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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteUse the free PlayStation App for recent screenshots and clips up to 1,920 × 1,080 and three minutes. Use a normal FAT- or exFAT-formatted USB drive for 4K video, longer recordings, older captures, bulk transfers, or anything the app will not accept. PlayStation App capture availability varies by country or region.
Choose the right transfer method
| Method | Best for | Important limits |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation App | Recent screenshots and short 1080p clips | Clips must be no more than 1,920 × 1,080 and three minutes; app access lasts 14 days; 4K clips are excluded |
| USB drive | 4K, longer, older, original local files, and bulk transfers | Requires a standard FAT or exFAT drive and a phone-compatible connector or adapter |
| Computer as an intermediary | Phones that cannot read the drive directly | Adds an extra copy step |
The app is a temporary transfer service, not unlimited cloud storage. Download anything you want to keep before its 14-day availability window ends. Source: PlayStation’s PS5 Game Captures support page.
Transfer supported captures with the PlayStation App
Enable Captures from your phone
- Install and open the PlayStation App from the App Store or Google Play.
- Sign in with the same PlayStation account used on your PS5.
- Open Library, then choose Captures.
- Choose Enable.
Enable automatic uploading on the PS5
- Open Media Gallery and accept the prompt to enable captures if it appears.
- Alternatively, go to Settings > Captures and Broadcasts > Captures.
- Turn on Auto-Upload.
The console must be linked to the app. For automatic uploads, leave the PS5 in Rest Mode and enable Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode > Stay Connected to the Internet. Menu wording can vary slightly with system software and region. Source: PlayStation.
Download a capture to your phone
- Open PlayStation App > Library > Captures.
- Select the screenshot or video.
- Tap Download.
- Find the saved file in your phone’s Photos, Gallery, or Files app, then edit or share it.
You can also choose Share > Share via to send the capture directly to a supported app. Downloading first is preferable when you want a local copy or intend to archive the original transfer.
The Tool Desk
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- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
App limits to check before troubleshooting:
- Maximum video resolution is 1,920 × 1,080.
- Maximum video length is three minutes.
- 4K video clips are not uploaded to the PlayStation App.
- Trophy-moment and Activity Challenge automatic captures are not uploaded.
- Supported screenshots and videos are those made through the Create Menu or Create-button shortcuts.
- Captures remain available in the app for 14 days after creation.
- PlayStation Plus is not required for this feature.
Clips may include microphone or party-chat audio when those recording options were enabled. Obtain permission before sharing other people’s voices. Sources: PlayStation App capture support and PS5 capture controls.
Manually upload one capture
Manual upload can help when automatic uploading was enabled after you made the file, provided the capture meets the app’s resolution, duration, and capture-type limits.
Rank #2
- 2 in 1: USB C + USB 3.0, 32GB usb c flash drive has dual ports, usb 3.0 port is applied to all devices which have usb 3.0 interface and usb c port is widely used in all Android smartphones with OTG function
- High Speed USB 3.0: Read speed up to 90 MB/s, Write speed up to 30 MB/s, the speed of USB 3.0 interface is faster than USB 2.0, save time to wait, increases work productivity. Note: Speed will be limited if you use the USB key in the USB 2.0 interface
- Large Compatibility: The USB 3.0 Connector is compatible with USB 3.0 & USB 2.0 backward USB 1.1 devices, such as Laptop, Desktop, Car Audio, Tablet, TV, Speakers, Projector. USB-C port is compatible with all Android Smartphones
- Expand Storage: Good performance in storing, transferring and sharing digital data with families, friends, colleagues, customers. It can expand the capacity of smartphone, you can watch movies or share pictures when you go on vacation with your family
- Note: Make sure your smartphone is equipped with OTG function and need to open OTG function in Settings when you plug memory stick, then you can transfer easily data bewteen different devices
- From the PS5 games home screen, open Media Gallery.
- Highlight the screenshot or video.
- Press the controller’s Options button.
- Choose Upload to PlayStation App.
PlayStation says captures made before the feature was enabled are not retroactively added to the app. Use USB for those files if manual upload does not work. Source: PlayStation.
Transfer PS5 captures with a USB drive
USB is the reliable route for 4K clips, recordings longer than three minutes, older captures, and files you want to keep locally. Use a normal USB drive formatted as FAT or exFAT. Do not use a drive configured as PS5 USB extended storage; that format is intended for games, not capture export. Sources: USB storage requirements and Media Gallery instructions.
Rank #3
- USB-C 2-in-1 storage OTG: The Lexar JumpDrive Dual Drive D40E features USB Type-A and Type-C connectors in a slim, portable form factor for easy device compatibility
- Transfer speeds up to 100MB/s: Based on internal testing, performance may vary depending upon the host device, interface, and usage conditions. 1MB=1,000,000 bytes
- Plug and Play: Widely compatible with USB Type-C smartphones, tablets, laptops, Macs, and traditional Type-A devices, no software installation required. The 360° swivel design allows for easy switching between connectors without the hassle of losing a cap
- Durable & Compact: The Lexar D40E USB memory stick features a metal enclosure, withstands temperatures from 0° to 50° C (32°F to 122°F), and is lightweight at 26g with dimensions of 70.4 x 16.9 x 11.7mm
- Security & Warranty: Securely protects files using an advanced security software solution with 256-bit AES encryption. Backed by a Lexar 3-year limited warranty
Copy from the PS5
- Insert the FAT- or exFAT-formatted USB drive into the PS5.
- Open Media Gallery.
- Select the screenshot or video.
- Choose More (…) > Copy to USB Drive.
- Eject the drive safely when copying is complete.
Open the files on your phone
- Connect the drive directly or through a compatible adapter.
- Open the phone’s Files or file-management app.
- Copy the media to local storage, Photos, or Gallery.
Phone compatibility depends on the connector, filesystem support, available power, and the device’s file-management software. If the phone does not recognize the drive, copy the files through a computer and then move them to the phone by cable or cloud storage.
iPhone considerations
- USB-C iPhone: A USB-C flash drive or compatible USB-C hub may work with the Files app.
- Lightning iPhone: You generally need a Lightning-to-USB or Apple-compatible camera adapter. Some drives require external power.
- If a large drive is unreliable or does not mount, a computer is often the simplest intermediary.
Android considerations
- A USB-C flash drive may plug directly into many Android phones.
- For a USB-A drive, use a USB-C OTG adapter or compatible hub.
- Open the Files app, approve access if prompted, and copy the file to device storage.
Why a capture is missing from the PlayStation App
- It was made before Captures was enabled: Older files are not automatically imported. Try Media Gallery > Options > Upload to PlayStation App if the file is otherwise supported, or use USB.
- It is 4K: 4K clips cannot upload to the app; copy them to USB.
- It exceeds three minutes: Use USB for the complete recording.
- It is a Trophy or Activity Challenge capture: These automatic captures are excluded.
- The accounts differ: Confirm that the app and PS5 use the same PlayStation account.
- The console is offline in Rest Mode: Enable Stay Connected to the Internet and leave the console in Rest Mode.
- Software is outdated: Update the PlayStation App and PS5 system software.
- Upload is still processing: Large clips can take time. Keep the console online and do not fully shut it down while waiting.
Recording settings that affect transfer
Press the DualSense Create button to open capture options. The PS5 can save between 15 seconds and one hour of recent gameplay, and it can record up to one hour locally. 4K recording requires a compatible display and capture setting, but those clips still need USB for phone transfer. On PS5 Pro, 8K screenshots require an 8K-capable game and display plus Settings > Captures and Broadcasts > Captures > 8K Resolution Screenshot. Some game scenes are blocked from capture. Source: PlayStation’s capture guide.
Rank #4
- 2-in-1 Dual Design: Features both USB-C and USB-A connectors, making it compatible with phones, tablets, MacBooks, PCs, and laptops-no adapter needed
- Wide Compatibility: Works seamlessly with USB A and USB C devices, ensuring reliable file transfers across smartphones, computers, and more
- Ample Storage Options: Available in 16GB/32GB/64GB/128GB providing plenty of space for photos, videos, music, and documents
- Portable & Lightweight: Compact and durable design for travel, school, or daily use-take your files anywhere
- Plug-and-Play Convenience: No software or drivers required; simply insert into USB-C or USB-A ports and start transferring files instantly
Keep captures permanently
For app-compatible files, download them to the phone within 14 days, then back them up to a computer or cloud service if needed. For 4K, long, older, or archival media, copy directly from the PS5 to a FAT- or exFAT-formatted USB drive. Deleting the console copy does not necessarily remove an already-uploaded app copy immediately, but the app’s 14-day availability still applies.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
What not to use
- PS Remote Play: It streams the console and is not the normal export path for saved Media Gallery files.
- PS5 USB extended storage: It is for games, not copying screenshots and clips.
- Capture cards: They are unnecessary when the media is already saved on the PS5.
- Messaging or social uploads as an archive: These services may compress or alter the file.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
