How to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5 console

Find out which M.2 SSDs can be used to expand your PlayStation®5 console storage space, and how to insert an M.2 SSD into the expansion slot.

What is an M.2 SSD?

M.2 SSDs (sold separately) are a high-speed solid state drive medium that you can use to increase the storage capacity of your PS5® console or PS5 Digital Edition console.

Why add an M.2 SSD to your PS5 console?

Once installed in your PS5 console, M.2 SSD storage can be used to download, copy, and launch PS5 games and PS4™ games, as well as media apps. This allows you to increase the storage space available to you on your PS5 console. You can freely move games between the PS5 console’s storage, a connected USB extended storage device and the added M.2 SSD storage.

Which M.2 SSDs can be used with a PS5 console? 

It’s important that you only use a supported M.2 SSD to expand your PS5 console storage and that meets the following requirements:

Make sure your PS5 console has the latest system software update before installing a compatible M.2 SSD drive.

Update PS5 console system software
Interface PCI-Express Gen4x4 supported M.2 NVMe SSD (Key M)
Storage space 250 GB - 8 TB
Form factor 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, 22110
Size including heat-dissipation mechanism Width: up to 25 mm
Length: 30/40/60/80/110 mm
Thickness: up to 11.25 mm (up to 8.0 mm from above the board, up to 2.45 mm from below the board)
Sequential read speed 5,500MB/s or faster is recommended
Socket type Socket 3 (Key M)

Using an M.2 SSD with your PS5 console requires effective heat dissipation with a cooling structure, such as a heatsink and a heat transfer sheet. You can attach these to your M.2 SSD yourself, either in a single-sided format, or double-sided format (single-sided cooling structures are an easier fit). There are also M.2 SSDs that have cooling structures (such as heatsinks) built in. For information on how to attach the heat dissipation mechanism, check the instructions that come with it.

  • Both single-sided and double-sided M.2 SSD devices are supported.
  • M.2 SATA SSDs aren’t supported.
  • You should carefully review drive specifications prior to purchase and contact the vendor or manufacturer if you need further information. SIE cannot guarantee that all M.2 SSD devices meeting the described specifications will work with your console and assumes no responsibility for the selection, performance or use of third-party products.
  • Not all games are necessarily playable with the exact same performance provided by the PS5 console’s internal Ultra-High Speed SSD, even where the M.2 SSD device’s sequential read speed is faster than 5500MB/s.
  • The majority of M.2 SSD devices with the above type numbers (M Key Type 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 and 22110) and without a built-in cooling structure will fit the PS5 console’s SSD slot. However, sizes for cooling structures (like heatsinks) vary greatly. If you are not sure an M.2 SSD or cooling structure (such as a heatsink) you’re considering meets the size requirements outlined here, we recommend looking for another product option or contacting the vendor or manufacturer for more information.

If you experience problems while playing a game installed on M.2 SSD storage, move the game to the internal Ultra-High Speed console storage.

How to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5 console

Before you begin, you’ll need: 

  • A well-lit room with a table to work on. 
  • A #1 Phillips or cross-head screwdriver. 
  • A small flashlight (optional).

Before proceeding with the installing or removing process, touch a metal-grounded object to remove any static electricity from your body. Failure to do so may cause damage to your M.2 SSD or PS5 console. 

Please note, don't power on or play on your console while the cover is off. 

If it is the first time using your M.2 SSD with your PS5 console, you'll need to format your M.2 SSD after installing. When you format your M.2 SSD, any data saved on the drive is erased. Data erased this way can't be recovered, so be careful and make sure you don't erase important data. 

Do not turn off the power while saving data or while your M.2 SSD is being formatted. Doing so may cause data loss, corruption, or damage to your M.2 SSD or PS5 console. 

Do not use an M.2 SSD without a heat-dissipation mechanism, such as a heat sink or heat transfer sheet. Your M.2 SSD might come with these parts or you might need to purchase them separately.

Select your model of PS5 console from the list below for instructions.

Check model numbers
  1. Remove the triangle cover.
Remove cover
  1. Remove the screw from the expansion slot cover and then remove the cover.
  1. Remove the screw and spacer, and then adjust the spacer to the size of the M.2 SSD.
  1. Holding the edge of the M.2 SSD, align it with the notch on the expansion connector. Tilt the M.2 SSD diagonally upward, and firmly insert it all the way into the expansion connector.
    The following shows an M.2 SSD with a heat sink and heat transfer sheet attached.
  1. Tilt the M.2 SSD down and fasten it with the screw.
  1. Attach the expansion slot cover and fasten the screw. 
  2. Attach the triangle cover.
Attach cover
  1. Attach the feet, connect the AC power cord and cables, and then turn on the power. When your PS5 console turns on, the formatting guide appears. Follow the onscreen instructions and format the M.2 SSD*.

*Formatting isn’t required when moving an M.2 SSD between two PS5 consoles. 

  1. Turn off your PS5 console. Then, remove all cables and devices from your PS5 console.
    Wait a while for your PS5 console to cool down.
  2. Place your PS5 console on a flat surface with a protective covering and remove the base. 
  3. Position your PS5 console so that the PlayStation logo is facing down and the power button is facing towards you.
  4. Grip the top left corner of the cover and remove it by slightly pulling up and to your right.
    The cover lifts away.
  5. Slide the cover off while still keeping your PS5 console stable.

There is a long rectangular cover over the expansion slot, secured with one screw at the top. 

  1. Remove the screw from the expansion slot cover (A) and then remove the cover.
  1. Carefully remove the screw (B). Move the spacer (C) to the groove corresponding to the size of your M.2 SSD.
  1. Hold the edge of your M.2 SSD, align it with the notch on the expansion connector, and then starting from diagonally upward firmly insert it all the way in.

Ensure the M.2 SSD circuit board is resting flush on the spacer, without obstruction from your cooling structure. If you proceed to the next step while your M.2 SSD is incorrectly inserted or not firmly inserted all the way into the expansion connector, it may cause damage to the terminal and your PS5 console.

  1. Tilt your M.2 SSD down and fasten it to the spacer with the screw. Make sure your cooling structure is not obstructing the screw.
  1. Attach the expansion slot cover and fasten the screw. If the slot cover does not close properly, your cooling structure likely exceeds size requirements.
  2. Replace the cover by positioning it slightly away (about 2 cm or 3/4 inch) from the top edge and sliding it back into place. You’ll hear a click when the cover is secured.
  1. Connect the AC power cord, cables, and base, and then turn on the power.
    When your PS5 console turns on, the formatting guide appears. Follow the on-screen instructions and format your M.2 SSD*.

*Formatting isn’t required when moving an M.2 SSD between two PS5 consoles. 

How to remove an M.2 SSD from a PS5 console

  1. Remove the triangle cover.
Remove cover

  1. Remove the screw from the expansion slot cover, and then remove the cover. 

  2. Remove the fastened M.2 SSD screw. 

  3. Slightly lift up the M.2 SSD, and then hold the edge and pull diagonally upward. 

  4. Fasten the screw back on the spacer. 

  5. Attach the expansion slot cover and fasten the screw. 

  6. Attach the triangle cover.
Attach cover
  1. Turn off your PS5 console. Then remove all cables and devices from your PS5 console. Wait a while for your PS5 console to cool down.
  2. Place your PS5 console on a flat surface with a protective covering and remove the base.
  3. Position your PS5 console so that the PS logo is facing down and the power button is facing you. 
  4. Grip the top left corner of the cover and remove it by slightly pulling up and to your right.
    The cover lifts away.
  5. Slide the cover off while still keeping your PS5 console stable.

You’ll see a long rectangular cover over the expansion slot, secured with one screw at the top. 

  1. Remove the screw from the expansion slot cover (A) and then remove the cover.
  1. Remove the M.2 SSD storage drive screws. 
  2. Slightly lift up your M.2 SSD storage drive, and then hold the edge and pull diagonally upward. 
  3. Fasten the screws back on the spacers. 
  4. Attach the expansion slot cover and fasten the screw. 
  5. Replace the cover by positioning it slightly away (about 2 cm or 3/4 inch) from the top edge and sliding it back into place. You’ll hear a click when the cover is secured.
  1. Connect the AC power cord, cables, and base, and then turn on the power.

How to install and move games to M.2 SSD storage on a PS5 console

You can download games from PlayStation™Store to your M.2 SSD. Go to the home screen and select Settings > Storage > Installation Location to set this up.

To move games and apps already installed on your console storage: 

  1. Go to your games home and select Game Library. 
  2. Highlight the data you want to move, press the Options button, and then select Move Games and Apps.
    When you're using both an M.2 SSD and a USB extended storage drive, go to the Movable to M.2 SSD Storage tab.  
  3. Select the checkboxes for any other games and apps you want to move and select Move. 

To check your storage space and to move or delete data on your M.2 SSD, go to the home screen and select Settings > Storage > M.2 SSD Storage.

How to use an M.2 SSD on a different PS5 console

  1. Safely remove the M.2 SSD from your PS5 console.
  2. Install the M.2 SSD into the new PS5 console.
    You can now access and play the games on your M.2 SSD.

To successfully access the data on your M.2 SSD on a new PS5 console, make sure you are signed in to the same account on both consoles. 

Data storage
Transfer guide

Frequently asked questions

Can I insert a SATA drive into the PS5 console?
No. M.2 SATA SSDs aren’t supported.

Should I remove the M.2 SSD if I send my PS5 console for repair?
Yes. Please remove the M.2 SSD before sending it for repair. 

Can I format part of the M.2 SSD for use on the PS5 console?
No, you must format the entire M.2 SSD.

Is it okay to install a heatsink on an M.2 SSD with a built-in heatsink?
No. If your M.2 SSD has a built-in heatsink, we recommend against adding any additional heatsinks. Doing so may reduce the effectiveness of the built-in heatsinks.

How is an M.2 SSD different from USB extended storage on PS5 consoles?
PS5 games are playable on M.2 SSD storage.
PS5 games can be downloaded directly to M.2 SSD storage. 
PS5 games can be updated on M.2 SSD storage. 

Is it possible to store a part of game data on console storage and the remaining data on M.2 SSD storage?
No. All game data for a specific game must be stored in the same place.

What should I do if I experience gameplay issues when I play games stored on M.2 SSD Storage?

  1. Press the PS button on your controller to go to the control centre, and then select Downloads/Uploads. Pause any ongoing downloads.

  2. If you are trying to play a game on disc, please wait for the full installation to finish. 

  3. If you are still having issues, please move the game from M.2 SSD storage to console storage.

Will installing an M.2 SSD affect my warranty?
In general, your manufacturer warranty coverage should not be affected provided you install an M.2 drive that meets the required specifications and you follow the installation instructions properly.  Failure to do so could result in damage to your console which will not be covered under warranty. We therefore strongly encourage you to carefully review drive specifications prior to purchase and contact the vendor or manufacturer if you need further information. When installing the M.2 drive, you should closely reference the M.2 SSD installation instructions to help avoid any issues. Please read our complete warranty terms for details of what is and isn’t covered and your remedies. 

Do PS5 consoles support Host Memory Buffer?
No. Some M.2 SSD devices may support Host Memory Buffer (HMB) but they may experience slower-than-expected performance because the PS5 console does not support HMB.

Need help? 

Contact our support specialists

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