Checking your storage on a PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a straightforward process that allows you to see how much space your games, applications, and media are consuming, helping you manage your console's capacity effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Viewing Your PS4 Storage
To view your PS4's internal storage, follow these simple steps:
- Turn on your PS4 and navigate to the home screen.
- Go to the "Settings" icon, which typically looks like a toolbox, located on the function screen (the row of icons at the top of the PS4 dashboard).
- Select "Storage" from the Settings menu.
- Choose "System Storage" to view the breakdown of your internal hard drive's usage.
Here, you'll see a visual representation of your storage, typically broken down by category, along with the total remaining space.
Understanding Your PS4 Storage Breakdown
Once you access the "System Storage" screen, you'll be presented with a visual graph and a list detailing how your storage space is being used. This breakdown helps you identify which types of content are consuming the most space.
Here's a common breakdown of how storage is categorized and indicated:
| Storage Type | Indicator Color | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Blue | This section accounts for all your installed games and software applications. This is typically the largest consumer of space. |
| Capture Gallery | Orange | This includes all your saved screenshots and video clips recorded using the Share button. |
| Save Data | Green | This category stores your game progress, settings, and profile data for various games. |
| Themes | Visual Section | This section is for custom background images and user interface changes you've downloaded or created. |
| Other | (Varies) | This may include system files or temporary data not covered by the main categories. |
By understanding these categories, you can quickly pinpoint areas where you might want to free up space.
Managing Your PS4 Storage Effectively
If you find your PS4 storage is running low, there are several effective strategies you can employ:
Freeing Up Space
- Delete Unused Games/Applications:
- Go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Applications.
- Select the game or application you wish to delete and press the OPTIONS button.
- Choose "Delete" from the side menu. Remember, you can always redownload digital games from your Library or reinstall disc-based games.
- Manage Capture Gallery Content:
- Navigate to Capture Gallery from your PS4's main menu.
- Browse through your screenshots and video clips. Select and delete any content you no longer need. Consider backing up important captures to a USB drive before deleting them from your console.
- Delete Old Save Data:
- Go to Settings > Storage > System Storage > Save Data.
- Select a game, press the OPTIONS button, and choose "Delete" for individual save files or entire game save folders. Be cautious when deleting save data, as this will erase your game progress. PlayStation Plus subscribers can back up save data to cloud storage.
Expanding Your Storage
If constantly deleting content isn't ideal, you can expand your PS4's storage capacity:
- Utilize an External Hard Drive: The PS4 supports external hard drives that can be connected via USB 3.0. This allows you to install games and applications directly to the external drive, significantly increasing your available space.
- To use an external HDD, connect it to a USB port, go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices, select your drive, and choose "Format as Extended Storage."
- For more detailed instructions on using external storage, you can refer to official PlayStation support resources.
By regularly monitoring your PS4 storage and utilizing these management techniques, you can ensure you always have enough space for your favorite games and media.
