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You can free PS5 storage without deleting saved games by moving game installations to USB extended storage or a compatible M.2 SSD, or by removing selected game data when a title offers Customize. PlayStation manages game installations and saved data separately, so check which item you are selecting before you delete it.
Check what is using storage
On your PS5, open Settings > Storage. Review the categories to see whether games and apps, media, or saved data are taking up the space. Start with game installations if your goal is to make room while keeping progress.
Move games instead of deleting them
Archive games on USB extended storage
USB extended storage is useful for keeping games you are not playing installed without using as much console storage. To move games, open Game Library, highlight a game, press the Options button, choose Move Games and Apps, select what to move, then confirm.
PS5 games stored on USB extended storage cannot be played directly from that drive. PlayStation says you must move the game data back to console storage or M.2 SSD storage to play it. PS4 games can be played from USB extended storage. For this type of drive, PlayStation specifies SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later and a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB; not every device is guaranteed to work. Formatting a drive as extended storage erases its existing data, so copy off anything you need before formatting. See PlayStation’s USB extended storage requirements and instructions.
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Add a compatible M.2 SSD for playable space
A compatible M.2 SSD can store PS5 and PS4 games that you can download, copy, and launch from that drive. Unlike USB extended storage, it can keep PS5 games playable without moving them back to console storage. Installing an M.2 drive requires fitting and formatting the hardware; compatibility, dimensions, and cooling requirements matter. Check the current requirements for your PS5 model before buying or installing a drive in PlayStation’s M.2 SSD installation guide.
Remove selected game data when available
For supported games, you may be able to remove parts of an installation rather than the whole game. Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select the game, and look for Customize. PlayStation says this option lets you select and manage portions of game data, such as unused add-ons or parts already completed. Read the on-screen selection carefully before deleting; the option is not available for every game.
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If you choose to delete a game or app, PlayStation says you can download it again from your library. That does not mean every save is automatically retained or restored, so keep save-data management separate from game deletion.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Keep saved data separate from game installations
Saved games are managed in a different settings area. To upload or delete saves stored on the console, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings, choose Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4), then select Upload or Delete from Console Storage. Do not choose a save for deletion unless you have verified a backup or intentionally want to remove that progress.
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PlayStation lists cloud storage for PS5 and PS4 saves, and cloud storage requires PlayStation Plus. For PS4 saves, PlayStation also documents copying to a regular FAT or exFAT USB drive. This is a separate use of USB from formatting a drive as extended storage: extended storage holds game data, while the documented regular-USB option is for PS4 saved data. PlayStation’s storage instructions are at How to manage storage space on your PS5 console.
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Which storage option fits your goal?
| Option | What it stores | Can you play a PS5 game from it? | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB extended storage | PS5 and PS4 game data | No. Move PS5 game data back to console or M.2 storage first. PS4 games can play from it. | Useful for archiving games, but PS5 games need to be moved back before play. |
| Compatible M.2 SSD | PS5 and PS4 game data | Yes. | Requires compatible hardware, proper cooling, and installation. |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | PS5 and PS4 saved data | Not game installations. | Requires PlayStation Plus; it manages saves, not space used by installed games. |
| Regular FAT or exFAT USB drive | PS4 saved data and screenshots or video clips, according to PlayStation’s storage guide | No. | It is not USB extended storage. PlayStation’s guide says media copied to USB cannot be copied back to console storage. |
| Selective game-data deletion | Selected portions of supported game installations | Remaining installed portions may still be playable. | Only available when a game offers Customize; check the selection before confirming. |
Before you confirm a deletion
- Confirm that you are selecting a game or app, not saved data.
- For PS5 games moved to USB extended storage, plan to move them back to console or M.2 storage before playing.
- Back up any files already on a USB drive before formatting it as extended storage.
- Check PlayStation’s current compatibility and cooling guidance for your console model before installing an M.2 SSD.
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