How to transfer games to PS5 external hard drive

Transferring games to a PS5 external hard drive is not a difficult task and it is important to know how. Using a hard drive allows you to store your games on separate devices and free up PS5 storage for more games and files. It’s worth admitting that you’ll lose faster SDD processing power, but you’ll probably appreciate the space if you want to have more gaming options.

Fortunately, the PS5 supports a wide variety of external storage options, so if you need to buy one, be sure to check out our best PS5 external hard drive guide for our best options. We also have a guide to the best PS5 SSD options that will ensure you get the best possible SSD for super fast loading. Either way, let’s explore the various methods of transferring games to a PS5 external hard drive below.

How to transfer PS4 games to PS5 external hard drive

As mentioned earlier, a new PS5 system update now allows you to transfer PS5 games as well as PS4 games to a suitable external USB or USB-C hard drive or portable SSD.

This includes all the PS Plus Collection games available to download for free from launch if you’re a PlayStation Plus subscriber, anything you want to redownload from your PS4 library on PS5. and now you can keep all these games by getting a free PS5 upgrade.

Remember though, while you can now store PS5 games externally, you can only play them when you move them back to your PS5’s internal SSD. PS4 games, on the other hand, can be played directly from an external storage device, freeing up even more space on your PS5. Streaming games on both platforms is definitely faster than re-downloading them.

To stream your PS4 and PS5 games, go to:

Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games & Apps

In this menu, press R1 to go to the “Items You Can Move” tab and then select the games and applications you want to transfer to your external hard drive or press select all to move all available content.

To avoid having to constantly monitor your uploads, it’s worth checking the checkbox that says “Always Install PS4 Games on Expanded Storage” at:

Settings > Storage > Extended Storage

How to use PS4 external hard drive with PS5

But wait, there’s more good news if you’re already using a PS4 external hard drive with your PS4 – and if you’ve been on the PS4 train for a few years you will likely use it.

You can take your PS4 external hard drive and plug it directly into your PS5, it will recognize all your games. Heck, it even queues PS5-specific updates for those installed there. Cheat!

PS5 review | How to eject PS5 disc | How to use PS5 with PS4 controller | Where is the PS5 power button | PS5 standby mode explained | Upcoming PS5 games | PS5 deals | PS5 stock updates | The best PS5 headsets