Before you reset, sell, or hand over your old PS5, confirm your saves are protected. For saved games only, use PlayStation Plus cloud storage and check the sync status; for saves plus other console data, make a full USB backup and restore it on the replacement PS5. If both consoles are available, Sony also provides a direct-transfer process. Do not reset the old console until you have verified the transfer. A full USB restore erases data already on the destination console.
Choose the transfer method that fits your situation
| Method | Best for | What you need | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full USB backup and restore | Saved data and other selected console data | A compatible USB storage device formatted as FAT32 or exFAT | Restoring erases data on the destination PS5; trophies and games or apps stored on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are excluded. Sony’s backup guide. |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Moving game saves between consoles | PlayStation Plus and the same PlayStation account on both consoles | Check sync status and download the saves on the new console. Sony’s cloud-storage guide. |
| Direct console transfer | Moving data while both consoles are available | Access to the old and new consoles | Use Sony’s instructions for the console pair and data you are transferring. Sony’s transfer and disposal checklist. |
| USB copy of PS4 saves | Copying PS4 saved data to or from USB | A compatible FAT- or exFAT-formatted USB drive | Sony documents this USB-copy route for PS4 saves, not PS5 saves. Sony’s storage guide. |
Back up the PS5 to a USB drive
Choose a full-console backup if you want more than game saves. Sony says a backup can include saved data, games and apps, screenshots and video clips, and settings. Games and apps stored on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are not included, and trophies are excluded.
Make the backup
- Connect a compatible USB storage device formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Not every USB device works. A drive formatted as USB extended storage for games cannot be used for this backup.
- On the PS5, open Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5.
- Select the data categories to include and continue. The console displays the backup file name and size before it begins.
- Select Back Up and keep the console powered on. The PS5 restarts during the process; interrupting a backup or restore can cause data loss or corruption, or damage the console or USB drive.
- Wait for the “Backup complete” screen and follow the prompt to restart.
Sony does not state a recommended USB capacity or model. Choose a compatible drive with enough free space for the categories you select, and check the size displayed by the console before starting.
Restore the backup on the replacement PS5
- Sign in on the new console with the PlayStation account used to create the backup.
- Connect the backup drive, then go to Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Restore Your PS5.
- Select the backup and confirm the restore. The destination PS5 restarts. Its system software must be the same version as, or newer than, the software on the source console when the backup was made.
Restoring is destructive: Sony warns that the destination PS5 erases all data saved on it, and erased data cannot be restored. Preserve anything important on that console before proceeding. After restore, Console Sharing and Offline Play is disabled; turn it on again if you use it.
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- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Move saves with PlayStation Plus cloud storage
Cloud storage is the option for moving saved games without restoring a full-console backup. PlayStation Plus is required. Sony’s support page lists limits of 100 GB for PS5 saved data and 100 GB for PS4 saved data per account, with a maximum of 1,000 PS4 save files. These are published storage limits, not a guarantee that every individual game save will fit.
Check automatic PS5 save sync
- For automatic syncing in Rest Mode, enable Stay Connected to the Internet under Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode.
- Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Sync Saved Data > Auto-Sync Saved Data, then turn on Enable Auto-Sync. Sync can be controlled per game.
- Before switching, check View Sync Status or Check Sync Status of Saved Data and confirm the save has synced.
Sony says the console and cloud versions sync to the most recent data. Check the status before leaving the old console, rather than assuming a recent save has uploaded.
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Upload or download a save manually
On the old PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings, choose Saved Data (PS5), and select the upload option and the save. You can also open a game’s options menu and choose Upload/Download Saved Data. On the new PS5, sign in to the same PlayStation account and use the download option to retrieve the save.
PS4 saves have a different step: Sony says they can upload automatically, but must be downloaded manually to PS5 console storage.
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
When both consoles are available, consider direct transfer
Sony supports transferring data between consoles when upgrading while you can still access both. Follow the official transfer instructions for your console pair. This is a separate route from restoring a USB backup; choose the process that matches the data you need to move.
Quick Recap
Do not reset the old PS5 until these checks are complete
- Confirm the save is present on the replacement console, whether by checking cloud sync and downloading it or completing the chosen transfer.
- Sync trophies manually. Trophies are not included in a full USB console backup.
- Remove an M.2 SSD you intend to keep, and take out any USB devices or discs you want to retain.
- Record the old console’s serial number before handing it over.
- Only then reset the old PS5 at Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console. Resetting deletes saved settings and information and cannot be undone.
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