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On your PS4, go to Settings > Storage to check available space. To find out how much room a specific game requires, open its PlayStation Store page on the console and scroll to Details. If you need more room, deleting an installed game application is usually the simplest option; it does not delete that game’s save data.
Check available PS4 storage and a game’s space requirement
- From the PS4 home screen, open Settings > Storage. Check the available space and the storage categories shown there.
- To check a game’s requirement, open its PlayStation Store page on the console and scroll to Details. Sony says the minimum free-space requirement appears in this section.
The Store figure is Sony’s stated minimum free space for that game. Check the console’s available-space display before deciding whether you have enough room. Menu wording can vary slightly with system language or software version. PlayStation Support: troubleshooting game downloads.
Free space by deleting an installed game or app
- Highlight the game or application in the content area or Library.
- Press OPTIONS, then choose Delete and confirm.
This removes the installed application, so you may need to download or install it again to play. Sony says deleted games can be downloaded again from the Library. PlayStation Support: managing PS4 storage space.
Keep your game saves separate from the installation
Deleting a game application and deleting its saved data are separate operations. Do not delete save files as a routine way to make room for a game installation: doing so can remove your progress. Sony manages saves under Settings > Application Saved Data Management.
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Copy a save to a USB device
- Connect a USB storage device and open Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device.
- Select the game and save files, then choose the copy option. Sony notes that you must be signed in to use this feature.
PlayStation Plus online storage is another possible save location, but use it only if you have access to the service and the save you need has been uploaded.
Delete save data only when you intend to remove it
In Application Saved Data Management, choose the relevant location—System Storage, Online Storage, or USB Storage—then choose Delete, select the game and files, and confirm. Check that you have another copy of any progress you want to keep before deleting.
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- Easily store and access 5TB of 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 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.
Use a USB extended-storage drive to keep applications installed
A compatible external HDD can add space for applications and add-ons. Sony’s stated requirements are PS4 system software version 4.50 or later, a SuperSpeed USB connection of 5 Gbps or later, and a drive with at least 250 GB and no more than 8 TB capacity. Sony cautions that proper operation is not guaranteed with every HDD model. Only one extended-storage device can be active at a time; connect it directly to the console, not through a USB hub. PlayStation Support: USB extended storage on PS4.
Format the drive as extended storage
- Connect the external HDD to the PS4.
- Open Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, select the drive, and choose Format as Extended Storage.
- Proceed only if you are prepared for the format to erase the drive’s existing contents; review and confirm the console prompt.
Move applications between system and extended storage
To install or move supported applications and add-ons to the drive, open Settings > Storage, select the storage location and Applications, press OPTIONS, then choose Move to Extended Storage or Move to System Storage.
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Extended storage is for applications and add-ons, not application saved data, themes, screenshots, or video clips. Before unplugging the drive, stop using it through the Quick Menu or Settings and follow the console’s safe-disconnection instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Delete or copy captures if you want to keep games installed
Screenshots and video clips can take space too. In Capture Gallery, you can delete media or copy it to USB storage. Copy anything you want to keep before deleting it; removing a capture deletes that media file. PlayStation Support: capturing gameplay and screenshots on PS4.
Quick Recap
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- 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.
Choose the cleanup option that fits your situation
| Option | What it frees or preserves | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Delete a game application | Frees space used by the installed application; save data is managed separately. | You may need to download or install the game again. Sony says it remains available to redownload from the Library. |
| Use USB extended storage | Provides space for supported applications and add-ons while keeping them installed on the connected drive. | Requires a compatible drive and setup; formatting erases its existing contents. It cannot store saves, themes, screenshots, or video clips. |
| Delete or copy captures | Can free space used by screenshots and video clips; copying to USB preserves a separate copy. | Deleting removes the selected media unless you have copied it elsewhere. |
| Upgrade the internal HDD | Sony lists an internal HDD upgrade as another storage option. | It is a more involved hardware change than deleting an application or setting up extended storage. Sony’s storage guide provides the option. |
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