How to Transfer PS4 Data to PS5 the Right Way

Upgrading to a PS5 is exciting, but you don't want to lose your hard-earned progress from your PS4. To make sure your saved games, profiles, and installed titles make the jump safely, there are a few reliable ways to handle the transfer. Whether you prefer using a wired connection, cloud storage, or a simple USB drive, getting it right isn't complicated if you know each method’s purpose. Let’s look at the smartest steps to make your move seamless.

Prepare Both Consoles for Data Transfer

To prepare for data transfer between your PS4 and PS5 consoles, it's important to ensure that both systems have the most recent updates installed. This is necessary to facilitate compatibility and prevent potential issues during the transfer process.

Additionally, both consoles should be connected to the same network, as this is a crucial requirement for successful data transfer.

Verification of account settings is also essential. Both consoles must be signed into the same PlayStation Network account to ensure that saved games and user data can be synchronized effectively. This step is critical, as discrepancies in account access may lead to incomplete or failed transfers.

For physical connections, it's advisable to use the provided power cords and HDMI cables to correctly set up both consoles. For an optimal connection, a direct LAN cable connection between the two consoles should be utilized if available; this can enhance transfer speeds and reliability compared to a wireless connection.

Lastly, prior to initiating the transfer, make sure to synchronize your trophy information on the PS4. This will ensure that all accumulated achievements are reflected on the PS5 once the data transfer has been completed.

Taking these steps will help ensure a smooth transition of data between the two gaming systems.

Transfer PS4 Data to PS5 Using a Wi-Fi or Wired Network

Once both consoles are prepared, you can initiate the data transfer from your PS4 to the PS5 using either a Wi-Fi or wired network connection.

It's essential that both systems are connected to the same Wi-Fi network; however, utilizing a wired connection may provide a more efficient and reliable data transfer experience.

To begin the transfer process on your PS5, navigate to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer, and select "Continue."

Subsequently, power on your PS4. You'll need to press and hold the PS5 power button until you hear a beep, which will allow the two consoles to communicate.

At this stage, you can choose which saved games, user profiles, and console settings to transfer.

It's advisable to monitor the progress of the transfer in the Downloads/Uploads section, as this will provide insight into the completion status.

Upon successful transfer, your PS5 will restart automatically.

This process is designed to ensure that users can seamlessly transition from the PS4 to the PS5 while retaining their data and settings.

Move Game Saves via a USB Storage Device

To transfer your PS4 game saves to your PS5, a USB storage device can be utilized.

Begin by connecting the USB storage to your PS4. Navigate to Settings > Application Saved Data Management to select and copy the save files you wish to transfer. Once this process is complete, disconnect the USB and insert it into your PS5.

On the PS5, proceed to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive to copy the data to the console.

It's essential to ensure that your USB storage is formatted to either FAT32 or exFAT to maintain compatibility with both consoles.

It should be noted that this method only supports PS4 games that are compatible with PS5; therefore, verifying the compatibility of the games before attempting the transfer is advisable.

Retrieve PS4 Game Data Through PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage

Transferring game data from a PS4 to a PS5 can be efficiently accomplished using PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage.

This method is generally faster and more convenient than using a USB drive. To begin the process, users should access their PS4 and navigate to Settings > Application Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage to back up their saved data.

This process ensures that game progress is securely stored in the cloud, contingent upon having an active PlayStation Plus subscription.

Once the data is uploaded, users can then proceed to their PS5. Here, they need to navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > Cloud Storage to download the previously uploaded game saves.

It's advisable to maintain a stable internet connection throughout this process to facilitate seamless data retrieval.

Use an External Hard Drive for Quick Game Access

For users looking to transfer game data from a PS4 to a PS5 without utilizing cloud storage, using an external hard drive is a practical method.

This process allows for offline transfer of saved game data, which can be beneficial for users with limited internet connectivity or those who prefer not to engage with cloud services.

To initiate the transfer, connect your external hard drive to the PS4 console. Navigate to Settings, then select Application Saved Data Management. Within this menu, choose the specific game saves you intend to transfer, and copy them to the connected USB drive.

After the copying process is complete, disconnect the USB from the PS4 and plug it into the PS5.

On the PS5, access the Settings menu once again, and proceed to Saved Data and Game/App Settings. From there, select Saved Data (PS4) and choose USB Drive. This action will allow you to transfer your saved data from the USB drive to the local storage of the PS5.

This method offers users quick access to their saved games and facilitates a smoother transition from the PS4 to the PS5 without the need for a stable internet connection. It's a straightforward and reliable option for managing game saves during console upgrades.

Troubleshooting Common Data Transfer Issues

Even with thorough preparation, issues may still arise when transferring data from a PS4 to a PS5. If you encounter transfer errors or compatibility problems, it's advisable to ensure that both consoles have the latest system software updates installed prior to attempting another data transfer.

Using a wired LAN connection is recommended, as it typically offers more stability and reliability compared to Wi-Fi.

In scenarios where transferred data isn't displaying correctly, restarting both consoles and initiating the transfer process again can be beneficial.

While USB flash drives can facilitate the transfer of individual game saves, persistent issues may be resolved by restoring saves from PS Plus cloud storage. This method can potentially help in overcoming persistent errors, allowing for smoother access to transferred data on the PS5.

Conclusion

Transferring your PS4 data to a PS5 isn’t complicated if you follow the right steps. Whether you’re using Wi-Fi, a wired connection, USB storage, PlayStation Plus cloud saves, or an external hard drive, you’ll keep your progress and games with you. Double-check for updates, use the same PlayStation Network account, and you’ll start playing on your PS5 in no time. If you hit a snag, just revisit the troubleshooting tips to smooth things out.