Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteTo have a PS5 game ready as soon as it becomes available, check its listed storage requirement, free enough console space, confirm the correct PlayStation account, and set up downloads over the internet and in Rest Mode. For a pre-order, review the game’s automatic-download selections in Game Library; the download begins when the content is available, not on a guaranteed universal schedule.
1. Check the game’s storage requirement and your free space
Don’t rely on a generic estimate for how much space a “large” game needs. Open the game’s PlayStation Store listing and select View Product for its minimum free-space requirement. Then check the space available on your console at Settings > Storage. Sony’s [downloaded game troubleshooting guide] gives these steps.
If you need room, manage existing games and data before release. Confirm what you are removing or moving before you do it. If the console runs out of space during a remote download, Sony also supports managing internal storage through PlayStation App, as described in its [PS5 storage guide].
2. Confirm the account and console are ready for remote downloads
Remote downloading is useful if you want to start a download from your phone or a browser rather than the console. Use the PlayStation account that owns the game. If you plan to use PlayStation App, make sure your console is linked to the app. Sony’s [PS5 game download instructions] cover both the app and PlayStation Store online routes.
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| Download route | What to do | Key requirement |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation App | Open Game Library, choose the game, then select Download to Console. | Use the purchasing account and link the console in the app. |
| PlayStation Store online | Sign in to the PlayStation Store, select the game, and choose the option to download to your console. | Use the account that owns the game and configure automatic downloads. |
| PS5 console | Open Game Library, select the game, then choose Download. | The console must have enough free space and an internet connection. |
Sony says that after selecting Download from the PS5 Game Library, “The game will install automatically.” The exact screens or available options can vary with the game and whether it is already owned or pre-ordered.
3. Set up downloads while the PS5 is in Rest Mode
A console in Rest Mode can download only if it is allowed to stay connected to the internet. On the PS5, go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode > Stay Connected to the Internet and enable the setting.
To configure game and app updates, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates. Choose whether to enable Auto-Download or Auto-Install in Rest Mode for game and app updates. Sony’s [automatic update instructions] explain these options. If you want to preserve a suspended game, Sony advises enabling only Auto-Download for game updates rather than Auto-Install.
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Automatic updates and a remote download are related but not identical: the Rest Mode settings govern internet access and updates, while a remote download is a separate request to download a game from the app or Store. Check the settings and account access before relying on either route.
4. Review a pre-order’s download selections
For a pre-order, use Game Library on the PS5 and select the game’s countdown timer to review its content selections. Clear or change selections if you do not want particular content to download automatically. Pre-order downloads are title- and content-specific.
Sony states: “If you pre-order on PlayStation™Store and set up automatic downloads, your content will start downloading as soon as it’s available.” That means automatic setup does not establish a universal start time or guarantee that every item will be downloadable before the game’s availability time. See Sony’s [pre-order auto-download guidance].
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5. Choose storage that fits the games you play
If deleting or moving existing content is not enough, the storage type matters. Sony recommends USB extended storage for PS4 games to leave the console’s internal storage available for PS5 games. PS5 games cannot be played from USB extended storage. An installed M.2 SSD, by contrast, can be used to download, copy, and launch PS5 and PS4 games. Check Sony’s current [storage overview] and M.2 compatibility requirements before choosing a drive.
| Storage type | Can launch PS4 games from it? | Can launch PS5 games from it? | Useful role |
|---|---|---|---|
| USB extended storage | Yes | No | Store and play PS4 games; preserve console storage for PS5 games. |
| Installed M.2 SSD | Yes | Yes | Add capacity for downloading, copying, and launching PS4 and PS5 games. |
A generic USB drive is therefore not a solution for launching PS5 games. If you are considering an M.2 SSD, verify that a specific drive meets Sony’s current requirements; no particular model is established here as tested or recommended.
6. Check the download on launch day
After the game becomes available, check Downloads/Uploads on the console to confirm the download has started or completed. Allow time for the game’s actual download and any required update. Completion time depends on your connection and service conditions; there is no single supported estimate that applies to every game and network.
If a download stalls, check the service and connection before buying storage or other hardware:
Quick Recap
- Check PlayStation service status.
- On the PS5, open Settings > Network > Connection Status and test the connection.
- Confirm there is enough free space in Settings > Storage.
- Check that the console has current system software. Sony’s [download troubleshooting guide] provides additional checks.
Pre-launch checklist
- Look up the game’s minimum free-space requirement under View Product on its Store listing.
- Check available space at Settings > Storage and make room if needed.
- Sign in with the account that owns the game; link the console in PlayStation App if using the app for remote downloads.
- Enable Stay Connected to the Internet in Rest Mode and choose the automatic update behavior you want.
- For a pre-order, review the countdown timer’s content selections in Game Library.
- On release day, check Downloads/Uploads and use Sony’s network and storage checks if the download stalls.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
