Console · Sony · PlayStation 4
Sony PlayStation 4 Hard Drive Replacement
Hard Drive Replacement guide for the Sony PlayStation 4
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #1 screwdriver
- Plastic opening spudger
- Anti-static wrist strap
- Tweezers
- Microfiber cloth
Parts / materials
- 2.5-inch SATA Hard Drive or SSD
- FAT32 or exFAT formatted USB flash drive
Safety
- Ensure the PlayStation 4 is completely powered off and disconnected from wall outlets before starting.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap to protect internal circuit boards from static discharge.
- Do not force or strip the custom PlayStation symbol mounting screw.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Disconnect All Cables
2 minPower off the console completely and disconnect the power cable, HDMI cable, and all USB accessories.
- 2
Attach Anti-Static Strap
1 minPut on your anti-static wrist strap and connect the clip to a grounded metal object.
- 3
Remove Glossy Cover
2 minPress down gently on the glossy top panel of the console and slide it outward to release the plastic clips.
- 4
Locate Retention Screw
1 minIdentify the large Phillips screw marked with PlayStation button symbols securing the drive tray.
- 5
Remove Retention Screw
2 minUnscrew the PlayStation symbol screw using a Phillips #1 screwdriver and place it in a safe spot.
- 6
Extract Drive Caddy
2 minGrasp the lip of the hard drive tray and pull it straight out from the console frame.
- 7
Unscrew Left Caddy Screws
2 minRemove the two Phillips screws along the left side of the metal caddy retaining the drive.
- 8
Unscrew Right Caddy Screws
2 minRemove the remaining two Phillips screws on the right side of the metal caddy, taking care not to lose the black rubber grommets.
- 9
Remove Old Hard Drive
1 minLift the original 2.5-inch hard drive up and out of the metal tray.
- 10
Position New Hard Drive
2 minPlace the new 2.5-inch drive into the tray with the printed label facing up and connectors pointing toward the back.
- 11
Secure Caddy Screws
3 minReinstall all four side screws through the rubber grommets to hold the new drive firmly in place.
- 12
Reinsert Drive Caddy
2 minSlide the drive caddy back into the console slot until it seats fully into the internal SATA connector.
- 13
Install Retention Screw
2 minFasten the caddy back to the console chassis using the PlayStation symbol screw.
- 14
Reattach Glossy Cover
2 minAlign the glossy cover over the top panel slot and slide it inward until it snaps firmly shut.
- 15
Reconnect System Cables
2 minPlug the power cord, HDMI cable, and video cables back into the rear of the PlayStation 4.
After your Sony PlayStation 4 hard drive replacement
Power the PlayStation 4 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 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 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
