Getting a new PS5 does not mean you have to leave your old games and progress behind. Your games, saves, and other important data can be moved from PS4 to PS5 without much trouble. In this guide, we will explain how to transfer data from PS4 to PS5 in a simple way, so you can move over what you need and get back to playing without starting everything from zero.
The easiest way is to use the PS5’s built in transfer option while both consoles are connected to the same network. You can also use a USB drive or PlayStation Plus, depending on what you want to move.
What You Need Before Transferring Your Data
Before you start, make sure your PS4 and PS5 are ready. Most transfer problems happen because one small thing was missed before the process starts. Use the same PlayStation account on both consoles. Your digital games, trophies and other account details are linked to this account, so using a different one can make it look like your old stuff has disappeared.
It is also a good idea to update both consoles first. You do not want to start a big transfer and then run into an update or connection problem halfway through. For direct transfer, connect both consoles to the same network. A wired connection can make things more stable, especially if you have a lot of data to move.
Also check the storage space on your PS5. If your PS4 has hundreds of gigabytes of games, you may not have enough room to move everything at once. Before doing anything else, check your most important save files. Games with years of progress should get extra attention.
Quick Checklist
- Same PlayStation account on both consoles
- PS4 and PS5 updated
- Both consoles on the same network
- Enough free PS5 storage
- Important saves checked
- USB drive ready if needed
- PS Plus saves uploaded if you use cloud storage
How to Transfer Data from PS4 to PS5
If you still have your PS4, the built in transfer option is usually the easiest choice. Turn on both consoles and connect them to the same network. On the PS5, open Settings and go to the system software section. You will find the option for transferring data from a PS4.
The PS5 will look for your PS4. Once it finds it, follow the instructions on the screen and choose the data you want to move. You can transfer things such as saved data and compatible game data. The exact time depends on how much you are moving. A few save files can be quick, while a large game library can take a long time.
Do not switch either console off while the transfer is running. Keep both connected to power and leave them alone until the process finishes. One useful thing to remember is that you do not have to transfer every game. Your digital purchases are tied to your PlayStation account, so you can download compatible games again on the PS5 from your game library.
That can actually be the better choice if your PS4 is packed with games you no longer play.
How to Transfer PS4 Games to PS5
You have a few options here. If both consoles are available, you can use the direct transfer method. This is handy when you want to move several games without downloading them again.
You can also use a compatible USB extended storage drive. This is especially useful if you already have your PS4 games stored on one. Connect the drive to the PS5 and your compatible PS4 games can be accessed from it. This can save a lot of time if your internet connection is slow.
For digital games, there is another simple option. Sign in to the same PlayStation account on your PS5, open your game library and download the games you want. So, you do not really need to move every game file from the old console.
What About PS4 Games With PS5 Versions?
This is where things can get a little confusing. Some PS4 games have a separate PS5 version. When that happens, the PS5 version may have better graphics, faster loading or other improvements.
But your old PS4 save does not always work automatically with the PS5 version.
That depends on the game. Some developers support save transfers, while others do not. Some games also have their own way of moving progress. So, before deleting anything from your PS4, check the save transfer support for the games you care about most.
How to Transfer PS4 Save Data to PS5
For most players, save data is the part that really matters. You can download a game again. Losing 100 hours of progress is a different story. There are three main ways to move PS4 saves to PS5: direct transfer, USB and PS Plus cloud storage.
Direct Transfer
If your PS4 is still working, this is one of the easiest methods. Keep both consoles on the same network and use the transfer option on the PS5. Select the saved data you want to move and let the consoles handle the rest.
USB Drive
A USB drive is useful when you want a local copy of your saves. On the PS4, copy the saved data to a compatible USB drive. Then connect the drive to the PS5 and copy the saves over. This is also a good backup to keep before you start changing anything on your old console.
PlayStation Plus
If you have PlayStation Plus, you can use cloud storage for your saves. Upload the PS4 saves to the cloud, then sign in with the same account on the PS5 and download them. This is handy when the two consoles are not going to stay together for long.
Can You Use a USB Drive to Transfer Data?
Yes, but it depends on what you want to move. A USB drive can be used for PS4 saved data. A compatible USB extended storage drive can also be used to store supported PS4 games. If you already have a PS4 game library on an external drive, you may be able to plug that drive into your PS5 and keep using those games. That is much easier than downloading a huge game again.
Just remember that game storage and save storage are not exactly the same thing. Having your games on an external drive does not mean every save file is stored there too. Also, do not use an old or unreliable USB drive for the only copy of your important saves.
Can You Transfer Data Using PS Plus?
Yes. PlayStation Plus cloud storage is a simple way to move save files. On your PS4, upload the saves you want to keep. Then go to the PS5, sign in with the same account and download those saves from the cloud.
This works well when you only care about your progress and do not want to move a whole game library. One thing catches people out here. A save being in the cloud does not always mean it is already on your PS5. You may need to download it to the console manually.
So, after downloading your saves, open the game and make sure the old progress actually appears.
What Happens to Your PS4 Games After Transfer?
Your PS4 does not suddenly lose its games after you move data to the PS5. If you bought a digital game, it stays connected to your PlayStation account. You can normally download it again on your PS5.
For disc games, you need a PS5 model with a disc drive. A PS5 Digital Edition cannot read your PS4 game discs. Most PS4 games work on PS5, but there are a few exceptions. So if one old game does not work, that does not necessarily mean something went wrong with your transfer.
If you are using an external drive, compatible PS4 games can also stay there instead of filling up your PS5’s internal storage. That can be a smart move if you have a large PS4 library.
What If Your Save Data Is Missing?
1. First, do not delete your PS4 saves.
2. There are a few simple things to check.
3. Make sure you are using the same PlayStation account you used on the PS4. Then check the PS5’s saved data section.
4. If you use PS Plus, check your cloud storage and download the save again.
5. If you used a USB drive, connect it again and check whether the save was copied properly.
6. You should also check which version of the game you opened.
7. This matters because some games have a PS4 version and a separate PS5 version. A save from the PS4 version may not automatically show up in the PS5 version.
8. If everything looks right but the save is still missing, check the game’s own transfer rules. Some games handle save transfers differently.
Common Problems During PS4 to PS5 Transfer
Both Consoles Cannot See Each Other
Make sure both consoles are connected to the same network. If they still do not connect, restart both consoles and try again. A wired connection can also help when WiFi is giving you trouble.
The Transfer Is Taking Forever
This is usually because there is a lot of data. If you are moving a huge game library, it can take a while. You do not have to transfer every game. Leave old games behind and download them later when you actually want to play them.
Your PS5 Does Not Have Enough Space
This is common when people try to move a full PS4 library. Check the PS5 storage before you start. For large PS4 games, using compatible external storage can save a lot of internal space.
The Game Is There but the Save Is Not
The game and its save are two different things. A game can transfer perfectly while the save still needs to be moved separately. Check the PS4 save data, USB backup or PS Plus cloud storage.
Your PS5 Version Does Not Load the Old Save
Check whether the developer allows the PS4 save to be used with the PS5 version. This is different from simply running the PS4 version on a PS5. Some games support it and some do not.
Your USB Drive Is Not Showing Up
Make sure the drive is compatible and connected properly. Also check what the drive was being used for on your PS4. A drive used for PS4 game storage is not the same as a simple save backup. If the drive is old and disconnects randomly, do not rely on it as your only backup.
Transfer Methods Compared
| MethodBest forPS4 neededPS Plus neededMain benefit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct transfer | Games and save data | Yes | No | Easy when both consoles are available |
| USB drive | Save backups | Usually | No | Simple local backup |
| USB extended storage | PS4 games | No after setup | No | Avoids large downloads |
| PS Plus cloud | Save data | No after upload | Yes | Easy and convenient |
| Download from library | Digital games | No | No | No physical transfer needed |
For most people, using two methods is actually easier than trying to move everything one way. For example, move your important saves directly, keep large PS4 games on external storage and download the games you want later.
Things to Check After the Transfer
1. Do not wipe your PS4 the moment the transfer finishes.
2. Take a few minutes to check the things that matter.
3. Open your game library and make sure your digital purchases are there.
4. Then test your important games. Load your old saves and make sure your progress is still there.
5. Check your cloud saves if you use PlayStation Plus.
6. If you used a USB drive, check your games and saved data there too.
7. Also look at your PS5 storage. You may want to remove games you do not play anymore before downloading anything new.
8. Most importantly, keep the PS4 for a little while. This is also a good time to set up your new controller and learn how to connect PS5 controller before you start playing.
Once you know your important saves, games and other files are safe on the PS5, then you can think about resetting or selling the old console.
Simple Do and Don’ts
Do
Keep your important saves backed up.
Use the same PlayStation account.
Check the PS5 storage first.
Test your biggest games after the transfer.
Keep the PS4 until everything is confirmed.
Don’t
Do not assume every PS4 save works with every PS5 version.
Do not reset the PS4 straight away.
Do not turn the consoles off during direct transfer.
Do not transfer hundreds of games you never play just because you can.
Do not trust one old USB drive with the only copy of important saves.
Before putting your old controller away, you may also wonder can PS4 controller work on PS5. It can be used with supported PS4 games on the PS5, although PS5 games require a DualSense controller.
Summing Up
Moving from PS4 to PS5 is easier than it looks. If you still have your PS4, the built in transfer option is a good place to start. You can also use USB storage for games and saves, while PlayStation Plus is handy for moving save files through the cloud.
The main thing to watch is your game saves. Do not assume that every PS4 save will automatically work with every PS5 version of a game.
Take a little time to check your important games before you reset the old console. Once your saves load properly and your games are ready, you can move on to the PS5 without losing the progress you worked so hard for.
