You can free up PS5 storage without deleting game saves: remove or move installed games under Settings > Storage, and manage saves separately. If you do need to delete a saved-data file, first confirm that a copy or cloud upload has completed. PlayStation Plus cloud storage supports PS5 and PS4 saves; Sony’s USB-copy instructions apply to PS4 saves, not PS5 saves.
Games and saves are separate
A game installation contains the files needed to run the game; saved data records your progress and settings. On PS5, Sony lists games and apps separately from saved data in its storage management guide. Deleting a game from Games and Apps is not the same as deleting a save from the saved-data settings.
Purchased games and apps remain available to download again from your game library after you delete them, according to Sony Interactive Entertainment’s PlayStation Support. You will need to download and install a deleted game before playing it again.
Free space by deleting a game or selected game content
- From the home screen, open Settings > Storage and review what is using space.
- Choose Console Storage > Games and Apps.
- Select a game or app, then choose Delete. If Customize appears beside a game, use it to manage portions of that game’s data, such as unused add-ons or completed portions.
Keep the cleanup inside Games and Apps if your goal is to uninstall a game while retaining its save. Do not choose a delete command under Saved Data and Game/App Settings unless you intend to remove a save file.
#1 Best Overall
- Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
- With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
- Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
- Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
- Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.
Move games instead of deleting them
USB extended storage: archive PS5 games or play PS4 games
You can move PS5 games to USB extended storage to free console space, but they cannot be played directly from that drive. Copy a PS5 game back to console storage or M.2 SSD storage before launching it. PS4 games stored on USB extended storage can be played directly from the drive. See Sony’s USB extended-storage guide for setup and safe-removal instructions.
To disconnect the drive while the PS5 is on, use Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Safely Remove from PS5 before unplugging it.
Rank #2
- 【Officially Licensed SSD 】This external SSD uses specially-selected materials and has passed our exclusive quality inspection to work with PS5 / PS4.
- 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
- 【Reduce Loading Times on PS4(R)】 Reduce game loading times for more enjoyable gameplay experiences.
- 【Compact Stick Type】The cable-free and compact USB stick design enables easy connection with your game console without taking up space.
- 【Accessories】 Setup Guide / Warranty Statement
M.2 SSD: expand internal storage for games
A compatible M.2 SSD installed in the console can store PS5 and PS4 game data. Not every M.2 drive meets Sony’s requirements, so check the current M.2 SSD requirements and installation guide for your console before buying or installing a drive.
Protect saved data before deleting it
For PS5 saves, PlayStation Plus cloud storage is Sony’s documented backup route. Sony’s cloud instructions describe automatic sync for PS5 games as well as manual upload and download controls. Check the sync or upload status before removing a local save. Sony’s guide does not list copying PS5 saves to a USB drive.
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Rank #3
- BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
- IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY - Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
- FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING - Faster speed than HDD enables you to connect the device to PC and do large intensive tasks simultaneously.
- COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Compact form factor to carry your data in your pocket. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
- USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).
For PS4 saves, you can use PlayStation Plus cloud storage or copy files to a FAT or exFAT USB drive. To copy a PS4 save to USB, open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage > Copy to USB Drive. Choose a game, select the save files, and choose Copy. Sony lists USB copying for PS4 saves in its storage guide; do not treat this route as a way to back up PS5 saves.
Saved-data controls are at Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4). If deleting saved data is necessary, confirm that the intended cloud upload or USB copy completed first.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose the storage option that fits
| Option | What it does | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Delete games or apps | Reclaims console storage; purchased items can be downloaded again from the game library. | You must download and install the game again to play it. |
| USB extended storage | Stores PS5 games and can run PS4 games. | PS5 games must be copied back to console or M.2 storage before play. |
| M.2 SSD storage | Stores PS5 and PS4 game data on expanded internal storage. | The SSD must meet Sony’s requirements and be installed as directed. |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Stores PS5 and PS4 saves. | Requires PlayStation Plus; Sony documents limits of 100 GB for PS5 saved data, 100 GB for PS4 saved data, and 1,000 PS4 save files. Sony’s support page does not state a year for these limits. |
| FAT or exFAT USB drive | Can hold copied PS4 saves. | Sony’s guide does not list USB copying for PS5 saves. |
If an installation still says there is not enough space
Sony’s guidance for error CE-107872-5 says an installation may require approximately twice the free space needed. This is approximate troubleshooting guidance from Sony Interactive Entertainment / PlayStation Support, not a universal calculation for every game. If an install fails despite apparently sufficient space, Sony also suggests considering extended storage or changing the install destination where applicable.
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