Thinking of upgrading your PS5’s internal SSD? If you answered yes, you’ve come to the right place. The PlayStation 5 came with support for installing PS4 games to external storage, but support for adding another high-speed SSD internally to download more PS5 games came later. . Today, many users have expanded their system storage by upgrading their consoles with an internal M.2 SSD suitable for next-gen PS5 games. While you can get it done by a professional, we’re here to walk you through the step-by-step process to easily install a new internal SSD in your PS5 console. That said, let’s see how to upgrade your PS5’s storage.
Install M.2 SSD on PS5: A Step-by-Step Guide (2023)
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to safely open your PS5, access internal components, and install an SSD. But before that, let’s take a look at the requirements and figure out which SSD is right for your PlayStation 5.
Prerequisites to upgrade PS5 internal storage
1. Buy a PS5 compatible SSD
Most PCIe Gen 4 M.2 SSDs available in the market are compatible with PS5. Sony has posted the details below in a support article that lists the requirements for M.2 SSD for PS5. As you can see below, Sony recommends a sequential read speed of 5500MB/s or faster. In the experience of many users, slightly slower SSDs (below the recommended speed but within the same range) also work well. You can read the experience of other users to confirm how the experience will be.
We use the Western Digital Black SN770 ($39.99 on Amazon) in this guide, which is an affordable Gen 4 M.2 SSD supported on the PS5, although it’s slightly below the recommended speed.
2. Make sure your PS5 is updated
The PlayStation did not come with storage expansion support out of the box. Sony released an update in September 2021 to allow gamers to install an internal M.2 SSD in their PS5 consoles. Now, even though it’s been a long time since the update was released, make sure to update your PS5 to the latest firmware update.
3. Heat sink and other essential tools
Finally, the PS5 also requires a heatsink on the SSD, which can comfortably fit the size requirements below. We recommend purchasing a suitable SSD that falls within these margins and also includes a heatsink. However, if you already have an SSD, purchase a heatsink compatible with the size of your SSD and install it using the instruction manual that came with it.
Also, to perform the SSD upgrade, you will need a standard Phillips screwdriver. Also, be sure to do this procedure on a clean surface, which will not scratch the body. You can also place a cloth or pad over the work area.
How to install or upgrade an SSD on your PS5
With all the basic preparations done, now is the time to turn off your PS5 and unplug it. Make sure you are grounded before starting this process, then follow the steps below.
1. First, you must remove the side panel of your PS5. To do this, place the console horizontally, so that the PS logo is facing down. Then you need to stand down from the console. After that, grab the edge next to the power button with your left hand and the diagonally opposite corner with your right hand.
2. After that, gently lift the cover with your right hand and pull the cover towards the direction of the Blu-ray disc (or towards you). It should start sliding now. Put the cover in a safe place until you need to replace it.
3. Next, locate the SSD expansion slot in your PS5, located next to the cooling fan and covered with a metal plate. Remove the cover using a Phillips screwdriver as shown below. After that, the SSD slot cover will come off. Store the SSD screw and cover securely.
4. Removing the cover reveals the M.2 SSD slot with markings for the different sizes. Here you must remove the screw from the hole marked 110 at the end of the slot. You also need to remove the ring-shaped “spacer” under this screw. We will move the spacer and the screw to the right place according to the length of your SSD. As for what the spacer does, it ensures that the SSD you install in your PS5 is perfectly positioned.
5. Now place/hold your SSD in the cavity and scan the M.2 port according to your SSD size. Following, place the spacer (removed in step above) into the correct hole. For example, the WD SN770 is an M.2 2280 SSD, so we put the spacer in the hole with the “80” marking.
6. Now align your SSD against the M.2 port at an angle of about 45 degrees, and confirm that the notches of the M.2 port and the SSD of your PS5 are aligned. After that, install your SSD in the slot of your PS5.
7. Once fully inserted, place a finger on the back side of your SSD, so that it is laying flat over the hole and the spacer we previously placed in the hole. Following, screw the SSD using the screw we removed in step three.
8. If you purchased a heatsink for your SSD, now is the time to install it. Make sure it will fit snugly with the SSD cover attached. Refer to the compatibility section at the beginning if you are unsure if the heatsink is thin enough. You can also attach the heatsink to the SSD before installing it on your PlayStation 5.
Note: It is mandatory that the SSD cover is also attached. You cannot use an SSD with a larger heatsink – these are not supported. If you leave the SSD cover outside, it compromises airflow design and your drive may overheat.
9. Next, place the expansion slot cover on your newly installed PS5 SSD and screw it back in place using a screwdriver.
10. After that you must reattach the side panel of the PS5 aligning it with the brackets below, as shown below. Drag it into place using it to the right, which would push the hooks into their designated slots. You will hear an audible click, indicating the panel is securely attached.
11. That’s it. The installation of your PS5 SSD is now complete. You have successfully upgraded the storage, but we still have something to do. Finally, connect the power cord and HDMI cable to the console and turn on your PS5 via the power button on the front. Then you will see the screen below, which means the The SSD has been detected by your PS5. Here, select the “Format M.2 SSD” option after turning on the controller, and shortly after, the PS5 will display the read speed of your SSD.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install or move my games between the upgraded M.2 SSD and the native PS5 SSD?
In the PS5, go to “Settings -> Storage -> Install Location” to configure installing games to your new drive and built-in 825GB SSD selectively as needed. To move games from internal storage to SSD, navigate to the game and press the “Options” button. Next, select the “Move games and apps” option. You can easily transfer games between your M.2 SSD storage and your 825GB SSD.
Will upgrading my PS5 storage with an M.2 SSD void the warranty?
No, upgrading your PS5 storage with a new M2. SSD will not express console warranty. As long as no physical damage was caused to your PS5 during the installation of the M.2 SSD, the warranty will be honored.
Should I remove the M.2 SSD before sending my PS5 under warranty?
Yes. Sony requires you to remove your internal M.2 SSD before submitting the PlayStation 5 console for warranty claims and repairs.
Does adding an SSD to the PS5 make it faster?
No. The PS5 console’s native storage may be faster than the SSD you install, depending on the storage drive you purchase. However, the difference in game loading times is not very noticeable.
Is the 1TB SSD enough for the PS5?
It depends on how many games you want to store. Gran Turismo 7, a recently released racing game, can take up around 183 GB of storage space on PlayStation 5.
How many SSDs can you connect to the PS5?
You can install an additional SSD, independent of the console’s 825GB native storage, in your PlayStation 5. Other than that, you can connect external SSD storage to store non-PS5 titles.
Why is the PS5 SSD so small?
To meet cost requirements and store the operating system, the PS5’s internal SSD storage is somewhat limited for many users. Luckily, you can easily upgrade the PS5 SSD.
Enjoy improved storage on your PS5
Upgrading the storage on your PS5 wasn’t that hard, was it? After following the instructions above, you will have installed a new internal SSD in your PS5. Now you can easily store more PlayStation 5 games on your console! Now that you’ve upgraded the storage, check out the 20 best PlayStation 5 games to play right now. Also, if you’re playing FPS multiplayer games with friends, learn how to set up and use Discord on the PS5 console. To conclude, if you have any doubts, let us know in the comments below, and we will help you.