Overview
One of the primary concerns for PlayStation 5 users is the limited storage capacity of the console. With the increasing size of modern games and updates, managing your storage effectively is crucial to ensure you have enough space for new gaming experiences. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to get more storage on your PS5 without compromising your gaming library.
In this article, we will explore ten tips that will help you maximize your storage space and keep your PS5 running smoothly. Whether you want to expand your storage capacity or optimize existing storage, these tips will guide you through the process.
From utilizing external hard drives and upgrading internal storage to managing game updates and clearing capture galleries, we’ve got you covered. By following these tips, you will be able to make the most of your storage and ensure a seamless gaming experience on your PS5.
Now, let’s dive into the details of each tip and discover how you can get more storage on your beloved PlayStation 5. Whether you are a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, these tips will prove invaluable in your quest to optimize your storage space and keep up with the latest gaming trends.
Tip 1: Utilize External Hard Drive
One of the most effective ways to expand the storage capacity of your PS5 is by utilizing an external hard drive. The PS5 supports USB 3.0-compatible hard drives, which can be connected to the console through one of the available USB ports.
By connecting an external hard drive to your PS5, you can store your games, apps, and media files externally, freeing up valuable space on your console’s internal storage. This allows you to keep a larger library of games and easily switch between them when needed.
To use an external hard drive with your PS5, simply connect it to one of the USB ports on the console. Once connected, you can format the hard drive using the PS5’s built-in formatting tool. This will ensure that the hard drive is compatible with the console and can be used to store games and apps.
Once the external hard drive is formatted and recognized by the PS5, you can easily move games and apps between the console’s internal storage and the external hard drive. This can be done through the PS5’s storage management settings, where you can select which games and apps to move to the external storage.
It’s important to note that while games and apps can be stored on an external hard drive, they cannot be played directly from the external storage. To play a game or use an app stored on the external hard drive, you will need to transfer it back to the PS5’s internal storage.
Utilizing an external hard drive is an excellent option for those who want to expand their storage capacity without opening up their PS5 or investing in a larger internal storage upgrade. It provides a convenient and cost-effective solution to manage your game library and ensure you always have enough space for new titles.
Tip 2: Upgrade Internal Storage
If you find that utilizing external storage isn’t sufficient for your storage needs, you may consider upgrading the internal storage of your PS5. The PS5 allows for internal storage upgrades with compatible M.2 solid-state drives (SSDs).
Upgrading the internal storage allows you to have more space directly on your PS5 without the need for external devices. This means you can have faster access to your games and apps and eliminate the inconvenience of constantly managing external storage.
Before you proceed with upgrading your internal storage, it’s important to ensure that the M.2 SSD you choose is compatible with the PS5. Check the specifications and requirements provided by Sony to determine the eligible SSDs for your console.
Once you have a compatible M.2 SSD, you’ll need to open up your PS5 and access the internal storage slot. This process requires some technical knowledge and careful handling to avoid damaging the console.
After inserting the new M.2 SSD into the storage slot, you will need to format and set up the drive. The PS5 will guide you through the formatting process, ensuring the SSD is correctly initialized for use with the console.
Once the internal storage upgrade is complete, you can transfer games and apps from the PS5’s internal storage or external devices to the new SSD. This will give you more space for your gaming library and allow for smoother and faster gaming experiences.
Upgrading the internal storage is a more advanced option compared to utilizing external drives, but it provides the benefit of increased storage capacity directly on your PS5. This can be particularly beneficial for gamers who prefer to have all their games and apps available within the console itself.
Remember to follow the recommended guidelines and precautions provided by Sony when upgrading the internal storage to ensure a successful and hassle-free process.
Tip 3: Delete Unused Games and Apps
If you’re running out of storage space on your PS5, one of the simplest and most effective ways to free up some space is by deleting unused games and apps. Over time, your gaming library can accumulate a large number of titles that you no longer play or apps that you seldom use.
By regularly reviewing your game library and uninstalling games and apps that you no longer need, you can create more space for new games and updates. This not only helps with storage management but also allows your console to run more efficiently.
To delete games and apps on your PS5, go to the home screen and navigate to the game or app you want to remove. Press the Options button on your controller and select “Delete.” Confirm the deletion when prompted, and the game or app will be removed from your console’s internal storage.
Before deleting a game or app, make sure to consider whether you have any save data or progress that you want to keep. If there is any important data, ensure that you have backed it up either to the PS5’s cloud storage or to an external device.
Deleting unused games and apps not only frees up space but also helps declutter your gaming library, making it easier to navigate and find the games you want to play. It’s a good idea to periodically review and remove games and apps that no longer spark your interest or have served their purpose.
Remember that if you ever want to play a deleted game or use a deleted app again, you can always reinstall it from the PlayStation Store or your game library. This makes deleting games and apps a reversible process.
Regularly cleaning up your PS5 by deleting unused games and apps is an essential step in maintaining optimal storage space and ensuring a smooth gaming experience.
Tip 4: Optimize System Storage
In addition to deleting unused games and apps, optimizing the system storage on your PS5 can help maximize the available space and improve overall performance. Here are some tips to optimize your system storage:
- Clear Cache: The PS5 system cache stores temporary files and data from games and apps. Clearing the cache regularly can free up space and help optimize system performance. To clear the cache, go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Cache and select “Clear Cache.”
- Manage Save Data: Review your saved game data and delete any unnecessary files. You can access the save data from the Settings > Storage > Saved Data section. Remove old saves or games you no longer play to free up storage space.
- Archive Games: If you have completed a game or don’t intend to play it in the near future, consider archiving it. Archiving a game removes it from your console’s internal storage but keeps the save data. You can easily re-download and reinstall the game when you want to play it again.
- Keep Firmware Updated: Ensure that your PS5 firmware is up to date. System updates often include optimizations and improvements that can help optimize storage usage and overall system performance.
By implementing these optimization techniques, you can keep your system storage organized and make the most of your available space. It’s a proactive approach to maintaining a well-optimized PS5 and ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Tip 5: Use Cloud Storage
Another effective way to manage your storage on the PS5 is by utilizing cloud storage. PlayStation Plus members have access to cloud storage, which allows you to save your game data and progress online.
By using cloud storage, you can free up valuable space on your console’s internal storage. When you want to play a game, you can download your saved data from the cloud, eliminating the need to keep all your game data stored locally.
Enabling cloud storage on your PS5 is straightforward. Simply ensure that you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription, which provides access to cloud storage. From the settings menu on your PS5, navigate to “Manage Membership” to verify your PlayStation Plus subscription status.
Once your PlayStation Plus membership is confirmed, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Console Storage. From there, you can choose which game save data you want to upload to the cloud storage. You can also enable automatic uploads to ensure that your game data is regularly backed up online.
By using cloud storage, you not only save storage space on your PS5 but also provide a backup for your game progress. In case of a console malfunction or if you ever need to switch to a new PS5, you can easily retrieve your saved data from the cloud, allowing you to continue your gaming journey seamlessly.
It’s important to note that cloud storage has limitations. The amount of storage available for your game data depends on your PlayStation Plus subscription. Additionally, some game data, such as certain in-game screenshots or videos, may not be eligible for cloud storage. Therefore, it’s advisable to periodically review and manage your cloud storage to ensure it aligns with your storage needs and preferences.
By taking advantage of cloud storage, you can offload some of your game data and create more space on your console while keeping your progress safe and easily accessible.
Tip 6: Disable Auto-Downloads
By default, the PS5 is set to automatically download game updates, system software updates, and other content in the background. While this feature is convenient for ensuring that your console is always up to date, it can also consume valuable storage space.
To free up storage and have more control over what gets downloaded on your PS5, consider disabling auto-downloads. This allows you to manually select and download the updates and content that you deem necessary.
Disabling auto-downloads can be done by adjusting your console’s system settings. Navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates. From there, you can adjust the auto-download settings to your preference.
By disabling auto-downloads, you can prevent your PS5 from automatically downloading large game updates or other content that you may not immediately need. This gives you the freedom to manage your storage effectively and prioritize the updates or games that are most important to you.
However, it’s worth mentioning that disabling auto-downloads means you need to stay vigilant about keeping your games and system software up to date. Make it a habit to regularly check for updates and download them manually. This way, you can ensure that your games are running smoothly and take advantage of any performance enhancements or new features.
By having control over what gets downloaded, you can optimize your storage space and minimize the impact on your PS5’s performance. Consider disabling auto-downloads if you prefer more hands-on management of your updates and content.
Tip 7: Clear Capture Gallery
The PS5’s Capture Gallery is a feature that allows you to capture and store screenshots and videos of your gameplay moments. While it’s great to have a collection of memorable captures, the files can accumulate over time and take up valuable storage space on your console.
To optimize your storage and free up space, it’s important to regularly review and clear your Capture Gallery. This allows you to keep only the captures that are truly meaningful to you while removing the ones you no longer need.
To clear the Capture Gallery on your PS5, navigate to the Media Gallery from the home screen. From there, select the captures you want to delete and choose the option to delete them. You can also choose multiple captures at once to streamline the process. Keep in mind that once you delete a capture, it cannot be recovered, so be sure to double-check before confirming the deletion.
In addition to clearing the Capture Gallery, you can also adjust your console’s settings to automatically upload captures to external storage or the cloud. This allows you to safely store your captures without filling up your PS5’s internal storage.
Clearing the Capture Gallery not only helps free up storage space but also enhances the overall organization of your gaming captures. By keeping only the captures that truly matter to you, you can easily navigate and showcase the moments that hold the most value.
It’s a good practice to periodically review and clear your Capture Gallery to ensure optimal storage management. This way, you can continue to capture and save your favorite gaming moments while keeping your PS5’s storage space in check.
Tip 8: Utilize USB Drives for Backups
Backing up your game data and settings is crucial to ensure the security of your progress and preferences. While the PS5 offers cloud storage for game saves, utilizing USB drives for backups provides an additional layer of protection and flexibility.
By using USB drives, you can create offline backups of your game saves, screenshots, videos, and other data. This is particularly helpful if you don’t have an active PlayStation Plus subscription or if you prefer to have physical copies of your backups.
To utilize USB drives for backups on your PS5, connect a compatible USB drive to one of the console’s USB ports. Once connected, navigate to the Settings menu, then go to Saved Data and Game/App Settings. From there, choose the game data or other content you want to copy, and select the option to copy it to the USB drive.
USB drives provide an easy and convenient way to preserve your game data and settings. They are portable, allowing you to transfer your backups to other devices or keep them securely stored in a physical location.
It’s essential to regularly create backups of your game data to avoid losing progress or settings in the event of a console malfunction or a need to reset your PS5. Additionally, backing up your data can be especially beneficial when switching to a new console, as you can easily restore your saved game data and continue where you left off.
Remember to keep your USB drives in a safe and secure location, ideally in a separate place from your PS5, to protect them from damage or loss. Consider labeling or organizing the USB drives to easily identify and access your backups when needed.
Utilizing USB drives for backups provides peace of mind and ensures that your valuable game data remains protected. By being proactive in creating backups, you can safeguard your progress and preferences, allowing you to continue your gaming journey with confidence.
Tip 9: Managing Game Updates
As games evolve and developers release updates to improve performance, add new features, and fix bugs, managing game updates becomes essential for optimizing storage space on your PS5. Here are some tips to effectively manage game updates:
- Selective Updating: Not every game update is necessary, especially if you are not actively playing a specific game. You can choose which games to update by going to the game’s home screen, pressing the Options button, and selecting “Check for Update.” This way, you can prioritize the games you play the most and save storage space for other games.
- Delete and Reinstall: If a game update is particularly large and taking up a significant portion of your storage, consider deleting the game and reinstalling it. This allows you to install the latest version of the game without unnecessary extra data or old updates that are no longer needed.
- Manage Automatic Updates: By default, the PS5 is set to download and install game updates automatically. If you prefer more control, you can adjust this setting by going to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Automatic Updates. From there, you can choose to disable automatic updates entirely or set a specific time window for updates to occur.
- Utilize Rest Mode Downloading: If you have a stable internet connection, enabling Rest Mode downloading can be convenient for downloading game updates overnight. You can enable this feature by going to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode > Stay Connected to the Internet.
- Consider Update Notifications: To stay informed about game updates without enabling automatic downloads, you can opt to receive notifications when updates are available. This way, you can manually choose which updates to download and install according to your storage availability and preferences.
By effectively managing game updates, you can save storage space on your PS5 and ensure that you have room for the games you want to play. Additionally, managing updates allows you to control the data usage on your internet connection and avoid unexpected heavy downloads that may slow down your gaming experience.
Keep in mind that staying up to date with game updates is generally recommended to ensure optimal performance and access to new features. However, by selectively managing game updates, you can strike a balance between staying current and managing your storage effectively.
Tip 10: Remove Unused Screenshots and Videos
As you play games on your PS5, you may capture screenshots and record videos to capture memorable moments. However, these captures can quickly accumulate and take up a significant amount of storage space on your console. To optimize your storage, it’s important to regularly remove unused screenshots and videos.
Navigate to the Media Gallery on your PS5’s home screen to access your captures. From there, you can browse through your screenshots and videos and delete the ones that are no longer needed. Be sure to review each capture carefully before deleting to avoid accidentally removing ones you wish to keep.
Alternatively, you can transfer your captures to external storage, such as a USB drive or another compatible device, to preserve them while freeing up space on your PS5. This allows you to keep a backup of your captures and access them whenever you need them.
Deleting unused screenshots and videos not only helps reclaim storage space but also makes it easier to navigate and find the captures you truly value. It streamlines your Media Gallery and ensures that you have ample storage for new captures in the future.
It’s worth noting that the PS5 offers options for sharing and uploading your captures to social media platforms or saving them to online storage. If you have already shared or saved your captures externally, you can safely delete them from your console to create more space.
Regularly managing your screenshots and videos allows you to maintain an organized and efficient storage system on your PS5. By removing unused captures, you can keep your storage space optimized while preserving the captures that hold the most significance to you.
