If you are moving from one PS5 to another, you do not always need to transfer everything from the old console. Depending on what you want to keep, you can move selected game data instead of copying your entire PS5.
This can be useful when you only want to continue a few games on a new console, free up space, or avoid transferring games you no longer play.
However, it is important to understand what Sony means by game data. A PS5 game can have several different types of data, including the installed game itself, saved-game progress, downloadable content, and other settings. These are not always transferred in exactly the same way.
What You Can Transfer
Before starting, decide what you actually need from the old PS5.
If your main goal is to continue your progress in a game, you may only need the game's saved data. If you also want the game installed on the new console, you will need to transfer or reinstall the game separately.
You may also need to download certain add-ons again, depending on how the content was purchased and how the new console is configured.
Option 1: Use PS5 Data Transfer
PS5 has a built-in data transfer feature that can move data from one PS5 to another over a network connection.
This is useful when you have both consoles available and want to move content directly between them.
Prepare Both PS5 Consoles
- Turn on both PS5 consoles.
- Make sure both consoles are connected to the same network.
- Sign in to your PlayStation account on the new console.
- Make sure both consoles have the latest available system software before starting the transfer.
A wired network connection can be useful when transferring a large amount of data because it can provide a more stable connection than Wi-Fi.
Start the Transfer
On the new PS5, open Settings, then go to System.
Look for the system transfer or data transfer option and follow the instructions shown on the screen. The new PS5 will search for the old console and guide you through the connection process.
When the old PS5 is detected, you can select the types of content you want to transfer.
If the available options allow you to select individual games or specific content, choose only the games you want rather than selecting everything.
The exact screens can change as Sony updates the PS5 system software, so the wording you see may differ slightly from these instructions.
Do You Need to Transfer the Whole Game?
Not necessarily.
If you already own a digital PS5 game, you may be able to download it again from your game library on the new console instead of transferring the installed game files.
This can be a better option when you have a fast internet connection and only want a few games.
For example, suppose your old PS5 contains 15 games but you regularly play only three of them. Transferring every installed game could take considerably more storage and transfer time than simply downloading the three games you want on the new console.
On the other hand, if you have a slow internet connection or a game is extremely large, transferring the installed game may save you from downloading it again.
What About Your Saved Game Progress?
Your saved data is different from the installed game.
A game can be installed on the new PS5 without automatically containing the progress you made on the old console. If you want to continue from the same point, make sure the relevant saved data is available on the new console.
One way to handle saved data is through PlayStation Plus cloud storage if your account and subscription support the feature.
You can upload compatible saved data from the old PS5 and then download it to the new PS5 after signing in with the same PlayStation account.
Using Cloud Storage
On the old PS5, go to the saved-data settings and select the option for PS5 saved data.
From there, you can manage your saved data and upload the relevant files to cloud storage.
On the new PS5, sign in to the same PlayStation Network account and open the corresponding saved-data settings. You can then download the saved data you need.
This approach is particularly useful if you do not want to copy all of your games and data from one console to another.
What If You Don't Have PlayStation Plus?
If cloud storage is not available to you, you should consider the other transfer methods supported by the PS5 for the particular type of data you want to move.
The important point is not to assume that an installed game and its saved progress are the same file. They serve different purposes.
You should also avoid deleting saved data from the old console until you have confirmed that your progress is available on the new one.
Can You Transfer Only One Game?
When the available transfer options allow individual content selection, you can choose the specific game or content you want instead of moving everything.
However, the exact options available can depend on the type of data being transferred and the transfer method you are using.
If your goal is simply to continue playing one game, there may be no reason to transfer your entire console. You can install the game on the new PS5 and move or download its saved data separately.
What Happens to the Old PS5?
Transferring data does not mean that the original data is automatically removed from the old console.
In most cases, the old PS5 continues to contain its existing data after a transfer. This is useful because you can check that everything you need is available on the new console before deciding what to do with the old one.
If you plan to sell, give away, or trade in the old PS5, do not reset it until you have checked the new console carefully.
Before You Reset Your Old PS5
Take a few minutes to verify the important information first.
- Open the games you transferred and check your saved progress.
- Make sure the correct PlayStation account is signed in.
- Check that important downloaded content is available.
- Confirm that screenshots or other files you want to keep have been backed up or transferred.
- Check any games that use important local saved data.
Only after you are satisfied that the new PS5 has everything you need should you consider resetting the old console.
Why Your Game Progress May Not Appear
If a game starts from the beginning on the new PS5, the installed game itself may not be the problem. The saved data may simply not have been transferred or downloaded.
First, check that you are using the same PlayStation Network account that was used on the original console.
Next, check the saved-data section of the new PS5 and look for the relevant save file. If you use cloud storage, make sure the save was uploaded from the old console before trying to download it.
Some games can also have their own account systems or online progress systems, so your progress may be handled differently depending on the game.
Which Method Should You Use?
| Your situation | Possible approach |
|---|---|
| You have both PS5 consoles | Use the PS5's built-in data transfer feature |
| You only need game progress | Transfer or download the relevant saved data |
| You have fast internet | Re-download digital games to the new console |
| You have slow internet | Consider transferring installed game data when supported |
| You are selling the old PS5 | Verify your data on the new console before resetting the old one |
Final Tip
The easiest way to move to another PS5 is not always to transfer the entire console. If you only care about a few games, identify the saved data and games you actually need and deal with them separately.
Remember that installed game files and saved-game progress are different things. You may be able to download a game again while transferring or downloading only the saved data needed to continue your progress.
Before wiping your old console, always test the important games on the new PS5 first. That simple check can prevent you from discovering too late that an important save or other local data was left behind.
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