PS4 games can be installed and played directly from a compatible external USB drive. PS5 games can be moved to that drive for storage, but they must be copied back to the PS5’s internal storage or a compatible internal M.2 SSD before you can play them.
Sony’s requirements are a SuperSpeed USB connection of 5 Gbps or faster, 250 GB to 8 TB of capacity, and a direct connection to the console—not a USB hub. Compatibility is not guaranteed for every drive that meets those specifications. See Sony’s USB extended-storage guidance.
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What an external drive can do on PS5
| Content | External USB extended storage | Playable from the drive? |
|---|---|---|
| PS5 games | Can be stored or archived | No; copy them back first |
| PS4 games | Can be installed and stored | Yes |
| Saved data | Not stored there as game-installation data | No |
This limitation applies to both external hard drives and external SSDs. An external SSD can reduce transfer times, but it does not allow PS5 games to run directly over USB. If you want additional storage from which PS5 games can launch, install a compatible internal M.2 SSD. Sony says PS5 and PS4 games can be played from an installed M.2 SSD; see its PS5 storage support information.
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What you need before formatting
- A USB HDD or SSD supporting SuperSpeed USB at 5 Gbps or faster.
- Between 250 GB and 8 TB of capacity.
- A direct connection to the PS5. Do not use a USB hub.
- A backup of any files already on the drive, because formatting erases its contents.
Multiple USB drives may be connected, but Sony states that only one USB extended-storage drive can be used at a time. A drive previously used as PS4 or PS5 USB extended storage generally does not need to be reformatted, but do not format it if it contains games or files you still need.
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How to format an external drive for PS5 games
- Back up anything important on the drive. Formatting deletes all existing data.
- Connect the drive directly to the PS5.
- From the home screen, open Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Choose USB Extended Storage.
- Select Format as USB Extended Storage.
- Follow the on-screen confirmations and wait for formatting to finish.
Do not switch off the console or disconnect the drive during formatting. Sony warns that interrupting the process can cause data loss, corruption, or damage to the console or drive.
How to install PS4 games directly to the external drive
Once the drive is formatted as USB extended storage:
- Open Settings.
- Select Installation Location.
- Choose the USB extended-storage drive as the installation location for PS4 games.
PS4 games installed there can be launched directly. This applies to the PS4 version of a game. If a title offers both PS4 and PS5 versions, installing the PS4 version externally does not make its PS5 version playable from the external drive.
How to move a PS5 game to the external drive
- Open Game Library.
- Highlight the installed game or app.
- Press the controller’s Options button.
- Select Move Games and Apps.
- If the console also has an M.2 SSD installed, select the tab for items movable to USB extended storage, where shown.
- Select the game or games you want to move.
- Choose Move and confirm.
The console transfers the installed game data; it does not delete your purchase license. Transfer time depends on the game size, drive, cable, and connection. Do not disconnect the drive while the move is in progress.
How to copy a PS5 game back so you can play it
- Open Game Library and go to the installed or collection view showing USB extended-storage games.
- Highlight the PS5 game.
- Press Options.
- Select Copy or Copy to Console Storage, depending on the menu wording.
- Wait for copying to finish.
The game can then be launched from console storage or a compatible internal M.2 SSD. You do not need to redownload the game. A disc-based game still requires its disc for ownership verification, and a digital game still requires the account that owns it.
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Moving a game does not move its saves
Game installation data and saved data are handled separately. Moving a PS5 or PS4 game to USB extended storage does not place its save files there. PS5 saves are managed through console storage and, for subscribers, PlayStation Plus cloud storage. PS4 saves can be copied using a normal FAT or exFAT USB drive through the saved-data settings, but that is different from formatting a drive as USB extended storage. Sony explains these distinctions in its PS5 storage-management guidance.
How to remove the drive safely
With the PS5 switched off and its power indicator completely off, you can disconnect the drive. To remove it while the console is on:
- Open Settings.
- Select Storage.
- Select USB Extended Storage.
- Choose Safely Remove from PS5.
- Disconnect the drive.
Do not simply unplug an active drive. Improper removal can cause data loss or corruption and may damage the drive or console.
If the PS5 does not detect the drive
- Connect the drive directly to the console, not through a hub.
- Try another compatible USB port.
- Confirm that the drive is between 250 GB and 8 TB.
- Check that the cable supports the required SuperSpeed USB connection.
- Look under Settings > Storage for the drive.
- If the drive was used on another device, back up important files before accepting any format prompt.
- If it was used as extended storage on another PS4 or PS5, reconnect it directly and allow the console to recognize it.
- Do not repeatedly unplug and reconnect it while the PS5 is active.
- Test another known-compatible drive if the problem persists.
Sony does not guarantee that every device meeting the basic specifications will work. A label such as “for PS5” is not a substitute for checking the connection, capacity, direct-connection requirement, and whether you need archival or playable storage.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.External HDD, external SSD, or internal M.2 SSD?
| Storage type | PS5 games | PS4 games | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| External HDD | Store only; copy back to play | Store and play directly | Affordable bulk storage and occasional PS5 archiving |
| External SSD | Store only; copy back to play | Store and play directly | Faster transfers and portability |
| Internal M.2 SSD | Store and play directly | Store and play directly | Expanding playable PS5 storage |
Choose an external HDD when capacity and cost matter most, especially for PS4 games and PS5 titles you play infrequently. Choose an external SSD when you regularly move large games and value shorter transfer times. Choose an internal M.2 SSD when repeatedly copying PS5 games feels impractical and you want them available to launch immediately.
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- 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.
As general guidance, 1–2 TB suits a smaller library, 4–5 TB offers a useful archive for many players, and 8 TB is Sony’s maximum supported USB extended-storage capacity. Usable space will be lower than the advertised capacity after formatting. These are practical capacity guidelines, not Sony requirements.
Common questions
Can I play PS5 games from an external SSD?
No. An external SSD is still USB extended storage. Copy the PS5 game to console storage or an installed compatible M.2 SSD before launching it.
Can I use my PS4 external hard drive on PS5?
Generally, a drive already used as PS4 USB extended storage does not need to be reformatted. Do not format it if you still need its games or files.
Can I connect the drive through a USB hub?
No. Sony says to connect USB extended storage directly to the PS5.
Can I use an 8 TB drive?
Yes. Sony’s stated USB extended-storage range is 250 GB to 8 TB, although compatibility is not guaranteed for every qualifying device.
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That depends on the title and the versions included or purchased. The PS4 version can be played from USB extended storage; the PS5 version must be copied to console storage or an internal M.2 SSD before play.
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