How to transfer data from PS4 to PS5

The PlayStation 5 was almost impossible to find when it launched in 2020, with stock shortages hitting all retailers immediately after a restock. That’s no longer the case, however, and the PS5 is now available everywhere you look. One of the PS5’s most useful features is backwards compatibility with the PS4, allowing you to play your old games without having to hang on to aging hardware. This also means you can transfer your PS4 data to PS5, ensuring none of your adventures are forgotten when upgrading to the next-gen console.

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

how to transfer data from your PS4 to PS5

For this section, let’s focus on transferring the hardware data present on your PS4. Later we will see how expanded 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 at first and transfer the data later. Depending on the size of the data, this transfer may take several hours. You may want to start it before bed that night or work the next day.

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

2nd step: 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 an Ethernet cable. However, the connection is easier to do over Wi-Fi, as you will need 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 is not necessary. Everything can be done via Wi-Fi.

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Step 3: Select Continue from the Data Transfer screen.

• Select the PS4 you want to transfer data from. If it’s the only one in your house, that’s a no-brainer. If you have multiple PS4s connected to the network or have connected others in the past, you will need to know your PS4 ID.

• To find out your PS4 ID, go to Settings > System > System information. Here you will see the name of your PS4. It should default to “PS4” followed by a series of numbers. You can rename your PS4 from here to quickly find it for data transfer.

• When your PS5 reads “Prepare for data transfer,” press and hold Power on your PS4 until you hear a beep (this should take about a second). *Read and understand the precautions, then begin the transfer.

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

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

PS4 discs and games on expanded storage

Modern gamers have learned the benefits of expanded storage. Fortunately, you can easily play PS4 games saved on an expanded storage device by plugging it into your PS5. However, games offering PS5 upgrades, like Hitman 3, Yakuza: like a dragonAnd Cyberpunk 2077 will be saved to your main console storage when downloading.

Make sure to move the PS4 version back to extended storage or delete it. You can still move PS5 games to expanded storage, so we recommend moving any you aren’t currently playing.

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

You can also download games that you have already purchased from the PlayStation Store. You don’t need to download them again to your PS4 and bundle them with data transfer. So if you get your hands on it Rocket League back when it was free on PSN in 2015, you could download it again on 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 consider. You’ll also want to learn about the best internal SSDs for PS5, which offer a much better way to store games.

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