The PlayStation 5’s 825GB of storage can fill up quickly, especially if you’re a dedicated gamer. Fortunately, Sony has made it possible to expand your PS5’s storage by adding an SSD. While not overly complex, the process requires care and precision. To begin, you’ll need to choose an SSD compatible with your PS5. You can find recommendations for the best SSDs and PS5-compatible SSDs in our guides. Once you have your chosen SSD, follow these steps to install it:
1.
Disconnect all cables from your PS5 and place it on a flat surface.
This ensures a stable and safe working environment.2.
Touch a metal object to discharge any static electricity from your body.
This helps prevent damage to the delicate components within your PS5.3.
Turn the PS5 so the logo faces downward and the back of the console faces you.
This position allows for easier access to the expansion slot.4.
Place your left hand on the top-left corner of the side plate and your right hand on the bottom-right corner.
5.
Apply upward pressure with your right hand to pop the side plate off, then slide it off the console.
This exposes the internal components of your PS5.6.
Locate the expansion slot cover beside the console’s large fan.
Use a No. 1 Phillips screwdriver to remove the screw securing the cover.7.
Remove the expansion slot cover and set it aside.
8.
Remove the screw and spacer on the far end of the expansion slot.
This should be directly below the screw you just removed. Set the screw aside for later.9.
Place the spacer in the hole corresponding to the size of your SSD.
For example, if you’re using the Samsung 990 Pro with a heatsink, it requires the 80 hole. Place the spacer inside that hole before installing the SSD.10.
Carefully insert your SSD into the connector diagonally, applying slight pressure.
It’s normal for the SSD to appear to stick up until you secure it with the screw.11.
Hold the SSD down and replace the screw into the spacer to secure it.
12.
Screw the expansion slot cover back on.
13.
Reattach the PS5’s side cover by snapping it in place in the same direction it was removed.
14.
Plug in your PS5 and ensure everything is functioning correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions about PlayStation 5 SSDs
An SSD (Solid-State Drive) is a flash-based storage device. Unlike a traditional hard disk drive, it lacks spinning disks and read heads, offering faster data access and reduced loading times. For a more detailed explanation of SSDs, refer to our guide on what an SSD is.
SSDs come in various shapes, sizes, capacities, and with different connections. Finding the right SSD for your console or PC can be challenging. To assist in your search, consult our SSD buying guide.
