How to Format External Hard Drive for PS4 [2022 Full Guide and Choice]

The PlayStation 4, commonly referred to as PS4, is a 2013 console from Sony, not Google, in their PlayStation series. It is widely regarded as the premium and most famous platform of the PS line, offering a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the PS3.

The PS4 requires external storage due to the large size of its games, so it's essential to choose the right type of external storage. But which one is the best? Additionally, formatting the external drive using a PC or Mac is also a crucial step, and understanding how to do it correctly is important for a seamless gaming experience.

We'll answer all these questions as we dive deeper into the topic. So, let's get started.

What Is the Best PS4 External Hard Drive Format?

Finding the right PS4 external hard drive format is straightforward. To determine which format to use, simply consider the key specs: exFAT and FAT32 are the two main formats compatible with the PS4, while NTFS and HFS+ are not supported.

Each file system has its own set of key features, but understanding these features is crucial before diving into the details. By grasping these fundamental aspects, you'll be better equipped to navigate and utilize file systems effectively.

Can PS4 Read FAT32?

While FAT32 can be read, it's an outdated file system format that's limited and doesn't meet modern standards, despite still being in use. Its limitations include restrictions on file and partition sizes, which hold it back from being a reliable choice.

• The maximum file size for uploading is 4GB, which is lower than the file sizes of some games, which can be up to 50-60 GB.
• The maximum Volume Size is 8 GB, a reasonable limit that still leaves some room for growth.
• The format's large cluster size of 32KB cache makes it notably slower than other formats.

The limitations of the original Xbox's memory, specifically its 64MB RAM, make it less suitable for modern console gaming, as most games now require more memory, typically exceeding 4GB.

Is exFAT the Same as FAT32 PS4?

FAT32's latest and more advanced version is exFAT, which is more suitable for modern usages and extensively used in server devices, showcasing its abilities and competence. This is due to several reasons, including its suitability for modern usages, extensive use in server devices, and likely other factors not mentioned.

• The maximum supported file size is 16 EB—that's Exabyte, mind you.
• The maximum volume size supported is 128PB—Petabyte.
• The cluster size cache is 32MB—100x quicker than FAT32.

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

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

exFAT is a better file system than FAT32 for PS4 users, offering improved speed, reliability, and storage capacity. It's ideal for saving large games that take up hundreds of gigabytes, making it a suitable choice for the modern PS4.

Formatting an external hard drive for a PS4 involves using tools on both Mac and PC to prepare the drive for use with your console. This process typically involves using file explorer, Disk Management, or a professional partition tool to format the drive, and can be completed on either a Mac or PC. Let's get started.

How to Format External Hard Drive for PS4 on PC

Here are the four most common ways to format an external drive on a PC: NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and HFS+. Each of these file systems has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice of which one to use depends on the specific needs of the user. NTFS is a popular choice for Windows users, offering advanced features like file compression and encryption.

Method 1. Format External Hard Drive for PS4 Using Qiling Partition Master

You can format your PS4 external hard drive using a professional tool like Qiling Partition Master Free, which is ideal for partitioning external hard drives and can do what conventional methods can't.

Here are the reasons why this tool is an ideal companion for any PS4 user in one paragraph:

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

• Format file system efficiently
• Managing your partitions on any OS, including Windows 10, 11, 8 and 7

To convert your external drive's format, you can use the `mkfs` command, which stands for "make file system". The basic syntax is `mkfs -t /dev/`. For example, if you want to format a USB drive with the FAT32 file system, you would use `mkfs -t vfat /dev/sdb1`.

• Right-To format an external drive or USB, click on it and select the "Format" option.
• Set the Partition label, File system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and Cluster size.
• Click the "Proceed" button to format the hard drive partition.
• Click "Yes" to continue.

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

The second-The best thing you can do to format an external hard drive is to use the built-in Disk Management tool within your computer. To do this, go to your computer's Control Panel, click on System and Security, and then click on Disk Management. From there, you can select the external hard drive you want to format and follow the prompts to complete the formatting process.

Step 1. Press Windows + X on your keyboard.

Step 2. Select Disk Management.

Step 3. Find External Storage in the disk management.

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

Step 5. Click Yes when prompted.

Step 6. Pick the exFAT file system.

Step 7. Check the quick format and click "OK."

Formatting your partition in exFAT format is a straightforward process that takes less than a minute. To do this, simply follow the steps outlined above. If you find this method too complicated, you can try the next approach.

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

To format an external device using the file explorer, plug it in 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, pick "exFAT" and format.

To format your external device for use with your PS4, connect it to your computer and open the Disk Management tool. Select the external device, right-click, and choose "Format".

Method 4. Format External Hard Drive for PS4 Using CMD

To format an external partition on a Windows PC using CMD or Terminal, follow these steps: Open Command Prompt as Administrator, type `diskpart`, and press Enter. Then, type `list disk` to see a list of all disks, including your external drive. Type `select disk X`, where X is the number of your external drive. Next, type `list partition` to see the partitions on your external drive.

Step 1. Open CMD as Administrator.

Step 2. Type Diskpart and list disk.

Step 3. Select the external device you want to use, which is disk 3 in this case. Make sure it is the correct one.

Step 4. Type Format fs=exFAT.

Step 5. Then press enter.

To format your drive into the exFAT partition, connect it to your computer and follow the necessary steps to format it. Once formatted, simply connect the drive to your PS4 console and you're ready to go.

How to Format External Hard Drive for PS4 on Mac

Formatting a PS4 external device on a Mac involves a straightforward process. There are only two methods to achieve this, making it a relatively simple task. To format the device, you can either use the built-in Disk Utility app on your Mac or use the PS4's built-in formatting option, which can be accessed through the PS4's settings menu.

Method 1. Format External Hard Drive for PS4 Using Disk Utility

To open the Disk Utility on a Mac, go to the Finder, click on "Applications," then select "Utilities," and finally, click on "Disk Utility."

Step 1. Open Disk Utility in finder.

Step 2. Find and click on an external device.

Step 3. Click on "Erase."

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

Step 5. Click "Erase."

Formatting your device into the exFAT format will allow you to connect it to your PS4 without any issues. This will erase all data on the device, so make sure to back up any important files before proceeding.

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

To format your device using the terminal command, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Terminal in macOS.

Step 2. Type diskutil list.

Step 3. To erase the disk named "DiskName" on external drive partition 3 using ExFAT, use the command `diskutil eraseDisk ExFAT DiskName /dev/Disk3`.

You will finish up the device format, plug your external device into the PS4, and it's ready to use.

How to Format External Hard Drive for PS4 on PS4

A simple way to do it is by formatting an external device on PS4 with PS4. Here's how:

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

Step 2. Wait for this prompt to show up.

Step 3. Tap format by pressing X (enter) on your controller.

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

Step 5. Press "Backup PS4."

The PS4 will use your device as extended storage, but be sure to keep it plugged in while the console is running to avoid game corruption.

Conclusion

To convert your external device to exFAT, you can use a computer. First, connect your external device to your computer. Next, open the File Explorer on your computer and right-click on the external device. Then, select the format option and select exFAT as the file system.

If you need to resize a partition, we recommend using professional software like Qiling Partition Master. This tool can help you avoid the hassle and complexity of manually resizing a partition, making the process much simpler and more efficient.

FAQs of PS4 External Hard Drive Format

If you have additional questions and queries, then here are some of the questions we get asked frequently. Let's hope it answers any further queries!

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

The best format for a PS4 is exFAT, as it utilizes the most advanced file system methods and allows for larger file saves, making it ideal for heavier games today.

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

You'd have to use the aforementioned steps to format any hard drive, and if you're facing additional troubles, try using Qiling Partition Master.

3. Why won't my PS4 recognize my external hard drive?

If you can read the video on your computer but not on your PS4, the issue might be with the cable or file format, so try formatting the file using methods in this article and ensure the file system is exFAT. However, if the issue persists, it's possible that your PS4 has a hardware issue.

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