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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Before you switch PlayStation consoles, identify whether each game is a PS4 or PS5 game, then copy or sync its save using a method that supports that save type. PlayStation Plus cloud storage and direct transfer to a PS5 cover several situations; USB copying is available for PS4 saves, but Sony says PS5 saves cannot be copied from a PS5 to USB. Confirm the intended save is on the new console before resetting, selling, or disposing of the old one.
Choose the right save-transfer method
Pick a method based on the game’s save type and whether you can still use the old console. A PS5 can receive data directly from a PS4 or another PS5; a USB save copy is for PS4 saves, not PS5 saves.
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| Method | Best fit | Requirements and limits |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Moving saves without carrying a USB drive, especially when you are not transferring directly between consoles. | A PlayStation Plus membership is required. Sony lists separate storage for PS4 and PS5 saves. Check that the intended save has synced; PS4 saves may need to be downloaded manually to PS5 console storage. PlayStation Plus cloud storage |
| Direct data transfer to PS5 | Moving from PS4 to PS5 or from another PS5 when the source console is available. | Use the same account, update system software, sync trophy information, and connect both consoles to the same network. Keep them on and do not change network settings during transfer. Transfer data to PS5 |
| USB copy of PS4 saves | Keeping a local copy of PS4 game saves, including for transfer to a PS5. | Use a commercially available USB drive formatted FAT or exFAT for PS4 save files. Sony cautions that not all devices work. This method does not copy PS5 saves from a PS5 console to USB. PS4 storage management and PS5 storage management |
| Full PS4 console backup | Preserving broader PS4 data, not just selected game saves. | Use a FAT32 or exFAT drive with at least twice the space of the backup file. Restoring erases data on the destination PS4, so this is not the same as copying selected saves. PS4 backup and restore |
Back up saves with PlayStation Plus cloud storage
PlayStation Plus cloud storage supports PS4 and PS5 saved data. Sony lists up to 100 GB for PS5 saves, up to 100 GB for PS4 saves, and a 1,000-file limit for PS4 saves on its cloud-storage support page; the page does not state a publication year for these figures. The key practical check is per-game sync status: do not assume the newest progress has uploaded just because cloud storage is enabled.
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On PS5
- Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
- Select Saved Data (PS5) for PS5 games or Saved Data (PS4) for PS4 games.
- Choose the console-storage or cloud-storage options to upload or download the relevant save. Review its sync status; if needed, explicitly upload the console copy you intend to keep.
- On the destination PS5, use the same menu to download the cloud save to console storage. PS4 saves may require a manual download to PS5 storage.
Sony describes automatic synchronization for PS5 saves and automatic upload for PS4 saves when configured. Verify the per-game status rather than relying on automation alone. See Sony’s cloud-storage instructions.
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- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
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Copy PS4 saves to a USB drive
USB save copying is a practical local-copy option for PS4 game saves. Use a commercially available drive formatted FAT or exFAT for PS4 saves on PS5; Sony warns that not all devices work. A USB drive formatted as USB extended storage is a different use from a save-copy drive.
Copy saves from a PS4
- Connect the USB drive and sign in to the account associated with the saves.
- Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device.
- Select the game and save files you want, or select all, then complete the copy.
- To restore selected saves to a PS4, choose Saved Data on USB Storage Device > Copy to System Storage.
Copy PS4 saves from a PS5
- Connect a FAT- or exFAT-formatted USB drive.
- Open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage > Copy to USB Drive.
- Select the save files to copy.
- To copy saves back from USB, choose Copy or Delete from USB Drive.
Sony documents USB copying for PS4 saves, but states that PS5 saves cannot be copied from a PS5 console to USB. For current menu details, see PS4 storage management and PS5 storage management.
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- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
Transfer saves directly to a PS5
Sony supports direct data transfer from a PS4 or another PS5 to a PS5. You need access to the source console during the process.
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- Sign in to the same account on the source console that you use on the destination PS5.
- Update system software on both consoles.
- Synchronize trophy information on the source console.
- Connect both consoles to the same network.
Start the transfer
- On an already set-up destination PS5, go to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to find the source console and select the data to transfer.
- Keep both consoles powered on and do not change network settings until the transfer finishes. Sony warns that interrupting the process or changing network settings may cause data damage or loss.
Sony’s transfer instructions say that after PS5 setup, a PS4-to-PS5 transfer of saved data is limited to the logged-in user. Check the selected data and destination save after transfer. See Sony’s transfer instructions.
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- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
When a full PS4 backup makes sense
A full PS4 backup can include games and apps, saved data, captures, and settings. It is for preserving broader console data, not simply selecting a few saves for a new console.
- The USB drive must be FAT32 or exFAT and have at least twice the storage space of the backup file.
- If you have never signed in to PSN, Sony says saved data from the backup can be restored only to the original PS4. To restore to another PS4, sign in to PSN before creating the backup.
- Restoring erases all data on the destination PS4, even if you later cancel the restore.
For returning selected data without restoring the whole console, Sony points to USB extended storage or cloud storage. Read Sony’s PS4 backup and restore instructions before choosing this workflow.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Redeem for anything on PlayStationStore: games, add-ons, PlayStationPlus and more.
- Everything you want to play. Choose from the largest library of PlayStation content.
- Use gift card funds to contribute towards PlayStationPlus memberships.
Verify the new console before wiping the old one
- On the new console, open the game and confirm that the expected profile and progress load.
- If the save is missing or appears older than expected, check the source console and the cloud or USB copy before making further changes. Upload the intended source save or repeat the transfer as appropriate.
- Keep the old console intact until you have confirmed the important saves on the destination. Only then reset, sell, or dispose of it.
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