How To Uninstall PlayStation Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Uninstalling games from your PlayStation console is a straightforward process, but it can vary slightly depending on whether you’re using a PS4 or a PS5. The core principle remains the same: you need to navigate to your game library, select the game you wish to remove, and then choose the delete option. This article will guide you through the step-by-step instructions for both consoles and provide answers to many frequently asked questions you may have about the process.

How To Uninstall Games on PS4

Here’s how to delete games on a PS4:

1. Go to Your Game Library: From the PlayStation home screen, navigate to your Game Library. It is typically located towards the right side of the screen.
2. Select the Game: Browse through your library and highlight the game you want to uninstall.
3. Press the Options Button: Once the game is highlighted, press the Options button on your DualShock 4 controller. This button is usually located to the right of the touchpad.
4. Choose Delete: A menu will appear on the screen. Select the “Delete” option from this menu.
5. Confirm Deletion: A confirmation screen will appear asking if you are sure you want to delete the game. Select “OK” to confirm the deletion and remove the game from your console.

Once the deletion is complete, the game will be removed from your console’s storage. This process will only remove the game files; your save data remains intact unless you explicitly delete it separately.

How To Uninstall Games on PS5

The process for deleting games on a PS5 is similar to the PS4, but the interface is different:

1. Access Your Game Library: From the PS5 home screen, navigate to your Game Library. This can be found by selecting the icon furthest to the right on the top row.
2. Go to the Installed Tab: In your game library, make sure you are on the “Installed” tab. This ensures that you are viewing the games currently on your console, not just all the games you own.
3. Select the Game: Find and highlight the game you want to delete.
4. Press the Options Button: Press the Options button on your DualSense controller. This button is to the right of the touchpad, similar to the PS4 controller.
5. Select Delete: From the menu that appears, select “Delete“.
6. Confirm Deletion: Confirm that you want to delete the game and it will be removed from your console’s storage.

Similar to the PS4, deleting a game on a PS5 will not remove your saved game data unless you choose to do so.

Additional Tips for Managing PlayStation Storage

• Consider Extended Storage: If you’re consistently running out of space on your console, consider using an external hard drive. Both the PS4 and PS5 allow you to use external USB storage devices to expand your storage capacity.
• Manage Saved Data Separately: Remember, deleting a game does not delete your saved progress. You’ll need to manage save data separately if you want to free up additional space.
• Regularly Check Your Storage: To avoid constant storage issues, it’s helpful to check your storage usage periodically and delete games you’re no longer playing. You can do this via the Settings menu on both PS4 and PS5.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about uninstalling PlayStation games to provide even more detail:

1. Does uninstalling a game on PS4 or PS5 delete my save data?

No, uninstalling a game only removes the game files. Your saved game data, including your progress and settings, is stored separately and will remain on your console unless you explicitly delete it. This allows you to pick up where you left off if you reinstall the game later.

2. How do I delete save data for a game on PS4?

To delete saved data on a PS4: Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Delete. Select the game and then choose the save files you want to remove.

3. How do I delete save data for a game on PS5?

To delete saved data on a PS5: Go to Settings > Storage > Saved Data (PS5 Games) or Saved Data (PS4 Games). Select the game and then choose the save files you want to delete.

4. Can I reinstall a deleted game without repurchasing it?

Yes, as long as you have purchased the game digitally or you still have the physical disc, you can re-download it from your library or reinstall it from the disc without having to repurchase the game.

5. What if I deleted a PlayStation Plus game?

If you delete a game obtained through PlayStation Plus, you can re-download it from your library as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. If your subscription lapses, you will not be able to access the game.

6. Can I delete the PS4 version of a game if I have the PS5 version?

Yes, you can delete the PS4 version of a game on your PS5 to free up storage space, especially if you are playing the PS5 version. The steps are the same as deleting any other game on the console.

7. Will deleting a game make my PlayStation faster?

Yes, freeing up space on your console can improve performance, especially if your hard drive is nearly full. Deleting large games can provide a noticeable speed boost.

8. How do I find deleted games in my library?

Deleted games will not appear in your “Installed” list, but they will still appear in your overall library (or “All Games” tab), ready to re-download. You can search for them by name in your library.

9. Can I delete a game from the PlayStation App?

No, you cannot delete games directly from the PlayStation App. Deletion must be done directly on the console.

10. What happens if my PS4 storage is full?

If your PS4 storage is full, you will not be able to install new games, updates, or save game progress. You’ll need to free up space to continue using your console properly.

11. Can I move games from my PS4 to an external hard drive?

Yes, both PS4 and PS5 allow you to move games to an external USB storage device. This can be done via the Storage settings menu.

12. What is the difference between deleting and uninstalling?

On a PlayStation, “deleting” a game essentially means “uninstalling” it. Both terms refer to removing the game files from your console’s hard drive. The process doesn’t affect your saved game data.

13. What if a game won’t uninstall?

If a game fails to uninstall through the standard methods, restart your PlayStation and try again. If the issue persists, try rebuilding the database through Safe Mode.

14. How do I free up more space on my PlayStation?

Besides deleting games, consider deleting other media such as screenshots, videos, and old game clips. Also consider using cloud storage for your saved data.

15. Is there a limit to how much save data I can have on PS4?

Yes, there’s a limit of 1GB for saved data on the PS4. Once that limit is reached you must remove saved data in order to have space again. The PS5 has a much larger limit.

By following these instructions and understanding these frequently asked questions, you should have no trouble managing the games and storage on your PlayStation console. Remember to always manage your storage regularly to ensure your console performs optimally.