PS4: External HDD Support
If your PS4 doesn’t have enough HDD space to install a game, you can use an Extended Storage Device to add more storage.
You can download games and add-ons from PlayStation℠Store directly to the extended storage and move games from your PlayStation®4 system’s storage to your HDD.
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.
- PS4™ System
- The PS4™ system must have system software version 4.50 or later.
- External Hard Disk Drive*
- USB 3.0 or later
- 250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum capacity
*Proper operation is not guaranteed for all external hard disc drive models.
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.
Where to find applications on the extended storage device
- 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.
Important Connection Information
- 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 extended storage
- Go to
[Settings] > [Devices] > [USB Storage Devices]. - Select the USB storage device to format and choose [Format as Extended Storage].
How to change the Application Install Location
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.
- Select [Settings] > [Storage], and then press the OPTIONS button.
- Select [Application Install Location] > [Extended Storage].
- Applications will now be set to install on extended storage.
How to Move Applications
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.
- Select [Settings] > [Storage].
- Select the storage where the application you want to move is located, and then select [Applications].
- Press the OPTIONS button and select [Move to Extended Storage] -or- [Move to System Storage].
- Add ticks to the applications you wish to move and select [Move].
How to Disconnect Extended Storage
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.
- Select [Sound/Devices] > [Stop Using Extended Storage] on the quick menu.
- 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 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.
- 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.
| Error code | Reason |
|---|---|
| CE-41901-5 | Use a USB External Storage Device that fulfils the following requirements:
|
| CE-41902-6 | Use a USB External Storage Device that fulfils the following requirements:
|
| CE-41899-1 | Connect the USB External Storage Device directly to the PS4. |
| CE-30002-5 | Try to format the HDD again. |
| CE-30022-7 |
|
| CE-30006-9 | Reconnect the HDD and repair file system following instructions.
|