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From Past to Present: Transferring Your PS4 Legacy to Your PS5

So, you’ve finally snagged a PS5. Congratulations! The stunning graphics, lightning-fast loading, and immersive gameplay are truly a next-gen experience. But what about all those hours you poured into your PS4 games? Fear not, intrepid gamer! Transferring your precious saved data from your PS4 to your PS5 is a surprisingly straightforward process, allowing you to pick up right where you left off and dive headfirst into your favorite worlds on Sony’s latest powerhouse.

In essence, you have three primary methods to accomplish this:

Cloud Storage (PlayStation Plus Required): This is perhaps the most convenient method, leveraging PlayStation Plus cloud saves.
Network Transfer: A direct transfer over your local network, ideal for larger save files or when a PS Plus subscription isn’t available.
External USB Drive: A physical transfer using a USB drive – a reliable option, particularly useful for games with potential cloud save restrictions.

Let’s break down each method in detail, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to seamlessly transition your gaming legacy to your new console.

Cloud Storage: The Digital Highway

Activating the Cloud

The cloud storage option is dependent on having an active PlayStation Plus subscription. If you are a subscriber, you’re already halfway there.

On your PS4: Navigate to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage.
Select the games whose save data you wish to transfer.
Choose the specific save files you want to upload and confirm your selection.

Accessing Your Saves on PS5

On your PS5: Navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage.
Select Download to Console Storage.
Choose the games whose save data you uploaded from your PS4.
Select the specific save files and confirm the download.

Important Note: Automatic uploads are enabled by default on PS4 with a PS Plus subscription. You can verify this in Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Automatic Uploads. Ensure that the setting “Enable Automatic Uploads” is checked. On the PS5, ensure the “Sync Saved Data” setting is enabled under Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4).

Network Transfer: A Direct Connection

Preparing for the Transfer

The network transfer method involves directly copying save data from your PS4 to your PS5 over your home network. This requires both consoles to be powered on and connected to the same network.

On your PS5: Go to Settings > System > Data Transfer > Continue. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Your PS5 will search for your PS4 on the network. Make sure both consoles are connected to the same network and are powered on.
On your PS4: Follow the prompts on your PS4 to prepare for the transfer. You may be asked to press the power button on your PS4 to confirm the transfer.
Select the save data you wish to transfer. You can transfer all data or choose specific games.
Initiate the transfer. The transfer time will depend on the size of the data being transferred. Be patient and avoid interrupting the process.

Critical Note: Ensure both consoles remain powered on throughout the entire transfer process. Power outages or interruptions can corrupt data and require you to restart the process.

External USB Drive: The Physical Backup

Copying Saves to USB

The external USB drive method is a reliable way to transfer save data, especially if you’re concerned about internet connectivity or PlayStation Plus limitations.

On your PS4: Connect your USB drive to your PS4. Make sure the drive is formatted using the FAT32 or exFAT file system.
Navigate to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device.
Select the games whose save data you wish to transfer.
Choose the specific save files you want to copy to the USB drive and confirm your selection.

Transferring Saves to PS5

On your PS5: Connect the USB drive to your PS5.
Navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive.
Select Copy to Console Storage.
Choose the games whose save data you copied from your PS4.
Select the specific save files and confirm the transfer.

Important Reminder: Always safely eject the USB drive from both consoles to prevent data corruption. On the PS4, go to Quick Menu > Sound/Devices > Stop Using USB Storage Device. On the PS5, hold down the PlayStation button to bring up the Control Center, select Accessories, choose the USB drive, and select Stop Using.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to transferring PS4 saved data to PS5:

Do I need PlayStation Plus to transfer save data?
No, you don’t need PlayStation Plus, but it simplifies the process. You can use network transfer or a USB drive as alternative methods.
Can I transfer my PS4 game discs to PS5?
Yes! The PS5 is backward compatible with most PS4 game discs. Simply insert the disc into your PS5 and follow the on-screen prompts. A digital license check may be required, necessitating a connection to PlayStation Network.
Will my digital PS4 games automatically transfer to my PS5?
No, your digital PS4 games won’t automatically transfer. However, they will be available for download on your PS5 as long as you use the same PlayStation Network account. Just go to your Game Library and download the games you want to play.
Why is my PS4 save data not uploading to the cloud?
Ensure you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription and that automatic uploads are enabled in Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Automatic Uploads on your PS4. Also, verify that you have sufficient cloud storage space.
I’m getting an error message during the network transfer. What should I do?
Ensure both your PS4 and PS5 are connected to the same network and that neither console is experiencing connection issues. Restart both consoles and try again. If the problem persists, try using a USB drive instead.
What file system should my USB drive be formatted with?

Your USB drive should be formatted with either FAT32 or exFAT. The exFAT format is recommended, as it supports files larger than 4GB, which is beneficial for larger save files.
Can I transfer save data for every PS4 game to PS5?
While most PS4 games allow save data transfer, some games may have restrictions. Always check the game’s documentation or online resources to confirm compatibility.
Is it possible to transfer save data from PS3 to PS5?
Direct transfer from PS3 to PS5 is not possible. You would first need to transfer your saves from your PS3 to your PS4, and then from your PS4 to your PS5 using one of the methods described above. Note that this depends on the availability of the game on both the PS3 and PS4.
My save data transferred, but the game doesn’t recognize it. What should I do?
Ensure you have installed the PS4 version of the game on your PS5. Some games require you to download the PS4 version to utilize your PS4 save data. Also, double-check that you copied the correct save files to the correct location on your PS5.
How can I manage my save data on PS5?
You can manage your save data on PS5 through Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings. Here, you can view your saved data in console storage, cloud storage, and on USB drives, as well as delete or copy saves as needed.
Can I revert back to my old PS4 saves after transferring to PS5?
Yes, you can. As long as you have a backup of your PS4 save data (either on the cloud or a USB drive), you can always download or copy it back to your PS4. However, be aware that any progress made on the PS5 using the transferred save will not be reflected on your PS4 unless you transfer the PS5 save back to the PS4 which some games may not support.
Is transferring save data the same as transferring games?
No, transferring save data only transfers your progress in a game, not the game itself. To play your PS4 games on your PS5, you’ll need to either insert the game disc or download the digital version from the PlayStation Store.

By following these steps and keeping these FAQs in mind, you can ensure a smooth and seamless transition of your PS4 gaming legacy to your brand-new PS5. Happy gaming!