1. Decide what you want to protect

Before resetting or changing consoles, list what you want to recover: game progress, captures, settings or installations. This gives you a clear basis for the backup choices instead of deciding under pressure.

A backup can include games and apps on console storage, saved data, captures and settings. Games installed on USB extended storage or M.2 and trophies are excluded. Synchronise trophies separately.

Note which account you are using. A backup whose origin you no longer know is harder to use when you need it.

2. Prepare the drive and an uninterrupted session

Connect the USB drive. Check its available capacity and preserve any important files already on it. Do not reformat a game-storage drive to improvise a backup if you want to keep those installations.

Choose a time when nobody needs the console. There is no useful fixed duration for every backup: the selected volume and drive affect the wait. Avoid starting just before moving the console or switching off its power.

3. Create the backup

• Open Settings → System → System Software → Back Up and Restore → Back Up Your PS5.
• Choose the drive if necessary, select the data types and select Next.
• Review the displayed size, add a recognisable description and select Back Up.
• Let the console restart and complete its work. At the completion message, select OK for the final restart.

Do not interrupt power or remove the drive during the operation. PlayStation’s official guide details the process and included data types.

4. Record the result

Expected result: the console confirms backup completion and returns to the home screen. An interrupted operation must not be treated as successful.

Note the date, drive and selected categories. Keep the storage somewhere identifiable so you can find the correct copy when recovery is needed.

A success message establishes that this copy operation completed; it is not a restore test. Even so, do not restore just to see whether it works: restoring erases the data currently on the console.

Before restoring, or if backup fails

PlayStation ties the backup to the account. Restoring on another PS5 requires the original account, and destination system software must be at least as recent as the version used to make the backup.

If copying fails, record the error, selected volume and drive format. Address the identified cause before retrying. Do not erase the original data while the required backup result remains unconfirmed.

If you only need to manage one game’s progress, consider the saved-data options before beginning a console-wide operation. A full backup and a single save have different scope.

Sources and scope

Translated from the French guide based on official documentation checked on 2026-10-15. This guide does not claim physical testing on your equipment. LODEX’s preparation and result checks are practical advice; follow any warnings shown by your device.

• PlayStation — PS5 USB backup and restore
• PlayStation — storage and saved data