How to upgrade the PS4 hard drive

The PS4’s internal hard drive can be replaced, but the new drive starts empty: the system software has to be reinstalled from USB, and saves have to be restored from a backup. The steps below cover the PS4 Pro (CUH-7000) and the original PS4 (CUH-1000, CUH-1100 and CUH-1200).

1. Back up

Copy saved data to a USB storage device, or to cloud storage if you have PlayStation Plus.

2. Swap the drive

PS4 Pro (CUH-7000): turn the console upside down on a flat surface and remove the HDD bay cover, starting from the right. Sony says removing the sticker over the cover doesn’t affect the warranty. Remove the screw and pull out the mounting bracket. Take out its four screws, swap the drive, refit the screws without over-tightening, and reinsert the bracket the right way up.

Original PS4 (CUH-1000/1100/1200): slide the HDD bay cover off in the direction of the arrow and pull the drive out with its bracket. Remove the four screws, but leave the rubber inserts in the screw holes. Swap the drive, refit it, and push it fully into the bay before fixing it with the screw.

3. Reinstall system software and restore saves

On a computer, save the PS4 system software reinstallation file to a USB drive with at least 1 GB free. Install it on the console. Then restore saves under Settings → Application Saved Data Management → Saved Data on USB Storage Device → Copy to System Storage. You must be signed in with the same account used for the backup. PlayStation Plus cloud saves can be downloaded again.

Stock drive sizes per model: PS4 vs PS4 Slim vs PS4 Pro.