With this article, you can learn the answer to the “How long does data transfer take from PS4 to PS5” question. There are several options for transferring your games and saving data to a new console, but they are not all equal. Moving your data from PS4 to PS5 will depend on several factors, which we’ll go over and provide a general estimate below.
How long does data transfer take from PS4 to PS5?
There are several options to transfer your data:
- Transferring Via Wireless Connection (Slowest)
- Pulling Saves off the Cloud & Downloading the Game (Faster)
- Transferring Via Wired Connection (Fastest)
- Transferring Via External Storage (Optional)
Let’s take a closer look at them.
Transferring Via Wireless Connection (Slowest)
Most players’ first inclination is to use Wi-Fi to move their PS4 saves to their PS5 console. Wireless data transfer may be slightly slower, but finding the LAN cable you know is stashed away in a dusty drawer somewhere will require you to get off the couch. And we despise having to stand around. Sadly, wireless is sluggish.
Very, very slowly indeed. Though the precise time required to send data wirelessly can vary from user to user based on factors like console version and data size, you can rest guaranteed that it is too slow. A rough estimate would put the duration in the dozens of hours for a moderate amount of data. During that period, many things could go wrong (including power failures, device failures, and unintentional unplugging). Players have often left their systems on for days, only to see the anticipated transfer rates increase.
Therefore, the wireless transfer should be avoided at all costs.
Pulling Saves off the Cloud & Downloading the Game (Faster)
Download the saved data for the games you are actually still playing and install them from the store if you don’t mind starting over. If you’re scared about bricking your console (which, to be fair, is overreacting to a few posts on Reddit) this can help alleviate your concerns. To ensure the safety of your data, utilize this procedure instead of sending it.
Transferring Via Wired Connection (Fastest)
What is the fastest way to transfer data from PS4 to PS5? A wired data transfer is ideal if you don’t want to download the game from the store immediately and don’t want to use up your bandwidth, saving your progress in the cloud. Doing so eliminates the unnecessary intermediary hardware and cuts down transfer times from hours to minutes. In general, you should be able to complete your data transfer when it takes you to prepare and enjoy a midday meal (though this, of course, varies).
Transferring Via External Storage (Optional)
There’s a strong chance you already have part of your data off the device, as storing some games on an external hard drive is recommended to free up space on your console. If so, you can play PS4 games without downloading them to your new PS5 by simply plugging them into the system. While this may not be the quickest way to begin playing, many find it more convenient. However, not everyone has access to the necessary external drive for this, the free space to transfer games, or the ability to use it exclusively for their PS5. However, it’s wise to have a backup if you can manage it.
Can you put PS5 in rest mode while transferring data?
While Background Data Transfer is active, you should not run a network test. While Background Data Transfer is active, do not manually put PS5 into Rest Mode.
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