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Back up your PS4 before opening it, replace the internal drive with a compatible HDD or SATA SSD, reinstall PS4 system software from USB, then restore your saves or full backup. If you only need more room for games and add-ons, a USB extended-storage drive is simpler and does not require opening the console.
Choose between replacing the internal drive and adding external storage
| What you need to know | Internal drive replacement | USB extended storage |
|---|---|---|
| Installation effort | Open the console, remove the drive bracket, fit the replacement and reinstall the system software. See Sony’s PS4 hard-drive upgrade guide. | Connect a compatible external HDD directly to the PS4; the console does not need to be opened. Sony’s extended-storage guidance covers requirements and use. |
| What it stores | The replacement becomes the PS4’s internal drive. Back up and restore the data you want to keep. | Applications and add-ons. It cannot store application saved data, themes, or screenshots and video clips, according to Sony’s extended-storage support page. |
| System software | Must be reinstalled after the HDD is replaced, using USB storage. | No internal-drive replacement or system-software reinstall is needed to add extended storage. |
| Capacity or USB requirements | A compatible HDD or SATA SSD; the cited upgrade guide does not establish a capacity range here. | PS4 system software 4.50 or later, SuperSpeed USB, and a drive between 250 GB and 8 TB, per Sony’s extended-storage requirements. |
| Portability between PS4 consoles | Not stated in Sony’s upgrade guide. | Not stated in Sony’s extended-storage guidance. |
Choose external storage if the goal is more room for installed games and add-ons. Replace the internal drive if you specifically need to change the console’s internal drive; that process requires a backup and a system-software reinstall.
Back up the PS4 before replacing the drive
- Sync trophies separately. Open the Trophies screen and sync your trophies. Sony says trophies are excluded from a PS4 backup.
- Prepare USB storage. Use a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. It needs at least twice as much free space as the backup file itself.
- Choose what to preserve. On the PS4, go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore > Back Up, then select the content to include. A backup can include games and apps, saved data, screenshots and video clips, and settings.
- Let the backup finish. Do not turn off the console while it is backing up. Sony warns that interruption can cause data loss or corruption, or damage to the console or USB drive.
Sony’s backup and restore instructions explain the process and the content a backup can include. Keep the backup USB drive available for the restore step.
Replace the internal drive
Prepare the console and identify your model family
Turn off the PS4 completely, unplug the power cable and all other cables, then follow the bay-cover and drive-bracket instructions for your console family. Sony provides separate physical steps for PS4 Pro CUH-7000, PS4 Slim CUH-2015, and the original CUH-1000, CUH-1100, and CUH-1200 families in its upgrade guide. Check the model number before starting rather than assuming the cover comes off the same way on every PS4.
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- 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.
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- 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.
Fit the replacement drive
- Open the drive bay as directed for your model and remove the drive caddy.
- Remove the four screws holding the drive in the bracket.
- Place the compatible replacement HDD or SATA SSD in the caddy and secure it with the screws. Avoid overtightening them.
- Reinstall the caddy and bay cover, then reconnect the cables.
Use Sony’s model-specific illustrations for the exact cover and bracket procedure; the guide covers the Pro, Slim, and original-family consoles separately.
Reinstall PS4 system software from USB
The replacement drive does not contain the PS4 system software. Sony requires a USB storage device prepared on a computer and a system-software reinstallation after the drive is installed. Sony’s upgrade guide specifies at least 1 GB of free space on the USB media; follow the current download and USB-preparation instructions linked from that guide.
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- 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.
The reinstallation software must be the same version as, or a later version than, the software previously installed on the console, according to Sony’s PS4 manual. Do not confuse a system-software reinstallation with an ordinary update: use the reinstallation instructions for a replacement drive.
Restore saved data or the full backup
Copy individual saves from USB
To copy saved data from your backup USB, sign in with the same account used when the saves were copied, connect the USB drive, and go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data on USB Storage Device > Copy to System Storage. Select the saves to copy. If you use PlayStation Plus cloud storage, you can restore saves from there instead.
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- 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.
Restore a complete PS4 backup
Connect the backup drive and select Settings > System > Back Up and Restore > Restore PS4. A full restore erases the console’s current data and cannot be undone, so use it only when you intend to replace the current contents with the backup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Use extended storage instead if you only need game space
For game and add-on capacity without replacing the internal drive, Sony supports PS4 extended storage on consoles running system software 4.50 or later. The external HDD must use SuperSpeed USB and have a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB, according to Sony’s extended-storage support page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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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- 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
- Connect the drive directly to the PS4, not through a USB hub.
- Use it for applications and add-ons, not application saved data, themes, or screenshots and video clips.
- Before unplugging it, stop using it through the PS4 system menu as Sony directs on its support page.
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