The PS5 uses a single M.2 SSD slot that you can upgrade yourself

The PlayStation 5 comes with 825 GB of built-in storage, but about 110 GB is reserved for the system itself, leaving roughly 667 GB for games. You can expand this by installing an M.2 solid-state drive (SSD) into the expansion slot on the back of the console. This is the only way to add internal storage — the PS5 does not support external hard drives for game storage the way the PS4 did.

The installation takes about five minutes and requires no special tools beyond a Phillips head screwdriver. Sony has specific requirements for which drives work: the SSD must be between 250 GB and 4 TB, have a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s, and fit within the PS5's physical dimensions (22 mm length maximum, including the heatsink). Not every M.2 drive meets these specs, so checking compatibility before you buy is essential.

Key Takeaways

  • You install an M.2 SSD directly into a slot on the back of the PS5; this is the only way to add internal storage to the console.
  • The drive must have a read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s and fit within Sony's physical size limits, which rules out many cheaper SSDs.
  • Compatible drives typically cost between $60 and $200 depending on capacity, and you can install one yourself in about five minutes.
  • After installation, the PS5 will format the new drive automatically, and you can then download games to it just as you would the built-in storage.

Which M.2 drives actually work with the PS5

Sony publishes a list of tested and compatible drives on its support website. Drives that appear on this list have been verified to meet the speed and size requirements. Some popular options include the Samsung 990 Pro, WD Black SN850X, Crucial P5 Plus, and Sabrent Rocket Nano. Prices vary widely — a 1 TB drive typically ranges from $80 to $150, while 2 TB models run $150 to $250.

The key specification is sequential read speed: it must be 5,500 MB/s or faster. Many budget SSDs advertise speeds of 3,000 to 4,500 MB/s, which will not work. You can check the specifications on the manufacturer's website or the retailer's product page before buying. The physical size limit is also strict — the drive plus heatsink cannot exceed 22 mm in thickness. Some drives come with heatsinks that are too tall, so you may need to remove the factory heatsink and replace it with a thinner one, or buy a drive that ships with a compatible heatsink already attached.

How to physically install the drive

Start by powering off the PS5 completely and unplugging it from the wall. Wait a few minutes for any residual charge to dissipate. Lay the console on its side so the expansion slot (a small rectangular opening on the back) faces up. You will see a single screw holding a small metal cover; remove it with a Phillips head screwdriver and set the cover aside.

Hold the M.2 drive at a 30-degree angle and insert it into the slot. Push down gently until you hear or feel a click, then use the screw you removed earlier to secure the drive in place. The drive should sit flush with the console when fully installed. Close the cover, plug the PS5 back in, and power it on. The console will detect the new drive and prompt you to format it — this process takes a few minutes and will erase any data on the drive, but it comes empty from the factory anyway.

Storage space after installation

Once formatted, your new drive will show up in the PS5's storage settings with its full capacity available. A 1 TB drive gives you approximately 900 GB of usable space after formatting. A 2 TB drive provides roughly 1.8 TB. You can now download games to either the built-in storage or the new drive — the PS5 lets you choose where each game installs, or you can move games between drives after installation.

Most PS5 games range from 40 GB to 150 GB in size. A 1 TB expansion drive can hold roughly 6 to 15 games depending on their size, while a 2 TB drive can hold 12 to 30. If you play a wide variety of games or prefer not to delete and reinstall titles frequently, a 2 TB drive is more practical, though it costs more upfront.

What happens if your drive does not meet the requirements

If you install a drive that does not meet Sony's specifications — for example, one with a read speed below 5,500 MB/s or one that is too thick — the PS5 will not recognize it. The console will not format the drive or allow you to use it for game storage. You will need to remove it and install a compatible drive instead. There is no risk of damaging the console, but you will have wasted money on an incompatible drive.

Before purchasing, always verify the drive's specifications against Sony's current compatibility list. Retailers sometimes mislabel drives or list outdated models, so checking the manufacturer's official specs and the PS5 support page reduces the chance of buying the wrong one.

Removing or replacing the drive later

If you want to swap out your M.2 drive for a larger one, the process is straightforward. Power off the PS5, remove the cover screw, and gently pull the drive out at a 30-degree angle until it slides free. Install the new drive using the same method. Any games stored on the old drive will no longer be accessible, so move or delete them first if you want to keep them.

You can also remove the drive temporarily if you need to service the console or transport it. The expansion slot is designed for user access, and Sony does not void your warranty for opening it or swapping drives.

External USB storage for PS4 games

While you cannot store PS5 games on an external drive, you can store PS4 games on a USB 3.1 external hard drive or SSD. This does not expand your total storage, but it lets you keep PS4 titles on an external device and transfer them back to the PS5 when you want to play them. PS4 games must be on the internal drive or the new M.2 drive to run, but they can live on external storage when not in use.

This option is useful if you have a large PS4 library and limited space on the console itself. A basic external USB drive costs $40 to $100 depending on capacity and is much cheaper than upgrading the internal M.2 SSD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to back up my games before installing a new M.2 drive?

No. The new drive comes empty and the PS5 will format it automatically without touching your existing games on the built-in storage. Your current games remain playable on the internal drive while you set up the expansion drive. You only need to back up games if you are replacing the built-in drive, which you cannot do on the PS5.

Can I use any M.2 NVMe drive, or does it have to be a specific brand?

Any M.2 NVMe drive that meets Sony's speed and size requirements will work, regardless of brand. Samsung, WD, Crucial, Sabrent, and others all make compatible drives. Check the specifications first — brand name matters less than meeting the 5,500 MB/s read speed and 22 mm thickness limits.

What is the difference between a 1 TB and 2 TB drive for the PS5?

A 1 TB drive costs less but holds fewer games — roughly 6 to 15 depending on game size. A 2 TB drive costs more but doubles your storage and is more convenient if you like to keep many games installed. The choice depends on your budget and how many games you typically play at once.

Will installing an M.2 drive void my PS5 warranty?

No. Sony explicitly allows users to install M.2 drives in the expansion slot, and doing so does not void your warranty. The expansion slot is designed for user access and upgrades.

Can I use the same M.2 drive in a PS5 and a PC?

Technically yes, but the PS5 will format the drive when you install it, erasing any data on it. If you move the drive to a PC afterward, you will need to reformat it for use on that system. It is simpler to keep one drive in the PS5 and buy a separate one for your PC if you need storage on both devices.