How to Replace a PS4 Hard Drive – Guide

When the PlayStation 4 was released in 2013, it came with a 500GB hard drive. While there was a time when 500GB felt like more than we could use, games have grown exponentially over the years. With popular titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 (105GB), Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (101GB) and Grand Theft Auto V (76GB) weighing in at 100GB or so, this unit can fill up fast . Later, Sony updated the hard drive, giving users the option of a 1TB drive. However, an extensive library of new triple-A games means it might not be enough for some users (myself included). Fortunately, with subsequent software updates, Sony allowed the PS4 to support SSDs. up to 8GB in size if you have a thick wallet. Upgrading your PlayStation 4’s hard drive isn’t all that difficult, but there are a few steps to take when installing a new drive. Here’s a quick step by step guide to help users avoid headaches during the process. So grab your PS4 and let’s get started.

What will you need

Locate a hard drive for the PS4

The standard PlayStation 4 hard drive is just 500GB, enough space for about a dozen modern games at best. Upgrading your hard drive allows you to store more content and ensure your system runs at peak performance for years to come. Learn how to perform a PS4 hard drive update without losing any saved games on your console. Since Sony doesn’t make hard drives specifically for the PS4, your first step is to find a compatible hard drive. The PS4 comes with a hard drive, but you can install a solid state drive if you prefer. SSDs generally run much faster, but they are sometimes less durable and are also more expensive. Your best bet is to buy a hard drive from a company like Seagate, which makes PS4-optimized hard drives. That said, any 2.5″ laptop hard disk with a thickness of not more than 9.5 mm shall do; If you are struggling to replace your PS4 hard drive, you can also upgrade to at least 1 or 2TB. Changing your console’s hard drive does not void your warranty.

To go back Up Your data

Most games you’ve purchased from PlayStation Store can be re-downloaded to your new hard drive at no cost, so you should delete them before backing up. up the rest of your files to make the backup process faster. Some content, like the 2014 PT demo, has been removed from the PS4 network, so make sure you don’t delete anything you can’t recover. PlayStation Plus subscribers can also upload their save data to the cloud for later retrieval. Depending on how much data you have, you can fit the backup file to a thumb drive. If not, connect your external hard drive to one of the PS4’s USB ports and do the following:

Download the latest PS4 software update

Go to the PlayStation website and download the latest PS4 software update. Find the latest PS4 OS update, click “Download Update” and save the files to a portable USB drive.

open the ps4

Before you begin, turn off your PS4, unplug it, and place it on a flat, firm surface. If you have a newer PS4, look on the back of the console for a removable panel in one of the corners. You can see a sticker indicating the hard drive size. With the back of the console facing you, remove the panel by gently sliding it to the right with your fingers. For older PS4 models, you should see two panels on top of the PS4; one is shiny, the other is the same color as the rest of the console. With the PS4 facing you, remove the glowing bezel by pressing the edges and gently sliding it to the left. Below you should see the hard drive.

Replace PS4 hard drive

The hard drive is attached to the console by a single screw with the symbols found on the PlayStation controller. Remove the screw with the Phillips screwdriver, but do not lose it. You should now be able to remove the hard drive by pulling it out. The actual hard drive housing is held together by two or four screws, which you should unscrew and set aside. Take out the old hard drive and insert the new one without touching the bottom of any drives to avoid damaging them. Make sure the metal pins are facing inwards and close the case by reattaching the screws.

Put it all back together

Put the encapsulated hard drive back into the console and secure the decorated screw; slide the outer cover back into place. Plug your system back in and reconnect it to your TV. Hold the console power button for a few seconds to restart your PS4.

How to To define up Your new PS4 hard drive

When you turn on your PlayStation, it should start in safe mode. You will be greeted with a message like ‘Unable to start PS4’ which is what you want to see.

Install PS4 software update

You will now follow the same steps you had to take when you originally purchased your PS4, such as setting your date and language preferences.

Restore your game data

Final note

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