Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
World desk5 min

How to Transfer Games, Saves, and Settings to a New PS5

Use PS5 Data Transfer to move games, compatible saves, captures, users, and settings. Here are the setup steps, alternatives, and important limits.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

To move your games, compatible saves, captures, users, and settings from an old PS5 to a new one, use Sony’s Data Transfer feature. Sign in with the same PlayStation account on both consoles, connect them to the same network, then follow the transfer prompt during the new PS5’s setup—or start it later at Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue. Keep both consoles powered on and leave their network settings unchanged until the transfer finishes.

Before you start the transfer

Check these items on the old and new consoles first:

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

  • Use the same PlayStation account on both systems.
  • Update the source console to the latest system software.
  • Manually sync trophy information on the source console.
  • Connect both consoles to the same network. Wi-Fi works; a commercially available LAN cable is optional and may speed up a transfer when the consoles normally use Wi-Fi. If both are already wired to the same network, you do not need to connect them directly to each other. See Sony’s PS4/PS5 transfer guide.
  • Use each console’s own power cord. The HDMI cable connects to the new console; the old console does not need to be connected to a TV.

Transfer data during the new PS5’s setup

Turn on the new PS5 and follow its on-screen setup instructions. When it reaches the data-transfer step, follow the prompts to locate the source console and choose what to transfer. Keep the old console powered on and connected to the same network.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Start a transfer after setup

  1. Power on the source PS5 and make sure it is connected to the same network as the new console.
  2. On the new PS5, open Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer.
  3. Select Continue and follow the on-screen prompts.
  4. Check transfer progress in Control Center under Downloads/Uploads.

The new PS5 may restart while the transfer is in progress. After restarting, it can be used even if some data is still transferring; games that are ready to play appear on the games home screen. Do not turn off either console, change network settings, or run internet connection tests during the transfer. Sony warns that interrupting the process this way may damage or lose data. One source PS4 or PS5 can transfer to one destination PS5.

#1 Best Overall
WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD Officially Licensed Storage Expansion for PS5 Consoles, up to 7,300MB/s, with heatsink - WDBBYV0020BNC-WRSN
  • Officially licensed M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 consoles[4] so you can easily install and play with no concern of compatibility. [4]For PlayStation 5 system software compatibility, please visit the official WD_BLACK site.
  • With capacities ranging from 1TB to 8TB[1], your PS5 console has the additional space to store up to 200 games[3] (8TB model) [1]1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. [3] Number of games based on a 36GB average per game. The number of games will vary based on file size, formatting, other programs, and factors.
  • Experience uninterrupted gameplay with a brand-new, optimized heatsink designed especially for the PS5 console for an easy, worry-free installation into the M.2 slot.
  • Play directly from the drive and eliminate the need to transfer or delete games from your console with tested and approved storage for your PS5 console[4].
  • Push the envelope of PCIe Gen 4 technology with read speeds up to 7,300MB/s[2], giving you seamless gameplay and incredibly short load times. [2]1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.

What transfers from a PS5—and what changes with a PS4 source

Sony’s transfer options depend on whether the old console is a PS5 or a PS4, and whether the transfer happens during initial setup or afterward.

Data type PS5 source: during setup or afterward PS4 source: during setup PS4 source: after setup
User and account information Yes, including users who have never signed into their account on the source PS5 Yes, for users who have signed in on the source PS4 Not listed; only the logged-in user’s saved data can be transferred
Game saves Saves for games playable on PS5 Compatible game saves Compatible saves; only the logged-in user’s saved data
Games Games playable on PS5 Games playable on PS5 Games playable on PS5
Screenshots and video clips Yes Not listed by Sony for PS4-to-PS5 transfer Not listed by Sony for PS4-to-PS5 transfer
Console settings Yes, including language, login, and power-saving settings Yes Not listed

Data already saved on the destination is not copied over as a duplicate. Source-console login passcodes transfer too, so enter the same passcode when signing in on the new system. The feature can transfer from a PS4 as well as a PS5, but a PS4 transfer started after initial setup does not include the same user/account and settings categories as a transfer during setup. Details are in Sony’s transfer guide.

Rank #2
BUFFALO External SSD 2.0TB - Officially Licensed Product - Compatible with PS5 Consoles / PS4 Consoles - USB3.2 Gen2 Type A Compact Stick SSD-SAO2.0U3B
  • 【Officially Licensed SSD 】This external SSD uses specially-selected materials and has passed our exclusive quality inspection to work with PS5 / PS4.
  • 【Eliminate PS5(R) Storage Shortages】You can expand the free space on your system by saving PS5(R) game data and PS4(R) game titles onto this product.
  • 【Reduce Loading Times on PS4(R)】 Reduce game loading times for more enjoyable gameplay experiences.
  • 【Compact Stick Type】The cable-free and compact USB stick design enables easy connection with your game console without taking up space.
  • 【Accessories】 Setup Guide / Warranty Statement

Move games without a console-to-console transfer

You can install or access games on the new PS5 by another route if you do not want to transfer the full console data set:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  • Digital games: Download them from the game library on the new console.
  • Disc games: Insert the disc into the new PS5 to install the game.
  • USB extended storage: Connect the drive used with the old console. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. PS5 games stored there must be copied to PS5 console storage before they can be played. See Sony’s PS5 Support hub.
  • M.2 SSD: Sony says an M.2 SSD installed in the source PS5 can be moved to the destination PS5 so you can use the game data stored on it. Follow Sony’s installation guidance for the specific console and SSD before moving hardware.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Move saves with cloud storage or USB

PlayStation Plus cloud storage

PlayStation Plus members can download saved data from cloud storage on a new console. Sony’s Canada support page lists separate limits of 100 GB for PS5 saves and 100 GB for PS4 saves, with a limit of 1,000 PS4 save files. These are service capacity limits, not a guarantee that every game’s save can be used across console generations. PS5 saves can sync automatically when auto-sync is enabled. PS4 saves may upload automatically but can require a manual download to the new PS5. Availability and subscription terms can vary by market; see Sony’s Canada cloud-storage page.

Rank #3
BUFFALO External SSD 1TB - Compatible with PS4 / PS5 / Windows/Mac - USB-C - USB-A - USB 3.2 - External Solid State Drive - SSD-PG1.0U3B
  • BEST VALUE SSD – Compact and reliable SSD to meet your on-the-go demand. Compatible with PS4/PS5, Macs, and PCs. Save space and loading time on your console by storing your game data on Buffalo SSDs.
  • IDEAL ON-THE-GO ACCESSORY - Quickly copy your large data. If you are a professional in need of fast and secure storage, the Buffalo SSD is ready for on-the-go backup for photos, videos, docs, and more.
  • FAST SPEEDS AND MULTI-TASKING - Faster speed than HDD enables you to connect the device to PC and do large intensive tasks simultaneously.
  • COMPACT, DURABLE, & RELIABLE – Shock-resistant, rugged design provides drop protection. Compact form factor to carry your data in your pocket. No matter if it’s for work or fun, you can easily use your Buffalo SSD on-the-go.
  • USB 3.2 CONNECTIVITY & 3-YEAR WARRANTY – Supports USB-C / USB-A. Easily connect the Buffalo SSD to your PC and other mobile devices. THREE-YEAR WARRANTY for registered devices (two years if unregistered).

USB copying for PS4 saves

PS4 game saves can be copied to USB and then copied to the destination PS5. If the same game’s save is already on the new console, copying the USB save can replace it. Sony does not allow PS5 saved data to be copied from the console to a USB drive, so USB is not a general backup method for PS5 saves. See Sony’s transfer guide.

If the new console uses a child account

Sony says a child account cannot transfer data during the destination PS5’s initial setup. You can either finish setup for the child account and transfer afterward, or use an adult account for initial setup and transfer data from both the adult and child accounts during setup. Because an after-setup transfer from a PS4 has fewer data categories, choose the route with that limitation in mind.

Before you reset or dispose of the old PS5

Do not reset the old console until you have confirmed that the move is complete and important data is secured. Sony recommends backing up data, syncing trophies, and removing any USB devices, discs, or M.2 SSD you want to keep. Resetting deletes user data and cannot be undone. Signing in on the new console applies your account subscriptions there. See Sony’s transfer-or-dispose guidance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.