Delete a game by going to your library, finding the title, and pressing the Options button

To remove a game from your PS5, find it in your Games library, press the Options button on your controller (the button with three horizontal lines), and select Delete. The system will ask you to confirm, and the game files will be removed from your console's storage. This takes about 30 seconds total.

Deleting a game frees up storage space on your PS5 so you can install other titles. You can always reinstall the game later from your library if you own it digitally, or from the disc if you have the physical copy. Your save data stays on the console even after you delete the game files.

Key Takeaways

  • Press the Options button on any game in your library and select Delete to remove it from your console.
  • Deleting a game does not erase your save files — those remain on your PS5 even after the game is gone.
  • You can reinstall any game you own without losing progress, whether you bought it digitally or own the disc.
  • The PS5 will show you how much storage space each game uses before you delete it, so you know how much room you will free up.

Find the game in your library

Open the PS5 home screen and go to Your Collection under the Games section. Scroll through your library until you find the game you want to delete. If you have many games, use the search function at the top of the screen — type the game name and it will appear in the results.

You can also delete a game while it is running. Press the PS button on your controller to bring up the control center, highlight the game title at the top, press Options, and select Delete from there. The game will close automatically.

Press Options and confirm the deletion

Once you have found the game, press the Options button (the three-line button on the right side of your controller). A menu will pop up with several choices. Select Delete from this menu.

The PS5 will show you a confirmation screen that tells you the game name and how much storage space it uses. Read this carefully to make sure you are deleting the right game, then select Delete again. The removal process starts immediately and usually finishes within a minute or two.

Check your storage before deleting large games

Before you delete a game, the PS5 shows you its file size on the confirmation screen. Large games like Call of Duty or Final Fantasy XVI can take up 100 to 150 gigabytes of space. Deleting one of these frees up significant room for new installations.

You can also check your total storage at any time by going to Settings > System > Storage. This screen shows how much space your console has left and breaks down what is using the most room. If your PS5 is running slowly or refusing to install new games, a full storage drive is usually the cause.

Reinstall a game you deleted

If you own a game digitally, you can reinstall it from your library at any time without paying again. Go to Your Collection, find the game, press Options, and select Download. The game will begin installing and you can play it once the process finishes.

If you own the physical disc, insert it into your PS5 and the console will recognize it. You can then install the game directly from the disc without needing to download it from the internet. Your save files will be waiting for you exactly where you left them.

What happens to your save data when you delete a game

Deleting a game does not delete your save files. Your progress, achievements, and game data stay on your PS5 storage even after you remove the game itself. When you reinstall the game later, your saves will be there and you can pick up where you left off.

If you want to delete your save data separately, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data > Games, find the game, and select Delete. This is a separate action from deleting the game files and is rarely necessary unless you want to start over completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my progress if I delete a game?

No. Your save files stay on the PS5 even after you delete the game. When you reinstall it, all your progress will be there. Deleting the game only removes the playable files, not your saves.

Can I delete a game while I am playing it?

Yes. Press the PS button to open the control center, highlight the game at the top, press Options, and select Delete. The game will close and the deletion will begin. You do not have to quit first.

How much storage does deleting a game free up?

The amount varies by game. The confirmation screen shows the exact size before you delete. Large games free up 100+ gigabytes, while smaller titles might only free up 20 to 40 gigabytes. Check the screen to see what you will gain.

What if I delete a game by accident?

You can reinstall it immediately from your library. If you own it digitally, select Download. If you have the disc, insert it and install from there. Your saves will still be on the console, so you can resume playing without losing progress.

Do I need the disc to reinstall a physical game?

Yes, you need the disc to reinstall a physical copy. Insert it into your PS5 and the console will install the game from the disc. You do not need to download it from the internet, though the console may download updates after installation finishes.