Upgrading PS5 from PS4 is an excellent move to improve your game experience. As you use your new console, you need more storage to accommodate more games. But the question that may arise on top of your head is this—can I Use my PS4 external drive on PS5?
Can You Use Any External Drive on PS5?
Any USB extended storage drive can be connected to your PS5 via USB 3.0. You can plug your drive into your PS5 console through a USB connection and have more game space. However, PS5 has USB extended storage compatibility requirements.
Here are the requirements for your PS5’s extended storage compatibility:
- SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps.
- 250 GB minimum capacity.
- 8 TB maximum capacity.
Remember, you can’t connect to or more USB extended storage drives to your console simultaneously. You can combine multiple USB drives, but you can use only one at a time.
Additionally, not all devices are guaranteed to work with the PS5 console.
Using an external drive for your PS5 is generally safe if you follow the correct steps. Don’t unplug the drive while your PS5 is running, as it can corrupt or reformat your drive.
Getting out of storage space can also cause issues like when the PS4 keeps copying add-ons
Can You Use a PS4 External Hard Drive on PS5?
Yes, you can use a PS4 extended storage on the PS5. Since its launch, the PS5 has adopted all types of external hard drives that match the PS4. So, the PS5 can also support any HDD that works for your PS4.
However, the compatibility does not stop there. Once connected, you can access and play your PS4 games on the PS5. You can even transfer PS5 games to the external HDD for extra storage.
However, the games you transferred from the PS5 to the external drive will only be playable once you transfer them back into the console’s SSD. But rest assured, your game progress will not be deleted.
How to Play PS4 Games from an External Hard Drive on PS5
To play PS4 games from an external hard drive, plug it into the console’s USB port. Use the plug-and-play feature to connect your PS4 external drive to your PS5. You can also download PS4 games directly to the HDD through your PS5 console.
And yes, you can download games on PS5 disc version.
The PS5 also allows you to automatically install any PS4 games on your external drive.
This is a nice feature to enjoy as it ensures your PS5’s 825 GB SSD internal memory remains available should next-gen games require more storage.
To benefit from this feature, go to your PS5 settings, go to the Storage section, and scroll down to Extended Storage.
Click the “Install PS4 Games to USB Extended Storage” option to enable this feature.
Related article: Can you use PS5 controller on PS4?
How to Automatically Save PS4 Games on a Hard Drive After Playing on PS5
Playing PS4 games on your PS5 via an HDD can eat lots of internal storage. This will make it hard for you to install new PS5 games, especially if they require a high storage space. To prevent this, you must enable USB extended storage to install PS4 games to your hard drive using your PS5 console.
Follow these steps to enable USB extended storage on your PS5:
Step 1: Plug the External Hard Drive Into Your PS5
Step 2: Open “Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage”
Step 3: Select “Format As USB Extended Storage” & Click “Yes”
Step 4: Go Back to “Settings > Storage > Installation Location”
Step 5: Toggle on “Always Install PS4 Games to USB Extended Storage”
Check out if you need PS Plus to play Minecraft.
Conclusion: Yes, PS4 External Hard Drive Work on PS5
Can you use my PS4 external drive on PS5? Of course. If you wonder if your PS4 external hard drive will work well with your new console, you do not need to worry, as it will connect just fine.
To facilitate the smooth storage and transfer of your games, just make sure your USB connections are all good and that your drive is free of malware.
