How to Get More Storage on PS5 Without USB or Deletions
You can get more storage on PS5 by adding an internal M.2 SSD, using a compatible external hard drive, managing game data efficiently, or using cloud storage for saves. These methods expand your console’s capacity and help you avoid deleting games or relying on USBs.
The PlayStation 5 offers fast performance and immersive gaming, but its limited internal storage can quickly run out. The system comes with around 667 gigabytes of usable space, and many games today use 50 to 100 gigabytes or more. For gamers who want to install multiple titles, download updates, and keep their saved data, managing storage becomes a key concern.
The good news is that you do not need to delete your favorite games to free up space. Sony allows users to expand their PS5 storage in several simple ways. This guide will show you all the best methods, including how to get more storage on PS5 without deleting games, without using a USB, or without a hard drive.
Add an Internal M.2 SSD to Your PS5
The fastest and most efficient way to get more storage on PS5 is by installing a compatible M.2 SSD inside the console.
Sony designed the PS5 with an extra SSD slot. You can buy a PCIe Gen4 M.2 SSD with a heatsink and install it using a simple setup. Once installed, this storage acts just like the built-in drive, supporting full-speed game downloads and playback.
What You Need for Installation
- A Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD (like WD Black SN850 or Samsung 980 Pro)
- A heatsink to manage temperature
- A small screwdriver
- Firmware updated to the latest version
After installing the SSD, format it using your PS5 settings and move games freely between drives. This upgrade gives you more space with no compromise on performance.
Popular PS5-compatible M.2 SSDs include models from Samsung, WD Black, and Seagate. Make sure the drive has a heatsink, or attach one before installing. This upgrade does not require deleting any data or relying on external hardware, and once it is set up, the added space becomes permanent.
Use an External Hard Drive or SSD for PS4 Games
You can use an external hard drive to store and play PS4 games, freeing up PS5 space for newer titles. While you cannot run PS5 games from an external hard drive, you can move them there for storage. You can also play PS4 games directly from an external drive, which helps save room on your internal storage.
This method is especially useful if you play both PS4 and PS5 games. Moving PS4 titles to the external drive gives you more space for large PS5 downloads without needing to delete anything.
Compatible external drives include USB 3.0 models with storage sizes up to 8 terabytes. Solid-state external drives offer faster performance than spinning hard drives, but both types work well for storage.
Benefits of External Storage for PS4 Games
- Instantly frees up internal space
- Allows you to install large PS4 game collections
- Supports plug-and-play transfer between consoles
Keep in mind, PS5 titles must be transferred back to internal storage before playing.
How to Get More Storage on PS5 Without Deleting Games
You can get more PS5 storage without deleting games by installing an internal M.2 SSD, using external drives for PS4 titles, or moving games between drives.
One option is to buy a compatible M.2 SSD and install it inside your console. This expands your usable space without touching your current game library. Another solution is to use an external drive for older games, so your PS5’s main storage can stay focused on newer ones.
You can also move PS5 games back and forth between storage locations. If a game is not currently in use, transfer it to an external drive. Later, move it back when you want to play. This lets you keep all your games without losing progress or reinstalling data.
These options provide flexibility and protect your favorite games while giving you room to grow your collection.
How to Get More Storage on PS5 Without USB
To get more storage on PS5 without using USB devices, install an internal M.2 SSD or use PlayStation cloud storage for game saves. Internal SSDs connect directly to your PS5’s motherboard and do not require any external connection. Once installed, they act as built-in storage and do not take up a USB port.
If you only need more space for saved data, PlayStation Plus includes cloud storage. With cloud saves, your game data stays safe online, freeing up local space.
Both options improve your storage without needing to plug in a USB drive. They keep your setup clean and your ports open for other uses, like controllers or accessories.
Advantages of Non-USB Solutions
- Cleaner setup with fewer devices
- No loss of port access
- Full compatibility with high-speed gaming
Internal SSDs and cloud storage give you speed and reliability without using USB.
How to Get More Storage on PS5 Without Hard Drive
You can increase PS5 storage without a hard drive by adding an M.2 SSD or managing your storage using game transfer and cloud backup.
Hard drives are not required to boost your PS5 space. Instead, use a high-speed M.2 SSD for full compatibility and performance. This upgrade lets you install and play PS5 games directly from the new drive.
If you want to avoid physical storage upgrades, cloud storage offers a digital solution. Move your game saves to the cloud, then delete and reinstall games without losing progress. This does not increase raw storage but makes space easier to manage.
When to Skip the Hard Drive Option
- You play mostly PS5 games
- You prefer sleek, device-free setups
- You already have high-speed internet and cloud access
In these cases, internal or cloud-based solutions provide better speed and usability.
Manage Game Data Smartly for Extra Space
Smart storage management helps you get more PS5 space by reducing clutter and making room for new titles.
Use the storage settings to review which games or apps are using the most space. If a title includes extra language packs, unused modes, or large updates, you can remove parts you no longer need. Many PS5 games allow selective uninstalling of features like multiplayer or campaign modes.
Also, consider clearing cached data and screenshots if space is tight. These items build up over time and can use gigabytes of storage.
Checking your storage usage every few weeks helps you stay in control and avoid surprises. It is an easy way to gain a few extra gigabytes without buying new equipment.
Use Cloud Storage to Save Game Progress
Cloud storage does not add more space but protects your game progress and frees up local memory.
If you subscribe to PlayStation Plus, you get access to cloud saves. This lets you delete and reinstall games without losing your progress. It is ideal for managing limited storage and rotating between installed games.
Optimize Game Files and Delete Unused Data
Clean up your PS5 storage by removing unused parts of games, like extra languages or modes. Many PS5 titles allow you to delete only certain parts, such as multiplayer or extra content. You can also remove old screenshots and unused apps to save gigabytes of space.
Regularly checking your Storage tab in Settings helps you stay on top of your usage. Even small deletions can add up and delay the need for a larger upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Getting more storage on your PS5 is easy if you know the right steps. You can install an internal M.2 SSD for full access to fast extra storage, or use an external drive for your PS4 library.
If you want to avoid USB devices or hard drives, you can still expand storage through the internal slot or cloud backups. These methods let you avoid deleting your favorite games while keeping your console organized.
If flexibility or budget is a concern, try external or cloud-based methods. Whatever you choose, more storage means more freedom to play without limits.
