Can You Use a Normal External Hard Drive with PS4?
The PlayStation 4 (PS4) has been a popular gaming console since its release in 2013. As gamers, we all know that storage space is limited, and it’s always a good idea to have extra storage for our games and files. One of the most common questions we get is: "Can I use a normal external hard drive with my PS4?" In this article, we’ll answer that question and provide you with some valuable information about using external hard drives with your PS4.
Starting with Update 4.50
Before we dive into the details, let’s talk about the updates. Starting with update 4.50, the PS4 can now use external drives up to 8TB for external storage for games and applications. This means that you can now use a normal external hard drive with your PS4, but there are some limitations and requirements that you need to be aware of.
What You Need to Know
Here are some key things to keep in mind when using an external hard drive with your PS4:
- Compatibility: The external hard drive must be compatible with the PS4. Not all external hard drives are compatible, so make sure to check the manufacturer’s website to see if your drive is compatible.
- Speed: The external hard drive must be able to read and write data at a speed of at least 90 MB/s. This is because the PS4 requires a minimum speed of 90 MB/s to run smoothly.
- File System: The external hard drive must have a file system that is compatible with the PS4. FAT32 is the most common file system used in external hard drives, but the PS4 also supports NTFS and exFAT.
Can I Use Any External Hard Drive?
Unfortunately, not all external hard drives are compatible with the PS4. Some external hard drives are specifically designed for the PS4 and are marked as "PS4 compatible." These drives usually have a PS4 logo on the packaging or website.
What Are the Limitations?
Here are some limitations to keep in mind when using an external hard drive with your PS4:
- Only One External Drive: You can only use one external hard drive at a time with your PS4.
- No External Storage for PS4 Games: You cannot store PS4 games on an external hard drive. PS4 games must be stored on the internal hard drive or a PS4 compatible external drive.
- No External Storage for PS4 Apps: You cannot store PS4 apps on an external hard drive. PS4 apps must be stored on the internal hard drive or a PS4 compatible external drive.
How to Use an External Hard Drive with Your PS4
If you have a compatible external hard drive, here’s how to use it with your PS4:
- Connect the External Hard Drive: Connect the external hard drive to your PS4 using a USB cable.
- Format the External Hard Drive: Format the external hard drive using the PS4’s built-in formatting tool.
- Install Games and Apps: Install games and apps on the external hard drive just like you would on the internal hard drive.
- Play Games and Apps: Play games and apps stored on the external hard drive just like you would on the internal hard drive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can use a normal external hard drive with your PS4, but there are some limitations and requirements that you need to be aware of. Make sure to check the compatibility of your external hard drive and follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer to ensure a smooth gaming experience.