How to Format an External Hard Drive for PS4 [Complete Guide & Selection for 2024]

PlayStation 4, commonly referred to as PS4, is a gaming console that was released in 2013 as part of Google's PlayStation series. Acknowledged widely as the premier and most renowned platform in the PS lineup, the PS4 represented a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the PS3.

So, in this article, we'll delve into an essential topic concerning PS4 – formatting a PS4 external hard drive. This is necessary due to the requirement for external storage when upgrading the PS4 hard drive, as the latest games tend to consume significant space. Therefore, what kind of external storage is ideal, and how do you go about formatting it on a PC or Mac?

We'll address all these questions as we delve deeper into the subject. So, let's begin.

What is the Best PS4 External Hard Drive Format?

Choosing the correct PS4 external hard drive format isn't complicated. You can determine which format to employ by understanding the key specifications. For example, the two primary formats compatible with PS4 are exFAT and FAT32. Therefore, it's important to remember that NTFS or HFS+ are not suitable for any PlayStation 4.

But it's also important to understand that each file system has some key features. Let's discuss them first:

Can the PS4 read FAT32?

Yes, it can read FAT32. However, FAT32 is one of the oldest operating file system formats today. Consequently, it comes with numerous limitations and doesn't meet contemporary standards effectively. While it is still in use, these limitations pose constraints, including:

• The maximum file size is limited to 4Gb, whereas some games can be 50-60 GB in size.
• The maximum Volume Size is 8 GB, which is quite acceptable though not the most generous limit.
• Its cluster size of 32KB caching results in slower performance compared to other file formats.

These limitations make it not really ideal for today's consoles, simply because there are rarely any games that take up 4GB or less.

Is exFAT the Same as FAT32 on PS4?

FAT32's latest and more advanced iteration is exFAT. It is much better suited for contemporary usage and is widely employed in server devices, which speaks to its capabilities and efficiency. So, what are the specific reasons behind this? Here are a few explanations:

• The maximum supported file size is 16 EB—yes, that's Exabyte, mind you.
• The maximum volume size supported is 128PB—Petabyte, to be precise.
• The cluster size cache is 32MB—100 times faster than FAT32.

Now, these factors are all great, but to help you visualize why it's better than FAT32, here are a few reasons:

How to Format an External Hard Drive for PS4? [7 Solutions]

Therefore, exFAT is superior to FAT32因为它更快、更可靠，并且为任何现代PS4提供合适的存储和卷大小。此外，它非常适合保存占用数百GB的游戏，这可以帮助你获取更多的PS4存储空间。

In this section, we will discuss how to format an external hard drive for use with a PlayStation 4 (PS4). We will cover the process of formatting the external hard drive using tools available on both macOS and Windows PCs, including File Explorer, Disk Management, or a specialized partition tool. Let's get started.

How to Format an External Hard Drive for PS4 on a PC

This section delves into the four most frequent methods to format an external drive on a PC. Consequently, here are the approaches you can employ:

Method 1: Formatting External Hard Drive for PS4 Using tools Partition Master

The first and perhaps simplest method for you to format your PS4 external hard drive is by using a professional tool like tools Partition Master Free. This is an ideal utility to help you partition any external hard drive, as it can accomplish tasks that conventional methods cannot.

So, what makes this tool the perfect companion for any PS4 user? Here are a few reasons:

• Efficiently format file system
• Manage partitions on any operating system, including Windows 10, 11, 8, and 7

So, how do you utilize it to change the format of your external drive? Follow these steps:

Step 1. Launch tools Partition Master, right-click the partition on your external hard drive/USB/SD card that you want to format and choose the "Format" option.

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, and then click "OK".

Step 3. In the Warning window, click "Yes" to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting your external hard drive, USB, or SD card.

When your PS4 hard drive fails to work, you can resort to tools like Partition Master to address certain issues.

[Solved] PS4 External Hard Drive Not Working/Not Recognized

If your PS4 external hard drive is not functioning, this article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to fix it. This tutorial will examine two scenarios to address issues of the PS4 not working or not being recognized.

Method 2: Format External Hard Drive for PS4 Using Disk Management

The second-best option is to format the external hard drive using Disk Management. This is a built-in tool on your computer, and here's how you can access and utilize it:

Step 1. Press Windows + X on your keyboard.

Step 2. Select Disk Management.

Step 3. Locate External Storage in the disk management.

Step 4. Right-click on the external device and select Format.

Step 5. Click Yes when prompted.

Step 6. Choose the exFAT file system.

Step 7. Check the "Quick Format" option and click "OK."

This will format your partition in the exFAT format, and it should take less than a minute. Once it's done, try the next method if this one was too complicated.

Method 3: Format External Hard Drive for PS4 Using File Explorer

The next approach is to format your external device using the file explorer. Connect your device and follow these steps:

Step 1. Press Windows + E on your keyboard.

Step 2. Select the device and right-click on it.

Step 3. Press the Format button in the menu.

Step 4. In the file system, select "exFAT" and format.

This will format your external device much quicker than disk management and make it ready for your PS4.

Method 4: Format External Hard Drive for PS4 Using CMD

The last method you can attempt on a Windows PC is using the Command Prompt or Terminal. This enables you to format your external partition without encountering any issues. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.

Step 2. Type Diskpart and then type list disk.

Step 3. Select disk 3 (or the assigned number of your external device).

Step 4. Type Format fs=exFAT.

Step 5. Then press enter.

This will format your drive as an exFAT partition. From here, all you need to do is connect your device to your PS4 console.

How to Format an External Hard Drive for PS4 on a Mac

In this section, we'll be discussing how to format an external PS4 hard drive on a Mac. There are only two methods, so let's dive right in:

Method 1: Formatting External Hard Drive for PS4 Using Disk Utility

The first step is to launch the Disk Utility on your Mac. To do this, you'll need to open the Finder. After that, proceed with the following steps:

Step 1. Open Disk Utility in Finder.

Step 2. Locate and click on an external device.

Step 3. Click on "Erase."

Step 4. Choose the "exFAT" file system in the next prompt.

Step 5. Click "Erase."

This will format your device to the exFAT format, enabling you to connect it to your PS4 without any problems.

Method 2: Format External Hard Drive for PS4 Using Terminal Command

The next step involves formatting the device using the terminal command. For this, you'll need to utilize the command lines specific to macOS. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1. Open Terminal on macOS.

Step 2. Type diskutil list.

Step 3. Type diskutil eraseDisk ExFAT DiskName /dev/Disk3 (replace 3 with the actual partition of your external drive).

And that will finish the device format. Again, all that'll be left after this is plugging your external device into your PS4.

How to Format an External Hard Drive for PS4 on a PS4

A straightforward method to accomplish this is by formatting an external device on a PS4 using the PS4 system itself. Follow these steps: 1. Connect the external device to your PS4: Plug in the USB drive or external hard drive into one of the USB ports on the front or back of your PlayStation 4 console. 2. Power on your PS4: Press the power button on the front of the console or use the PlayStation DualShock controller to turn it on. 3. Access the Settings menu: On the home screen, navigate to the top bar and select the "Settings" icon that resembles a gear. 4. Choose "Storage": In the Settings menu, scroll down and select "Storage." 5. Select the external device: Under the "Devices" section, highlight and select the external device you connected. 6. Format the external device: Within the storage menu for the external device, choose "Format as Extended Storage." A warning message will appear, informing you about data loss. Make sure you have backed up any important files before proceeding. 7. Confirm formatting: Read the instructions on the screen, then select "OK" to begin the formatting process. This may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the external device. 8. Wait for the process to complete: Once the formatting is finished, your external device will now be formatted and ready to use as extended storage for your PS4 games and applications. 9. Verify the connection: Go to the "Games" or "Apps" section on your home screen, and you should see the available space from your external device. You can now install games and apps directly onto it. Remember that the external storage can only be used on the PS4 it was initially formatted on, and it will need to be reformatted if you want to use it on another console.

Step 1. Plug your external device into your PS4 console.

Step 2. Wait for this prompt to appear.

Step 3. Press X (enter) on your controller to tap format.

Step 4. Tap on "Format as extended storage."

Step 5. Press "Backup PS4."

This will prompt the PS4 to use your device as extended storage. However, avoid removing the external device while the PS4 is in operation. Doing so can result in game corruption. If you encounter other PS4 errors, feel free to click the provided link for assistance.

How to Solve PS4 Not Reading USB [2024 Complete Guide]

If your PS4 is unable to detect your USB device, don't panic. We've got you covered with solutions to resolve the problem.

Conclusion

The optimal format for external devices on a PS4 is exFAT. This article has outlined all the steps necessary to convert your external device to an exFAT file system and utilize it with your PS4. Did you find this article helpful?

If that's the case, try using these methods. We recommend relying on professional software like Partition Master, as it helps you bypass all the hassles present in the other steps.

FAQs about Formatting an External Hard Drive for PS4: 1. What is the recommended external hard drive size for PS4? The PlayStation 4 (PS4) supports external hard drives with a capacity of at least 250 GB, but it's recommended to go for larger sizes like 1 TB or more to accommodate a significant game library. 2. Which type of external hard drive should I choose? Choose a hard drive that uses USB 3.0 or higher for faster data transfer rates. Also, ensure it's compatible with PlayStation 4, and preferably has an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSHD (Solid State Hybrid Drive) instead of an SSD (Solid State Drive), as SSDs tend to be more expensive. 3. Do I need to format the hard drive before using it on PS4? Yes, you must format the external hard drive in the FAT32 or exFAT file system to work with your PS4. The console will not recognize NTFS-formatted drives without third-party software. 4. How do I format my external hard drive for PS4? - Connect the hard drive to your PS4 via USB. - Navigate to the 'Settings' menu on your PS4 home screen. - Select 'Storage,' then choose 'External Storage.' - Select 'Format as Extended Storage' and follow the on-screen instructions. 5. Will formatting erase all data from the hard drive? Yes, formatting will erase all existing data on the hard drive. Make sure to back up any important files before proceeding. 6. Can I use the formatted hard drive for other devices after using it on PS4? Yes, but you may need to reformat it to the original file system (e.g., NTFS) to use it with other devices that don't support the PS4-specific file system. 7. Can I store PS4 games directly on the external hard drive? Yes, you can download and install games, as well as save data, directly onto the external hard drive. 8. Is it possible to play games directly from the external hard drive? Absolutely, once the games are installed, you can play them directly from the external hard drive without needing to transfer them to the internal storage. 9. Can I plug the external hard drive into another PS4? Yes, you can connect the formatted hard drive to another PS4, but you'll need to reformat it if you want to use it as extended storage for that console. 10. How fast can I expect game loading times on an external hard drive compared to the internal one? Game loading times might be slightly slower on an external hard drive due to the USB connection, but the difference is usually negligible for most users.

If you have additional questions or inquiries, here are some frequently asked questions that might address your concerns. Let's hope they provide the answers you're looking for!

1. What file system should I format my external hard drive to for PS4?

As mentioned in the article, the optimal file system format for any PS4 is exFAT. This is due to its utilization of advanced file management techniques, enabling the storage of larger files - a necessity for the more resource-intensive games nowadays.

2. How do I format my Seagate external hard drive for use with PS4?

You would need to follow the aforementioned steps to format any hard drive. If you encounter additional issues that cannot be resolved by the command prompt or other conventional methods, you can try using tools like Partition Master.

3. Why isn't my PS4 recognizing my external hard drive?

It's possible that your PS4 is experiencing a hardware issue. However, if the drive is readable on your computer without any problems, the issue could lie with the cable or the file format. To troubleshoot, attempt to format the drive using the methods outlined in this article, ensuring that the file system is set to exFAT.