How to Fix PS5 Storage Issues: A Complete Guide

How Does PS5 Store Data?

Before diving into how to fix PS5 storage issues, it’s essential to understand how the system manages data. The PS5 uses a custom SSD that offers high-speed read and write speeds. It enables quick load times and smooth gaming performance. However, this high-speed storage solution comes with limited capacity, and over time, the drive can become filled with game files, updates, and media.

The PS5 divides its storage into different sections:

• System Files: These include the operating system, system software, and pre-installed applications.
• Game Files: This includes both installed games and downloadable content (DLC), which can take up a large portion of your storage.
• Media Files: Photos, videos, and captured gameplay clips also consume space.

Due to these factors, managing storage effectively is crucial for keeping your PS5 running at its best.

How to Fix PS5 Storage Issues Effectively?

If your PS5 is running out of space, don't worry. There are several methods to expand or manage your storage more efficiently.

Method 1. Delete Unused Games and Apps

One of the simplest ways to free up storage on your PS5 is by deleting unused games and apps. Many users accumulate games and apps they no longer play or use, which can take up valuable space. Here’s how to get more storage on PS5 by removing these files:

Step 1: On the PS5 Home screen, click the Settings icon in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Go to Storage, then select Console Storage > Games and Apps.

Step 3: Pick the content you want to delete and press the Delete option.

Method 2. Remove Game Data

When you delete a game from your PS5, the game’s saved data still remains on your device. If you want to get more storage on PS5, follow these steps to remove the saved data as well.

Step 1: On the PS5 Home screen, click the Settings icon in the top-right corner.

Step 2: Go to Saved Data and Game/App Settings, then select Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4) > Console Storage.

Step 3: Select the files you want to delete, then press the Delete option.

Method 3. Move PS4 Games to an External USB Drive

If you have a collection of PS4 games on your PS5, moving PS4 games to an external USB drive can help you free up space for PS5 games.

Step 1: Plug a USB 3.0 or higher external hard drive into your PS5.

Step 2: Click the Settings icon in the top-right corner and select the Storage option.

Step 3: Choose Console Storage > Games and Apps.

Step 4: Choose the PS4 games or apps you want to move, and press the Select Items to Move option.

Step 5: Choose your external drive as the destination location and confirm the process.

Method 4. Transfer Games to an External M.2 NVMe SSD

Additionally, you can transfer PS5 games to an external drive to free up internal storage. However, unlike PS4 games, PS5 titles cannot be played directly from standard USB extended storage. You’ll need a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD that provides high-speed read and write performance. Follow these steps to move PS5 games to an M.2 NVMe SSD:

Step 1: Prepare a properly formatted M.2 NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 4.0, 250 GB to 4 TB capacity) and connect it to your PS5.

Step 2: Click the Settings icon in the upper-right corner, then select Storage.

Step 3: Navigate to Console Storage > Games and Apps.

Step 4: Choose the PS5 games or apps you want to transfer, and select Select Items to Move.

Step 5: Choose the M.2 NVMe SSD as the destination and confirm to begin the transfer.

Bonus Tip: Replace the PS5 Expansion Drive with a Large One

If you're frequently running out of space, consider upgrading your PS5 expansion storage with a larger M.2 NVMe SSD or external drive. To avoid data loss during the upgrade, it's recommended to clone your old disk to the new drive using AOMEI Partition Assistant. This powerful yet user-friendly tool allows you to securely clone SSDs or HDDs on Windows 11, 10, 8/8.1, and 7. Follow these steps to clone your current PS5 expansion drive to a larger one:

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

100% Secure

Step 1: Connect your drives to your Windows PC and ensure they are recognized. It is advised to create backups beforehand.

Step 2: Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, click "Clone" in the main interface, and select "Clone Disk".

Step 3: Choose the disk that you need to clone as the source disk (here is Disk 0) and click "Next".

Step 4: Select the destination disk (here is Disk 1) to store the data on the source disk, and then click "Next".

Step 5: Then, you can check the source and destination disk in the next window or change to “Sector to Sector clone”, and click the "Confirm" button to continue if there is no problem.

Here, you can also click the "Settings" button to adjust the partition size on the destination disk or tick "4k alignment" to improve the reading and writing speed of SSD if the target disk is an SSD drive.

Step 6: At last, click "Apply" and "Proceed" to start cloning the hard drive.

Step 7: Once the cloning process is complete, remove the old SSD from your PS5 and replace it with the new one.

AOMEI Partition Assistant not only supports full disk or partition cloning, but also allows you to migrate only the operating system, making it an excellent tool for data transfer or backup.

Final Words

The PS5 is popular among gamers, but some users struggle with its storage issues. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to fix PS5 storage issues. By following these methods, you can free up valuable space or expand your storage capacity. Don’t let storage constraints hold you back—use the right solutions to enhance your gaming experience.