PS4: External hard drive support

PS4: External hard drive support

If your PS4 doesn't have enough space to install a game, you can use an extended storage device to add more storage.

What you need to get started

When you format a storage device for use as extended storage, you can use it to install your applications. You can also move applications from PS4™ system storage to extended storage.

  1. PS4 system with system software version 4.50 or later.
  2. External hard disk drive (HDD)*.
  • SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or later.
  • 250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum capacity.

*Proper operation is not guaranteed for all external hard disc drive models.

The following SuperSpeed USB connections are supported on PS4 consoles:

  • SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen1/USB 3.2 Gen1)
  • SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen2/USB 3.2 Gen2/USB 3.2 Gen1 x2)
  • SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2 x2).
PS5 extended storage

What you can store on the formatted extended storage device

  • You can only install applications and add-ons on extended storage.
  • You can download add-ons to extended storage, even if the related application is installed in system storage.
  • Updates are downloaded to where their corresponding applications are installed.
  • You cannot save application saved data, themes or screenshot/video clips to extended storage.
  • Applications installed on extended storage appear in the content area as normal.
  • Applications installed on extended storage do not disappear from the content area when you disconnect the extended storage device.

An error message will appear if you start an application installed on extended storage when the extended storage device is disconnected.

  • You can only use one device for extended storage at a time. Even if you have connected two devices that are formatted for use as extended storage, only one can be active as extended storage.
  • You can connect a second HDD for use with Media Player, but you can't connect two HDDs for games, apps and add-ons.
  • Connection via a USB hub is not supported. You'll need to connect the extended storage device directly to your PS4™ system.
  • Make sure you do not disconnect during the shutdown process or when putting the PS4™ into rest mode.

How to format the HDD as PS4 extended storage

  1. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
  2. Select the USB storage device to format and choose Format as Extended Storage.

 

To change the install location of your applications, you need to choose where you would like to save them. You cannot change the application install location during a download.

  1. Select Settings > Storage, and then press the OPTIONS button.
  1. Select Application Install Location > Extended Storage.
  1. Applications will now be set to install on extended storage.

You can move saved applications between the PS4™ system storage and extended storage.

Reminders: If an application is found both in system storage and on extended storage, you'll need to delete it from either system storage or extended storage to use the extended storage device. You can install add-ons on extended storage, even if the related application is installed in system storage.

  1. Select  Settings > Storage.
  2. Select the storage where the application you want to move is located, and then select Applications.
  1. Press the OPTIONS button and select Move to Extended Storage -or- Move to System Storage. 
  1. Add ticks to the applications you wish to move and select Move.

When you want to disconnect an extended storage device while your PS4™ system is on, use one of the following methods to ensure the safe removal of the device.

Reminder: If you disconnect the extended storage device without using the steps below, when you reconnect the storage device it may cause corruption or loss of data.

  1. Select Sound/Devices > Stop Using Extended Storage on the quick menu.
  1. Select the extended storage device to disconnect in Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, and then select Stop Using This Extended Storage.

Having problems?

  • I experience Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connection issues when the External Storage device is connected to my PS4™.

We recommend placing the extended storage device further away from the PS4™ if you experience connection issues.

  • I get a message saying my extended storage needs to be repaired? 

This may happen if the device was removed incorrectly. When disconnecting extended storage make sure you use the proper methods.

  • I see an error "The data transfer speed of this device might not be fast enough to use it as extended storage. Are you sure you want to format this device?"

If you receive this error, we recommend using a different extended storage device.

  • I see an error "The following applications are available both in extended storage and system storage. To use the extended storage, you will need to delete one of the applications."

If the same game is installed on both extended storage and system storage, one of them needs to be removed in order to use the HDD.

PS4 extended storage error codes

Use a USB External Storage Device that fulfils the following requirements:

  • 250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum capacity

Use a USB External Storage Device that fulfils the following requirements:

  • USB 3.0 or later
  • If your HDD is definitely USB 3.0, connecting it too slowly might cause this error message. Connect the USB External Storage Device quickly and firmly, but carefully.
  • Connect the USB External Storage Device directly to the PS4.
  • Try to format the HDD again.
  1. Format the HDD again.
  2. If the error persists, restart the PS4 and then try formatting.
  1. Reconnect the HDD and the repair file system following the instructions.
  2. Format the HDD again.
  3. If the error persists, you may need to use a different HDD.

Need help? 

Contact our support specialists

Contact PlayStation Support