USB Drive as PS4/PS5 Extra Storage: How-To

This guide shows you how to use a USB drive as extra memory on a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5. On PS4, a USB drive can store games, apps, and captures, freeing up internal space. On PS5, a USB drive can store and play PS4 games, and store (but not play) PS5 games, giving you more room for your library. You’ll need a USB 3.0 or faster drive with at least 250GB of storage for the best experience.

What You’ll Need

A USB drive (USB 3.0 or faster recommended) with at least 250GB of free space.
A PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console.
An available USB port on the console (front or back).
Optional: a USB hub if you need more ports.

Step-by-Step

Back up any important data on the USB drive. Formatting will erase everything on it. Connect the drive to a computer and copy any files you want to keep to another location.
Connect the USB drive to your PlayStation. Plug it into a USB port on the front or back of the console. On PS5, use the USB-C port on the front or a USB-A port on the back.
Turn on your PlayStation and go to Settings. From the home screen, select the gear icon at the top right (PS4) or top right of the home screen (PS5).
Navigate to Storage. On PS4: Settings > Storage. On PS5: Settings > Storage.
Select the USB drive. You’ll see it listed as a new device. Select it to see its current contents (if any) and options.
Format the USB drive for the console. On PS4: Select “Format as Extended Storage” and confirm. On PS5: Select “Format as USB Extended Storage” and confirm. This will erase the drive and prepare it for use with your console.
Wait for the format to complete. This can take a few minutes depending on the drive size and speed. Do not unplug the drive during this time.
Set the USB drive as the default install location (optional). On PS4: Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage > “Install Games to Extended Storage” and select it. On PS5: Go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > “Install PS4 Games to USB Extended Storage” to make it the default for PS4 games.
Move existing games to the USB drive. On PS4: Go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications. Press Options on a game and select “Move to Extended Storage.” On PS5: Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps. Select a game, press Options, and choose “Move to USB Extended Storage.” You can select multiple games at once.
Install new games directly to the USB drive. When downloading a game, choose the USB drive as the destination if prompted. On PS5, this only applies to PS4 games; PS5 games must be installed on the internal SSD.
Play games from the USB drive. Games stored on the USB drive will appear on your home screen and in your library. You can play them directly, but load times may be slightly longer than from the internal drive.
Safely remove the USB drive when done. Before unplugging, go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage and select “Safely Remove From PS5” or “Stop Using This Extended Storage” on PS4. This prevents data corruption.

Common Mistakes

Using a USB 2.0 drive. It will be too slow for games, causing long load times and potential stuttering. Always use USB 3.0 or faster.
Not formatting the drive. If you don’t format it, the console won’t recognize it as extended storage. You must format it even if it’s new.
Unplugging the drive without safely removing it. This can corrupt data and make the drive unusable. Always use the “Safely Remove” option.
Expecting PS5 games to run from USB. PS5 games cannot be played from a USB drive due to their speed requirements. They can only be stored there and copied back to the internal SSD.
Using a drive with too little capacity. A 128GB drive may hold only one or two modern games. For meaningful extra space, use at least 250GB.
Forgetting that formatting erases everything. Always back up important files before connecting the drive to your console.

Tips

Use a high-quality USB 3.1 or USB 3.2 drive. Faster drives will reduce load times and improve overall performance.
Choose an SSD over an HDD. A USB SSD (like a portable SSD) will give you much better performance than a traditional hard drive, especially for games with large open worlds.
Keep your USB drive cool. If the drive gets too hot, it may throttle performance or disconnect. Ensure it has adequate airflow.
Use a USB hub with external power. If you’re using multiple USB devices, a powered hub can prevent power issues.
Move games you play less often to the USB drive. Keep your most-played games on the internal drive for the fastest load times.
Regularly back up your save data. Game saves are stored on the console’s internal storage, not on the USB drive. Back them up to the cloud or another USB drive periodically.

Troubleshooting

The console doesn’t recognize the USB drive. Check that the drive is properly connected and that the USB port is working. Try a different port. Ensure the drive is USB 3.0 or faster. If it still isn’t recognized, try formatting the drive on a computer as exFAT or FAT32, then reconnect and format it on the console.
The console says the USB drive is too slow. This usually means you’re using a USB 2.0 drive or a very old USB 3.0 drive. Replace it with a faster drive. Also, avoid using a USB hub that may not provide enough power.
Games won’t move to the USB drive. On PS5, PS5 games cannot be moved to USB storage; only PS4 games can. On PS4, make sure the drive is formatted as extended storage and that you have enough free space.
The USB drive disconnects during gameplay. This can be due to power issues or a loose connection. Try a different USB port, use a shorter cable, or use a powered USB hub. Also, check that the drive isn’t overheating.
After unplugging, the drive shows as corrupted. If you didn’t safely remove it, the drive may become corrupted. Reconnect it and let the console attempt to repair it. If that fails, you may need to reformat the drive, which will erase all data on it.
The USB drive works but games are slow to load. This is expected with HDDs. Consider upgrading to a USB SSD for better performance. Also, make sure the drive is not nearly full; keep at least 10% free space.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any USB drive with my PlayStation?

You need a USB 3.0 or faster drive with at least 250GB of storage. The console will format it, so it must be a drive you’re willing to erase.

Can I play PS5 games from a USB drive?

No. PS5 games are designed to run only from the internal SSD. You can store PS5 games on a USB drive, but you must copy them back to the internal SSD to play them.

Will using a USB drive void my warranty?

No. Using a USB drive as extended storage is an officially supported feature of the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. It won’t void your warranty.

How many games can I store on a USB drive?

It depends on the drive size and game sizes. A 500GB drive can typically hold 10-15 average-sized games. Modern games can be 50-100GB each, so plan accordingly.

Can I use the same USB drive on both a PS4 and a PS5?

Yes, but you’ll need to format it again when switching between consoles. Formatting erases all data, so you’ll need to move games back to the original console before switching.

Do I need to keep the USB drive plugged in all the time?

Yes, if you want to play games stored on it. If you unplug it, those games won’t be accessible until you reconnect the drive. You can safely remove it when not in use, but you’ll need to plug it back in to play those games.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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