USB extended storage on PS4 consoles 

USB extended storage on PS4 consoles

If your PlayStation®4 console doesn't have enough space to install a game, you can use an extended storage device to add more storage.

What you need to get started

When you format a USB storage device for use as extended storage, you can use it to install your applications. You can also move applications from PS4™ console storage to extended storage.

  • PS4 console with system software version 4.50 or later.
  • External hard disk drive (HDD)*.
    SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps or later.
    250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum capacity.

*Proper operation is not guaranteed for all external hard disc drive models.

The following SuperSpeed USB connections are supported on PS4 consoles:

  • SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps (USB 3.0/USB 3.1 Gen1/USB 3.2 Gen1)
  • SuperSpeed USB 10 Gbps (USB 3.1 Gen2/USB 3.2 Gen2/USB 3.2 Gen1x2)
  • SuperSpeed USB 20 Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2x2).
PlayStation®5 console extended storage

What you can store on USB extended storage 

  • You can only install applications and add-ons on extended storage.
  • You can download add-ons to extended storage, even if the related application is installed on your PS4 console's system storage.
  • Updates are downloaded to where their corresponding applications are installed.
  • You can't save application saved data, themes or screenshot/video clips to extended storage.
  • Applications installed on extended storage appear in the content area as normal.
  • Applications installed on extended storage do not disappear from the content area when you disconnect the extended storage device.

An error message will appear if you start an application installed on extended storage when the extended storage device is disconnected.

  • You can only use one device for extended storage at a time. Even if you have connected two devices that are formatted for use as extended storage, only one can be active as extended storage.
  • Connection via a USB hub is not supported. Connect extended storage directly to your PS4 console.
  • Make sure you do not disconnect during the shutdown process or when putting the PS4 console into rest mode.

How to format a USB storage device as extended storage

  1. Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices.
  2. Select the USB storage device to format and choose Format as Extended Storage.

 

If you want to disconnect an extended storage device while your PS4 console is on, use one of the following methods to ensure the safe removal of the device.

  • Select Sound/Devices > Stop Using Extended Storage from the quick menu.
  • Go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, and then select Stop Using This Extended Storage.

How to change your install location on PS4 consoles

  1.  Select Settings > Storage, and then press the OPTIONS button.
  2. Select Application Install Location > Extended Storage.
  1. Applications are now set to install on extended storage.
  • You can't change the application install location during a download.

How to move applications to extended storage on PS4 consoles

You can move applications between the PS4 console's system storage and extended storage.

Please note, if an application is found both in system storage and on extended storage, you need to delete it from either system storage or extended storage to use the extended storage device. 

  1. Select  Settings > Storage.
  2. Select the storage where the application you want to move is located, and then select Applications.
  3. Press the OPTIONS button and select Move to Extended Storage -or- Move to System Storage. 
  1. Add ticks to the applications you wish to move and select Move.

Having problems?

  • I experience Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connection issues when the extended storage is connected to my PS4 console.

Try placing the extended storage device further away from the PS4 console.

  • I get a message saying my extended storage needs to be repaired? 

This may happen if the device was removed incorrectly. When disconnecting extended storage make sure you disconnect safely.

  • I see an error “The data transfer speed of this device might not be fast enough to use it as extended storage. Are you sure you want to format this device?”

If you receive this error, we recommend using a different extended storage device.

  • I see an error “The following applications are available both in extended storage and system storage. To use the extended storage, you will need to delete one of the applications.”

If the same game is installed on both extended storage and system storage, one of them needs to be removed in order to use the HDD.

PS4 extended storage error codes

Use a USB External Storage Device that fulfills the following requirements:

  • 250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum capacity

Use a USB External Storage Device that fulfils the following requirements:

  • USB 3.0 or later
  • If your HDD is definitely USB 3.0, connecting it too slowly might cause this error message. Connect the USB External Storage Device quickly and firmly, but carefully.
  • Connect the USB External Storage Device directly to the PS4 console.
  • Try to format the HDD again.
  1. Format the HDD again.
  2. If the error persists, restart PS4 console and then try formatting.
  1. Reconnect the HDD and repair file system following instructions.
  2. Format the HDD again.
  3. If the error persists, you may need to use a different HDD.

Need help? 

Contact our support specialists

Contact PlayStation Support