You can move installed PS5 games and apps to a compatible USB drive formatted as USB extended storage. But “game data” can also mean saved games: PS5 saves cannot be copied from the console to USB. PS4 saves and a full PS5 backup use separate USB workflows and formats.
Choose the right method for the data you mean
| Your goal | Use | Important difference |
|---|---|---|
| Store installed PS5 games and apps externally | A drive formatted as USB extended storage | PS5 games must be copied back to console or M.2 SSD storage before you can play them from that location. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. PlayStation’s USB extended storage guide |
| Copy PS4 saved data to or from USB | An ordinary USB drive and the PS4 saved-data menu on PS5 | PS4 saves can be copied; PS5 saves cannot be exported to USB. PlayStation’s storage guidance |
| Back up PS5 console data | A FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive and Back Up and Restore | This is separate from USB extended storage; a drive in the extended-storage format cannot also be used for backup data in that format. PlayStation’s backup guide |
Move installed PS5 games to USB extended storage
Formatting a drive as USB extended storage erases its existing contents. Copy anything you want to keep somewhere else before starting. Use the drive requirements PlayStation publishes and check the exact model, since not every drive works.
1. Check the drive and connection
PlayStation’s preparation guidance lists a USB 3.0-or-later drive with a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB. The extended-storage guide specifies a SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps Type-A or Type-C port for connection and formatting. Connect the drive directly to the PS5 rather than through a USB hub. See PlayStation’s PS5 preparation guidance and extended-storage requirements for current details.
2. Format the drive as extended storage
- Connect the drive directly to an appropriate USB port on the PS5.
- Open Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Format as USB Extended Storage.
- Follow the on-screen prompts. Do not turn off the console or disconnect the drive while it formats; interrupting the process can cause data loss, corruption, or damage. PlayStation’s formatting and connection guidance
3. Move games and apps
- Open Game Library and highlight the game or app you want to move.
- Press the controller’s Options button and choose Move Games and Apps.
- Select the checkboxes for the titles, then choose Move.
If both an M.2 SSD and USB extended storage are connected, select the Movable to USB Extended Storage tab to find eligible items. The menu names and steps are from PlayStation’s USB extended storage guide.
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4. Copy a PS5 game back before playing
Open Game Library’s Installed tab, find the game on USB extended storage, press Options, then choose Copy. The game must be on PS5 console storage or M.2 SSD storage to play. PS4 games stored on USB extended storage can run directly from the drive. PlayStation’s playability and copy guidance
5. Disconnect it safely
Before unplugging USB extended storage, make sure the PS5 power indicator is completely off. PlayStation’s safe-removal guidance
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Can you transfer PS5 save files to the same USB drive?
No. PlayStation states that PS5 saved data cannot be copied from a PS5 console to a USB drive. USB extended storage holds installed game and app files; it is not a way to export PS5 saves. PlayStation Plus cloud storage is an alternative for saved data, but access depends on having a PlayStation Plus membership. PlayStation’s console-transfer guidance
Copy PS4 saved data to USB from PS5
- Connect an ordinary USB drive.
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage > Copy to USB Drive.
- Select a game and the save files you want, then choose Copy.
To copy PS4 saves from USB onto the console, use Saved Data (PS4) > Copy or Delete from USB Drive, then select the files. PlayStation’s PS4 saved-data instructions
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Use a USB drive for a full PS5 backup
A console backup is a different workflow from moving games to USB extended storage. For backup, connect a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT, then open Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5. Select the data categories and start the backup. It can include games and apps, saved data, screenshots and video clips, and settings; games and apps stored on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are not included in the backup data. PlayStation’s backup and restore guide
Restoring a backup erases all data currently saved on the console. The backup is linked to the PlayStation account used to create it; to restore it on another console, sign in to that account. A USB drive formatted as extended storage cannot be used for backup data in that format. PlayStation’s backup and restore guidance
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Use USB extended storage with another PS5
If a drive is already formatted as USB extended storage on a PS4 or another PS5, connect it to the destination PS5 to access the game data. This moves or accesses installed games, not PS5 saved data. For a broader console-to-console transfer, use PS5’s Data Transfer feature: the consoles should use the same account and network, remain on, and keep their network settings unchanged during transfer. Supported transfer categories include user and account information, saved data, screenshots and clips, games, and settings. PlayStation’s console-transfer instructions
When an M.2 SSD may suit you better
An M.2 SSD is an internal expansion option rather than an external USB drive. PS5 games can be played from M.2 SSD storage, whereas games stored on USB extended storage must be copied back to console or M.2 SSD storage first. PlayStation’s storage guidance
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- You can play PS4 games directly from USB extended storage, which lets you save space on your PS5 console storage for PS5 games. To play PS5 games, you need to copy game data from your USB extended storage drive back to your PS5 console's internal SSD storage. It’s much quicker to copy a PS5 game from USB extended storage than to re-download it.
- Compatible with PS5 Game Console, Expand game console storage instantly! NOTE: You cannot download PS5 games direct to USB Hard Drive, It has to download to internal SSD and then "Move/Copy" to USB HDD after that. (about 3 ~ 5 min transfer a game)
- PS5 Game has to play on internal SSD, you can "Move & Store" your PS5 Games from SSD to USB HDD when you're not play it. And it's always faster than re-download it online. That will free up your Internal SSD Space for more games.
- This external hard drive boasts a brand-new, premium HDD case paired with a excellent refurbished, top-tier internal 7200RPM enterprise hard drive from a leading manufacturer. With zero bad sectors and 100% health, it has passed rigorous factory quality tests to ensure exceptional performance and reliability. Fully researched and tested for outstanding performance and compatibility with PC & gaming consoles, it stands as the top choice in external gaming hard drives.
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