How to transfer PS4 games to PS5

PS5
(Image credit: Sony)

To transfer PS4 games to PS5 is fairly easy, something you can do either online or by moving the games from console to console in external hard drives - or just redownloading from your Sony account as per normal. If you just got a PlayStation 5 it's pretty normal to only have one or two games to start with, so bulking up your options with some dependable classics from prior generations is no bad idea. So if you're wondering about how to transfer PS4 games to PS5, we'll lay it all out here.

Find some new titles to look forward to in our rundown of upcoming PS5 games.

How to transfer PS4 games to PS5 via external hard drive

WD Hard drive

(Image credit: WD)

The quickest and easiest option is to transfer your PS4 games to PS5 via the external hard drive you're already no doubt using for PS4. For any titles that are installed to a PS4 external hard drive, all you need to do is unplug the drive from your PS4 and plug it into your PS5. No conversion or reformatting needed, you're straight into enjoying PS5 backwards compatibility.

If you can, try and move as many as you can from your PS4 to an external hard drive before you power it down for good, and you'll save yourself some hassle. 

How to transfer PS4 games to PS5 via Wi-Fi transfer

Transfer PS4 games to PS5

(Image credit: Sony)

For games that are installed to your internal hard drive, you can use a special WiFi transfer process instead. For this, you'll need to head to:

Settings > System >  System Software > Data Transfer

Then, it's just a case of following the on-screen instructions. You'll need both your PS5 and PS4 turned on and connected to the internet over Wi-Fi, or you can connect the two via a LAN connection.

Transfer PS4 games to PS5

(Image credit: Sony)

Once they're connected, you can simply select all the games currently stored internally on your PS4 to transfer to PS5 or tick those that you want to make the leap. Then it's just a case of waiting while the transfer happens. Simple!

N.B it's worth noting that PT on PS5 transfers are not possible using this method.

How to transfer PS4 games to PS5 via download

PS5 UI

(Image credit: Sony / Future)

Handily, if you don't want to use an external hard drive or only want a few of your PS4 games on your shiny new PS5, there is the option of just re-downloading everything. All of your PS4 games will be listed in your media library. You can even filter the list to highlight all your PS4 titles and just hit download on any that you want. 

How to transfer PS4 games to PS5 via disc

If you have a PS4 game on disc, you just put the disc in your PS5 and go. Your install and update data won't transfer over in this case, however, so you might want to back up and redownload your save date if you're planning to pick up where you left off from one console to the next.

PS5 review | Transfer games to PS5 hard drive | How to use a PS4 controller with PS5 | Where is the PS5 power button | PS5 standby mode explained | PS5 compatible SSD | Upcoming PS5 games | How to download PS4 saves on PS5 | PS5 deals

Connor Sheridan

I got a BA in journalism from Central Michigan University - though the best education I received there was from CM Life, its student-run newspaper. Long before that, I started pursuing my degree in video games by bugging my older brother to let me play Zelda on the Super Nintendo. I've previously been a news intern for GameSpot, a news writer for CVG, and now I'm a staff writer here at GamesRadar.

Read more
PS5 exclusives: Rivet, the female Lombax from Ratchet and Clank Rift in Time
PS5 exclusives: Every game released and confirmed so far
best ps5 external hard drive
Best PS5 external hard drives 2025: excellent portable SSD and HDD options
Best PS4 external hard drives for 2023
Best PS4 external hard drives 2025: The best HDD and SSD options we've tested
The best PS4 SSD for 2023
The best PS4 SSD for 2025: Improve load times and boost your storage
PS5 game deals with Spider-Man Miles Morales, Astro Bot and PS5 console
Best cheap PS5 game deals – all the latest sales in March 2025
Image of the PS5 box art for Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered, Lego Horizon Adventures, Ratchet and Clank Rift Apart, and Jedi Survivor, with a blue GamesRadar background.
These PS5 game deals at Best Buy are going to force me to clear some shelf space
Latest in Games
Silent Hill f art showing a person covered in plants
Silent Hill f has been pre-emptively banned in Australia, with no reason given for the 'refused classification' rating
Assassin's Creed Shadows review gameplay showing Yasuke overlooking the sea and lush green scenery
Assassin's Creed Shadows has already "surpassed the launches of AC Origins and Odyssey" with 2 million players and counting
FC 25
FC 25 Dreamchasers tracker and full UEFA promo guide
Helldivers 2 screenshot showing someone using a big gun
Helldivers 2 boss says "death and rebirth" is a natural part of the games industry, but it's "unnecessarily brutal" right now "because we don't diversify enough"
A Dragon Age character stares out against a blue background.
BioWare makes a return to Dragon Age: The Veilguard with a surprise PC update, months after layoffs and a seemingly final patch
God of War 3
God of War PSP's seamless loading was only possible because a Jak & Daxter game was also running in the background
Latest in Guides
FC 25
FC 25 Dreamchasers tracker and full UEFA promo guide
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe "justice must be served" or "killing them isn't justice" Yaya and Mistumune choice
Should you side with Mitsumune or Yaya in Assassin's Creed Shadows?
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shiny Cards
How to get Shiny Pokemon in Pokemon TCG Pocket
Assassin's Creed Shadows money naoe and merchant
How to get money in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shining Revelry
Pokemon TCG Pocket Shining Revelry release date and details
Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe in outfit
Best Assassin’s Creed Shadows armor for Naoe and Yasuke