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Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Before you switch PlayStation consoles, identify whether your progress belongs to a PS4 or PS5 game, then copy or sync the save using a method that supports it. PlayStation Plus cloud storage works for both generations; direct transfer moves data to a PS5 when the source console is available; and USB copying is supported for PS4 saves, not PS5 saves. Check that the latest save is on the new console before resetting, selling, or disposing of the old one.
Choose a save-transfer method
Use the method that matches your game generation and whether you can access the old console. A PS4 game running on a PS5 still uses a PS4 save; a native PS5 game uses a PS5 save.
| Method | Best fit | Requirements and limits |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Moving saves without connecting the consoles directly. | Requires a PlayStation Plus membership. Sony lists up to 100 GB each for PS5 and PS4 saved data, with a 1,000-file limit for PS4 saves. Confirm the intended save has synced; PS4 saves may need to be downloaded manually to PS5 storage. PlayStation Support: cloud storage |
| Direct data transfer to PS5 | Moving from a PS4 or another PS5 when the source console is available. | Requires the same account, current system software, synchronized trophies, and both consoles on the same network. Keep both consoles on and do not change network settings during transfer. PlayStation Support: transfer to PS5 |
| USB copy of PS4 saves | Keeping a local copy of PS4 saves or moving them to a PS5. | Use a USB drive formatted FAT or exFAT for PS4 save files. Sony cautions that not all devices work. PS5 saves cannot be copied from a PS5 console to USB. PlayStation Support: PS5 storage and PS4 storage management |
| Full PS4 console backup | Preserving broader PS4 console data, not just selected saves. | Requires a FAT32 or exFAT USB drive with at least twice the space of the backup file. Restoring erases data on the destination PS4. PlayStation Support: PS4 backup and restore |
Back up saves with PlayStation Plus cloud storage
Cloud storage is useful when you want to restore saves on a different console without moving a USB drive. Sony’s support page lists up to 100 GB for PS5 saved data, 100 GB for PS4 saved data, and a 1,000-file limit for PS4 saves; it does not state a publication year for these figures. A PlayStation Plus membership is required.
On PS5, open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings, then choose Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4). Select console storage to upload a save, or cloud storage to download one.
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- PS5 saves can synchronize automatically when automatic sync is configured.
- PS4 saves can upload automatically when configured, but a PS4 save being moved to a PS5 may need to be downloaded manually to PS5 console storage.
- Check the per-game sync status, or explicitly upload the intended save before you leave the old console. On the new console, confirm the save is available and download it if needed.
See PlayStation Support’s cloud-storage instructions for the current controls and settings.
Copy PS4 saves with a USB drive
USB save copying is for PS4 saved data. It is not a way to copy PS5 game saves: Sony states that PS5 saves cannot be copied from a PS5 console to USB. Do not confuse a save-copy drive with USB extended storage used for games.
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Copy saves from a PS4
- Connect a USB drive to the PS4 and sign in to the account that owns the saves.
- Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device.
- Select a game and the save files to copy, or select all, then confirm.
- To copy saves from the USB drive back to a PS4, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data on USB Storage Device > Copy to System Storage.
These steps are documented by PlayStation Support for PS4 storage management.
Copy PS4 saves from or to a PS5
For PS4 saves stored on a PS5, Sony specifies a commercially available USB drive formatted FAT or exFAT and warns that not all devices work.
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- Connect the USB drive to the PS5.
- To copy saves to USB, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage > Copy to USB Drive.
- To copy saves from USB to the PS5, choose Copy or Delete from USB Drive in the PS4 saved-data options.
Consult PlayStation Support’s PS5 storage instructions if the drive is not recognized.
Transfer data directly to a PS5
Sony supports data transfer from a PS4 or another PS5 to a PS5. Keep the source console available and prepare both systems before starting.
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
- Sign in on the source console with the same account used on the destination PS5.
- Update the system software on both consoles and synchronize trophy information.
- Connect both consoles to the same network.
- On an already set-up destination PS5, open Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue, then follow the on-screen prompts.
- Keep both consoles powered on and do not change network settings until the transfer finishes. Sony warns that interruption or network changes may cause data damage or loss.
Sony also notes that after PS5 setup, a PS4-to-PS5 transfer of saved data is limited to the logged-in user. Follow PlayStation Support’s transfer instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When a full PS4 backup makes sense
A full backup is for broader PS4 console data, which can include games and apps, saved data, captures, and settings. It is different from copying selected save files. Sony requires a FAT32 or exFAT USB drive with at least twice the space of the backup file.
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- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Be careful with the restore step: restoring a full backup erases all data on the destination PS4, even if you later cancel the restore. If you have never signed in to PSN, Sony says saved data can be restored only to the original PS4; to restore it to another PS4, sign in to PSN before making the backup. For returning selected data without restoring the whole console, Sony points to USB extended storage or cloud storage. See PlayStation Support’s PS4 backup and restore guide.
Verify the save before you let go of the old console
Do not rely on a transfer completing or an automatic-sync setting alone. On the destination console, check that the intended game save is present and, where possible, load the game and confirm your progress. Keep the source console and its data intact until you have verified the result; only then reset, sell, or dispose of it.
Quick Recap
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