How to install a PS5 SSD
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Installing an M.2 SSD in a PS5 takes about ten minutes with a single Phillips screwdriver, and it does not void your warranty. Power down fully, remove the base or stand, lift off the cover, unscrew the expansion bay cover, seat the M.2 drive and screw it down, refit everything, then format the drive when the console boots. The steps are the same across the PS5, PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro.
PS5 requirements as published in Sony's M.2 SSD support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
How to install a PS5 SSD, step by step
You need a compatible M.2 NVMe Gen4 SSD with a heatsink and a small Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver.
- Power down the PS5 completely (not rest mode) and unplug every cable. Let it cool.
- Lay the console on a soft surface and remove the base or stand.
- Slide off the white (or black) cover by lifting the corner, as shown in the on-console guide.
- Unscrew the single screw holding the rectangular expansion-slot cover and lift the cover out.
- Remove the spacer screw and reposition the spacer to match your drive's length (almost always 2280).
- Insert the M.2 SSD into the slot at an angle, push it down flat, and secure it with the screw.
- Refit the expansion-slot cover, slide the main cover back on, and reattach the base or stand.
- Reconnect the cables and power on. When prompted, format the M.2 SSD (a few seconds).
- Move existing games to the new drive, or set it as the install location for new downloads.
PS5, PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro
All current models use the same M.2 NVMe Gen4 expansion standard, so the drive requirements are identical: Gen4, read speed of at least 5,500 MB/s, with a heatsink, up to 8TB. Only the cover removal differs slightly between the original PS5, the PS5 Slim and the PS5 Pro.
Installing a drive in the expansion bay does not void the console warranty, because Sony designed the bay for user upgrades. Just avoid forcing parts or damaging the console.
Heatsink height matters
The drive plus its heatsink must be no taller than 11.25 mm so the cover closes. Buying a drive with a low-profile heatsink already fitted is the simplest way to guarantee a fit.
If you buy a bare drive, add a flat M.2 2280 heatsink designed for the PS5 rather than a tall desktop tower cooler. The live table below shows compatible drives, with a heatsink badge where one is included.
Compatible drives, live prices
See all PS5 SSDs with a heatsink, ranked by price per TB
Related comparisons and guides
Related on this site: Install: PS5 Slim, Install: PS5 Pro, Where is the SSD slot?, Screw and spacer, How to format an SSD.
More to read: PS5 SSD requirements, Which SSD is compatible?, The 11.25mm height rule, With heatsink.
Frequently asked questions
Does installing an SSD void the PS5 warranty?
No. Sony designed the M.2 expansion bay for user-installed drives, and using it does not void the console warranty, provided you do not damage the console.
What tools do I need to install a PS5 SSD?
A small Phillips (cross-head) screwdriver and the drive itself. A heatsink is required; buy a drive with one fitted or add a low-profile M.2 heatsink.
Do I need to format a new PS5 SSD?
Yes. After installing, the PS5 prompts you to format the drive on the next boot. It takes a few seconds, after which you can install games and move existing ones to it.
How long does it take to install a PS5 SSD?
About ten minutes. Removing the cover and seating the drive is quick; the console then formats the drive in seconds before it is ready to use.
Where is the SSD slot on the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro?
On all current models the M.2 bay sits under a removable cover near the stand mount. The Slim and Pro use the same M.2 NVMe Gen4 spec as the original PS5.
Can I move my games to the new SSD after installing?
Yes. From Storage settings you can move installed PS5 and PS4 games to the new M.2 drive, or set it as the default install location for new downloads.
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