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Start at Settings > Storage to see what is using space, then delete games you no longer need or move titles to storage that suits how you play. A compatible M.2 SSD can store and launch PS5 games; USB extended storage can keep PS5 games for later, but you must copy them back before playing. PS4 games can launch directly from USB extended storage.

Check what is using your PS5 storage

Open Settings > Storage and review the space used by games and apps, media, and saved data. Start with games you have finished or do not expect to play soon. Sony says purchased games and apps can be downloaded again from your game library after deletion, so removing an installed copy does not mean you must buy it again. See Sony’s PS5 storage management guide.

Delete games, apps, or removable game content

  1. Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
  2. Select the game or app you want to remove, then choose Delete.
  3. If Customize appears for a game, open it to see whether unused add-ons or completed portions can be removed while keeping the rest installed.

Selective removal is not available for every game. Check the options shown for each title rather than assuming that all add-ons or game sections can be uninstalled separately.

Choose between M.2 SSD and USB extended storage

The right expansion depends on whether you want to play PS5 games directly from the added drive or keep them out of the way until you need them.

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Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Option Play PS5 games from the drive? Play PS4 games from the drive? Best fit
Compatible M.2 NVMe SSD Yes Yes Keep more games installed and ready to launch.
USB extended storage No; copy the game back to console or M.2 storage first. Yes Archive PS5 games you are not currently playing, or run PS4 games directly.

Sony supports downloading, copying, and launching PS5 and PS4 games from compatible M.2 storage. Games can also be moved among console storage, M.2 storage, and USB extended storage. For USB, Sony’s guidance is explicit: “PlayStation®5 games can’t be played directly from USB extended storage, so make sure to copy PS5® game data back to your console storage when you want to play the game again.” Read Sony’s USB extended storage guide before formatting or moving games.

Check M.2 SSD compatibility before buying

Sony’s US support page lists these requirements for an M.2 SSD added to a PS5. They are technical compatibility limits, not a guarantee that every drive meeting them will work; Sony also warns that game performance may not exactly match the console’s internal SSD.

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Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
  • Drive type: PCIe Gen4 x4 supported M.2 NVMe SSD, Key M. M.2 SATA is unsupported.
  • Capacity: 250 GB–8 TB.
  • Supported lengths/form factors: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110; corresponding lengths are 30, 42, 60, 80, or 110 mm.
  • Maximum dimensions including heat-dissipation structure: 25 mm wide and 11.25 mm thick, with up to 8.0 mm above and 2.45 mm below the board.
  • Speed: Sony recommends sequential read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster.
  • Cooling: Effective heat dissipation is required, such as a heatsink and heat transfer sheet. Confirm the complete dimensions of the SSD and any heatsink together before purchase.

See Sony’s M.2 SSD requirements and installation guide for current compatibility and installation details.

Install an M.2 SSD only if you want installed expansion

Adding an M.2 SSD is a physical installation task, separate from ordinary cleanup. Sony’s instructions call for a #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver, static precautions, adequate lighting, and an M.2 drive with heat dissipation. Do not power on or play the console while its cover is off, and follow Sony’s installation steps for your console model. If you only need to free space temporarily, deleting a finished game or using USB extended storage avoids opening the console.

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Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Set up USB extended storage for games you can move aside

Sony specifies a SuperSpeed USB drive rated at 5 Gbps or later, with 250 GB–8 TB capacity. Compatibility is not guaranteed for every device. Connect the drive directly rather than through a USB hub; only one USB extended storage drive can be in use at a time.

  1. Back up anything important on the USB drive. Formatting it as extended storage erases its existing contents.
  2. Connect the drive directly to the PS5 and follow the console’s on-screen formatting instructions for USB extended storage.
  3. Move PS5 games to USB when you want to archive them; copy a PS5 game back to console or M.2 storage before launching it. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage.
  4. When disconnecting the drive, use the PS5’s safe-removal option. Do not unplug it during formatting; improper disconnection can cause data loss or corruption.
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Handle saves and captures separately from installed games

Sony’s storage guide lists PlayStation Plus cloud storage for PS5 and PS4 saved data; cloud storage requires PlayStation Plus. For PS4 saved data, the guide also lists copying to a USB drive. It does not list USB-stick offloading as a method for PS5 saved data, so do not treat a USB drive as a PS5-save backup option. The guide also covers screenshots and video clips in USB storage, subject to its stated copying limitations. Check Sony’s storage guide for the available controls and limits.

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Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 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.
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UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • 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
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • 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

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