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Why is My “Other” Storage on My PS5 So High? A Deep Dive & Expert Solutions

Is your PlayStation 5’s storage disappearing faster than a speedrunner hitting a skip? You’re not alone. Many PS5 owners find themselves baffled by the “Other” storage category, which can seemingly balloon to an alarming size, eating away at precious space meant for games. The short answer is this: “Other” storage on your PS5 primarily consists of system files, game patches, saved game data, media gallery content, and most significantly, files related to PS4 games (especially if you’re playing PS4 games). The operating system, required game updates, and captured screenshots or videos are all stored in this “Other” category. PS4 game files are the number one culprit for many users. Let’s unpack this further and explore how to reclaim that lost storage.

Understanding the PS5 Storage Landscape

The PS5 boasts a custom-built 825GB SSD (Solid State Drive), a significant upgrade over previous generations’ hard drives. This SSD is crucial for the PS5’s lightning-fast loading times and enhanced performance. However, the usable storage space out of that 825GB is actually around 667GB. This difference accounts for the operating system and other essential system files.

Within this 667GB, storage is broadly divided into:

Games and Apps: Where your installed PS5 and PS4 games live.
Media Gallery: Your captured screenshots and video clips.
Saved Data: Game progress and settings.
Other: The mysterious category that we’re dissecting today.

The “Other” category acts as a catch-all for anything that doesn’t neatly fit into the other three. It’s this ambiguous nature that makes it frustrating to manage.

Decoding the “Other” Storage Culprits

So, what exactly is hogging all that space within the “Other” category? Here’s a breakdown of the main offenders:

PS4 Game Files: This is, by far, the most common reason for a large “Other” storage allocation. Even if you’re playing PS4 games from an external drive, certain files (like game updates, save data, and compatibility files) may be stored on the internal SSD under the “Other” category.
System Files: These are essential for the PS5’s operation and include the operating system, system updates, and various background processes. While generally small, these files can accumulate over time.
Game Patches and Updates: As games receive updates and patches, the downloaded files are temporarily stored in the “Other” category during the installation process. Sometimes, leftover patch files might not be completely removed after the update, contributing to the “Other” storage size.
Saved Game Data: While individual save files are typically small, some games have exceptionally large save data, especially those with extensive open worlds or complex progression systems.
Media Gallery: Screenshots and video clips captured using the PS5’s built-in recording tools can quickly fill up storage space. High-resolution videos, in particular, can be quite large.
Corrupted Data: In rare cases, corrupted data files can contribute to the “Other” storage size. These files are essentially broken and unusable, yet they still occupy space.

Strategies for Taming Your “Other” Storage

Now that we understand the potential causes, let’s explore practical solutions for reducing the “Other” storage on your PS5:

Manage PS4 Games and Data:
- Identify PS4 Games Stored Internally: Even if you primarily play PS4 games from an external drive, some game files might still be stored on the internal SSD. Go to Settings > Storage > Games and Apps > PS4. Review the list and delete any PS4 games or data that are stored internally but not actively being played.
- Move PS4 Games to External Storage: If you have PS4 games installed on the internal SSD, consider moving them to an external hard drive. This will free up valuable space on the internal SSD, potentially reducing the “Other” storage size. You can do this in Settings > Storage > Games and Apps > PS4 > Move to Extended Storage.
Review and Delete Media Gallery Content:
- Clean Out Screenshots and Videos: Regularly review your Media Gallery and delete any unwanted screenshots or video clips. Be especially mindful of high-resolution videos, which consume significant storage space. You can find this in Media Gallery.
- Transfer Media to External Storage: If you want to keep your screenshots and videos, consider transferring them to an external storage device or a cloud service for safekeeping.
Manage Saved Data:
- Delete Old Save Files: If you have completed games or no longer need certain save files, delete them to free up space. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- Back Up Saves to the Cloud: Consider backing up your save data to PlayStation Plus cloud storage. This allows you to delete local save files without losing your game progress.
Rebuild Database (Advanced):
- A Last Resort: This method should be used with caution, as it can potentially lead to data loss if not performed correctly. Rebuilding the database scans the drive and creates a new database of all content. This can sometimes resolve issues with corrupted data or inefficient storage allocation. To rebuild the database, turn off your PS5 completely. Then, press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds). Connect your controller via USB, and select “Rebuild Database” from the Safe Mode menu. Note: This process can take a considerable amount of time.
Factory Reset (Extreme):
- The Nuclear Option: Only consider a factory reset as a last resort, as it will erase all data on your PS5. Back up any important data before proceeding. To perform a factory reset, go to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console.

Proactive Storage Management Tips

Use External Storage Wisely: Utilizing an external hard drive for PS4 games and media files is an excellent way to offload data from the internal SSD and prevent the “Other” category from growing excessively. PS5 games can be stored on external drives, but must be transferred to internal storage to be played.
Regularly Review Storage Usage: Periodically check your PS5’s storage usage to identify potential issues early on. This allows you to take proactive steps to manage your storage and prevent it from becoming full. Navigate to Settings > Storage to view a detailed breakdown of your storage usage.
Consider Upgrading Internal Storage: The PS5 allows you to install a compatible internal SSD to expand your storage capacity. This is a more expensive solution, but it provides a permanent and seamless way to increase your available storage.
Optimize Media Capture Settings: Reduce the resolution and length of your video clips to minimize their file size. Consider using shorter recording times for gameplay highlights.
Stay Informed with Games Learning Society: Keep up-to-date with the latest PS5 news and tips by visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 “Other” Storage

1. How do I check what’s taking up space in “Other” storage?

Unfortunately, the PS5 doesn’t provide a detailed breakdown of what specifically constitutes the “Other” storage category. You can only see the total amount of space it occupies. The tips outlined above (managing PS4 games, media, etc.) are the best ways to indirectly reduce it.

2. Will deleting PS4 games from my external drive reduce “Other” storage?

Not directly. The “Other” storage is affected by the PS4 game files that reside on the internal SSD. Deleting games from your external drive will only free up space on that external drive.

3. Does Rest Mode affect “Other” storage?

Rest Mode, which allows for background downloads and system updates, can indirectly affect “Other” storage. While the console is in Rest Mode, it may download game patches and system updates, which are temporarily stored in the “Other” category.

4. Is it safe to rebuild the PS5 database?

Yes, rebuilding the PS5 database is generally safe, but it’s always a good idea to back up your data beforehand as a precaution. Make sure the console is not interrupted during the rebuilding process.

5. Will deleting the cache on PS5 help with “Other” storage?

Unlike Android phones, there isn’t a simple “Clear Cache” button for the entire system on the PS5. The console handles caching automatically. Clearing saved game data and managing PS4 games are the most effective means to clear out space.

6. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive?

No. While you can store PS5 games on an external drive, you cannot play them directly from there. PS5 games are designed to utilize the ultra-fast internal SSD. You must transfer the game back to the internal storage before playing.

7. How often should I clean up my “Other” storage?

It depends on your usage. If you frequently install and uninstall games, capture a lot of media, or play a lot of PS4 games, you should review your storage more often (e.g., monthly). If you have a more limited gaming library and capture less media, you can check it less frequently (e.g., every few months).

8. What happens if my PS5 storage is completely full?

If your PS5 storage is completely full, you will not be able to download new games, save game progress, or capture media. You may also experience performance issues.

9. Does having more storage make my PS5 run faster?

Not directly. While having more storage doesn’t inherently make the PS5 run faster, it prevents performance issues that can arise when the storage is nearly full. Keeping at least 10-15% of your storage free is recommended.

10. Is it worth upgrading my PS5 storage?

If you consistently struggle with storage space, upgrading your PS5 storage is definitely worth considering. An internal SSD upgrade offers the best performance, while an external hard drive provides a more affordable solution for storing PS4 games and media.

11. Can I use any external hard drive with my PS5?

No. The PS5 supports external hard drives connected via USB. For PS4 games, you can use a USB 3.0 or later hard drive. However, to store PS5 games, it must be compatible. Make sure to format it correctly.

12. Why is the usable storage on my PS5 less than advertised?

The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, but only about 667GB is usable. This is because the operating system, firmware, and other essential system files occupy a portion of the storage space.

13. Will deleting a game completely remove all related data from “Other” storage?

Ideally, yes. When you delete a game, all associated files (including game data, updates, and potentially some compatibility files) should be removed. However, there might be rare instances where leftover files remain.

14. Does cloud storage affect “Other” storage?

No. Cloud storage is separate from the internal storage on your PS5. Backing up your save data to the cloud does not directly impact the “Other” storage category.

15. Where can I learn more about optimizing my PS5 gaming experience?

Stay informed and elevate your gaming knowledge with expert insights and resources available at the Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/).

Why is my other storage on my PS5 so high?