How to Save to USB on PS5: A Comprehensive Guide

Saving data to a USB drive on your PlayStation 5 (PS5) is a crucial function for backing up your saves, transferring media, and even expanding your storage. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process step-by-step and answer frequently asked questions, ensuring you can easily manage your data.

How do you save to USB on PS5?

The PS5 allows you to save various types of data to a USB drive, primarily game saves and screenshots/video clips. You can also use a USB drive as extended storage for playing PS4 games. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

• Formatting the USB Drive: The USB drive needs to be formatted correctly. For game saves, screenshots, and video clips, the drive should be formatted as exFAT or FAT32. For extended storage (PS4 games only), the drive must be formatted as exFAT and meet the necessary specifications (see FAQs).

• Connecting the USB Drive: Plug the USB drive into one of the USB ports on your PS5 (either on the front or the back of the console).

• Transferring Game Saves:

  1. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
  2. Select Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4) depending on the save data you want to transfer.
  3. Choose Console Storage.
  4. Select Copy to USB Drive.
  5. Choose the games and save files you want to copy and press Copy.

• Transferring Screenshots and Video Clips:

  1. Go to Media Gallery.
  2. Select the screenshot or video clip you want to transfer.
  3. Press the Options button on your controller.
  4. Select Copy to USB Drive.
  5. Choose the destination folder (or create a new one) and press Copy.

• Using USB Drive as Extended Storage (PS4 Games Only):

  1. Go to Settings > Storage.
  2. Select Extended Storage.
  3. Select Format as Extended Storage. Warning: This will erase all data on the USB drive.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to format the drive.
  5. Once formatted, you can move PS4 games to the extended storage. Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps to manage the data.

Understanding PS5 USB Functionality

The PS5 offers limited but valuable USB functionality. Understanding its limitations is as important as knowing how to use it. The primary uses are for backups, media transfer, and extended storage for PS4 games.

Limitations of USB Storage on PS5

• PS5 Games Cannot Be Played from USB Extended Storage: Unlike PS4 games, you cannot install or play PS5 games directly from a USB external drive. You can only store them there for archival purposes. You will need to copy them back to the internal SSD to play them.
• Formatting is Required: Formatting a USB drive erases all data on it. Ensure you back up any important files before formatting.
• Not All USB Drives Are Compatible: Some USB drives may not be compatible with the PS5 due to formatting issues or other technical reasons. If you encounter problems, try a different USB drive.
• Media Playback Limitations: The PS5 supports a range of media formats for playback from USB, but it might not support every single format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about saving to USB on the PS5:

FAQ 1: What file system should my USB drive be formatted in to save game saves?

For transferring game saves, your USB drive should be formatted as exFAT or FAT32.

FAQ 2: Can I play PS5 games directly from a USB external hard drive?

No, you cannot play PS5 games directly from a USB external hard drive. PS5 games require the console’s internal SSD for optimal performance. You can store them on a USB drive for archival purposes, but you will need to transfer them back to the console’s internal SSD to play them.

FAQ 3: How do I format my USB drive to exFAT on Windows?

1. Connect the USB drive to your computer.
2. Open File Explorer.
3. Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.
4. In the File system dropdown menu, select exFAT.
5. Click Start and wait for the formatting process to complete.

FAQ 4: How do I format my USB drive to exFAT on macOS?

1. Connect the USB drive to your computer.
2. Open Disk Utility (found in Applications/Utilities).
3. Select your USB drive from the list on the left.
4. Click Erase.
5. In the Format dropdown menu, select exFAT.
6. Click Erase and wait for the formatting process to complete.

FAQ 5: What type of USB drive is recommended for extended storage (PS4 games)?

For extended storage to be used with PS4 games, Sony recommends a USB 3.0 or later drive with a minimum capacity of 250 GB and a maximum capacity of 8 TB.

FAQ 6: Why can’t I see my USB drive on the PS5?

There are several reasons why the PS5 might not recognize your USB drive:

• Incorrect File System: Ensure the drive is formatted as exFAT or FAT32 (for saves and media) or exFAT (for extended storage).
• Drive Compatibility: Some USB drives might not be compatible with the PS5.
• Damaged USB Drive: The USB drive could be damaged.
• USB Port Issue: The USB port on the PS5 could be faulty. Try a different USB port.
• Power Issue: The USB drive may require more power than the PS5 port provides. Try using a powered USB hub.

FAQ 7: Can I save PS5 games directly to extended storage?

No, you cannot save PS5 games directly to extended storage on a USB drive. PS5 games must be installed on the internal SSD or a compatible internal NVMe SSD.

FAQ 8: How do I move a PS4 game from the internal storage to extended storage?

1. Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps.
2. Select the Games tab.
3. Press the Options button on your controller.
4. Select Move to Extended Storage.
5. Choose the games you want to move and press Move.

FAQ 9: Will moving PS4 games to extended storage affect their performance?

Generally, playing PS4 games from extended storage offers similar performance to playing them from the internal storage. However, there might be slight differences depending on the speed of the USB drive. Using a faster USB drive is recommended.

FAQ 10: Can I use a USB hub to connect multiple USB drives to my PS5?

Yes, you can use a USB hub to connect multiple USB drives to your PS5. However, using a powered USB hub is recommended to ensure that all drives receive sufficient power. Also, be mindful of the total bandwidth available; multiple devices transferring data simultaneously through a single hub could impact performance.

FAQ 11: How do I delete saves from the USB drive?

1. Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
2. Select Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
3. Choose USB Drive.
4. Select Delete.
5. Choose the games and save files you want to delete and press Delete.

FAQ 12: Is there a limit to the number of screenshots and video clips I can save to a USB drive?

The limit depends on the capacity of your USB drive. As long as you have enough free space on the drive, you can save as many screenshots and video clips as you want.

FAQ 13: Can I back up my entire PS5 system to a USB drive?

No, the PS5 does not support backing up the entire system to a USB drive. You can only back up game saves, screenshots, and video clips.

FAQ 14: What happens if I remove the USB drive while transferring data?

Removing the USB drive while transferring data can lead to data corruption. It is strongly recommended to safely eject the USB drive from the PS5 before removing it. To do this, go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage > Safely Remove from PS5.

FAQ 15: Can I watch movies from a USB drive on my PS5?

Yes, you can watch movies from a USB drive on your PS5. The PS5 supports various video formats. Simply connect the USB drive, go to the Media Gallery, and navigate to the video files. Note that the PS5 may not support all video formats.

By following this guide and understanding the FAQs, you can effectively utilize USB storage on your PS5 for backups, media management, and enjoying PS4 games from extended storage.