You usually don’t transfer a PlayStation account. Sign in to the new PS4 or PS5 with the same account. If you also want to move saved progress, games, or other local data, choose a separate transfer method—the right one depends on the consoles and the data you need.
Choose what you want to move
Signing in gives you access to your account, but it does not copy everything stored on the old console. Use this guide to pick the right route:
- Account access: Sign in on the new console with your existing account.
- PS4 or PS5 data to PS5: Use the PS5 Data Transfer feature for a broader console-to-console copy.
- PS4 saves: Upload and download them using PlayStation Plus cloud storage, if available to you.
- PS4 to PS4: Use PlayStation’s console transfer process, but note that it deletes data on the destination PS4.
- Supported PS4 game data to PS5: An external USB drive is an optional route; it does not transfer account access.
These methods do not guarantee that every game, save, or piece of data will work on every destination console.
Sign in to your account on another PS4 or PS5
- Connect the console to the internet. PlayStation says an account and internet connection are required.
- On PS5, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Account > Sign in. On PS4, go to Settings > Account Management > Sign in.
- Enter the credentials or use the passkey for the account you already use. You do not need to create a new account.
PlayStation’s sign-in instructions are at How to sign in and out of PlayStation.
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Copy PS4 or PS5 data to a PS5
Use Data Transfer when you want to copy console data from a source PS4 or PS5 to a destination PS5. The consoles must be set up with the same PlayStation account and connected to the same network. PlayStation’s instructions describe copying data; they do not promise that every game or save is compatible.
- On the source console, sign in with the same account you use on the destination PS5, install the latest system software, and sync your trophies.
- Connect both consoles to the same network, using Wi-Fi or a LAN connection.
- During initial PS5 setup, follow the data-transfer prompts. If the PS5 is already set up, go to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue on the destination PS5.
- Do not change network settings or run internet connection tests while the transfer is in progress. PlayStation warns these actions can cause data damage or loss. The transfer can continue after the PS5 restarts.
See PlayStation’s PS4 or PS5 to PS5 data-transfer instructions.
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Move data from one PS4 to another
PlayStation offers a wired or wireless transfer process between two PS4 systems. Treat it as a replacement-console migration, not as a way to merge two consoles: the process deletes data on the destination PS4. Back up anything important on that console before you begin; the source PS4 is not affected.
Some information does not migrate. PlayStation lists unsynced trophy data, saved data belonging to users who have never signed in, and passwords among the exclusions. You will need to enter password information again.
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Follow PlayStation’s PS4-to-PS4 data-transfer instructions for the wired or wireless process.
Move saved games with cloud storage
If PlayStation Plus cloud storage is available with your membership and region, upload saves from the old console and download them on another console signed in to the same account. This route is for saved data, not a full copy of the old console.
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PlayStation’s US overview lists up to 100 GB of cloud storage with PS Plus. That figure is specific to the US page; check the current details for your region and plan. See PlayStation’s PS5 preparation and transfer information.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use an external drive for supported PS4 game data
An external USB storage drive is another optional way to move supported PS4 game data to a PS5. PlayStation describes moving content to a formatted extended-storage drive and connecting that drive to the PS5. This is not needed to sign in, and it is distinct from transferring saved progress or performing a full console data transfer. Check PlayStation’s PS5 preparation guidance for details.
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Set up Console Sharing on a different PS5
Signing in and sharing access to purchases are separate. PS5 Console Sharing and Offline Play controls access to your purchases and some subscription benefits on a PS5. It is initially allowed on the first PS5 you sign in to. To enable it on another PS5, turn it off on the previous one first. If you no longer have access to that console, you can deactivate devices through Account Management.
See PlayStation’s instructions for PS5 Console Sharing and Offline Play.
If you no longer have the old console
You can still sign in on the replacement console with your existing account. If you need to secure the account because the old console is unavailable, PlayStation also provides an option to sign out of all devices through Account Management. Data stored only on the old console will require a suitable transfer or backup route; signing in alone does not copy it.
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