How to Use USB on PS5: A Comprehensive Guide
You can use USB devices on your PS5 for various purposes, including expanding storage, transferring data, connecting peripherals, and charging devices. Simply plug the USB device into one of the PS5’s USB ports, and the console will usually recognize it automatically.
Understanding PS5 USB Ports
The PS5 features both USB-A and USB-C ports, each offering different speeds and functionalities. Understanding these differences is crucial for optimal usage.
- Front USB Ports: The front of the PS5 has one USB-A (Hi-Speed USB) port and one USB-C (SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps) port. The USB-C port is faster and ideal for transferring large files or connecting high-performance devices.
- Rear USB Ports: The rear of the PS5 houses two USB-A (SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps) ports. These are suitable for connecting external hard drives for game storage and other peripherals that don’t necessarily require the highest speeds.
It’s essential to note the specifications of your USB device to determine which port will provide the best performance. Devices like external SSDs will benefit greatly from being connected to the USB-C port for faster transfer speeds.
Using USB for External Storage on PS5
One of the primary uses of USB on the PS5 is for external storage. While the internal storage of the PS5 is fast thanks to its SSD, it can quickly fill up with games, especially with the increasing size of modern titles. Using an external USB drive offers a convenient way to expand your storage capacity.
Setting Up External Storage
- Connect the USB drive: Plug your external hard drive into one of the rear USB-A ports on the PS5. Ensure the drive meets the minimum requirements (more on this below).
- Format the Drive: Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage. The PS5 will detect the connected drive. Select Format as Extended Storage. This will erase all data on the drive, so ensure you’ve backed up anything important beforehand.
- Follow the On-Screen Instructions: The PS5 will guide you through the formatting process. Once completed, your external drive is ready to store PS4 games and game data.
Important Considerations for External Storage
- Minimum Requirements: Your external hard drive must be a USB 3.0 or later drive with a capacity between 250 GB and 8 TB.
- Game Compatibility: You can only store and play PS4 games on an external hard drive. PS5 games cannot be played from an external drive; they must be installed on the internal SSD or an officially licensed NVMe SSD installed in the console’s expansion slot. You can, however, store PS5 games on an external USB drive but only for archival purposes. You will need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play.
- Performance: While PS4 games will run adequately from an external hard drive, you might experience slightly longer loading times compared to running them from the internal SSD.
Using USB for Data Transfer
USB drives are also useful for transferring data to and from your PS5.
Transferring Saved Data
You can use a USB drive to back up your saved game data, which is a good practice to protect your progress in case of any issues with your console.
- Connect the USB Drive: Plug a USB drive into one of the PS5’s USB ports.
- Go to Saved Data: Navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- Copy to USB Drive: Select “Copy to USB Drive” (or “Copy to USB Storage Device” for PS4 saves). Choose the games you want to back up and select “Copy”.
You can restore saved data from the USB drive by selecting “Copy from USB Drive” (or “Copy from USB Storage Device”) and following the prompts.
Transferring Screenshots and Video Clips
The PS5 allows you to transfer screenshots and video clips to a USB drive for sharing or archiving.
- Connect the USB Drive: Plug a USB drive into a USB port on the PS5.
- Go to Capture Gallery: Open the Capture Gallery from the PS5’s home screen.
- Select Content: Choose the screenshots or video clips you want to transfer.
- Copy to USB Drive: Press the Options button on your controller and select “Copy to USB Drive”.
Using USB for Peripherals and Accessories
The PS5 supports a wide range of USB peripherals and accessories, including controllers, headsets, keyboards, and mice.
Connecting Controllers
You can connect additional DualSense controllers to the PS5 using a USB cable for local multiplayer gaming. Simply plug the controller into a USB port, and the console will recognize it. Once connected, you can assign the controller to a user profile.
Connecting Headsets
Many gaming headsets connect to the PS5 via USB. Plug the USB receiver or the headset directly into a USB port, and the console should automatically recognize it. You might need to adjust audio settings in the Sound section of the PS5’s settings menu to ensure the headset is properly configured.
Connecting Keyboards and Mice
You can connect a USB keyboard and mouse to the PS5 for navigating the console’s interface and for playing games that support these input devices. Plug the devices into the USB ports, and they should be recognized immediately.
Using USB for Charging
You can use the USB ports on the PS5 to charge various devices, including DualSense controllers, smartphones, and other USB-powered gadgets.
Charging DualSense Controllers
The most common use of USB for charging on the PS5 is for the DualSense controller. Simply connect the controller to a USB port using a USB-C cable. The controller will charge while the console is on or in rest mode.
Charging Other Devices
You can also charge other devices, such as smartphones and tablets, using the PS5’s USB ports. However, the charging speed might be slower compared to using a dedicated wall charger.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What type of USB drive is best for PS5 external storage?
An external USB 3.0 or later drive is recommended for PS5 external storage. An external SSD will generally offer faster load times for PS4 games compared to a traditional HDD.
2. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external USB drive?
No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from an external USB drive. PS5 games must be installed on the internal SSD or an officially licensed NVMe SSD installed in the console’s expansion slot to be played. You can, however, store PS5 games on an external USB drive but only for archival purposes.
3. How do I format a USB drive for use with my PS5?
Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage. Select the USB drive and choose “Format as Extended Storage”. Remember that formatting will erase all data on the drive.
4. What is the maximum size USB drive supported by the PS5?
The PS5 supports external USB drives with a capacity between 250 GB and 8 TB.
5. Can I use a USB hub with my PS5?
While it’s possible to use a USB hub with the PS5, it’s generally not recommended. USB hubs can sometimes cause compatibility issues or reduce performance. Direct connections are usually more reliable.
6. How do I transfer saved data from my PS4 to my PS5 using a USB drive?
On your PS4, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device. Then, on your PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Copy from USB Drive.
7. Why is my USB drive not being recognized by my PS5?
Several factors can cause this. Ensure the USB drive is properly formatted (FAT32 or exFAT), that it meets the minimum requirements, and that the USB port on the PS5 is functioning correctly. Try using a different USB port. You can also test the USB drive on another device to verify if the drive itself is working.
8. Can I use a USB drive to install system software updates on my PS5?
Yes, you can. Download the latest PS5 system software update from the official PlayStation website. Create a folder named “PS5” on the USB drive, and inside that folder, create another folder named “UPDATE”. Place the update file (named “PS5UPDATE.PUP”) in the “UPDATE” folder. Then, connect the USB drive to your PS5 and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.
9. Does the PS5 support USB OTG (On-The-Go)?
The PS5 does not explicitly advertise support for USB OTG. While some basic functionalities might work, it’s not a guaranteed feature for all USB OTG devices.
10. Can I use a USB microphone with my PS5?
Yes, many USB microphones are compatible with the PS5. Simply plug the microphone into a USB port, and it should be recognized. Adjust the audio input settings in the Sound section of the PS5’s settings menu.
11. Will using an external USB drive affect the performance of my PS5?
Using an external USB drive primarily affects the loading times of PS4 games. While you might notice a slight increase in loading times compared to running games from the internal SSD, the overall performance of the PS5 itself should not be significantly affected.
12. Can I watch movies from a USB drive on my PS5?
Yes, the PS5 supports playing media files, including movies, from a USB drive. Use the Media Gallery app to browse and play the files. Make sure the files are in a supported format (e.g., MP4, AVI).
13. Are there any security risks associated with using USB drives on my PS5?
Using USB drives from untrusted sources can pose security risks. Always scan USB drives with antivirus software before connecting them to your PS5. Avoid using USB drives from unknown or suspicious sources.
14. How do I safely remove a USB drive from my PS5?
To safely remove a USB drive, go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage. Select the drive and choose “Safely Remove”. This will prevent data corruption.
15. Can I connect multiple USB devices using a USB splitter/hub?
While possible, using a USB splitter/hub is not recommended due to potential bandwidth limitations and compatibility issues. For best performance and reliability, connect each USB device directly to the PS5’s USB ports.