Switching from PS4 to PS5 and want to recover all your games and saves? Discover the different methods to safely transfer your data, whether it's via a cable, Wi-Fi, or the PlayStation Plus cloud.
Preparing the consoles before the transfer
Before starting the data transfer, it's essential to properly prepare your consoles. These simple steps will help you avoid issues along the way.
Start by checking that both your PS4 and PS5 are up to date. To do this, go to the settings of each console and install the latest system updates if necessary. An outdated software version may prevent the transfer from completing properly.
Next, make sure both consoles are connected to the same network. You have two options:
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Via Wi-Fi: Connect both consoles to the same wireless network. It's convenient, but the speed may vary depending on the quality of your connection.
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Via a LAN cable: If possible, use an Ethernet cable to connect the consoles directly or to the same router. This method is faster and more stable, especially for large transfers.
Finally, make sure you're logged in to the same PlayStation Network (PSN) account on both consoles. This is essential for your data to be recognized and transferred correctly. If you're using a different account, the transfer won't work.
Once these steps are completed, you're ready to move on to the next stage!
Data transfer process from PS4 to PS5
The data transfer between your two consoles is done directly from the settings menu of your PS5. It's a simple process but requires patience. Once started, avoid interrupting the transfer to prevent any data loss.
Available transfer methods
There are several ways to transfer your data from PS4 to PS5, each with its own advantages. Here’s an overview of the available methods to help you choose the one that suits you best.
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LAN cable: The fastest and most efficient method. It ensures optimal speed and significantly reduces transfer time.
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Wi-Fi: A convenient alternative if you don't have a LAN cable, but slower and dependent on your connection's stability.
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External hard drive: If you’ve stored your PS4 games on an external hard drive, just plug it into your PS5 to access them immediately.
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PlayStation Plus Cloud: If you're a subscriber, your save data can be retrieved from the cloud.
How to transfer PS4 games to PS5?
Recovering your PS4 titles on your PS5 is quite straightforward, but it depends on the type of game you own.
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Digital version: Log in to your PlayStation account, go to your library, and download the games you want.
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Physical version: Insert the disc into your PS5 (if it has a disc drive) and follow the installation instructions.
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Some PS4 games require an update to be compatible or enhanced on PS5. The console will prompt you to download it automatically.
How to recover your saves on PS5?
To retrieve your game data, you have three options:
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PlayStation Plus Cloud: If you're a subscriber, your saves are stored online and can be downloaded to your PS5.
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USB drive: Copy your saves from the PS4 and transfer them to the PS5.
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Full transfer: During the complete transfer between the two consoles, your game data is also included.
Transferable data types and limitations
The data transfer between PS4 and PS5 allows you to recover:
- Game saves
- User profiles
- Downloaded titles
However, some restrictions apply. Games and saves already present on your PS5 will not be duplicated. Some PS4 games benefit from a PS5 upgrade for improved performance (4K, 60 FPS). Lastly, not all PS4 games are compatible with the PS5. Make sure to check before transferring.
