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Yes—you can preserve your PS4 games, saves, screenshots, settings, and user data when replacing the internal drive, but you cannot simply copy or clone the drive through the console. Sony’s supported method is to create a PS4 backup on USB, replace the internal 2.5-inch SATA drive, reinstall PS4 system software, and restore the backup.
If you only want more room and the original internal drive still works, do not replace it: format a USB drive as PS4 extended storage and move your games there. That is faster and safer, but it is not a full system migration.
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Choose the right method first
| Your situation | Use this method | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| The internal drive is failing or you want a larger internal drive | Full backup and restore | Replace the drive, reinstall system software, then restore your data. |
| You only need more room for games | USB extended storage | Keep the internal drive and move installed games to an external drive. |
| You only care about game progress | Saved-data backup | Back up saves to USB or PlayStation Plus cloud storage, then redownload games. |
Neither method means that literally nothing is erased. Reinstalling system software initializes the replacement drive, while formatting a USB drive as extended storage erases that USB drive. The goal is to preserve the old console’s data through a verified backup.
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- A compatible 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD for the PS4’s internal bay. An M.2 NVMe drive is not the same type of drive and does not fit this bay.
- A separate USB drive for the PS4 backup, formatted as FAT32 or exFAT.
- A USB drive for the system-software reinstallation file. This can be the backup drive only if it has enough remaining space and you move the file without disturbing the backup.
- A long Phillips screwdriver.
- A PC or Mac with internet access.
- Your PSN sign-in details.
- Your PS4 model: original PS4, PS4 Slim, or PS4 Pro.
Sony’s guidance says the backup USB device should be FAT32 or exFAT and have at least twice the space required by the backup file. Check the official PS4 upgrade guide for model-specific diagrams and access-panel instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- 1TB Capacity, 9.5mm High, Rotation Speed of 5400RPM
- 8MB Buffer, SATA 3.0Gb/s Interface, 2.5inch Hard Drive
- Works for PS3 / PS4 Game Console HDD replacement / upgrade
- PS3 / PS4 Hard Drive installation & Playstation firmware download instruction included
- Backed by a 3-year warranty from Reseller
Back up the old PS4 before opening it
1. Synchronize trophies
Connect the console to the internet, sign in to the relevant PlayStation Network account, open the Trophies area, and allow trophies to synchronize. This protects trophy progress that has not yet reached PSN, but it does not replace a saved-data backup.
2. Make a full PS4 backup
- Connect the FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive directly to the PS4.
- Open Settings > System > Back Up and Restore.
- Select Back Up PS4.
- Select the data to include if the console presents choices.
- Confirm the backup and wait for it to finish.
A full backup can include installed applications and games, saved data, screenshots, video clips, settings, and supported user data. The exact size and available options depend on what is stored on the console. Do not turn off the PS4 or disconnect the USB drive during the process. Confirm that the backup completed before removing the old drive.
PlayStation Plus is not required for a USB backup. If you have PlayStation Plus cloud storage, upload your saves as a second safeguard. Cloud saves alone do not preserve your entire installed library, screenshots, clips, and settings.
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Do not format, sell, or discard the old drive yet. Keep it untouched until the replacement has booted, the backup has restored, and important saves and games have been tested.
Replace the internal PS4 drive
Shut down using Power > Turn Off PS4, not Rest Mode. Wait until the indicator is completely off, then disconnect the power cable and other cables.
Rank #2
- 2.5inch Notebook HDD, 7mm Height (Slim)
- 1TB Capacity, 5400RPM, 64MB Cache, SATA 6.0Gb/s
- Works for PlayStation gaming systems (PS3 / PS4 Original, PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro)
- Massive 1TB capacity can store up to 80 × 25GB games.
- 2 Years Warranty from Reseller
Original PS4: CUH-1000, CUH-1100, and CUH-1200 series
Remove the top panel or HDD access panel as shown for your chassis, remove the PlayStation-symbol retaining screw, and pull out the drive caddy. Remove the four caddy screws, swap the drive, and reinstall the caddy and panel.
PS4 Slim: CUH-2000 series
Slide off the HDD-bay cover, remove the retaining screw, and pull out the drive and mounting bracket. Remove the four screws, install the replacement, and reinstall the bracket. Do not remove the rubber inserts from the Slim’s screw holes, and do not over-tighten the caddy screws.
PS4 Pro: CUH-7000 series
Remove the HDD-bay cover and retaining screw, pull out the mounting bracket, remove its four screws, swap the drive, and reinstall the bracket and cover.
For the exact panel-release and screw locations, use Sony’s PS4 Upgrade HDD instructions rather than relying on a generic photograph. Make sure the replacement is fully seated and that the connector is aligned.
Prepare the system-software USB
After replacing the internal drive, the PS4 needs Sony’s full reinstallation file, not the smaller ordinary update file.
Rank #3
- 1TB Capacity, 9.5mm High, Rotation Speed of 5400RPM
- 16MB Buffer, SATA 6.0Gb/s Interface, 2.5inch Hard Drive
- Works for PS4 (Pro, Slim, Original) Game Console HDD replacement / upgrade (835GB available storage space on PS4, rest capacity is used for System)
- PS4 Hard Drive installation & Playstation firmware download instruction included
- Backed by a 3-year warranty from Reseller
- Format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT.
- Create a folder named
PS4. - Inside it, create a folder named
UPDATE. - Download the PS4 reinstallation file from Sony’s PS4 system-software page.
- Save it with this exact path and filename:
PS4/UPDATE/PS4UPDATE.PUPThe folder names and filename must be uppercase and exact. Sony specifies at least 1 GB of free space for the installation USB. Reinstalling system software initializes the internal drive, so use this step only after confirming that your old-console backup exists.
Reinstall PS4 system software
- Connect the USB drive containing
PS4/UPDATE/PS4UPDATE.PUP. - Start Safe Mode by holding the PS4 power button and releasing it after the second beep.
- Connect the controller with a USB cable if prompted.
- Select Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
The standard update file will not reliably substitute for the full reinstallation file in this situation. If Sony’s download page changes its labels or files, follow the current instructions there.
Restore your games and data
- Complete the initial PS4 setup.
- Sign in with the same PSN account used on the old console.
- Connect the USB drive containing the full backup.
- Open Settings > System > Back Up and Restore.
- Select Restore PS4.
- Choose the backup and confirm the warning that data on the destination drive will be erased.
- Wait for the restore and any restart to finish.
A successful full restore may bring back installed applications and games, saves, screenshots, clips, settings, and user data included in the backup. It is not a guarantee that every item will return exactly as before: damaged backups, account authorization, game patches, add-ons, and some downloaded content may require verification, updates, or redownloading. Digital purchases remain tied to the account that bought them; if necessary, open Library and download them again from that account.
USB-only saved-data fallback
If you made a saves-only backup or the full backup cannot be restored, use:
Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data on USB Storage Device > Copy to System StorageTo create that backup before replacing the drive, use:
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Rank #4
- 1TB Capacity, 9.5mm High, Rotation Speed of 5400RPM
- 8MB Buffer, SATA 3.0Gb/s Interface, 2.5inch Hard Drive
- Works for PS3 / PS4 Game Console HDD replacement / upgrade
- PS3 / PS4 Hard Drive installation & Playstation firmware download instruction included
- Backed by a 3-year warranty from Reseller
Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage DeviceAccount-associated saves generally require the same user account that originally copied them.
If you only want more space: use USB extended storage
When the internal drive is healthy, external extended storage avoids opening the console and reinstalling the system. Sony supports PS4 extended storage on consoles running system software 4.50 or later. The drive is formatted by the PS4 and becomes dedicated to extended storage, so copy any important files elsewhere first.
- Connect the external USB drive.
- Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
- Select Format as Extended Storage.
- Open Settings > Storage > System Storage.
- Press OPTIONS and choose Move to Extended Storage.
- Select the games or applications, then choose Move > OK.
PS4 games and applications can run from extended storage, but saved data, themes, screenshots, and video clips should still be backed up separately. Extended storage is also not a replacement for the internal system drive or a full PS4 backup. See Sony’s USB extended-storage guidance for compatibility requirements.
Safely disconnect the drive
From the Quick Menu, select:
Sound/Devices > Stop Using Extended Storage > OKDo not unplug the drive while it is active. Improper disconnection can cause corruption or data loss.
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| Drive | Advantages | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5-inch SATA HDD | Usually cheaper per terabyte | Mechanical parts, more noise, and potentially longer loading |
| 2.5-inch SATA SSD | Quiet, more resistant to mechanical failure, and may shorten some loading times | Higher cost; PS4 hardware limits the benefit of high-end SSD speeds |
Prioritize the correct 2.5-inch SATA form factor, capacity, reliability, warranty, and return policy. Do not pay for a modern PCIe/NVMe drive that cannot fit the PS4 bay. A SATA SSD can work, but the PS4 will not deliver modern PC-level SSD performance. A reputable, correctly sized drive is more important than its headline sequential-speed rating.
Best Value
- FASTER THAN ANY HARD DRIVE: Sequential read/write speeds up to 500/450MB/s on SATA III 6Gb/s deliver quicker boot-up, faster app launches, and shorter game load times compared to traditional HDDs
- SLC CACHING FOR SUSTAINED SPEED: Built-in SLC write caching maintains responsive performance during large file transfers and heavy workloads without dedicated DRAM
- EASY DROP-IN UPGRADE: Standard 2.5-inch, 7mm slim form factor fits most laptops and desktop PCs - the simplest, most affordable way to revive an aging computer
- PS4 COMPATIBLE: Works as a direct replacement for the PlayStation 4, PS4 Slim, and PS4 Pro internal hard drive to noticeably reduce game loading and system boot times
- DURABLE 3D NAND DESIGN: No moving parts means shock and vibration resistance, silent operation, and lower power draw that helps extend laptop battery life
Troubleshooting
The backup USB drive is not recognized
- Confirm FAT32 or exFAT formatting and sufficient free space.
- Connect it directly rather than through a hub.
- Try another cable or USB port and restart the PS4.
- Make sure it is not configured as another console’s extended storage.
Do not format the only copy of important files.
The backup does not fit
Use a larger USB drive, copy irreplaceable screenshots and clips elsewhere, or make a saved-data-only backup and redownload games later. You can also move games to extended storage first if the internal drive is healthy. Deleting a game does not normally delete its separate save, but back up saves before freeing space.
The reinstallation file cannot be found
Check that the structure is exactly PS4/UPDATE/PS4UPDATE.PUP, both folder names are uppercase, the file is inside UPDATE, the USB drive is FAT32 or exFAT, and you downloaded the reinstallation file rather than the ordinary update. Also check that your browser or operating system did not rename the file.
The new drive is not detected
Power off, remove and reseat the drive, and check that the caddy screws are aligned without being over-tightened. Verify that the drive is a compatible 2.5-inch SATA model. If possible, test it in a computer or compatible enclosure. Keep the original drive for diagnosis.
The old drive is failing
Prioritize saved data, irreplaceable screenshots and clips, account access, and two-factor-authentication recovery information. A failing drive may not complete a full backup. If it makes unusual noises, repeatedly disconnects, or reports read errors, minimize use rather than repeatedly powering it on.
Saves, licenses, or add-ons are missing
Confirm that you signed in with the original purchasing or save-owning account. Redownload missing digital games from Library, restore saved data from USB if necessary, and allow games to update. Keep the old drive and backup until a critical save has loaded successfully.
Why generic drive cloning is not the safe default
A PC sector-by-sector clone is not Sony’s supported migration process and is not guaranteed to boot or restore correctly. PS4 storage is associated with the console’s system-software setup and encryption architecture. Use Sony’s backup, drive replacement, reinstallation, and restore workflow instead of assuming that a desktop cloning tool will produce a usable PS4 drive.
If you are moving to another console
If “new hard drive” actually means a new PS4 or a PS5, use Sony’s separate transfer process. For a PS4-to-PS5 move, compatible PS4 extended storage can be connected to the PS5, digital games can be downloaded from the destination console’s library, and disc games can be installed from their discs. Saves can be transferred through Sony’s console-transfer process, USB saved-data transfer, or PlayStation Plus cloud storage. See Sony’s PS4-to-PS5 transfer guide.
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