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You can move installed PS5 games and apps to a compatible USB drive formatted as USB extended storage. You cannot copy PS5 save files from the console to USB. Because “game data” can mean installed games, saves, or a full console backup, each has a different workflow; the steps below cover all three.
Move installed PS5 games to USB extended storage
A compatible external drive can hold installed PS5 and PS4 games to free space on your console. PS5 games stored there must be copied back to console storage or an M.2 SSD before you can play them. PS4 games can be played directly from the USB drive. See PlayStation’s USB extended storage guidance.
Check the drive and prepare it
- PlayStation’s preparation guidance lists USB 3.0-or-later drives from 250 GB to 8 TB, but warns that not every device works. The extended-storage guide specifies a SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps Type-A or Type-C port; connect the drive directly rather than through a USB hub. Check the requirements and your exact drive model before using it. PlayStation’s PS5 preparation guidance and extended storage instructions.
- Formatting erases the drive’s existing contents. Copy anything you need elsewhere before proceeding. PlayStation warns about data loss when preparing a drive.
Format the drive and move games
- Connect the drive directly to a suitable PS5 USB port.
- On the console, go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Format as USB Extended Storage, then follow the prompts. Do not turn off the console or disconnect the drive while formatting; interrupting the process may cause data loss, corruption, or damage. See PlayStation’s formatting guidance.
- Open Game Library, highlight a game or app, press the Options button, and choose Move Games and Apps.
- Select the titles to move and choose Move. If both an M.2 SSD and USB extended storage are connected, use the Movable to USB Extended Storage tab.
To play a PS5 game later, open the Game Library’s Installed tab, find the game on the USB drive, press Options, and select Copy. Choose console storage or an M.2 SSD as the destination. PlayStation explains moving and copying games.
Before disconnecting extended storage, turn off the console and wait until its power indicator is completely off. Follow PlayStation’s safe-removal guidance.
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- Built-in 1TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive
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- Works for PS4 Pro, Slim, Original (Gen1) & PS5
Can you copy PS5 save files to USB?
No. PlayStation states, “You can’t copy PS5 saved data from your PS5 console to a USB drive.” USB extended storage holds installed games and apps, not exported PS5 saves. PlayStation Plus cloud storage is an alternative for saved data, subject to membership availability. PlayStation’s transfer guidance and storage guidance.
Copy PS4 saves to or from USB
A PS5 can copy PS4 saved data to an ordinary USB drive. Use the PS4 saved-data menu, not the USB extended-storage format:
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- OFFICIALLY LICENSED Built with matching firmware to seamlessly work with all models of PS5 and PS4.
- PS5 READY Store your PS5 games and transfer them to the console when it’s time to play.
- WORKS WITH PS4 Store and play all your PS4 games directly from the external hard drive.
- BUILD YOUR GAME VAULT 5 TB of capacity means no more sacrificing, deleting or redownloading games.
- NO TOOLS REQUIRED Launch into action in under two minutes with easy plug-and-play setup.
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage > Copy to USB Drive.
- Select a game and the save files you want, then choose Copy.
To import PS4 saves from USB, go to Saved Data (PS4) > Copy or Delete from USB Drive, select the files, and copy them to the console. PlayStation’s PS4 saved-data instructions.
Use a separate workflow for a full PS5 backup
A full console backup uses a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, not one formatted as USB extended storage. PlayStation says a backup can include games and apps, saved data, screenshots, video clips, and settings; games and apps on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are not included in backup data.
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- 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
- Connect a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT.
- Go to Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5.
- Select the data categories to include and start the backup.
Restoring a backup erases all data currently saved on the console. A backup is linked to the PlayStation account used to create it; to restore it on another console, sign in to that account. PlayStation’s backup and restore instructions.
Use the drive with another PS5
If a drive is already formatted as USB extended storage on a PS4 or another PS5, PlayStation says you can connect it to the destination PS5 to access the game data. For a broader console-to-console transfer, use Data Transfer: PlayStation lists supported user and account information, saved data, screenshots and clips, games, and settings as transferable. Use the same account and network on both consoles, keep both powered on, and avoid changing network settings during the transfer. This does not enable copying PS5 saves to USB. See PlayStation’s console transfer instructions.
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- Built-in 4TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive (7200RPM Enterprise HDD, designed for 24/7)
- You can play PS4 games directly from USB extended storage, which lets you save space on your PS5 console storage for PS5 games. To play PS5 games, you need to copy game data from your USB extended storage drive back to your PS5 console's internal SSD storage. It’s much quicker to copy a PS5 game from USB extended storage than to re-download it.
- Compatible with PS5 Game Console, Expand game console storage instantly! NOTE: You cannot download PS5 games direct to USB Hard Drive, It has to download to internal SSD and then "Move/Copy" to USB HDD after that. (about 3 ~ 5 min transfer a game)
- PS5 Game has to play on internal SSD, you can "Move & Store" your PS5 Games from SSD to USB HDD when you're not play it. And it's always faster than re-download it online. That will free up your Internal SSD Space for more games.
- This external hard drive boasts a brand-new, premium HDD case paired with a excellent refurbished, top-tier internal 7200RPM enterprise hard drive from a leading manufacturer. With zero bad sectors and 100% health, it has passed rigorous factory quality tests to ensure exceptional performance and reliability. Fully researched and tested for outstanding performance and compatibility with PC & gaming consoles, it stands as the top choice in external gaming hard drives.
Choose the right USB workflow
| What you want to move | Method | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Installed PS5 games | USB extended storage | Move through Game Library; copy a PS5 game back to console or M.2 SSD storage before playing it. |
| PS4 saves | Ordinary USB drive and PS4 saved-data menu | PS4 saves can be copied to or from USB; PS5 saves cannot be exported this way. |
| PS5 console data | FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive and Back Up and Restore | Separate format and process; restoring erases current console data. |
An M.2 SSD is another option for PS5 game storage and allows games to be played from that storage. It is internal expansion, not an external USB drive. PlayStation compares PS5 storage options.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Built-in 4TB Capacity USB 3.0 External Gaming Hard Drive (7200RPM Enterprise HDD, Designed 24/7)
- You can play PS4 games directly from USB extended storage, which lets you save space on your PS5 console storage for PS5 games. To play PS5 games, you need to copy game data from your USB extended storage drive back to your PS5 console's internal SSD storage. It’s much quicker to copy a PS5 game from USB extended storage than to re-download it.
- Compatible with PS5 Game Console, Expand game console storage instantly! NOTE: You cannot download PS5 games direct to USB Hard Drive, It has to download to internal SSD and then "Move/Copy" to USB HDD after that. (about 3 ~ 5 min transfer a game)
- PS5 Game has to play on internal SSD, you can "Move & Store" your PS5 Games from SSD to USB HDD when you're not play it. And it's always faster than re-download it online. That will free up your Internal SSD Space for more games.
- This external hard drive boasts a brand-new, premium HDD case paired with a excellent refurbished, top-tier internal 7200RPM enterprise hard drive from a leading manufacturer. With zero bad sectors and 100% health, it has passed rigorous factory quality tests to ensure exceptional performance and reliability. Fully researched and tested for outstanding performance and compatibility with PC & gaming consoles, it stands as the top choice in external gaming hard drives.
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