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Understanding how to transfer PS4 data to a PS5 is crucial for gamers upgrading to the latest console without losing their valuable game progress, settings, and digital content. This article is your guide to a seamless transfer process from PS4 to PS5. It outlines the necessary steps and tips to ensure that your data, including game saves, apps, and personal settings, are safely moved to your new PlayStation 5.
The process of transferring data might seem complex, but it’s straightforward and user-friendly. Before you start, it’s important to prepare your PS4, ensuring all your data is ready for transfer. This involves syncing your trophies, updating your software, and backing up your data. The following step-by-step guide will walk you through each part of the process, making the transition to your PS5 as smooth as possible.
If you find this guide helpful, take a look at our how to update a PS5 controller or our how to turn off a PS5 controller.
Step-by-step guide – How do I transfer data from PS4 to PS5?
First option – Transfer your data over your Wi-Fi network
Step
Connect both consoles to the same network
Ensure you have a strong internet connection and both your PS4 and PS5 are turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network or through a LAN cable.
This is crucial for enabling the consoles to communicate with each other for the data transfer.
Step
Initiate data transfer on PS5
On your PS5, navigate to Settings menu > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue.
This step initiates the process of transferring data from your old console to your PS5.
Step
Select your PS4 console
Choose the PS4 from which you want to transfer data.
Make sure your PS4 is on during this step to be detected by the PS5.
Step
Prepare for Data Transfer
When the ‘Prepare for Data Transfer’ message appears on your PS5, press and hold the Power button on the PS5 until it beeps.
This action prepares your PS5 to receive data from your PS4.
Step
Select data and transfer
On your PS5, select the specific data you want to transfer. The console restarts automatically during this process.
After the transfer is complete, you can turn off your PS4.
Second option – Transfer your data using cloud storage
Step
Backup PS4 files to the cloud
On your PS4, go to Settings > Application Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage. Select the games from the game library to back up.
This step is essential for PlayStation Plus users to save their game data to cloud storage.
Step
Download Data from the Cloud to PS5
On your PS5, navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage > Download to Console Storage.
You can choose to download individual game files or all the saved data.
Tgird option – Transfer your data using an external hard drive
Step
Copy data to USB on PS4
Insert the external drive into a USB port on your PS4. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device. Choose the save files and click Copy.
Ensure your external storage drive has enough space for your data.
Step
Transfer data from USB to PS5
Once copied, remove the USB flash drive from the PS4 and insert it into your PS5. Navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive > Copy to Console Storage.
Will my PS4 library transfer to PS5?
Yes, your PS4 library can transfer to the PS5. Most PS4 games, along with saved game data, settings, and other media files, can be moved to the PS5. This ensures continuity in your gaming experience during the initial setup process of your new console.
How long does a PS4 to PS5 transfer take?
The duration of a PS4 to PS5 data transfer varies depending on the amount of data being moved and the method of transfer. Using a Wi-Fi network or LAN cable typically results in faster transfer speeds, often taking a couple of hours for large libraries to sync. Using an external storage device might take longer, especially if you have a lot of data to copy.
