For the broadest safety copy, use the PS5’s built-in full-console USB backup. For a copy of PS5 game saves alone, use PlayStation Plus cloud storage: Sony does not provide a way to export individual PS5 saves to USB. A routine system update is different from reinstalling system software, which Sony says deletes console data.
Choose the right backup for what you need to protect
| Option | What it protects | Requirements and limits | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-console USB backup | Saved data, games and apps stored on the console, screenshots and video clips, and settings | FAT32 or exFAT USB drive; some devices may not work. Excludes games and apps on USB extended storage or M.2 SSD storage, and excludes trophies. Restoring erases the console’s current data. | A broad safety copy before service, a reset, or another significant system operation |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Saved data | Requires a paid PlayStation Plus membership and appropriate sync settings and internet access for automatic syncing. It does not back up captures, settings, or all console content. | Ongoing save protection and moving saves between consoles |
| Individual PS5 save copied to USB | Not available through Sony’s documented PS4-style USB save-copy route | Sony says PS5 saved data cannot be copied from the console to a USB drive. | Use cloud storage for individual saves, or a full-console backup for broader coverage |
Sony’s USB backup is a backup file for the console, not a folder of individually selectable PS5 saves. Sony’s PS5 backup and restore guide, data transfer guidance, and cloud storage instructions describe the available routes.
Back up the PS5 to a USB drive
- Connect a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Sony warns that not all USB devices work. A drive configured as USB extended storage for games is a different format and cannot be used for this backup.
- On the console, open Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5.
- Select the types of data to include and choose Next. The PS5 displays the backup’s filename and size; you can also enter a description.
- Select Back Up. The console restarts and begins creating the backup. When the completion screen appears, select OK; the console restarts again.
Do not turn off the PS5 while it is backing up. Sony warns that interrupting a backup or restore can cause data loss or corruption or damage the console or USB drive.
Know what the USB backup includes—and leaves out
Sony says a full-console backup can include games and apps, saved data, screenshots and video clips, and settings; all user data saved on the PS5 is included in the backup data. However, games and apps already stored on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are not included, and trophies are excluded. Sync trophies separately before backing up.
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The backup is useful when you need broader coverage than cloud saves provide, but it is not a way to extract or restore just one PS5 save. Restoring a backup replaces the console’s current contents rather than merging selected files.
Protect individual PS5 saves with cloud storage
PlayStation Plus members can use cloud storage for saved data. Sony lists 100 GB of cloud storage for PS5 and PS4 consoles as a benefit of PlayStation Plus; its support page lists the benefit for Essential, Extra, and Premium. Membership benefits can change, so check Sony’s current cloud-storage support page for applicable terms.
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Turn on automatic syncing
PS5 games can automatically sync saves when a game is closed or the console is in rest mode. For rest-mode syncing, make sure the console can connect to the internet:
- Open Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode > Stay Connected to the Internet and enable the setting.
- Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Sync Saved Data > Auto-Sync Saved Data and enable automatic syncing.
Sony describes console and cloud storage as syncing to the most recent data. Check which copy is current before manually uploading or downloading if you are concerned about replacing a newer save with an older one.
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Upload or download a save manually
- To upload: Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage.
- To download: Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Download or Delete from Cloud Storage.
Sony’s PS5 saved-data transfer guide says PS5 saves cannot be copied from the console to USB using the PS4 save-copy method. That USB route applies to PS4 saves, not PS5 saves.
Understand the consequences before restoring a backup
Restoring a full-console backup erases all data currently saved on the PS5. Sony says erased data cannot be restored, so do not restore merely to retrieve a single save unless you are prepared to replace the console’s current data.
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- The console’s system software must be the same version or newer than the version installed when the backup was created.
- Backups are linked to the PlayStation account. If you have never signed in to PlayStation services, restoration is limited to the same console. To restore on a different console, sign in with the account used for the backup.
- Restoring disables Console Sharing and Offline Play. Re-enable it afterward if needed for access to subscriptions and content.
- Do not turn off the console during restore; Sony warns interruption can cause data loss or corruption or damage the console or USB drive.
Use Sony’s backup and restore instructions when performing the restore, and read the on-screen warnings before confirming.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.A normal update is not the same as reinstalling system software
Sony’s standard console update path is Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Update System Software. Backing up first is a sensible precaution, but Sony’s update guidance does not say that every ordinary system update deletes saved data.
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If an update download is stuck, find it under Downloads/Uploads, view its error information, and retry. After repeated download failures, Sony documents updating from a USB drive through Safe Mode. The USB update file must be named PS5UPDATE.PUP and placed inside PS5/UPDATE on a FAT32 or exFAT drive. Follow Sony’s system software update instructions, use only the official update file and documented method, and do not interrupt installation. Sony also advises against installing directly before or after a power outage.
Reinstalling system software is a destructive operation, not a routine update: Sony says it deletes all data on the PS5 and describes the process as a factory or hard reset. Safe Mode also offers Reset PS5 and Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software), which delete user data. Other Safe Mode choices, such as Repair Console Storage or Restore Default Settings, have different effects; read Sony’s Safe Mode option descriptions carefully before selecting one.
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