The PS5 it’s a great tool with a lot of bells and whistles, including the ability to port over a lot from the PS4. Sony’s latest console is backwards compatible with PS4 games, meaning you can transfer your saves from the previous generation to pick up where you left off. For example, if you started Marvel’s Spider-Man on PS4, you can continue to play on PS5, making it useful (especially for those who are excited about the sequel, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2). But how does this conversion process work and what do you need to do to get started? Here’s how to transfer your data from PS4 to PS5.
How to transfer data from PS4 to PS5
For this section, let’s focus on transferring hard data on your PS4. Next, we will see how the storage works with your PS5.
If you’re setting up a new PS5 for the first time, you’ll be prompted to transfer your data during setup. However, you can skip this first and transfer the data later. Depending on the size of the data, this transfer may take several hours. You may want to start it before you go to bed that night or work the next day.
Step 1: Update your PS4 and PS5 to the latest firmware. This is usually automatic, but you can check the status of your PS4 software on the go Favorites > Software update. If you have time, you will be notified.
Step 2: Connect your PS4 to your PS5.
- On your PS4, sign in to the same account you want to use on your PS5.
- Connect all consoles to the same network via Wi-Fi or an Ethernet cable. However, connecting is easier to do over Wi-Fi, as you will need an Ethernet cable to connect the two systems.
- (Optional) Connect your two machines with an Ethernet cable. An Ethernet connection makes for quick transfers but is not essential. All can be done via Wi-Fi.
Step 3: Choose Go ahead from the Data Transfer screen.
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Select the PS4 you want to transfer data from. If it’s the only one in your home, this is self-explanatory. If you have multiple PS4s connected to the network or have connected to others in the past, you will need to know your PS4 ID.
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To find out your PS4 ID go to Favorites > Order > Mechanical details. Here, you will see the name of your PS4. It should be “PS4” followed by a series of numbers. You can also name your PS4 from here for faster access to data transfer.
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When your PS5 reads “Prepare to Transfer Data,” press and hold Power button on your PS4 until you hear a beep (it should take about a minute). * Read and understand the safety precautions, then start the transfer.
Step 4: You can restart it manually if you skipped the transfer when setting up your PS5.
- Go to Favorites > Software program > Data transmission. Follow these steps to complete the transfer.
PS4 discs are games on larger storage
Today’s athletes have learned about the benefits of long-term storage. Fortunately, you can easily play PS4 games saved on an external storage device and load them into your PS5. However, games that offer PS5 upgrades, such as One 3, Yakuza: Like a Dragonand Cyberpunk 2077 it will be saved to your main concrete when you download it.
Be sure to move the PS4 version back to long-term storage, or delete it. You can still move PS5 games to long-term storage, so we recommend moving the ones you don’t currently play.
For PS4 discs, all you have to do is insert the disc into your PS5, and it will be downloaded to your system’s storage. Yes, this depends on whether you have PS5 disc or digital.
You can also download games that you previously purchased from the PlayStation Store. You don’t have to re-download to your PS4 and connect them to transfer data. So if you put your hands Rocket League back when it was free on PSN in 2015, you can also download it to your PS5.
Editor’s Note