On your PS4, open Settings > Storage to check available space. To see how much room a particular game requires, open its PlayStation Store page on the console and scroll to Details. If you need more room, the simplest option is usually to delete an installed game or app—not its save data.
Check how much space is available and what the new game needs
- From the PS4 home screen, open Settings > Storage. Check the available-space figure and review the storage categories.
- To find the target game’s requirement, open its PlayStation Store page on the console and scroll to Details. Sony says the minimum free-space requirement is shown there; menu wording can vary slightly by system language or software version. PlayStation Support’s download troubleshooting guide gives this route.
Use the listed figure as Sony presents it: a minimum free-space requirement. The guide does not establish that the displayed game size is a complete estimate of every bit of space the console may need during installation or updates.
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Free space by deleting an installed game or app
- Highlight the game or application in the content area or Library.
- Press OPTIONS, then choose Delete.
This removes the installed application from the console. If you want to play it again, you may need to download or install it again; Sony says deleted games can be redownloaded from the Library. Deleting the application is separate from deleting its save files. See Sony’s PS4 storage-management instructions.
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Save files are managed separately from installed game applications. Don’t choose save-data deletion as a routine way to make room for a game: removing a save can erase progress. If you need to preserve a save before managing it, copy it to USB first:
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- Connect a USB storage device and open Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device.
- Select the game and the save files to copy, then confirm. Sony says you must be signed in to use this feature.
Sony also provides a separate online-storage option for saves. Use it only if you have access to that feature and the save you need is actually uploaded. To delete saves, use Settings > Application Saved Data Management, select the relevant storage location, choose Delete, then select the game and files and confirm. The exact path depends on whether the save is in System Storage, Online Storage, or USB Storage. Sony’s storage-management guide covers the separate save-data controls.
Choose the right cleanup option
| Option | What it affects | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Delete an installed game or app | The installed application | Free to do; you may need to download or install it again to play. |
| Delete save data | Game progress and related save files | Can remove progress; copy the save first if you need to keep it. |
| Delete screenshots or video clips | Capture Gallery media | Removes those files unless you copy them elsewhere first. |
| Add USB extended storage | Supported applications and add-ons | Requires a compatible drive and setup; it does not hold saves or captures. |
Use a USB drive to keep more games installed
PS4 supports USB extended storage for applications and add-ons. Sony’s stated requirements are system software version 4.50 or later, an external HDD using SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later, and a capacity from 250 GB through 8 TB. Sony cautions that proper operation is not guaranteed for every external HDD model. One extended-storage device can be active at a time; connect it directly to the console rather than through a USB hub. See Sony’s PS4 USB extended-storage requirements.
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- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Format the drive as extended storage
- Connect the external HDD to the PS4.
- Open Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, select the drive, and choose Format as Extended Storage.
- Read the console’s confirmation prompt before proceeding. Formatting erases the contents of that USB drive, so use one whose existing files you are prepared to lose.
Install or move applications
After formatting, applications can be installed on extended storage or moved between it and the console’s system storage. To move an installed application, open Settings > Storage, select the storage location containing it, choose Applications, press OPTIONS, then select Move to Extended Storage or Move to System Storage.
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Extended storage is not a destination for application saved data, themes, screenshots, or video clips. Before unplugging the drive, stop using it through the Quick Menu or Settings and follow Sony’s safe-disconnection instructions.
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Clear captures if you want to keep your games installed
If screenshots or recorded clips are taking up room, open Capture Gallery to review and delete media you no longer want. Deleting a capture removes that file, so copy it to USB first if you want to keep it. Sony’s PS4 capture guide explains how to manage and copy screenshots and clips.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When deleting games or USB storage is not enough
If you want more internal capacity without relying on an external drive, Sony also lists replacing the PS4’s internal hard drive as an option. That is a more involved hardware change than deleting an application or setting up extended storage; consult the instructions for your specific PS4 model before attempting it.
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- 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.
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