PS5 Storage Expansion: Boost Your Games to 1 TB—Here’s How!

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) delivers stunning visuals and lightning-fast load times, but even the best hardware faces one challenge: limited built-in storage. With most PS5 games and updates requiring 100GB to over 500GB, expanding your game library beyond the console’s native 825GB or 1TB storage can be tricky—until now.

If storing hundreds of high-quality titles is your goal, increasing your PS5’s storage capacity is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore how to expand your PS5’s storage up to 1 TB, making room for every game, expansion pack, and digital content you love.

Understanding the Context


Why Expand PS5 Storage?

Storage limitations often frustrate PS5 gamers—whether you’re collecting 4K OSS (Open Boat System) game bundles, large single-player RPGs, or frequent DLC updates. Expanding storage beyond the default capacity ensures:

  • Uninterrupted gameplay without frequent exclusions
  • Faster load times for high-resolution assets
  • Seamless storage of mods, spare save files, and backups
  • Future-proofing for upcoming recommendations and digital content

Key Insights


How to Expand PS5 Storage to 1 TB: The Best Methods

While PS5 unlocks native 825GB or 1TB directly in-console (depending on model), expanding beyond this requires creative solutions. Here are the most effective and reliable methods to boost your storage capacity:


1. Add an External SSD Expansion Drive

Final Thoughts

The most popular and cost-effective method is using a 64GB, 120GB, or 250GB external SSD via the PS5’s USB-C port.

Steps:

  • Purchase an ANSI- or JEDEC-compliant SSD (PS5 supports up to 2TB via controller upgrade, but not full OS expansion).
  • Connect the drive to the PS5’s dedicated USB-C storage port (on models with it).
  • Format the drive inside the Settings > Storage menu when prompted.
  • Transfer games from PS5 to SSD via CNS Extenders or compatible software (like OneDrive or third-party tools such as Plex or Solve Lumina).

Note: The SSD gives you additional storage but does not expand PS5 OS storage—however, it’s ideal for games, mods, and saves.


2. Use a PS5-Compatible External Hard Drive

Many gamers connect external HDDs or SSDs using a USB-C adapter. While the PS5 UI doesn’t directly recognize HDDs, beginners find NAS or portable HDDs formatted properly work smoothly with software like Synology Disk Station Manager or O imply drives made for PS5 compatibility.

Key Tips:

  • Format external storage as NTFS (for fastest PS5 compatibility).
  • Avoid exceeding 95% capacity to preserve performance.
  • Back up frequently—HDDs are prone to failure over time.

3. Enable PS5 Family Sharing and Digital Library Management

Even without extra storage, smarter digital organization helps:

  • Regularly delete unused demos, trial content, and redundant saves.
  • Use cloud sync via PS Plus Digital for key saves and progress.
  • Prioritize high-priority games and titles, letting less loved ones take up temporary space.