PS5 external drive not recognised: fixes
External USB drives for the PS5, ranked by value on Amazon.co.uk
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability come from Amazon.co.uk as of the last update and may change.
When a PS5 does not recognise a USB drive as extended storage, the cause is usually one of Sony's rules: the drive must be SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps or later, between 250GB and 8TB, connected directly rather than through a hub, and the only extended storage drive attached. A wrong port or a second drive are the common culprits.
USB storage rules as published in Sony's extended storage support page. Prices from Amazon.co.uk.
Checks, in order
Rules from Sony's extended storage requirements.
- Plug the drive straight into the console, not a hub.
- Use a SuperSpeed port: the front USB-C or a rear USB-A port.
- Disconnect any other USB storage drive.
- Confirm the drive is between 250GB and 8TB.
- Try another cable; many faults are the cable.
- Go to Settings, Storage, USB Extended Storage and format the drive there (this erases it).
Sony's requirements for USB extended storage
| Rule | Value |
|---|---|
| USB standard | SuperSpeed USB 5Gbps or later |
| Capacity | 250GB minimum, 8TB maximum |
| Hubs | Not allowed |
| Drives at once | One |
Live prices right now
Related comparisons and guides
See also External drive for PS5, External SSDs, USB stick on a PS5?, External HDD vs SSD.
Other places to go from here: Play from an external drive?, Internal vs external, 2TB, How to move games.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my PS5 not see my external hard drive?
Most often it is plugged into a slower port or a hub, or another storage drive is connected.
Is my drive too big for the PS5?
It is if it is over 8TB.
The drive worked on my PS4. Why not on PS5?
It should carry over. Check the port and that no hub is in between.
Do I lose data when formatting as extended storage?
Yes. Formatting erases the drive.
Independent comparison site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by Sony Interactive Entertainment. PlayStation and PS5 are trademarks of Sony.
Last updated: 2026-10-21 06:04:07 UTC. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated on Amazon.co.uk and are subject to change. Any price displayed at the time of purchase will apply. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED AS IS AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.