Free Up PS5 Storage Before Downloading a Large Game

Updated 5 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Freeing up PS5 storage before a large download helps prevent installation errors and leaves room for game updates. First check how much space the download needs, then remove or move items you can replace; you will need access to the console and, if you want to move games, a compatible USB drive or installed M.2 SSD.

What You’ll Need

Your PS5 and its controller.
The game’s download size, shown on its PlayStation Store page or download screen. Allow extra room for installation and updates; the displayed size is not always the total space the console will need.
Optional: a USB extended-storage drive for PS4 games, or a compatible M.2 SSD for storing and playing PS5 games. A USB drive cannot run PS5 games directly.
Optional: access to cloud storage if you want to back up supported saved data. PlayStation Plus is required for cloud storage.

Step-by-Step

Check available space. From the PS5 home screen, open Settings > Storage. Review Console Storage and note the available space. The categories show where storage is being used, such as Games and Apps, Media Gallery, and Saved Data. Menu wording can vary slightly with system software updates.
Check the game’s size and leave a buffer. Find the game in the PlayStation Store and check its listed download size, or select it in your library and view its download information. Compare that with available space. Do not aim to free exactly the listed amount: installation, updates, and temporary data can require additional space. If the console still says there is not enough room, free more and try again.
Remove games you can reinstall later. Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. Select one or more games or apps you no longer use, then choose Delete and confirm. Deleting a game removes its installed files, not your purchase or license; you can download it again from your game library while it remains available to your account and region. Check whether you will need a disc or other access to reinstall it.
Review captures and recordings. Open Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Media Gallery, or open Media Gallery from the home screen. Delete unwanted screenshots and video clips, especially long or high-resolution recordings. Review each item before deleting, since removed captures may not be recoverable unless you saved a copy elsewhere.
Keep saved data unless you have a reason to remove it. Saved games generally use much less space than installed games, so deleting them is rarely the best first choice. If you do need to manage them, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings and select PS5 or PS4 saved data. Back up supported saves first if possible. Deleting a save can erase progress, and cloud copies may sync or be replaced depending on your settings.
Move games to storage, if available. With a compatible USB extended-storage drive connected, go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select the games, then choose the option to move them to USB Extended Storage. PS4 games can be played from compatible USB extended storage. PS5 games can be stored there but must be moved back to console storage or an installed M.2 SSD to play. You can also move games between console storage and a compatible M.2 SSD through the storage menus.
Check the free-space total and start the download. Return to Settings > Storage and confirm that enough space is available, with room beyond the listed download size. Start the download from your library or the Store. If it fails, note the exact message and check storage again before deleting anything else.

Common Mistakes

Freeing only the exact listed download size: the console may need additional working space for installation or updates. Leave a buffer and follow any space warning shown on screen.
Expecting a USB drive to play PS5 games: compatible USB extended storage can hold PS5 games, but you must move them to console storage or an M.2 SSD to play.
Deleting saved data instead of game files: saves contain progress. Remove unused game installations or captures first, and back up saves before managing them.
Assuming a deleted game is permanently lost: installed files can usually be downloaded again from your library, but access may depend on the account, license, disc, and availability of the game.
Removing captures without reviewing them: check clips and screenshots carefully. Deletion may be permanent if no separate copy exists.

Tips

Sort the Games and Apps list by size, if the option is available, to find large installations quickly.
Choose games you can easily reinstall, rather than deleting something you need for an upcoming session or cannot currently access.
Use a compatible M.2 SSD if you want extra storage for playing PS5 games. Check Sony’s current PS5 requirements for drive dimensions, interface, and performance before buying or installing one.
For USB extended storage, use a drive that meets the console’s requirements and follow the on-screen formatting instructions. Formatting erases the drive’s existing contents, so copy anything important elsewhere first.
After freeing space, retry the download from the library. If a download was paused or failed, resume it rather than repeatedly starting a new download.

Troubleshooting

The console still reports insufficient space: Return to Settings > Storage and check the available total after each deletion or move. Free additional space beyond the game’s listed size. If an update is also queued, it may need room as well.

A game will not move to USB storage: Confirm that the drive is connected, formatted as extended storage, and recognized under Storage. A drive used for extended storage may need to be formatted by the PS5, which erases its contents. Do not disconnect it while data is moving.

A PS5 game on USB storage will not launch: This is expected. Move it back to Console Storage or to an installed compatible M.2 SSD, then start it again.

The download is stuck or fails after space is cleared: Check that the console is connected to the internet, pause and resume the download, and restart the PS5 if needed. Check Storage once more. If an error message appears, use its specific guidance or consult PlayStation support rather than deleting saved data at random.

You deleted something by mistake: Check your game library to reinstall a game. For captures or saves, look for a separate backup or supported cloud copy; recovery is not guaranteed if no backup exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much free space should I leave for a large PS5 game?
There is no single buffer that works for every game. Start with the listed download size, then leave extra room for installation and updates. If the console requests more space, free additional storage.

Does deleting a game delete its saved data?
Deleting the installed game through Games and Apps is separate from managing saved data. Still, review the confirmation screen and avoid deleting saves unless intended.

Can I download a PS5 game directly to a USB drive?
You can store PS5 games on compatible USB extended storage, but you cannot play them from there. Move the game to console storage or a compatible M.2 SSD to play.

Can I delete a game and download it again later?
Usually, yes. Find it in your game library and download it again, provided you still have access to its license or disc and it remains available.

Will deleting screenshots free much space?
It depends on how many you have. Video clips can take considerably more room than individual screenshots, so review large recordings first.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to free up space?
No. You can delete or move content without it. PlayStation Plus is needed for cloud storage of saved data, but you can manage console storage without a subscription.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.