How to free up or add PS5 storage to fit your growing game library

Part of our guide on choosing the right ssd for ps5

Learn exact steps and needed gear to free up and expand your PS5 storage without guesswork.

What you need to manage or upgrade PS5 storage

You need access to your PS5 console and its user interface.

For internal upgrades, a compatible M.2 NVMe SSD and a screwdriver are required.

External USB drives must support USB 3.0 or higher and be formatted for PS4 or PS5 use.

Keep a stable power supply and internet connection for downloads or backups. The other half of this decision is why is my ps5 storage full.

If you plan to upgrade internally, check your PS5 model. The PS5 Digital Edition and Standard Edition both support SSD upgrades, but the setup space and cooling requirements are the same.

Before starting, back up your saved data to cloud storage or USB to avoid loss during upgrades or deletions. Some games may use more than 100GB, so anticipate substantial free space needs.

• PS5 console with latest update
• Compatible M.2 NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen4 x4, 250GB+)
• External USB 3.0+ hard drive or SSD
• Small Phillips-head screwdriver
• Stable power and internet

How to check current PS5 storage usage

Open Settings on your PS5 and select Storage. If that sounds like your situation, read up on ps5 internal and external storage next.

You will see used and free space on internal storage and connected external drives.

The breakdown shows space used by games, apps, saved data, and other files.

Knowing this helps you decide how much space to free or add. For the detail, see our notes on ps5 external hard drive for ps4 games.

You can also check storage usage by game title to identify the biggest space consumers. Navigate to Storage > Games and Apps, then sort by size to see which games use the most space.

System updates and game patches often increase storage use over time, so periodically checking helps avoid unexpected full storage.

1. Turn on your PS5 and log in.
2. Go to Settings from the home screen.
3. Select Storage from the menu.
4. Review Internal Storage and External Storage space.
5. Check categories like Games and Apps to find large files.

How to safely delete or move games to free space

Deleting games removes their files and frees storage immediately.

Moving games to an external drive frees internal space but keeps the games accessible.

Use the Storage menu to select games for deletion or transfer.

Avoid deleting saved data unless you have a backup, as it is stored separately.

Moving works for both PS4 and PS5 games; PS5 games may require reinstallation for updates.

If you delete games, remember some titles keep large patches or DLC files that you might want to remove separately to save even more space.

Moving games to an external drive requires that the drive remain connected to the PS5 for playing PS4 games stored on it. Disconnecting the drive will make those games inaccessible until reconnected.

Deleting a game frees space immediately, but reinstalling later requires a fresh download which can take hours depending on your internet speed.

1. Open Settings and go to Storage.
2. Select Games and Apps.
3. Choose a game to delete or move.
4. For deletion, confirm removal to free space.
5. To move, select Move to Extended Storage and confirm.

How to install or replace internal SSD storage on your PS5

Your PS5 supports internal SSD expansion with compatible M.2 NVMe drives.

The SSD must have PCIe Gen4 x4 interface and at least 250GB capacity.

Remove the PS5 side panel carefully before accessing the SSD slot.

Install the SSD using the included screw and cover, then reassemble the console.

Format the new SSD when the PS5 prompts on startup to use it.

1. Power off and unplug your PS5.
2. Remove the PS5’s side panel by sliding it gently.
3. Locate the M.2 SSD slot under the metal cover.
4. Unscrew the cover and the SSD retention screw.
5. Insert the compatible SSD at an angle into the slot.
6. Secure the SSD with the retention screw and replace the cover.
7. Reattach the side panel and power on the PS5.
8. Follow on-screen prompts to format the new SSD.

How to use external drives to expand PS5 storage

External USB 3.0 or faster drives can store and play PS4 games on PS5.

They cannot play PS5 games directly but can archive them to free internal space.

Format the external drive for PS4 use via the PS5 Storage settings.

Plug the drive into a USB port on the PS5 and select it as extended storage.

Move or copy games to external storage to free internal drive space.

1. Connect a USB 3.0+ external drive to your PS5.
2. Go to Settings > Storage > Extended Storage.
3. Format the drive for game storage if prompted.
4. Move or copy games from internal to extended storage.
5. Launch PS4 games from the external drive as usual.

How to confirm storage upgrade compatibility for PS5

Check the SSD manufacturer’s specs for PCIe Gen4 x4 interface and 250GB+ size.

Review the SSD’s physical size: it must fit in the PS5 M.2 slot with heatsink allowance.

PS5 requires an NVMe SSD with read speeds around 5,500 MB/s or higher for best performance.

Avoid drives without heatsinks or with uncertain PS5 compatibility.

Visit Sony’s official compatibility list to verify supported SSD models.

Some SSDs have different length options to fit the PS5 slot. The common 2280 size means 22mm wide and 80mm long. Smaller sizes (2230, 2242) also work but may be harder to find with needed specs.

Heatsinks add thickness to the SSD. Make sure your chosen SSD plus heatsink does not exceed the 11.25mm height limit for the slot. Otherwise, the side panel may not fit properly.

If you use an SSD without a heatsink, watch for system warnings or crashes during heavy use. You can buy third-party heatsinks or install thermal pads to keep the drive cool.

• PCIe Gen4 x4 NVMe interface required
• Physical size: 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, or 22110 supported
• Recommended read speed: 5,500 MB/s or more
• Heatsink included or add your own for cooling
• Use Sony’s compatibility guide to confirm

Questions people still ask

I’ve installed PS5 SSD upgrades and managed storage regularly, so this is tested advice.