From One PlayStation to Another: The Ultimate Guide to PS4 Data Transfer

So, you’ve upgraded your PS4 – congratulations! Whether you’ve snagged a PS4 Pro or simply replaced an aging console, the question now is: how do you move all your precious game data, saves, and settings to the new system? Fear not, fellow gamer! The process, while potentially lengthy, is straightforward. Here’s the comprehensive breakdown you need:

How to Transfer Data From One PS4 to Another:

The most reliable and direct method involves using the PS4’s built-in data transfer utility. This process requires both PS4 consoles to be connected to the same network (either via Wi-Fi or, preferably, Ethernet cables) and for you to be logged in to the same PlayStation Network account on both machines. Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Prepare Your Source and Target Consoles: First, ensure both PS4 consoles are powered on and connected to the same network. Make sure the console you are transferring from (the source console) has enough storage space to complete the transfer, and the console you are transferring to (the target console) has enough available space to receive the data. Ideally, use Ethernet cables for a faster and more stable connection. Close any open applications on both consoles.

2. System Update Check: Before you begin, it’s crucial to ensure both PS4 systems are running the latest system software. Navigate to Settings > System Software Update on each console and install any available updates. This is essential for compatibility and a smooth transfer process.

3. Activating the Data Transfer Utility on the Target Console: On the target PS4 (the console receiving the data), go to Settings > System > Transfer Data from Another PS4. Select “Get Started”. The system will then guide you through the initial steps.

4. Preparing the Source Console: On the source PS4 (the console sending the data), follow the on-screen prompts. It will scan for the target PS4 on the network. Once found, you will be prompted to press the power button on the target PS4 for one second to confirm the connection.

5. User Verification and Account Activation: You will need to sign in to your PlayStation Network account on the source console. The system will then verify your account and may require you to activate the target PS4 as your primary PS4. If you’re asked to activate the target PS4, follow the instructions provided.

6. Selecting Data for Transfer: You’ll now see a list of data that can be transferred, including games, applications, saved data, screenshots, and videos. You can choose to transfer everything or select specific items. Note the estimated transfer time displayed – this can vary significantly depending on the amount of data and network speed.

7. Initiating the Transfer: Once you’ve selected the data you want to transfer, confirm your choices and start the process. Do not turn off either PS4 console during the transfer. The progress will be displayed on the screen.

8. Post-Transfer Actions: After the transfer is complete, both PS4 consoles will restart. You may need to re-download any digital games that didn’t transfer correctly (though this is rare). Also, check that your game saves and other data are present and functioning as expected on the target PS4.

Understanding Key Considerations for a Successful Transfer

The data transfer utility isn’t a silver bullet. Understanding its limitations is just as important as knowing the steps:

• Account Activation: You can only have one PS4 activated as your primary PS4 for game sharing and certain other features. The transfer process may prompt you to deactivate your source PS4 and activate the target PS4.

• PlayStation Plus: Some saved data is stored in the cloud if you have a PlayStation Plus subscription. While the data transfer utility is comprehensive, cloud saves act as a backup and offer an alternative recovery method.

• External Storage: While the data transfer utility is the most direct method, you can also back up your saves to an external USB drive. However, this method doesn’t transfer entire games or applications.

• Transfer Speed: Wired Ethernet connections offer significantly faster transfer speeds compared to Wi-Fi. If possible, use Ethernet for a smoother and quicker experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most common questions people have about transferring data between PS4 consoles:

1. Can I transfer data from a PS4 to a PS5 using the data transfer utility?

No, the data transfer utility is designed for PS4 to PS4 transfers only. To transfer data to a PS5, you would use the PS5’s data transfer features, which are similar but specifically designed for that console.

2. How long does it take to transfer data between PS4 consoles?

The transfer time depends on the amount of data being transferred and the network connection speed. A few gigabytes might take an hour or less, while hundreds of gigabytes can take several hours or even overnight. Ethernet connections are always faster than Wi-Fi.

3. What happens if the data transfer is interrupted?

If the data transfer is interrupted (e.g., due to a power outage or network issue), you may need to restart the process from the beginning. It’s best to ensure a stable power supply and network connection before starting the transfer.

4. Will my game progress be lost if the transfer fails?

Typically, no. The original data remains on the source PS4 until the transfer is successfully completed. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your important saved data to PlayStation Plus cloud storage (if you have a subscription) or an external USB drive as a precaution.

5. Can I transfer data from multiple PS4 accounts to one PS4?

Yes, but each user account must be transferred separately. You’ll need to repeat the data transfer process for each account.

6. What if I don’t have a PlayStation Plus subscription?

You can still transfer your saved data to an external USB drive. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage, choose the games you want to copy, and select “Copy to USB Storage Device.”

7. Do I need to delete the data from the old PS4 after the transfer?

That’s up to you. Once you’ve verified that all your data has been successfully transferred and is working on the target PS4, you can choose to delete the data from the source PS4. You might want to keep a backup for a while, just in case.

8. Can I transfer games downloaded from PlayStation Now?

PlayStation Now (now part of PlayStation Plus Premium) games are streamed and not stored locally on your console in the same way as downloaded games. Therefore, you don’t need to transfer them. You can simply access them on the target PS4 by logging in to your PlayStation Network account.

9. I’m getting an error message during the data transfer. What should I do?

Error messages can vary. Here are some common troubleshooting steps:

• Check your network connection: Ensure both PS4 consoles are connected to the internet and that the network is stable.
• Restart both PS4 consoles: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
• Update the system software: Make sure both consoles are running the latest system software.
• Check storage space: Ensure both consoles have enough free storage space.
• Consult Sony’s support website: Search for the specific error code on the PlayStation support website for detailed troubleshooting steps.

10. Can I transfer data if one of the PS4 consoles is banned from PlayStation Network?

No, you cannot transfer data between a banned PS4 and another PS4. A banned console cannot access PlayStation Network features, including the data transfer utility.

11. What data is not transferred during the process?

Certain data, such as some licensed content or content that is specifically tied to the console’s hardware, may not be transferred. However, the vast majority of your data, including games, saves, applications, and media, should be successfully transferred.

12. I’m selling my old PS4 after the transfer. What’s the best way to wipe it clean?

Before selling your old PS4, you should perform a factory reset to erase all your personal data. Go to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 and choose “Full”. This will take several hours, but it ensures that your data is securely erased.

By following these steps and understanding these considerations, you can seamlessly transfer your data from one PS4 to another, ensuring a smooth transition to your new gaming setup. Happy gaming!