How to transfer data from PS4 to PS5

This time of the year is great for getting a new console, whether it’s a gift or a treat for yourself. This handy guide will show you how to get going as quickly as possible, by transferring important data from a PS4 console to a PS5 or PS5 Pro.

This simple process ensures all your game installs, apps and trophies are moved over from the old console to the shiny new one. As getting the transfer going isn’t explained that well on the console itself, so to help out, this guide lays out a step-by-step process.

This process works the same whichever PS4 console you’re using, whether it’s the original model or the Pro, and whichever PS5 console you’re transferring to. So if you’ve got the PS5 Pro, PS5 Slim versions or the release machine this will work.

If you’re giving the PS5 as a festive gift, we’d recommend sorting this beforehand so the gaming can begin as quickly as possible. If you’re having issues, see the FAQs box at the bottom of this page.

What you’ll need:

Any version of the PS4
Any version of the PS5
Internet connection

The Short Version

Update system software on PS4
Connect both PS4 and PS5 to the same network
On the PS5, go to settings
Select System
Hover over System Software, press right and then hit Data Transfer
Press Continue when prompted
Once your PS4 is detected, hold down the console’s power button for one second

Step
1

Update system software on PS4

Your PS4 will need to be signed into the same account as the one you plan to use on the PS5. You’ll also need to make sure the PS4 has been updated with the latest software. You can do this by going to Settings > System Software update. Then you’ll need to wait for the update to complete.
Step
2

Connect both PS4 and PS5 to the same network

To start the data transfer, both consoles will need to be connected to the same network. Sony recommends using a LAN cable, but you can do it over Wi-Fi too. To do this, go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection.
Step
3

On the PS5, go to settings

Now your PS4 has been set up, switch over to the PS5. Click on settings by selecting the cog in the top-right corner of the screen.
Step
4

Select System

It should be the sixth option down in the Settings.
Step
5

Hover over System Software, press right and then hit Data Transfer

System Software should be right at the top, so click right on the D-Pad straight away. Then scroll down to Data Transfer, which should be the sixth option down.
Step
6

Press Continue when prompted

You’ll then get two pop-up messages telling you to get your PS4 console ready. These steps should already be completed, so just hit Continue when prompted.
Step
7

Once your PS4 is detected, hold down the console’s power button for one second

Your PS4 console should then be detected by your PS5. If so, your PS5 will instruct you to hold down the PS4’s power button for one second until it bleeps. Once this is done, your PS5 will start loading up all of your data.
Step
8

Select the data you want to be transferred over to the PS5, and then select Start Transfer

You will then be presented with a list of data that can be transferred over. This includes save data, game installs and more. You can simply press ‘select all’ all pick individual data to send across to the PS5. Once you’re happy with your selection, select Start Transfer. Your PS5 will then restart once the data transfer is completed.

FAQs

Why can’t I select some of my data and game installs for transfer?

If your save data or game files are greyed out, it likely means that they’ve already been transferred over to your PS5. If you’re a PS Plus subscriber, your save data should be automatically synced up.

But if you can select each game file, but the console is still blocking a transfer, it probably means that your PS5 is running out of storage space. You can free up space by heading over to Settings > Storage > Console Storage on your PS5.