Transferring save data between PS5 consoles can be done through several convenient methods, ranging from cloud storage for individual game progress to comprehensive data transfers that move everything, including your user data, screenshots, and save files.
How to Transfer Save Data Between PS5 Consoles
You can transfer your PlayStation 5 save data using PlayStation Plus cloud storage, a USB drive for manual copies, or a direct console-to-console data transfer for a complete migration of all your content.
Method 1: Utilize PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage (Recommended for Individual Saves)
For PlayStation Plus subscribers, cloud storage is the most straightforward way to manage and transfer your game save data. Your saves are automatically uploaded to the cloud, making them accessible from any PS5 console where you log in.
- How it Works: Game save data is stored securely online. When you sign in to a new PS5 with your PlayStation Network account, you can easily download your saves.
- Benefits: Automatic backups, easy access from multiple consoles, and protection against local data loss.
Steps to Upload/Download Save Data via Cloud:
- Ensure Auto-Sync is On:
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- Select Sync Save Data > Auto-Sync Saved Data. Make sure this is enabled.
- Manually Upload (if auto-sync is off or for immediate backup):
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- Select Console Storage.
- Choose the game whose save data you want to upload.
- Select Upload to Cloud Storage.
- Download to a New Console:
- On your new PS5, ensure you are logged in with the same PlayStation Network account.
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- Select Cloud Storage.
- Choose the game whose save data you want to download.
- Select Download to Console Storage.
Method 2: Transfer Using a USB Drive
A USB drive provides a reliable way to manually copy and transfer game save data between PS5 consoles, especially if you don't have a PlayStation Plus subscription or prefer physical backups.
- How it Works: You copy save data from your console's storage to a USB drive, then plug that drive into another PS5 and copy the data onto its internal storage.
- Considerations: This method typically only transfers individual game save files, not entire game installations or user profiles. The USB drive must be formatted to FAT32 or exFAT.
Steps to Copy Save Data to/from a USB Drive:
- Prepare your USB Drive: Plug a compatible USB drive into your PS5.
- Copy Save Data to USB:
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- Select Console Storage.
- Choose the game whose save data you want to copy.
- Select Copy to USB Drive.
- Transfer to a New Console:
- Plug the USB drive into the new PS5 console.
- Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
- Select USB Drive.
- Choose the game whose save data you want to transfer.
- Select Copy to Console Storage.
Method 3: Direct Console-to-Console Data Transfer (For Comprehensive Moves)
If you're upgrading to a new PS5 or simply moving all your content to another console, the direct data transfer feature is the most efficient method. This process allows you to transfer everything, including your installed games, applications, system settings, user profiles, screenshots, videos, and all saved data.
This is particularly useful when you want to migrate your entire PS5 experience, as it ensures that all your user data, such as screenshots and save files, are moved over seamlessly. You can often select different categories of data to transfer, ensuring you move exactly what you need.
Prerequisites for Data Transfer:
- Both PS5 consoles must be powered on and connected to the same network (either Wi-Fi or, for faster speeds, an Ethernet cable connecting both consoles directly).
- Ensure both consoles are updated to the latest system software.
- You must be signed in to the same PlayStation Network account on both consoles.
Steps for Direct Data Transfer:
- On your new PS5 console:
- Go to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions. You will be prompted to select the source PS5 console.
- Prepare the source PS5:
- The new console will guide you on how to prepare your original PS5. You might need to press the power button on the original PS5 until you hear a beep.
- Select Data to Transfer:
- On the new console, after establishing a connection, you will see options for what data to transfer. You can select various categories, including games, applications, and all your user data such as screenshots and save files. This allows you to move everything over from your old console.
- Initiate Transfer:
- Once you've made your selections, the transfer process will begin. This can take a significant amount of time depending on the amount of data being transferred. You can start playing games on the new console while the transfer completes in the background, though some features might be temporarily unavailable.
Which Method is Right for You?
| Feature | PlayStation Plus Cloud Save | USB Drive Transfer | Direct Console-to-Console Transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Type | Individual game saves | Individual game saves | All data (games, saves, screenshots, settings, user profiles) |
| Ease of Use | Very easy (auto-sync) | Moderate | Easy (guided process) |
| Subscription Req. | Yes (PS Plus) | No | No |
| Transfer Speed | Internet dependent | USB speed dependent | Network speed dependent (faster with Ethernet) |
| Use Case | Syncing saves, backups | Manual backups, no PS Plus | Upgrading/Replacing PS5 console |
By choosing the method that best suits your needs, you can ensure your precious game progress and digital memories are safely moved to your new PlayStation 5.
