The fastest way to free up space on PS5 is to go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps and delete games you are not playing. They stay in your library, so you can download them again at any time. If you want to keep them, you can move them to a USB drive or install an M.2 SSD instead.
Below are all the official options, what each one can and cannot do, and the mistakes that cost people time. Steps and requirements were checked against PlayStation's support pages in November 2026.
How to check how much space you have on PS5
From the home screen, open Settings > Storage. The console shows how much space is free and what is using it, split into categories such as games and apps, media gallery and saved data. Start here before deleting anything, because it shows which games take up the most room.
You can also manage console storage from the PlayStation App on iOS or Android while the PS5 is in Rest Mode, which is handy if you want to make room for a big download before you get home.
How to free up space on PS5: 5 methods
1. Delete games you are not playing
Go to Settings > Storage > Console Storage > Games and Apps, select one or more titles and choose Delete. Deleted games remain in your game library and can be reinstalled later. For some games you will see a Customize option, which lets you remove only parts of the install, such as unused add-ons or modes you have finished.
2. Move PS5 and PS4 games to USB extended storage
Format a USB drive as USB extended storage, then go to your Game Library, highlight a game, press Options and select Move Games and Apps. According to PlayStation's USB storage page, the drive must support SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps or faster and have between 250 GB and 8 TB.
There is one important limit: PS5 games can be stored on USB but not played from it. To play one, copy it back from the Installed tab with Options > Copy, which is still much faster than a full re-download. PS4 games, on the other hand, can be played directly from the USB drive.
3. Back up saved data and captures
PS5 saved data can only be backed up to cloud storage, which requires PlayStation Plus. PS4 saved data can go to the cloud or a USB drive, and screenshots and video clips can only be copied to a USB drive. For cloud saves, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings and choose Upload or Delete from Console Storage. If you are unsure which subscription tier you have, see our PS Plus Essential vs Extra vs Premium guide.
4. Add an M.2 SSD
If you regularly run out of room, an internal M.2 SSD is the permanent fix, and unlike USB storage you can play PS5 games directly from it. Sony's official requirements:
- PCIe Gen4 x4 M.2 NVMe SSD (Key M). SATA M.2 drives are not supported.
- Capacity from 250 GB to 8 TB, with a recommended read speed of 5,500 MB/s or faster.
- Form factor 2230, 2242, 2260, 2280 or 22110, up to 25 mm wide and 11.25 mm thick including the heatsink.
- A heatsink or other heat-dissipation mechanism is required.
Installation needs a #1 Phillips screwdriver and the console must be updated first. The full walkthrough is on PlayStation's M.2 SSD page. When you power on, the PS5 formats the drive, which erases anything on it.
5. Reinstall only what you play
Because your library keeps everything you own, a simple habit helps: keep only the games you are playing this month installed, and download the rest when you return to them. This matters most when a huge release arrives. GTA 6 asks PS5 owners to clear at least 212 GB, for example.
Common mistakes when freeing up space on PS5
- Expecting to play PS5 games from USB: you can store them there, but you must copy them back to internal or M.2 storage to play.
- Using a USB hub: Sony says the extended storage drive cannot be connected through a hub.
- Unplugging the drive: remove it with Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage > Safely Remove from PS5 to avoid corrupting data.
- Buying an SSD without a heatsink: Sony requires heat dissipation, and an oversized one may stop the slot cover from closing.
- Forgetting your saves: deleting a game does not need to mean losing progress, but back up PS5 saves to the cloud if you have PS Plus.
PS5 storage FAQ
Do I lose my game if I delete it?
No. Games you own stay in your library and can be downloaded again. Saved data is separate, so back it up if you want to be safe.
Can I play PS5 games from an external hard drive?
No. PS5 games on USB extended storage must be copied back before you play. PS4 games can run directly from USB.
What size SSD should I buy for PS5?
Sony supports 250 GB to 8 TB. With modern games regularly passing 100 GB, 1 TB or 2 TB is a sensible starting point for most players. For game ideas to fill it, see our list of the best PS5 games.
