Even though the PS4 is no longer Sony’s newest console, it remains a favorite for many gamers. Whether you’re using it alongside a PS5 or enjoying it as your main device, keeping your PS4 in top condition is important. Given its age, issues like data corruption can occur, making it crucial to regularly back up your game data.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to back up and restore your PS4 data, ensuring that if something goes wrong, your game progress is safe.
For those with a PS5, don’t miss our guides on how to factory reset and back up your PS5 data.
Why Backing Up Your PS4 is Important
Creating a backup is key not only to prevent data loss but also when upgrading your hard drive, preparing to sell your PS4, or transitioning to a new console.
Prepare Your USB Drive
Make sure you have a USB drive formatted to EXFAT or FAT32 with sufficient storage space. Formatting can be done quickly using a Windows PC or Mac.
Sync Your Trophies Manually
Since trophies aren’t included in the backup, you’ll need to sync them manually:
- Go to Trophies on the PS4 home screen.
- Press the Options button.
- Select Sync with PlayStation Network.
Steps to Back Up Your PS4 Data
Once you’ve synced your trophies and prepared your USB drive:
- Insert the USB drive into the PS4.
- Go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore.
- Choose Back Up.
- Select the data to back up and confirm.
- Add a description for your backup and select Back Up.
The system will estimate the time needed to complete the backup. Afterward, remove the USB drive and store it securely.
Steps to Restore Your PS4 Data
If you need to restore your data:
- Insert the USB drive containing the backup file into your PS4.
- Go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore.
- Choose Restore PS4.
- Select the backup file with the X button.
- The PS4 will restart, initiating the restoration process and resetting the system to the state captured in the backup.