 to a new one, use Sony’s Data Transfer feature. Put both consoles on the same network, sign in with the same PlayStation account, then follow the transfer prompts during setup—or start it later from Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue on the new PS5. Keep both consoles powered on until the transfer finishes.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
If the old console is available, direct Data Transfer is the broadest option: it can move games, compatible saves, account and user information, captures, and settings from a PS5 to a new PS5. It also supports moving data from a PS4 to a PS5, though the categories available depend on when you transfer them. Other options handle only particular data types.
| Method | Best for | Constraints |
|---|---|---|
| Direct console transfer | Moving a broad set of games, saves, captures, account information, and settings | Both consoles must be on the same network; keep them powered on. A PS4 source has fewer categories available after initial setup. Sony’s transfer guide |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Moving saves without a continuous console-to-console transfer | Requires PlayStation Plus. Sony’s Canada support page lists separate 100 GB capacities for PS5 and PS4 saves and a limit of 1,000 PS4 save files; check local service terms. PS4 saves may need manual download. Sony’s cloud storage guide |
| USB save copy | Moving PS4 game saves without cloud storage | Works for PS4 saves only. PS5 saves cannot be copied from the console to USB. Sony’s transfer guide |
| Re-download or move game storage | Getting game installations onto the new console | Digital games can be downloaded from your library; disc games require the disc. USB-stored PS5 games must be copied to console storage before playing. Sony’s transfer guide Sony’s PS5 support hub |
Prepare both consoles before transferring
- Use the same PlayStation account on the source and destination consoles.
- Update the source console to the latest system software.
- Manually synchronize trophy information on the source console.
- Connect both consoles to the same network. Wi-Fi is supported; a commercially available LAN cable is optional. Sony says using a cable can speed up transfer when the consoles normally use Wi-Fi. They can both connect by cable to the same network; there is no need to connect them directly to each other.
- Use each console’s own power cord. The source console does not need to be connected to a TV; connect the HDMI cable to the destination PS5.
Transfer data to the new PS5
During the new console’s first-time setup
- Power on the new PS5 and follow the on-screen setup prompts until it offers data transfer.
- Make sure the old console is powered on and connected to the same network.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select and transfer data.
After you have completed setup
- Power on the source console and connect it to the same network as the new PS5.
- On the destination PS5, open Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer.
- Select Continue and follow the prompts to start the transfer.
The destination PS5 may restart during transfer. Sony says you can use it after that restart while remaining data continues to transfer in the background. Ready-to-play games appear on the games home screen, and progress is visible in Control Center under Downloads/Uploads. Do not turn off either console, change network settings, or run internet connection tests during the transfer; Sony warns that interruptions may damage or lose data. One source PS4 or PS5 can transfer to one destination PS5.
What moves from PS5 and PS4
When the source is a PS5
Sony lists these items as transferable both during first-time setup and afterward:
#1 Best Overall
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
- User and account information, including users who have never signed in to their account on the source PS5
- Saves for games playable on PS5
- Screenshots and video clips
- Games playable on PS5
- Console settings, including language, login, and power-saving settings
When the source is a PS4
The available categories depend on when you transfer. During the new PS5’s initial setup, Sony lists user and account information for users who have signed in on the source, compatible game saves, games playable on PS5, and console settings. After setup, Sony lists compatible saves and PS5-playable games, but not user and account information or console settings; at that stage, only the logged-in user’s saved data can be transferred.
Data already saved on the destination—including games and saved data—is not transferred over as a duplicate. Source-console login passcodes transfer too, so enter the same passcode when signing in on the new system.
Rank #2
- 【Officially Licensed SSD 】This external SSD uses specially-selected materials and has passed our exclusive quality inspection to work with PS5 / PS4.
- 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
- 【Reduce Loading Times on PS4(R)】 Reduce game loading times for more enjoyable gameplay experiences.
- 【Compact Stick Type】The cable-free and compact USB stick design enables easy connection with your game console without taking up space.
- 【Accessories】 Setup Guide / Warranty Statement
Move games and saves without direct transfer
Install games again or use existing storage
- Digital games: Download them from the game library on the new PS5.
- Disc games: Insert the disc in the new console to install the game.
- USB extended storage: Connect the drive used with the old console to access its game data. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage; PS5 games stored there must be copied back to PS5 console storage before they can be played.
- M.2 SSD: Sony says an M.2 SSD installed in the source PS5 can be removed and installed in the destination to use the game data on it.
Restore saves from cloud storage or USB
PlayStation Plus members can download saved data from cloud storage on a new console. PS5 cloud saves may sync automatically if auto-sync is enabled. PS4 saves can auto-upload, but may need to be downloaded manually to the new PS5. Cloud storage is optional for direct console transfer.
To move a PS4 game save without cloud storage, copy it to USB from the old console and copy it to the new PS5. If the destination already has a save for that game, the USB copy can replace it. Sony does not allow PS5 saved data to be copied from the PS5 console to a USB drive.
Rank #3
- BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY - Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
- FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING - Faster speed than HDD enables you to connect the device to PC and do large intensive tasks simultaneously.
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Compact form factor to carry your data in your pocket. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).
Transfer data for a child account
Sony says a child account cannot transfer during the destination PS5’s initial setup. You can finish setup for the child account and transfer afterward, or use an adult account for initial setup and transfer data from both adult and child accounts during setup.
Reset or dispose of the old console only after checking your data
Before retiring the old PS5, back up data, sync trophies, and remove any USB devices, discs, or M.2 SSD you want to keep. Reset the console only after the move is complete and important data is secured: Sony says resetting deletes user data and cannot be undone. Signing in on the new console applies your account subscriptions there. See Sony’s guide to transferring or disposing of a PlayStation console.
Quick Recap
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