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Transfer PS4 Games and Save Data to PS5

Updated · Standard formula, shown below

Transfer PS4 Games and Save Data to PS5

Moving to a PS5 doesn’t mean leaving your PS4 library behind. This guide walks you through transferring both your games and save files, whether you’re setting up a new console or upgrading an existing one. You’ll learn the fastest methods, what to watch out for, and how to fix common hiccups.

What You’ll Need

  • A PS4 and a PS5 (both connected to the same network, ideally via Ethernet for speed)
  • Both consoles signed in to the same PlayStation Network account
  • Enough free storage on the PS5 (internal SSD or compatible external drive)
  • Optional: an external USB drive (USB 3.0 or later) for manual transfer
  • Optional: a PlayStation Plus subscription for cloud saves (Essential tier or higher)

Step-by-Step

Method 1: Wireless or Wired Data Transfer (PS5 Setup)

  1. During initial PS5 setup, when prompted, choose Transfer Data from a PS4.
  2. Make sure your PS4 is on and connected to the same network as the PS5.
  3. On the PS5, select the PS4 console you want to transfer from.
  4. Choose the data you want: games, saved data, and settings. You can select all or pick specific items.
  5. Start the transfer. Both consoles must stay on and connected until it finishes. Time depends on the amount of data and network speed.

Method 2: External Storage (PS4 Games Only)

  1. On your PS4, go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications.
  2. Press Options and select Move to Extended Storage. Pick the games you want to move and confirm.
  3. Once done, safely eject the drive and plug it into your PS5.
  4. On the PS5, go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage and select the games to copy to the console’s SSD.
  5. You can also play PS4 games directly from the external drive on PS5, but they won’t benefit from the faster load times.

Method 3: Cloud Saves (Save Files Only)

  1. On your PS4, ensure you have PlayStation Plus and that cloud saves are enabled: Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Auto-Upload.
  2. Before switching, manually upload any saves you want: Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage.
  3. On PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage.
  4. Select Download to Console Storage and pick the saves you need.

Method 4: USB Drive for Save Files

  1. On PS4, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Drive.
  2. Select the saves and copy them to the USB drive (formatted as FAT32 or exFAT).
  3. Plug the drive into the PS5 and go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive.
  4. Choose Copy to Console Storage and select the files.

Common Mistakes

  • Not signing into the same PSN account: Both consoles must use the same account for transfers and cloud saves.
  • Using a USB drive that’s too small or slow: For game transfers, use a drive with at least 250GB and USB 3.0. For saves, any small USB stick works, but it must be FAT32 or exFAT.
  • Starting a transfer while the PS4 is in rest mode: The transfer can fail or hang. Keep both consoles fully powered on.
  • Forgetting to upload saves before selling/trading the PS4: If you don’t have cloud or USB backups, you’ll lose them.
  • Assuming all PS4 games are compatible: A very small number of games don’t work on PS5. Check Sony’s official list before relying on the transfer.

Tips

  • Use a wired Ethernet connection for the direct transfer – it’s much faster than Wi-Fi.
  • Transfer only the games you’re currently playing to save time. You can re-download the rest from your library later.
  • After transferring, check for PS5 upgrades or patches for your PS4 games – many offer free performance boosts.
  • If you have a PS4 Pro, consider using the ‘Boost Mode’ setting on PS5 for better performance on older titles.
  • For save files, always upload to the cloud as a backup even if you use a USB drive – it’s one extra layer of safety.

Troubleshooting

Transfer fails or stops midway

  • Restart both consoles and try again. Make sure no other downloads are running.
  • Check that both are on the same network and that the network is stable.
  • If using Wi-Fi, switch to Ethernet cables for both consoles.

Games appear but saves are missing

  • Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) and check both Cloud and USB options.
  • If you used the direct transfer, ensure you selected ‘Saved Data’ in the transfer options – it’s easy to uncheck by accident.

External drive not recognized on PS5

  • Make sure the drive is formatted as exFAT or FAT32. NTFS won’t work.
  • Try a different USB port on the PS5 (the back ports are recommended).
  • If the drive has multiple partitions, only the first one is recognized.

Cloud save download says ‘no data found’

  • Verify you’re on the same PSN account that uploaded the saves.
  • Check that the game’s save is actually in the cloud – sometimes auto-upload fails. Manually upload again from the PS4 if you still have it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play PS4 games directly from an external drive on PS5?

Yes, you can play PS4 games directly from a compatible external USB drive on PS5. However, you won’t get the faster load times that come from the internal SSD.

Will my PS4 game saves work with the PS5 version of the same game?

Usually yes, but not always. For most games, saves transfer between PS4 and PS5 versions. Some games require you to upload the save within the game itself or use a special transfer tool. Check the game’s instructions.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to transfer saves?

No. You can transfer saves via LAN cable, USB drive, or the direct transfer feature without a subscription. Cloud saves require PlayStation Plus.

Can I transfer data from a PS4 that’s already been set up?

Yes. You can initiate a transfer anytime by going to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer on the PS5, as long as both consoles are on the same network.

How long does the transfer take?

It depends on the amount of data and your network. A 50GB game might take 20-30 minutes over Wi-Fi, but much faster with Ethernet. The PS5 will show a progress bar.

What happens to my PS4 after the transfer?

Nothing – your PS4 keeps all its data. The transfer copies, not moves. You can continue using your PS4 or sell it after wiping it.

Related

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