You can move installed PS5 games and apps to a compatible external USB drive by formatting it as USB extended storage, then using Game Library’s Move Games and Apps command. PS5 games stored there must be copied back to console or M.2 SSD storage before you can play them; PS4 games can run directly from the drive. If by “game data” you mean PS5 save files, those cannot be copied from the console to USB.
First, identify what you want to transfer
“Game data” can mean installed game files, saved games, or a full console backup. PlayStation provides a different USB workflow for each, and USB extended storage for installed games is not interchangeable with a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted backup drive.
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| What you want to move | USB method | Can you use it directly? |
|---|---|---|
| Installed PS5 games and apps | USB extended storage | PS5 games must be copied back to console or M.2 SSD storage before play. |
| PS4 saved data | Copy through the PS4 saved-data menu | Not applicable; this stores save files, not playable game installations. |
| PS5 console backup | FAT32- or exFAT-formatted USB drive and Back Up and Restore | Not applicable; backup data is restored to a console. |
Requirements and warnings before you format
PlayStation’s PS5 preparation guidance specifies a USB 3.0-or-later drive with a capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB, and warns that not every device will work. The extended-storage guide specifies a SuperSpeed USB 10Gbps Type-C or Type-A port for connection and formatting. Check the current requirements and the exact model rather than assuming any USB drive is compatible. PlayStation’s PS5 preparation guidance and USB extended-storage instructions have the details.
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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute- Formatting erases the drive. Copy anything you need from it somewhere else before formatting it as USB extended storage.
- Connect the drive directly to the console; PlayStation says not to use a USB hub for extended storage.
- Do not turn off the console or disconnect the drive while it is formatting. Interrupting the process may cause data loss, corruption, or damage.
Move installed PS5 games to USB extended storage
- Connect a compatible drive directly to an appropriate PS5 USB port.
- On the console, open Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Format as USB Extended Storage, then follow the on-screen prompts.
- Open Game Library, highlight a game or app, press the Options button, and choose Move Games and Apps.
- Select the checkbox beside each title you want to move, then choose Move. If both an M.2 SSD and USB extended storage are connected, select the Movable to USB Extended Storage tab to find eligible items.
To play a PS5 game after moving it, find it in Game Library’s Installed tab on the USB drive, press Options, and choose Copy to return it to console storage. PS4 games can be played directly from USB extended storage. PlayStation’s extended-storage guide covers the move and copy-back controls.
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Before disconnecting the drive, make sure the console power indicator is completely off. Do not unplug extended storage while the console is on or in rest mode.
Can you copy PS5 save files to the same USB drive?
No. PlayStation states, “You can’t copy PS5 saved data from your PS5 console to a USB drive.” USB extended storage holds installed game files; it does not provide a way to export PS5 saves. PlayStation Plus cloud storage is an alternative for saved data, but it requires PlayStation Plus membership. PlayStation’s transfer guidance explains the PS5-save restriction.
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Copy PS4 saves to USB from a PS5
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Upload or Delete from Console Storage > Copy to USB Drive.
- Select a game, choose the save files, and select Copy.
To copy PS4 saves from USB onto the console, go to Saved Data (PS4) > Copy or Delete from USB Drive, then select the files to copy. These options are for PS4 saved data, not PS5 saves. See PlayStation’s storage-management instructions.
Use a separate workflow for a full PS5 backup
For a console backup, use a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT—not one formatted as USB extended storage. Go to Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5, choose the data categories, and start the backup. PlayStation says a backup can include games and apps, saved data, screenshots and video clips, and settings; games and apps stored on USB extended storage or an M.2 SSD are not included in the backup data.
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- You can play PS4 games directly from USB extended storage, which lets you save space on your PS5 console storage for PS5 games. To play PS5 games, you need to copy game data from your USB extended storage drive back to your PS5 console's internal SSD storage. It’s much quicker to copy a PS5 game from USB extended storage than to re-download it.
- Compatible with PS5 Game Console, Expand game console storage instantly! NOTE: You cannot download PS5 games direct to USB Hard Drive, It has to download to internal SSD and then "Move/Copy" to USB HDD after that. (about 3 ~ 5 min transfer a game)
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Restoring a backup erases all data currently saved on the console. Backup data is linked to the PlayStation account used to create it, so sign in to that account to restore it to another console. A drive in USB extended-storage format cannot also be used for backup data in that format. Follow PlayStation’s backup and restore instructions before starting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Move game files to another PS5
If a drive is already being used as USB extended storage on a PS4 or another PS5, connect it to the destination PS5 to access the stored game data. This does not export PS5 save files.
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- You can play PS4 games directly from USB extended storage, which lets you save space on your PS5 console storage for PS5 games. To play PS5 games, you need to copy game data from your USB extended storage drive back to your PS5 console's internal SSD storage. It’s much quicker to copy a PS5 game from USB extended storage than to re-download it.
- Compatible with PS5 Game Console, Expand game console storage instantly! NOTE: You cannot download PS5 games direct to USB Hard Drive, It has to download to internal SSD and then "Move/Copy" to USB HDD after that. (about 3 ~ 5 min transfer a game)
- PS5 Game has to play on internal SSD, you can "Move & Store" your PS5 Games from SSD to USB HDD when you're not play it. And it's always faster than re-download it online. That will free up your Internal SSD Space for more games.
- This external hard drive boasts a brand-new, premium HDD case paired with a excellent refurbished, top-tier internal 7200RPM enterprise hard drive from a leading manufacturer. With zero bad sectors and 100% health, it has passed rigorous factory quality tests to ensure exceptional performance and reliability. Fully researched and tested for outstanding performance and compatibility with PC & gaming consoles, it stands as the top choice in external gaming hard drives.
For a broader console-to-console move, PS5’s Data Transfer feature can transfer supported user and account information, saved data, screenshots and clips, games, and settings. Use the same account and network on both consoles, keep them on, and avoid changing network settings during the transfer. PlayStation’s data-transfer instructions describe the supported transfer options.
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Why the two USB formats are not interchangeable
USB extended storage is for storing installed games and apps. A FAT32- or exFAT-formatted drive is used for a PS5 console backup, while the saved-data USB menu supports PS4 saves. Formatting a drive for one purpose can erase its existing contents, so copy anything you want to keep elsewhere and choose the workflow that matches the data type.
An M.2 SSD is another PS5 game-storage option and can run PS5 games while they are stored there, but it is internal expansion rather than an external USB drive. PlayStation’s storage guidance distinguishes it from USB extended storage.
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