How to Improve PlayStation 5 Storage in 2026
Your PlayStation 5 has run out of space. Again. You thought 1TB was enough but now you’re deleting games as if it were a cruel villain. You need not worry! You don’t have to choose between Spider-Man 2 or Elden Ring to increase your PS5 storage.
Takeaways
- Adding an M.2 SSD is the best way to expand your PS5 storage.
- External hard drives work well for storing but not playing PS5 games.
- Deleting unused games frees up space faster than you think.
- PlayStation Plus streaming can save space if you have a strong internet connection.
- PlayStation system updates help optimize storage and improve performance.
- Managing game installs can help keep storage usage under control.
- Cloud storage with PlayStation Plus is great for save files.
- Watching PlayStation store news can help you plan game downloads wisely.
- VR games eat up storage, so uninstall when not in use.
Stay updated with PlayStation announcements for future storage solutions.
1. Install an M.2 SSD (The Easy Way!)
Sony has been kind enough to include a M.2 SSD in the PS5. You can now add a fast SSD to your PS5 without having to sacrifice performance. You only need a PCIe Gen 4 compatible SSD with a cooling fan. Installing the SSD is as easy as unscrewing and sliding the back panel into the slot, then screwing it back.
Add cheese to your burger and everything will be better.
2. Use an external USB drive (for backups)
An external USB drive will be your best friend if you are looking for a simpler solution. You can’t directly play PS5 games from the external USB drive, but you can store and transfer them when you need to. You can still visit your games, but they are no longer in your home.
3. Delete What You Don’t Need (Harsh, but Effective)
All of us have games that we don’t play, but still refuse to delete. You might think that you will return to Cyberpunk in the future. Let’s face it, you haven’t completed the tutorial in two years. Start deleting old clips, screenshots and unused games if you’re running out of space. You’ll thank yourself in the future.
4. Stream Games with PlayStation Plus
Why store when you can stream instead? PlayStation Plus allows you to stream an enormous catalog of games. This saves you time and space. Netflix, but with more rage quitting. If you don’t want to watch pixelated characters scurry across the screen, make sure that your internet connection is strong.
5. Keep Up with PlayStation System Updates
Sony continues to release PlayStation system updates which improve storage management, and enable better compression of games. Keep your PS5 updated by updating it regularly. It’s like feeding it the latest diet to keep it lean and nimble.
6. Check for PlayStation Game Sales and Install Wisely
We all get excited during big PlayStation sales and purchase more games than we have time to play. Install only the games you are currently playing, instead of downloading all your games at once. You’ll thank your PS5 for not sending you annoying “Storage full” notifications.
7. Manage Game Installations
You can install just the parts of some PS5 exclusives that you want. You may love the multiplayer but not the campaign. Save space by skipping the 50GB extra of story mode cutscenes. More room for new adventures, less space wasted.
8. Optimize your PlayStation VR storage
Remember that VR games can take up a lot of space on your PlayStation VR. Remove VR games when not in use, unless the “Not Enough Storage message” is more appealing than actual gameplay.
9. Check the PlayStation Store for Cloud Storage Options
PlayStation Plus offers cloud storage of save files. This is great for clearing up space. Transfer your saved games to the cloud and delete everything else. This is like putting all your progress into a virtual time capsule, safe and sound until you’re ready to use it.
10. Keep an Eye on PlayStation 5 News for Future Storage Solutions
Sony could introduce new storage options with the release of PlayStation 2025. Updates will be posted on the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation Console news. Who knows? Who knows?
