Console · Sony · PlayStation 5
Sony PlayStation 5 Hard Drive Replacement
Hard Drive Replacement guide for the Sony PlayStation 5
Before you begin
Tools
- Phillips #1 Screwdriver
- Flathead Screwdriver or Coin
- Anti-Static Wrist Strap
- Clean Workspace Mat
- Desk Lamp or Flashlight
Parts / materials
- Compatible PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD
- M.2 SSD Thermal Pad / Heatsink
Safety
- Unplug the AC power cord and wait at least two minutes for electricity to fully drain before opening the console.
- Wear an anti-static wrist strap or touch a grounded metal surface to avoid damage from electrostatic discharge.
- Avoid touching the pin contacts on the M.2 SSD or the internal connector on the PS5.
Overview
Step-by-step
- 1
Disconnect All Cables
2 minPower off the console completely and unplug all connected cables, including power and HDMI. Allow the device to cool for a few minutes before proceeding.
- 2
Remove the Base Stand
2 minLay the console flat on a soft, clean surface with the PS logo facing down. Unscrew the coin screw on the base stand and set the stand aside.
- 3
Orient the Console
1 minPosition the console so the rear ports are facing toward you and the disc slot/solid side panel is facing up. Ensure the PS logo side is resting on the workspace mat.
- 4
Lift the Back Corner
1 minGrasp the top-left corner of the back cover with your right hand and pull slightly upward away from the console. Hold the bottom edge of the console firmly with your left hand.
- 5
Slide Off the Outer Panel
2 minSlide the cover toward the base of the console while continuing to lift the top corner slightly. The cover will snap free and lift off easily.
- 6
Locate the Expansion Slot
1 minFind the rectangular metal expansion slot cover located near the top edge of the exposed console chassis.
- 7
Unscrew the Expansion Cover
2 minUse a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the single screw securing the rectangular metal slot cover. Set the screw aside safely.
- 8
Remove the Expansion Cover
1 minLift the metal expansion slot cover off the console to expose the internal M.2 SSD expansion bay.
- 9
Remove the SSD Mount Screw
2 minUnscrew the Phillips mounting screw located at the far end of the expansion bay (position 110) and remove the metal spacer underneath it.
- 10
Position the Spacer Ring
1 minPlace the metal spacer ring into the screw hole that corresponds to your M.2 SSD length (typically hole 80 for 2280 drives).
- 11
Insert the M.2 SSD
2 minHold the M.2 SSD by its edges and align the notch with the connector key inside the expansion slot. Slide the SSD firmly into the slot at a slight upward angle.
- 12
Secure the M.2 SSD
2 minPush the rear end of the SSD down against the spacer ring until it rests flat. Fasten it in place using the mounting screw removed earlier.
- 13
Replace the Expansion Cover
1 minPlace the rectangular metal expansion cover back over the slot, aligning its screw hole with the chassis standoff.
- 14
Fasten the Expansion Cover
1 minReinstall and tighten the expansion cover screw using your Phillips #1 screwdriver.
- 15
Reattach the Outer Panel
2 minPosition the outer cover slightly below the top edge of the console and slide it toward the top until you hear a clear clicking sound.
- 16
Reinstall the Base Stand
2 minPlace the stand back onto the console base and tighten the coin screw securely using a flathead screwdriver or coin.
- 17
Format the Drive
3 minReconnect the power and HDMI cables, turn on the console, and follow the on-screen formatting prompts to finalize the drive setup.
After your Sony PlayStation 5 hard drive replacement
Power the PlayStation 5 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 5 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 5 repair context in the encyclopedia, or open related DIY guides.
