Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsBefore you reset, sell, or hand over your old PS5, make sure your saves are safe and verified on the replacement console. For saves alone, use PlayStation Plus cloud storage and check the sync status; for saves plus other console data, make a full backup to a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive. Restoring a full backup erases data already on the destination PS5, so protect anything stored there first.
Choose the transfer method that fits what you need
| Method | Best for | Requirement | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full USB console backup and restore | Saved data plus selected games, apps, media, and settings | Compatible FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB storage | Restoring erases destination-console data; trophies and games or apps on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are excluded. Sony support |
| PlayStation Plus cloud storage | Moving game saves between consoles | PlayStation Plus and the PlayStation account holding the saves | Check sync status and download the saves on the new console. Sony support |
| Direct console transfer | Moving data while you can access both PS5 consoles | Both consoles | Follow Sony’s transfer guide for your console pair. Sony support |
| USB copy for PS4 saves | Copying PS4 saved data to or from a USB drive | Compatible FAT- or exFAT-formatted USB drive | Sony’s USB-copy instructions cover PS4 saves, not PS5 saves. Sony support |
For a straightforward upgrade with both consoles available, direct transfer is another option. If you use a USB device, distinguish a backup drive from USB extended storage used for games: a drive formatted as extended storage cannot hold a full PS5 console backup.
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Make a full PS5 backup to USB
Choose this method if you want more than game saves. Sony lists saved data, games and apps, screenshots and video clips, and settings among the backup categories. Games and apps stored on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are not included, and trophies are excluded.
- Connect a compatible USB storage device formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Sony does not publish a recommended capacity or model, and warns that not all USB devices work.
- On the PS5, open Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5.
- Select the categories to back up and continue. Review the displayed backup file name and size.
- Select Back Up. Keep the console powered on; it restarts during the process. Do not turn it off, because interruption can cause data loss or corruption or damage the console or USB drive.
- Wait for the “Backup complete” screen, then follow the prompt to restart.
Restore the backup on the replacement PS5
- Sign in on the replacement console with the same PlayStation account used to create the backup.
- Connect the backup drive and open Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Restore Your PS5.
- Select the backup and confirm. The replacement console restarts during restoration.
Important: Sony warns that “When restoring data, your PS5 console will erase all data saved on your console.” Erased data cannot be restored, so save or transfer anything important from the destination PS5 before restoring. Its system software must be the same version or newer than the source console’s software when the backup was created. After restoration, Console Sharing and Offline Play is disabled; turn it on again if you use it.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Move saves with PlayStation Plus cloud storage
Cloud storage is the save-transfer option when you do not need a full console backup. PlayStation Plus is required. Sony’s published limits are up to 100 GB of PS5 saved data and 100 GB of PS4 saved data per account, with up to 1,000 PS4 save files; these are service limits, not a guarantee that a particular game’s save will fit.
Check automatic PS5 save sync
- On the old PS5, go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode and enable Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Sync Saved Data > Auto-Sync Saved Data and enable Auto-Sync. Sync can be controlled per game.
- Before switching, check View Sync Status or Check Sync Status of Saved Data. Sony says console and cloud data sync to the most recent data; confirm the save you need is the one in the cloud.
Upload and download saves manually
On the old PS5, open Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5), then select the upload option and the save you want. You can also open a game’s options menu and choose Upload/Download Saved Data. On the new PS5, sign in to the same account and use the download option in the saved-data settings or the game’s options menu to retrieve the save.
Rank #2
- Ultra-fast Data Transfers: Works with USB 3.0 technology, this USB hard drive is much faster than - but still compatible with - USB 2.0 backup drive, allowing for super fast transfer speed at up to 5 Gbps
- Ultra Slim and Sturdy Design: Merely 0.6 inch thick. Sturdy plastic anti-scratch model delivers remarkable strength,durability and reliability
- Multi- Compatibility: Microsoft Windows, Mac OS (10.6.5 and above), Linux, Android, Chromebook, PC, Laptop, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, TV and so on
- Plug and Play: The drive has been formatted. It's ready to use without software installation needed. You can save and backup any files, movies, music, photos, games and more
- Upgraded Version USB Cable: The drive with 2in1 Micro-USB 3.0 Cable, The multifunction USB cable can match different connect port and stabilize the transmission speed
PS4 saves work differently: Sony says they can upload automatically, but must be downloaded manually to PS5 console storage.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Before you reset or hand over the old console
Do not reset or transfer ownership until the saves and any other data you want are available on the replacement console. Sony also recommends syncing trophies manually; trophies are not included in a full USB backup. Remove any M.2 SSD you intend to keep, and take out discs or USB devices you want to retain. Record the console serial number before handing it over.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
When you are ready to erase the old PS5, open Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console. Resetting deletes saved settings and information and cannot be undone.
Quick Recap
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