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How to Transfer Data from PS4 to PS5 – Before You Start
If the PS5 is not your first PlayStation gaming console, you’ll benefit from learning how to transfer data from your PS4 to PS5. Sony recognizes that players value access to their older games, especially during the initial years of a new console’s release when new titles are often expensive.
The PlayStation 5 is backward compatible with nearly all PlayStation 4 games, a significant advantage given the PlayStation 4’s library of over 4,000 titles.
However, the convenience of backward compatibility lessens if you have to start all your games from scratch. Thankfully, Sony has simplified transferring saved files from PS4 to PS5, allowing you to continue your progress with improved performance and faster load times.
There are two methods for transferring saved files from PS4 to PS5: using Sony’s cloud storage for those with an active PlayStation Plus subscription or transferring data via an external drive if you do not have a PlayStation Plus plan. This guide will explain how both methods work.
How to Transfer PS4 Data to PS5 via the Cloud
For PS Plus subscribers who have access to Cloud Storage, it’s possible that the data you saved was uploaded previously. Remember, this process needs to be initiated manually, so there’s a chance you may have overlooked uploading your saved files.
Confirm the Save Data You Need Is Available
How to Transfer Data from PS4 to PS5
To ensure your PS4 console has the saved data you wish to transfer, follow these steps:
- Begin by selecting ‘Settings.’
- Then choose ‘Storage.’
- Proceed to ‘System Storage.’
- And finally, select ‘Save Data.’
Uploading the Data to Online Storage
After confirming the availability of the PS4, save data you want to transfer:
1. Go to ‘Settings.’
2. Select ‘Application Saved Data Management.’
3. Choose ‘Saved Data in System Storage.’
4. Opt for ‘Upload to Online Storage.’
Saved Data and Game Settings
Select the game whose save data you wish to upload, then select individual save files (or select all) before clicking the ‘Upload’ button.
This process can be repeated for as many PlayStation 4 games as you desire to play on your PlayStation 5.
Remember, uploading saved files to the cloud does not automatically make them available on PS5 games.
For the saved files to be utilized, they must be downloaded to your PS5 storage.
Having uploaded your saved files to cloud storage:
1. Power on your PS5 and navigate to ‘Settings.’
2. Go to ‘Saved Data and Game/App Settings.’
3. Select ‘Save Data (PS4).’
4. Choose ‘Cloud Storage.’
Download and Save Files to Cloud Storage
You can now view the storage space occupied by the saved data. Click ‘Download to Console Storage’ to transfer the files to your PS5.
Subsequently, you can select other games and download their saved files to your console storage.
How to Transfer PS4 Data to PS5 via External Storage
If cloud storage is inaccessible due to a lack of a PS Plus plan or an internet outage, an alternative method involves using external storage, such as an HDD or a USB stick. Ensure the external storage device has enough free space and connect it to your PS4.
Check for Saved Data in Storage
1. Navigate to ‘Settings.’
2. Choose ‘Application Saved Data Management.’
3. Select ‘Saved Data in System Storage.’
4. Opt for ‘Copy to USB Storage Device.’
Saved Data and Game Settings
How to Transfer Data from PS4 to PS5
Before proceeding, ensure your PS4 is updated to the latest firmware version. After copying the files, safely eject the external storage device.
Insert the external drive into your PS5. Your PS5 will not automatically detect and apply the files; you must manually transfer them from the external device to your PS5’s storage.
1. Go to ‘Settings.’
2. Choose ‘Saved Data and Game/App Settings.’
3. Select ‘Saved Data (PS4).’
4. Choose the ‘USB Drive‘ option.
5. Opt for ‘Copy to Console Storage.’
This process assumes your PS5 is already set up. However, you can also transfer data during the initial PS5 setup by following the on-screen instructions closely.
Final Thought
Congratulations, you now understand how to transfer saved files from a PlayStation 4 to a PlayStation 5. Following the steps outlined above, you’ll be ready to continue your adventures in games like ‘Ghost of Tsushima’ and ‘The Last of Us Part II’ without starting over.
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