To move your games and saves from PS4 to PS5, you can use three main methods: the built‑in Data Transfer over your home network, cloud saves (with PS Plus), or a USB drive.

Quick Scoop

  • Fastest, most complete way: PS5’s Data Transfer over Wi‑Fi or LAN.
  • Safest for just saves: Cloud storage via PS Plus sync.
  • No PS Plus? Use a USB drive for saves, or an external HDD with installed PS4 games.
  • Not every PS4 game is supported on PS5, so a few titles may not carry over cleanly.

Method 1: PS5 Data Transfer (Best All‑in‑One)

This is the “plug both in and let them talk” method. It moves users, saves, settings, and many games in one go.

Prep both consoles

  1. Update software on PS4: go to Settings > System Software Update and install any updates.
  1. Update software on PS5: Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings.
  1. Sign in with the same PSN account on both consoles.
  1. Connect both to the same network (Wi‑Fi works; Ethernet/LAN is faster and more stable).

Mini‑story: Think of this like moving houses in the same neighborhood. Wi‑Fi is walking boxes over; Ethernet is hiring a moving truck. Same destination, very different speed.

Start the transfer on PS5

  1. Turn on PS4 and PS5, and leave them on the home screen.
  1. On PS5, go to Settings > System > System Software > Data Transfer > Continue.
  1. The PS5 scans for your PS4 on the network and shows it on‑screen.
  1. When prompted, press and hold the power button on the PS4 for about one second until it beeps to confirm you want to link them.

Choose what to move

  1. Step 1 usually covers saved data (your progress and settings).
  1. Step 2 lets you pick games and apps to transfer.
  1. You’ll see an estimated transfer time for saves; full games may keep transferring in the background after the PS5 restarts.
  1. Confirm and start transfer; keep both consoles on and don’t unplug them until it finishes.

If your data size is huge and you’re on Wi‑Fi, expect the process to take hours or longer. Some users speed things up by using LAN cables and making sure both systems are fully updated, sometimes even rebuilding the PS4 database when transfer is glitchy.

Method 2: Cloud Saves (PS Plus)

If you mainly care about save data and you have PlayStation Plus, cloud storage is simple and doesn’t require the consoles to be side by side.

On your PS4

  • Upload saves to the cloud via Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage (menu names may vary slightly by region/software version).

On your PS5

  • Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) and download your saves from Cloud Storage.

You’ll still need to re‑download games themselves on PS5 or install them from disc, but the cloud saves let you continue where you left off.

Method 3: USB Drive or External HDD

This is the go‑to if you don’t have PS Plus, or if you want to carry a big batch of games across at once.

A. USB drive for saves only

  1. Plug a USB drive into your PS4.
  2. On PS4, open Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device.
  1. Select the save files you want and choose Copy.
  1. Safely remove the USB and plug it into your PS5.
  2. On PS5, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS4) > USB Drive.
  1. Choose Copy to Console Storage for the saves you want.

B. External HDD with PS4 games installed

  • Many people keep PS4 games on an external HDD and just plug it into the PS5. The PS5 can play compatible PS4 titles directly from that drive in most cases, saving download time.

Common Issues and Forum‑Style Tips

“My transfer keeps failing at the same point, what now?”

  • Make sure both systems are fully updated ; some users report that after updating in safe mode and rebuilding the PS4 database, the transfer suddenly works and is faster.
  • Prefer wired LAN if possible; it cuts down on failures during big moves.
  • If full data transfer keeps bugging out, fall back to USB/cloud for saves and just re‑download or reinstall the games on PS5.

“Is this still relevant in 2026?”

Yes. Sony’s Data Transfer flow on PS5 and PS5‑family systems (including newer models) still works the same way: same‑network connection, select data, press PS4 power to confirm, and let the consoles handle it.

SEO bits (for your post)

  • Focus keyword: “how to transfer data from ps4 to ps5” is naturally covered in headings and steps above.
  • Extra context like “latest news” and “forum discussion” can reference ongoing community tips about using LAN, rebuilding the PS4 database when transfers break, and long transfer times on Wi‑Fi.

TL;DR: Use Data Transfer on PS5 if you want a one‑shot move over your home network, cloud saves if you have PS Plus and mainly care about progress, and USB/external drives if you don’t mind a bit of manual work but want control and offline flexibility.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.