Expanding storage on a PS4 can be done in several ways: upgrading the internal hard drive, adding an external hard drive, or managing storage efficiently. Here’s a detailed guide for each method:
Upgrading the Internal Hard Drive
- Choose a Compatible Hard Drive:
- The PS4 uses a 2.5-inch SATA HDD, similar to those used in laptops. Choose a drive with at least 5400 RPM for optimal performance.
- Ensure the new drive is no more than 9.5mm in height.
- Back Up Your Data:
- Use an external USB drive to back up your saved games, screenshots, and other data.
- Go to [Settings] > [System] > [Back Up and Restore] > [Back Up PS4], and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Prepare the New Hard Drive:
- Download the latest PS4 system software from the official PlayStation website.
- Format a USB flash drive to FAT32, and create a folder named “PS4”. Inside this folder, create another folder named “UPDATE”.
- Copy the downloaded system software file into the “UPDATE” folder and rename it to “PS4UPDATE.PUP”.
- Replace the Internal Hard Drive:
- Turn off the PS4 and unplug all cables.
- Slide off the hard drive cover (the shiny part) on the top left side.
- Unscrew the single screw that holds the hard drive caddy in place.
- Pull out the caddy and remove the four screws holding the hard drive.
- Replace the old hard drive with the new one and reassemble everything.
- Install the System Software:
- Plug the USB flash drive with the system software into the PS4.
- Reconnect all cables and turn on the PS4 in Safe Mode by holding the power button for about 7 seconds until you hear a second beep.
- Select [Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)] and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Restore Your Data:
- Once the system software is installed, restore your backed-up data from the external USB drive.
Adding an External Hard Drive
- Choose a Compatible External Drive:
- The external hard drive must be USB 3.0 and have a capacity between 250GB and 8TB.
- Connect the External Hard Drive:
- Plug the external hard drive into one of the PS4’s USB ports.
- Format the External Hard Drive:
- Go to [Settings] > [Devices] > [USB Storage Devices], select your external hard drive, and choose [Format as Extended Storage].
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the formatting process.
- Manage Storage:
- Once formatted, you can set the external hard drive as the default location for installing new applications by going to [Settings] > [Storage] > [Extended Storage] and selecting [Application Install Location].
Managing Storage Efficiently
- Delete Unused Applications:
- Go to [Settings] > [Storage] > [System Storage] > [Applications].
- Select applications you no longer use and delete them.
- Move Applications to Extended Storage:
- You can move installed applications from the internal storage to the external hard drive.
- Go to [Settings] > [Storage] > [System Storage] > [Applications].
- Press the Options button, select [Move to Extended Storage], and choose the applications you want to move.
- Use Cloud Storage for Saved Data:
- If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can upload saved game data to cloud storage.
- Go to [Settings] > [Application Saved Data Management] > [Saved Data in System Storage] > [Upload to Online Storage].
By following these steps, you can effectively expand and manage storage on your PS4.