Skip to main content

How to transfer data from your PS4 to PS5

PlayStation 5 was nearly impossible to find when it launched in 2020, with inventory shortages hitting every retailer immediately after a restock. That's no longer the case, however, and PS5 is now readily available wherever you look. One of the most useful PS5 features is backward compatibility with PS4 — allowing you to play your old games without needing to cling onto the aging hardware. That also means you can transfer your PS4 data to PS5, ensuring none of your adventures are forgotten when upgrading to the new-gen console.

But how exactly does this transfer process work? Here's everything you need to know about transferring data from PS4 to PS5.

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

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 Hitman 3, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, and Cyberpunk 2077 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 disc 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.

Need more storage space? Be sure to take a look at how to use an external drive on PS5, as there are some interesting limitations to be aware of. You'll also want to learn about the best internal SSDs for PS5, which offer a much better way to store games.

Editors' Recommendations

Mike Colucci
Michael Colucci is a lifelong video game fan based out of the greater Boston area. He's the one insistent on searching every…
How to play split-screen in Fortnite
how to play split screen fortnite duo

Fortnite launched in 2017, yet it's just as popular today as it was seven years ago. The game is regularly updated by Epic to ensure players always have something new to work toward – and you'd be hard-pressed to find a game with as many high-profile collaborations as Fortnite. Playing with friends is one of the big appeals of Fortnite, as it makes it easy to dive into the battle royale with a few buddies by your side. Split-screen play is also supported, though there are some serious restrictions to the feature.

Read more
PS4 vs. PS5: which console should you buy in 2024?
PlayStation 5 controller and PS5.

PlayStation 5 has been available for several years now, and it's easier than ever to find it in stock at retailers. The new-gen hardware makes big upgrades over its predecessor, letting gamers enjoy better graphics, shorter loading times, and support for the fancy DualSense controller. It's also much more expensive than PS4, so while PS5 is better than PS4 in most regards, it might not be ideal for frugal shoppers.

But is PS4 or PS5 the better choice in 2024? Does the aging PS4 really make sense to purchase right now, or should you opt for the PS5? From pricing and available games to storage and resolution, here's a closer look at these two popular consoles.
PS5 vs. PS4 vs. PS4 Pro specs
Even a cursory glance at the specs of the PS5 shows that it’s in a different league than the PS4 (and even the PS4 Pro). Sony has improved the capabilities of its platform in every way, adding more efficient storage, faster compute parts, support for larger capacity disks, and support for higher resolutions. We know there are two versions of the PS5 -- the Standard Edition and Digital Edition -- both of which will offer the same specs (with the exception of the omission of a disc drive with the Digital Edition).

Read more
Xbox Series X vs. PS5: Which should you buy in 2024?
Living room with Microsoft Xbox Series X (L) and Sony PlayStation 5 home video game consoles alongside a television and soundbar.

When it comes to pure gaming power, two of the best systems the world has ever known are the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. Both platforms deliver brilliant 4K HDR performance, on top of terrific internal storage, great designs, and web-connected features. 

While these systems are made by two different companies, the peripherals have many things in common. But they also have a few key differences, and we’re going to cover them all in this side-by-side comparison of the Series X and PS5.
Specs

Read more