How to get more storage on your PS5

💡 Need to know

• Go internal: External USB drives are for PS5 game storage only—you’ll have to swap games back to the console to play.
• A heatsink prevents overheating: Buy a "PS5-ready" drive so it's already attached and ready to slide in.
• Save your prime internal space: Move your PS4 library to an external drive—you can play those older titles directly from the USB.
• You don't have to go it alone: Pop into a nearby
  uBreakiFix® by Asurion store for help with expanding PS5 storage.

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With great power comes great responsibility—or, in this case, great storage needs. It's not uncommon for gamers to need more storage space to match their console’s capabilities. With some expert help, you can increase the internal storage on your PlayStation 5® and stop worrying about having enough space to fully experience Marvel's Spider-Man 2. 

At Asurion, we're all about helping you get the most out of your tech. From gaming console repairs to sharing ways to solve lagging issues on your PlayStation—we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to get more storage space on your PS5®.

How much storage does your PS5 have?

Depending on which model you own, your out-of-the-box storage varies—keep in mind that "usable" space is what's left after the PS5 reserves room for its own operating system and essential files:

• Original PS5: 825GB (roughly 667GB usable)
• PS5 Slim: 1TB (roughly 848GB usable)
• PS5 Pro: 2TB (roughly 1.89TB usable)

While this might seem like more than enough space, with modern games often topping 100GB, even the larger drives can feel small fast.

Internal storage vs digital storage

Understanding the difference between the PS5's internal and digital storage is key to effectively managing your console’s space.

Internal storage

Internal storage on a PlayStation 5 refers to the built-in storage capacity that comes with the console itself, built-in by the manufacturer. The PS5 utilizes a high-speed Solid-State Drive (SSD) as its internal storage, significantly enhancing loading times and overall system performance. The internal storage capacity of a PS5 is limited to what your system had when you bought it.

Digital storage

Digital storage refers to devices you can connect to your PS5 to store more games and data, like external hard drives or SSDs.

How to get more storage on PS5

Running out of space? Here are some ways to expand your PS5 storage.

Use an external USB hard drive or SSD

To expand storage, you can connect an external USB hard drive or SSD to your PS5. While you can't directly run PS5 games from external storage, you can use it to store and manage your compatible PS4 games, media files, and applications. This frees up space on your internal SSD for PS5 games.

Manage your game library

Regularly review and delete games you no longer play. Remember, you can always re-download them later from your purchase history.

Take advantage of cloud storage

PlayStation Plus subscribers get access to cloud storage, where you can save your game data. This won't directly expand your storage for game installations, but it's useful for safeguarding your progress.

Use the M.2 SSD Expansion Slot

The PS5 has an M.2 SSD expansion slot that allows you to add a compatible NVMe SSD for additional storage. Ensure the SSD meets the PS5's size, speed, and form factor requirements. You can find a list of compatible SSDs in the PS5 system software.

Upgrade your internal hard drive

For those who are tech-savvy, upgrading the internal SSD of your PS5 is an option. Upgrading your internal storage involves purchasing a compatible PS5 SSD and physically replacing the current one. Remember that this upgrade can void your warranty, so we suggest leaving it to a PlayStation 5 repair expert. If you attempt to go it alone, here are the tools you’ll need and the steps you should follow.

How to upgrade your PS5 hard drive

Your PlayStation needs a specific type of SSD:

• It has to be a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD. If you see "Gen3," skip it—it won't be fast enough to run PS5 games.
• Sony recommends a sequential read speed of at least 5,500MB/s. Most top-tier drives now hit 7,000MB/s+, which is even better.
• A heatsink is mandatory—the SSD slot doesn't get much airflow, so without a heatsink, your drive will overheat and throttle.
• The total height (including the heatsink) can't exceed 11.25mm, or you won't be able to fit the slot cover back on.

When shopping for a new drive, choose one with the highest capacity speed and storage to avoid upgrading your storage again. In addition to a compatible SSD, you'll also need a #1 Phillips head screwdriver handy.

Again, be aware that some upgrades to your PS5 can void your warranty. If you have any doubts, reach out to a PS5 repair expert for help with hard drive repair and replacement. 

Once you have all of the parts and tools on hand, you’re ready to get started.

1. Remove the back cover

You'll need to remove the back cover of your PS5 to access the SSD slot. Power off the console, disconnect the power cable, HDMI, and anything else connected to it. Set your console on a clean, flat surface. 

Then, gently tug on the edge with the PlayStation logo and slide the rest of the cover downwards. Rotate your console, pull from the same direction you did on the other side, and slide the back cover off.

2. Remove the expansion slot cover

You’ll see two items protected by white plastic: the fan and the hard drive expansion slot. Trust us—you can tell the two apart and avoid any confusion. Rotate the console so that the SSD slot is closer to you. Using the screwdriver, remove the single screw and set it aside. 

3. Remove the screw and SSD spacer

With the expansion slot cover removed, remove the screw and spacer near the end of the SSD housing.

4. Insert the SSD 

Slide the SSD into the connector, pushing until you feel it lock into place. Then, work in reverse. Replace the mounting screw and the expansion slot cover. Slide the back cover back into place. 

5. Format the SSD

Connect it to power and the HDMI cable. When you turn on your console, you should see a screen that asks you to format the drive. Formatting the drive prepares it for use but will erase anything currently saved. Follow the steps on the screen to complete that process. Once it's formatted, you’re all set.

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FAQ

How do I get more PS5 storage?

Pop an M.2 NVMe SSD into the internal slot for a permanent boost, or plug in an external USB drive. Internal is for playing; external is for storing.

Can I play PS5 games from an external drive?

Only PS4 games. For PS5 titles, the external drive is just a "parking spot"—you have to move them back to the console to actually play.

Does a PS5 SSD need a heatsink?

Yep, it's mandatory. These drives get roasting hot, and without a heatsink, your PS5 will throttle or crash. Buy a "PS5-ready" one and you're golden.

What’s the max storage I can add to my PS5?

You can go up to 8TB. Most people find 1TB or 2TB is the sweet spot for the price, but the ceiling is high if you're a digital hoarder.