In the world of PS5® gaming, storage fills up fast. Between massive game installs, sprawling updates, and a growing library of apps, it doesn’t take long before your PlayStation® 5 starts flashing those dreaded storage full warnings. And with blockbuster titles regularly tipping the scales at 100GB or more, it’s not a question of if but when you’ll need more storage.
Thankfully, the PS5® offers a solution. You can absolutely expand your storage to make room for all your favorite games, media, and apps. And the great thing is the process is far easier than many people expect.
But there’s a catch. Sony has specific requirements when it comes to compatible storage upgrades, especially if you want to install an internal SSD. The list of approved drives is more limited compared to the wide selection available for PCs or other consoles. That means you can’t just pick any SSD off the shelf and expect it to work with your PS5®.
That said, if your PlayStation® is your primary source of entertainment, whether you’re a casual player, a competitive gamer, or someone who loves building a digital library of games, upgrading your storage is absolutely worth it. It’s one of those changes you’ll wish you made sooner.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about expanding your PS5® storage. From the differences between PS5® internal and external SSD options, to how to install them, and what to look for when choosing a drive, we’ve got you covered. By the end of this blog post, you’ll be ready to upgrade your console with the extra space it deserves, and spend more time gaming, and less time managing files.
Why Should Gamers Consider a PS5® Storage Upgrade.
Gamers know all too well that resource management isn’t limited to in-game mechanics; it extends to real life, too. And when it comes to your console, storage space is one of the most valuable resources you have. Unfortunately, unlike in your favorite RPG, you cannot grind for more storage—at least not without a little hardware upgrade.
In the past, games lived on physical discs or cartridges, with minimal reliance on a console’s internal storage. But today, the standard practice is to download and install games directly to the device itself. While this makes switching between games faster and more convenient, it comes with a significant trade-off: if you don’t have enough storage space, you can’t install, and if you can’t install, you can’t play.
So, what are your options when your PS5® storage starts to feel cramped? There are a few routes to consider, each with their own benefits and limitations.
Let’s explore the options you have to increase your PS5® storage.
Internal and external PS5 SSD upgrades.
Running out of storage on your PS5® is inevitable, especially with the size of modern games and updates. Luckily, expanding your storage is straightforward and there are options to fit different needs and budgets. Whether you want the simplicity of an external SSD or the high-speed performance of an internal SSD upgrade, both solutions can help you store more games, reduce load times, and make the most of your console.
PS5® External SSD Upgrades
PS5® external storage has long been a familiar concept for gamers. Whether you remember the trusty memory cards of the PS1 era or your first thumb drive, removable storage has always offered convenience, and that hasn’t changed. In today’s gaming landscape, external SSDs continue to be a popular way to expand storage, including the PlayStation® 5.
But when it comes to external SSDs for the PS5®, there are a few important limitations and benefits to understand.
What External SSDs Can and Can’t Do for Your PS5®
While an external SSD is a great option for expanding your console’s storage, it won’t offer the same performance or capabilities as an internal SSD upgrade. The key reason? PS5® games cannot be played directly from an external SSD, even if the drive is fast. This is due to demanding speed requirements of PS5® titles, which rely on the ultra-fast PCIe Gen4 speeds provided by the console’s internal or officially compatible M.2 SSDs.
Here’s how you can use an external SSD with your PS5:
Play PS4® Games Directly from the External SSD
PS5® fully supports playing PS4™ titles from an external USB SSD, freeing up your internal storage for PS5® games.
Archive PS5® Games
You can store PS5® games on the external drive to free up internal space. When you want to play them, simply move them back to the internal or M.2 SSD storage. This is much faster than re-downloading your games from scratch.
Store Other Media
External SSDs are ideal for saving gameplay recordings, screenshots, and non-gaming media like movies or music.
Seagate Pro Tip
External SSDs are a convenient, affordable way to expand your PS5® storage, but they work best as a complement to your internal storage...not a replacement. If you primarily want to store and play PS4™ games, archive PS5® titles, or transfer media, an external SSD is a smart addition. But for playing PS5™ games directly with optimal performance, you’ll need a PS5® internal M.2 SSD upgrade that meets Sony® requirements.
PS5® Internal SSD Upgrades
The most critical storage space on your PS5® is its internal SSD. That’s where your PS5® games, apps, and system files live. It’s also where you’ll get the best performance. Expanding that storage isn’t as simple (or as cheap) as grabbing a generic SSD off the shelf. Compatible drives for consoles like the PlayStation® 5 typically come at a premium compared to standard PC drives.
That said, a PS5® internal SSD upgrade offers the greatest value. Once installed, a compatible SSD functions just like the original PS5® internal storage, allowing you to run games directly from it with the same lightning-fast load times and performance.
When Sony first enabled internal storage upgrades for the PS5®, they also released a set of strict compatibility requirements to ensure players chose drives that would work properly. Here’s what a drive needs to qualify:
- It must be a PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD.
- Storage capacity must be between 250GB and 4TB.
- Read speeds of at least 5,500MB/s are required.
- The drive needs effective heat dissipation, typically via an integrated heatsink.
- It must physically fit within the PS5® M.2 expansion slot dimensions.
Additional details, like form factors, are more flexible. The PS5® supports single- and double-sided SSDs and common size formats like 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280, and 22110. Of these, 2280 (22 mm wide by 80 mm long) is by far the most popular and affordable option for larger storage capacities, making it the go-to choice for most gamers.
It’s been a few years since Sony® opened the door to internal storage upgrades, and by now, most reliable, PS5®-compatible drives are clearly labeled as such. However, Sony® originally warned that even if a drive meets the technical requirements, functionality isn’t guaranteed, making it even more important to choose a drive that is specifically marketed for PS5™ use.
Bottom line: stick with reputable brands and PS5®-verified SSD models like the ones offered by Seagate. That way, you’ll get the performance you expect and have peace of mind knowing the drive is designed to work seamlessly with your console.
How to Upgrade Your PS5® Storage
The actual installation is surprisingly easy. You’ll probably spend more time selecting the drive you want than plugging it in. That said, let’s step through it.
Preparing Your Console and Tools
Start by making sure you’ve backed up any sensitive data: game saves, files and media, and anything you would be frustrated to lose. Make sure everything is up to date with the software and firmware. Then, unplug the console from everything, and find a clean, well-lit workspace.
As far as tools, you’ll only need a phillips screwdriver. Seriously, this is really simple and close to foolproof. Unless you drop hot coffee into this thing while it’s open, you’re going to be fine.
Installing Internal PlayStation® 5 SSDs
Open the side cover (you may have to remove the stand/base first). Inside, you’ll see a small section that looks "open," with a rectangular, gray metal cover plate that’s fastened with a screw. Underneath that lies your expansion slot.
- Unscrew the fastener from the expansion slot cover, and remove it.
- Underneath, you’ll find the mounting screw for the SSD. Remove that now, but keep it at hand because you’ll need it again in just a second.
- Move the spacer to the groove that matches your SSD length—usually marked ‘80’ for most drives.
- Insert the SSD firmly into the slot until it’s seated, then secure it with the SSD screw.
- Replace the cover plate and fasten it again with the screw.
- Slide the PS5® cover back on.
- Reconnect everything as normal.
- Power on the console, and follow the on-screen prompts to format the new SSD for use.
This whole process should take about 15 minutes. However, your mileage may vary once you get to the formatting stage.
Once it’s done, you’ll start enjoying that extra elbow room for your games and save files.
Optional: Installing a Heat Sink
Using a heatsink isn’t optional, but buying a drive with a built-in sink is. Should you choose instead to buy a stand-alone drive and pick up a heatsink separately, you’ll need to follow the instructions for packaging the drive inside the sink.
Most models (especially the inexpensive ones) boil down to this:
- Peel and stick the thermal padding on either side of the drive.
- Place the drive on the baseplate of the sink.
- Place the top of the heatsink sandwich-style, then fasten it together.
- Proceed with installation of the drive as normal.
Be aware that not every heatsink will fit the dimensions of the expansion slot, so like the drive itself, you’ll want one that’s marketed for compatibility.
Or, for maximum ease and simplicity, you can just get the best PS5® internal SSD that has the heatsink built in.
Setting Up External PS5® SSDs
If you’re opting for external PS5 storage, the process is even simpler. Usually.
Plug-and-play is the term we use for peripherals that don’t require elaborate installation or setup. Although, there are a few additional steps, since this is a console and not a computer. Here’s what it typically looks like:
- Connect the external SSD to one of the USB ports on the back of your PS5® since the front USB ports do not support extended storage.
- Turn on your PS5®, and navigate to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage.
- Select the option to Format as USB Extended Storage and confirm. This will erase all data on the drive, so be sure to back it up first, if needed.
- Wait for the formatting process to complete.
- Once done, the drive is ready to store the PS4® and PS5™ games you want to archive.
- Manage your storage by moving games between the console’s internal SSD and the external SSD via the storage settings.
Seagate Game Drives for PS5
At Seagate, helping gamers get the most out of their experience is what we do. Whether you’re a console player, a PC enthusiast, or somewhere in between, we’ve developed storage solutions designed to keep up with your passion for gaming.
Our lineup of game drives for PS5® is built with that same goal in mind: offering reliable, high-performance storage that helps you enjoy more games, store more content, and reduce the time you spend managing files.
With a wide range of storage capacities, transfer speeds, and price points, Seagate provides options to suit every kind of gamer and every type of budget. Whether you’re looking to expand your library, store and archive PS5® games, or ensure smooth performance for your PS4™ collection, we’ve got you covered.
For gamers who like to keep their digital library organized, enjoy faster load times, or simply love accessorizing their favorite console, Seagate offers trusted, affordable storage solutions that deliver performance and peace of mind.
Expand Your PS5® Storage with Seagate SSDs
Look, we’ve all had to perform the sad storage shuffle at some point in this hobby. Moving things around, deleting things we’d rather keep, downloading something only to decide it isn’t worth the space it takes up. Inventory management is rarely anyone’s favorite gameplay feature, and the same applies here.
So, make things easier on yourself. You shouldn't have to put up with severe storage limitations if you don't have to. Pick up a PS5® storage expansion to give yourself some room to breathe.
