Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. Guides

How to transfer data from your PS4 to PS5

Mike Colucci
By

Congratulations! You've finally gotten your hands on an elusive PlayStation 5. However, you've probably got years' worth of data saved on your PlayStation 4. What if you're in the middle of your Ghost of Tsushima campaign and want to pick up where you left off on your brand new console? What if you were near the end of The Last of Us II but want to finish on PS5? Thankfully, both are possible. All you need to know is how to transfer data from your PS4 to PS5. Let's dive into how to transfer your data and all the tools you'll need.

Related Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

20 minutes

What You Need

  • Wi-Fi connection

  • PlayStation 4

  • PlayStation 5

  • Ethernet cable (optional)

The prepare for data transfer screen on PlayStation 5.

How to transfer data from your PS4 to PS5

For this section, let's focus on transferring the hard data that's on your PS4. Later on, we'll dive into how extended storage works with your PS5.

If you're setting up a brand new PS5 for the first time, you'll be prompted to transfer your data during the setup process. However, you can skip this step initially and transfer data later on. Depending on the data size, this transfer may take several hours. You might want to initiate it before bed that night or work the following day.

Step 1: Update your PS4 and PS5 to the latest system software. These are usually automatic, but you can check on the status of your PS4 system software by going to Settings > System software update. If you're up to date, you'll be notified as such.

Step 2: Connect your PS4 to your PS5.

  • On your PS4, sign in to the same account you plan to use on your PS5.
  • Connect both consoles to the same network via Wi-Fi or Ethernet cable. However, connecting is easier to do over Wi-Fi, as you'll want an Ethernet cable to connect the two systems.
  • (Optional) Connect your two systems with an Ethernet cable. An Ethernet connection makes the transfer faster but isn't necessary. Everything can be done over Wi-Fi.
Related

Step 3: Select Continue from the Data Transfer screen.

  • Select which PS4 you'd like to transfer data from. If it's the only one in your home, this is self-explanatory. If you have multiple PS4s connected to the network or have had others connected in the past, you'll need to know your PS4's ID.

  • To learn your PS4's ID go to Settings > System > System information. Here, you'll see your PS4's name. It should be "PS4" followed by a series of numbers by default. You can rename your PS4 from here to quickly find it for the data transfer.

  • When your PS5 reads "Prepare for Data Transfer," press and hold the Power button on your PS4 until you hear a beep (it should take about one second). *Read and understand the precautions, then begin the transfer.

Step 4: You can still initiate it manually if you skipped the transfer process when setting up your PS5.

  • Go to Settings > System software > Data transfer. Follow these steps to complete your transfer.

PS4 disks and games on extended storage

Modern gamers have come to learn the benefits of extended storage. Thankfully, you can easily play PS4 games saved on an extended storage device by plugging it into your PS5. However, games that offer PS5 upgrades, like Chivalry II and Call of Duty: Vanguard, will be saved to your main console storage upon download.

Make sure you're moving the PS4 version back to extended storage, or delete it. You can still move PS5 games to extended storage, so we recommend moving ones you're not currently playing.

For PS4 disks, all you have to do is insert the disk into your PS5, and it will download to your system storage. Of course, this depends on if you have the disk version of PS5 or the digital.

You can also download games you've purchased from the PlayStation Store in the past. You don't have to download them back to your PS4 and batch them with the data transfer. So if you got your hands on Rocket League back when it was free on PSN in 2015, you could download it again to your PS5.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
How to connect a PS5 controller to a PC
playstation 5 controller ps5

The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller is one of the biggest leaps in controller design ever, adding advanced haptic feedback to Sony’s new console. For games that take full advantage of it, like Astro’s Playroom, the effect it has on the play experience can be truly game-changing. Like most other console controllers, the DualSense can also be used to play games on PC, though without the full benefit of features like variable-resistance triggers.

For those who want to get a little more mileage out of their DualSense, here’s how to connect the PS5 controller to a PC. While the good news is that the DualSense works just like any other controller on a PC, the bad news is that, well, the DualSense works just like any other controller. It may lack the PS5-specific features that make it such a standout when connected to a PC, but it’s also simple to set up and use, whether you want to connect using a USB cable or Bluetooth.
How to connect a PS5 controller to PC with USB
Connecting the PS5 controller to a PC with a USB cable will likely be the go-to option for most people, as it’s extremely easy to do and won’t run the risk of draining the DualSense’s battery during a play session. Just connect the DualSense to a USB-C to USB-A cable (like the one that comes with the PS5), and plug the other end into your PC. If your PC has a USB-C port, you can also use a regular USB-C cable. If you’re purchasing a new DualSense on its own, as opposed to using one that comes with the console, just be aware that it won’t come with its own cable.
How to connect a PS5 controller to PC with Bluetooth
If your computer has built-in Bluetooth capability or you have a separate Bluetooth adapter, you can also connect the DualSense wirelessly. The process is the same as connecting any wireless controller. Just hold the PS button and the Create button on the DualSense to start pairing. On your PC, navigate to the Bluetooth & Other Devices menu and click Add Bluetooth or other device, then select the Bluetooth option. When the connection is made, the PS5 controller will show up as Wireless Controller in the menu.
How to use a PS5 controller on PC with Steam
The major caveat to using a PS5 controller on PC is that not all games will recognize it natively. Fortunately, Valve added limited DualSense support to Steam almost as soon as the PS5 was released and is continuing to add features. All the Steam games with controller support are playable with the DualSense, and functions like motion controls, rumble, and the light bar should work just like they did for the PS4’s controller, though new features like adaptive triggers still aren’t working.

Read more
Counter-Strike 2 limited test: how to play, game modes, and more
Soldiers in Counter-Strike 2 key art.

After a few weeks of leaks and rumors, Valve has finally announced that Counter-Strike 2 will be launching this summer as a free update to CS:GO.

Valve is describing Counter-Strike 2 as an  “overhaul to every system, every piece of content, and every part of the C-S experience” and “the largest technical leap forward in Counter-Strike’s history," promising years of support for the game.

Read more
How to play The Sims 4 for free
Two Sims walk down the aisle after getting married in My Wedding Stories.

The Sims 4 is now completely free on most platforms. You can play the base version of the iconic life simulator on PC (via the EA app, Origin, and Steam), PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Develporer EA recently revealed that the next Sims title is in development, although it's still a few years away from being released.

Read more