Free Up Your PS5: A Comprehensive Guide to Taming That Pesky “Other” Storage

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a powerhouse of gaming, but its internal storage can feel surprisingly limited, especially when the mysterious “Other” category starts hogging significant space. While you can’t eliminate “Other” storage entirely, you can manage it effectively.

The most effective way to reduce “Other” storage on your PS5 is by systematically addressing potential contributing factors:

1. Clear Cache Files: This is the most common culprit. Unfortunately, the PS5 doesn’t have a direct “Clear Cache” button. The best workaround is to rebuild the database (see instructions below). This clears out temporary files that accumulate over time.

2. Delete Unnecessary Data: Review your games and apps for anything you no longer use or need. Larger games, especially those with large updates or DLC, consume considerable storage.

3. Manage PS4 Game Data (If Applicable): “Other” storage often includes data related to PS4 games installed on your PS5’s SSD. If you primarily play PS5 games, consider moving PS4 games to an external hard drive.

4. Rebuild the Database: This is a more involved process, but often highly effective. To do this:

   • Turn off your PS5 completely (not Rest Mode).
   • Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps (this puts the console in Safe Mode).
   • Connect your DualSense controller via USB cable.
   • Select “Rebuild Database” from the Safe Mode menu.

   Warning: Rebuilding the database can take a significant amount of time, and may reset some of your settings.

5. Consider a Factory Reset (Last Resort): If nothing else works, a factory reset will erase all data on your console and return it to its original state. Back up your save data to the cloud or a USB drive first!

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of space consumed by “Other” on your PS5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About PS5 Storage

Why is “Other” Storage on My PS5 So High?

“Other” storage is a catch-all category that includes system data, cached files, game patches, and other miscellaneous data necessary for the PS5 to function correctly. It’s not a glitch, but rather a combination of various files that don’t fall into the “Games” or “Apps” categories. The amount of space it occupies can vary widely depending on your usage.

How Much Space Should “Other” Storage Typically Take Up?

There’s no fixed amount, but ideally, it should be well under 100GB. If it’s significantly higher (200GB+), it’s a good indication that you need to take steps to reduce it. Some users have reported seeing it climb to even 500GB with heavy usage!

Will Deleting Games Free Up Space in “Other” Storage?

Indirectly, yes. When you delete a game, the associated cache files and other temporary data stored in “Other” may also be removed. However, the primary benefit of deleting games is freeing up space directly within the “Games” category.

Does Using an External Hard Drive Reduce “Other” Storage?

Potentially. Moving PS4 games to an external hard drive can prevent their associated data from contributing to the “Other” storage on your PS5’s internal SSD. This is a useful strategy if you play a lot of PS4 games and want to maximize your SSD space for PS5 titles.

How Do I Delete Add-ons on PS5?

1. From the Home Screen, highlight your game.
2. Press the Options button on your controller.
3. Select Manage Game Content.
4. Select the Delete icon next to the add-on you wish to remove.

How Do I Check My PS5 Storage Usage?

Go to Settings > Storage. Here, you’ll see a breakdown of storage usage by category (Games, Apps, Media Gallery, Saved Data, and Other).

What’s the Difference Between “System Storage” and “Extended Storage” on PS5?

System Storage refers to the PS5’s internal SSD. Extended Storage refers to external USB drives or internal M.2 SSDs you’ve added to the console. You can move games and apps between these storage locations.

Does “Rest Mode” Affect “Other” Storage?

Potentially. “Rest Mode” allows the PS5 to download updates and perform other background tasks, which can contribute to the accumulation of cache files in “Other” storage. Regularly completely powering down your console can help prevent this.

How Can I Tell if My PS5 DLC is Installed?

1. Go to Games Home.
2. Select Game Library to see a full list of your purchased games.
3. Select your game.
4. In the Game Hub, scroll right to the Add ons section.
5. You’ll see all the add ons that are available for your game.

Will Formatting Extended Storage Delete Games?

Yes. Formatting extended storage will erase all data on the drive, including games, save data, and any other files. Back up anything important before formatting.

What’s the Best Way to Optimize My PS5 Storage?

• Regularly delete games you no longer play.
• Move PS4 games to an external hard drive.
• Rebuild the database periodically.
• Avoid excessive use of “Rest Mode”.
• Consider upgrading to a larger internal M.2 SSD.

What are M.2 SSDs and How Can They Expand My PS5 Storage?

M.2 SSDs are a type of high-speed internal storage drive that can be installed in the PS5’s expansion slot. They provide a significant storage boost and can even improve game loading times. Make sure to choose a drive that meets Sony’s specifications for compatibility.

Is it Safe to Rebuild the Database on My PS5?

Yes, rebuilding the database is generally safe. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your save data to the cloud or a USB drive as a precaution. Rebuilding the database may reset some of your settings, such as brightness and display preferences.

Why Does My PS5 Say “Not Enough Storage” Even When I Have Space?

This can happen if the PS5 is trying to download a very large file or if there’s fragmentation in your storage. Try rebuilding the database or freeing up more space to resolve the issue.

Where Can I Learn More About Game Technology and Education?

The field of game technology is constantly evolving, and understanding its applications in education is becoming increasingly important. You can find more information and resources at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society promotes research and innovation in the area of games and learning.

By understanding what “Other” storage is and how to manage it, you can keep your PS5 running smoothly and ensure you have plenty of space for the games you love. Good luck, and happy gaming!