How to Free Up Storage Drive Space on PlayStation 4

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Whether a new device, or a drive you've been using for a while, it can be frustrating if your PlayStation 4 has issues with your external drive.

This guide will walk you through checks and fixes to help get your drive working properly.

2. Resolve USB Storage Device Detection Issues for PlayStation 4

Show Me HowClicking this button will open a new guide that will provide you with steps to resolve your issue.

3. External Storage Requirements

The PlayStation 4 has very specific requirements for external hard drives.

Check the information that came with your drive when you purchased it, and compare it to the list below.

USB Interface TypeUSB 3.0 or LaterYour external storage device must be a USB 3.0 or later device, or it won't be fast enough for the PlayStation 4 to use.Capacity250 GB - 8 TBExternal drives come in many sizes. Given the size of many games, Sony set up the PlayStation 4 to only allow drives 250 GB or larger.

These are hardware requirements, and can't be solved through settings.

FormatexFATYour external drive must be formatted as exFAT. This is different than the default format provided by Windows and MacOS by default.PartitionsSingle PartitionYour external drive must have only 1 partition.EnctryptionNo EncryptionYour PlayStation 4 won't work with an encrypted external storage drive.

The Initialization option on your PlayStation 4 will make sure the drive is setup properly.

4. Initalize External Storage

1. Press the PS logo button on your controller.
   

1. Connect your external drive to your PlayStation 4.
   

1. Select Notifications.
   

1. Select your drive from the list.
   

1. Select Format as Extended Storage.
   

1. Select Next.
   

1. You'll be reminded all data on the drive will be lost. Select Format.
   

1. A final conformation will appear. Select Yes.
   

1. The drive will format, this can take a few minutes.
   

1. After formatting, your PlayStation 4 will set it as the default device to store data to. Select OK to continue.
   

5. Get Compatible External Storage

The drive you have isn't compatible with your PlayStation 4. You will need to purchase a different drive to act as an external storage device for your PlayStation 4.

When looking for a drive, keep the following requirements in mind:USB Interface TypeUSB 3.0 or Later
Your external storage device must be a USB 3.0 or later device, or it won't be fast enough for the PlayStation 4 to use.Capacity250 GB - 8 TB
External drives come in many sizes. Given the size of many games, Sony set up the PlayStation 4 to only allow drives 250 GB or larger.

6. Move App to External Storage

1. Press the PS logo button on your controller.
   

1. Select Settings.
   

1. Select Storage.
   

1. Select System Storage.
   

1. Select a category, in most cases this will be Applications.
   

1. Press the Options button on your controller.
   

1. Select Move to Extended Storage.
   

1. Place a check mark next to the games and apps you wish to have on your external disk, then select Move.
   

1. Select OK to start moving your apps and games.
   

1. A progress bar will open showing the progress of the file move.