PS5 Storage Full? A Comprehensive Guide to Never Running Out of Space Again
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re staring at that dreaded notification: “Not enough free space.” Your PS5 storage is full, and the game you’ve been eagerly anticipating is stuck in download purgatory. Don’t despair! Running out of space on your PlayStation 5 is a common problem, but it’s also a solvable one. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do when your PS5 storage is maxed out.
The immediate solution is to manage your existing storage. This involves deleting games you’re no longer playing, transferring PS4 games to an external drive, and clearing out any unnecessary media or save data. However, for a long-term fix, you’ll likely want to consider upgrading your storage via an internal M.2 SSD or utilizing an external hard drive. Let’s delve into the details.
Managing Existing PS5 Storage
Before you shell out any cash for more storage, take a good look at what’s currently hogging your space.
- Delete Games You No Longer Play: This is the most obvious solution. Go through your game library and ruthlessly delete titles you’ve finished or lost interest in. Remember those free PlayStation Plus games you downloaded and never touched? Now’s the time to say goodbye.
- Transfer PS4 Games to an External Drive: PS4 games can be stored and played directly from an external USB drive. This frees up valuable space on your internal PS5 SSD for PS5-exclusive titles, which require the faster storage for optimal performance.
- Review Media Gallery: Videos and screenshots can accumulate quickly. Regularly review your media gallery and delete any unwanted captures.
- Manage Save Data: While save data files are generally small, they can add up over time. Delete save data for games you’ve finished or no longer play. Be absolutely sure you don’t need them as this action is irreversible.
- Clear Cached Data: Although not always a significant space saver, clearing the cache can sometimes free up valuable storage. Go to Settings > Storage > Cached Data and clear any unnecessary files.
Upgrading Your PS5 Storage
If managing your existing storage isn’t enough, it’s time to consider a hardware upgrade. You have two main options: an internal M.2 SSD or an external hard drive.
Option 1: Internal M.2 SSD
Adding an internal M.2 SSD is the ideal solution for maximizing performance on your PS5. PS5 games must be installed on the internal SSD to be played. An M.2 SSD provides the same speed and performance as the console’s built-in storage, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
- What to Look For: Ensure the SSD meets Sony’s specifications: PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD, 250GB – 4TB capacity, and a read speed of at least 5500MB/s. A heatsink is also highly recommended to prevent overheating.
- Installation: The installation process is relatively straightforward, but requires a screwdriver and a bit of technical know-how. Numerous online tutorials can guide you through the process.
- Cost: M.2 SSDs can range in price depending on their capacity and speed. Expect to pay anywhere from $80 to $400+ depending on storage size.
Option 2: External Hard Drive
An external hard drive is a more affordable option, but it comes with a significant performance caveat: you can store PS5 games on an external drive, but you cannot play them directly from it. You’ll need to transfer them back to the internal SSD before playing. However, this is still a faster alternative than re-downloading the entire game. External drives are perfectly suitable for storing and playing PS4 games directly.
- What to Look For: A USB 3.0 or faster external hard drive with a capacity of at least 250GB and a maximum of 8TB.
- Setup: Simply plug the external drive into one of the PS5’s USB ports. The console will guide you through the formatting process.
- Cost: External hard drives are generally cheaper than M.2 SSDs. A 1TB external drive can be found for around $50-$80.
Best Practices for PS5 Storage Management
- Regularly Monitor Storage: Check your storage usage regularly to avoid running out of space unexpectedly.
- Prioritize PS5 Games: Keep your internal SSD primarily for PS5 games to ensure optimal performance.
- Utilize External Storage for PS4 Games: Move your PS4 game library to an external drive.
- Delete Unnecessary Media: Regularly clean out screenshots and video clips.
- Take Advantage of Cloud Saves: Utilize PlayStation Plus cloud saves to back up your game progress and free up space on your console.
- Consider Your Gaming Habits: If you frequently download and play a large number of games, investing in a larger internal SSD is a worthwhile investment.
By following these tips, you can effectively manage your PS5 storage and enjoy a seamless gaming experience without constantly worrying about running out of space. Consider the Games Learning Society for more insights on gaming trends and best practices. GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much usable storage does the PS5 actually have?
The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, but after system files and formatting, you have approximately 667.2GB of usable storage.
2. Can I play PS5 games directly from an external hard drive?
No. You can store PS5 games on an external hard drive, but you need to transfer them back to the internal SSD to play them.
3. What type of SSD do I need for the internal expansion slot?
You need a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a capacity of 250GB – 4TB and a read speed of at least 5500MB/s. A heatsink is also recommended.
4. Is it difficult to install an internal M.2 SSD?
The installation is relatively straightforward but requires some technical skill and a screwdriver. There are numerous online tutorials available.
5. What is the maximum storage capacity I can add to my PS5?
You can install an internal M.2 SSD with a capacity of up to 4TB. You can connect external hard drives up to 8TB but you will need to swap the drives since the PS5 can only read one external hard drive at a time.
6. Does adding an SSD to my PS5 make it faster?
Generally, yes. An SSD that meets Sony’s recommended specifications will provide performance on par with the console’s internal drive.
7. Can I use two external hard drives simultaneously on my PS5?
You can connect multiple external hard drives, but the PS5 can only recognize one at a time. You’ll need to switch between them in the settings.
8. What is the average size of a PS5 game?
The average size of a modern PS5 game is around 40-50GB, but some games, like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, can exceed 150GB or even 200GB.
9. Is 1TB of storage enough for my PS5?
It depends on your gaming habits. If you only play a few games at a time and frequently delete them after finishing, 1TB might be sufficient. However, if you like to have a large library of installed games, you’ll likely need more storage.
10. How many PS5 games can a 2TB SSD hold?
Roughly, a 2TB SSD can hold around 50 PS5 games, assuming an average game size of 40GB.
11. Why does my PS5 have less storage than advertised?
The PS5 comes with an 825GB SSD, but a portion of that is used by the operating system, system software, and other essential files, leaving you with around 667.2GB of usable space.
12. Can I use a USB hub to connect multiple external drives to my PS5?
No. The PS5 cannot read external hard drives connected through a USB hub. You need to connect the drive directly to the console.
13. What happens if I disconnect my external hard drive while a game is being transferred?
Disconnecting the drive during a transfer can corrupt the game data. It’s best to always safely eject the drive through the PS5’s settings before disconnecting it.
14. Will adding an SSD void my PS5 warranty?
Adding an SSD to your PS5 should not void your warranty, as long as you follow Sony’s guidelines and don’t damage the console during the installation process.
15. Can I use an external SSD instead of a traditional external hard drive?
Yes, an external SSD will offer faster transfer speeds than a traditional hard drive. However, you still can’t play PS5 games directly from it. External SSDs are a great way to improve the speed of moving PS4 games between drives.