Console · Sony · PlayStation 4 Slim
Sony PlayStation 4 Slim Hard Drive Replacement
Hard Drive Replacement guide for the Sony PlayStation 4 Slim
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #1 screwdriver
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Clean workspace mat
- USB flash drive (8 GB or larger)
- Good lighting or desk lamp
Parts / materials
- Replacement 2.5-inch SATA HDD or SSD
- PS4 System Software Reinstallation File
Safety
- Ensure the console is completely powered off and unplugged from electrical outlets before starting.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect internal electronic components from electrostatic discharge.
- Handle the new drive by its metal frame to avoid touching sensitive electrical contact points.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Disconnect external cables
1 minUnplug the power cord, HDMI cable, and any USB devices from the back and front of the console.
- 2
Slide off the HDD bay cover
1 minPress down gently on the plastic cover on the top left corner of the console and slide it outward to reveal the drive bay.
- 3
Remove the HDD bracket screw
1 minUse a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the single large screw marked with PlayStation button symbols.
- 4
Pull out the HDD caddy
2 minGrasp the lip of the metal hard drive caddy and pull it straight out from the slot.
- 5
Unscrew the hard drive bracket screws
2 minRemove the four Phillips screws holding the hard drive to the sides of the metal caddy.
- 6
Remove the old hard drive
1 minLift the original 2.5-inch hard drive out of the metal mounting bracket.
- 7
Insert the new hard drive
1 minPlace the new 2.5-inch SATA hard drive or SSD into the caddy with the label side facing up.
- 8
Secure the bracket screws
2 minReinstall and tighten the four side screws to firmly attach the new drive to the caddy.
- 9
Reinsert the drive caddy
1 minSlide the assembled hard drive caddy back into the console's drive slot until it fully connects.
- 10
Fasten the PlayStation symbol screw
1 minReinstall the single Phillips retaining screw with PlayStation symbols to lock the caddy in place.
- 11
Snap the bay cover back on
1 minAlign the plastic HDD bay cover with the corner of the casing and slide it until it clicks shut.
- 12
Reinstall the PS4 system software
15 minInsert a USB drive containing the reinstallation file, power on in Safe Mode, and select Initialize PS4.
After your Sony PlayStation 4 Slim hard drive replacement
Power the PlayStation 4 Slim back on and test the hard drive replacement function before you put every screw away. Check touch/display response, charging, cameras, buttons, and wireless as relevant to this repair. If something fails after closing the device, reopen carefully and reseat the connectors for this Sony PlayStation 4 Slim job before assuming the part is defective. Keep leftover adhesive and screws labeled in case you need a second pass.
Keep learning
Explore more Sony PlayStation 4 Slim repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
