Turn off and unplug the PS5, remove the cover, unscrew the M.2 slot cover, insert the SSD at an angle, secure it with the screw, refit the covers, then turn on the PS5 and follow the prompt to format the drive. It takes about 15 minutes with a small Phillips screwdriver.
Do this before pre-load opens on 12 November 2026, so GTA 6 can download straight to the new drive. Check the drive meets Sony's requirements first: see the best SSD for GTA 6 on PS5.
What you need
- A compatible PCIe Gen4 M.2 NVMe SSD with a heatsink that fits.
- A small Phillips screwdriver (size 1 is typical).
- A flat, clean surface and a few minutes.
Step by step
- Update the PS5 to the latest system software, then turn it off fully (not rest mode) and unplug every cable.
- Remove the cover. On the launch PS5, lay it flat with the PlayStation logo down and slide the white cover off. On the PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro, remove the top cover as shown in Sony's guide for your model.
- Find the M.2 slot under a small metal cover held by one screw. Remove the screw and the cover.
- Set the spacer to the hole that matches your SSD's length (2280 is most common).
- Insert the SSD into the connector at a slight angle, press it down flat, and secure it with the screw on the spacer.
- Refit the metal cover and the console cover.
- Reconnect and power on. The PS5 detects the drive and asks to format it. Formatting erases the new drive only.
- Check the speed shown after formatting, then go to Settings, Storage, Installation Location and choose where PS5 games install by default.
Sony's official PS5 support pages have pictures for each model. Follow them if anything looks different on your console.
After installing
- To put GTA 6 on the new drive, set M.2 SSD Storage as the install location before pre-loading.
- To free internal space instead, move other games: Settings, Storage, Console Storage, Games and Apps, then Move Items.
- Check the result with the storage calculator.
Before you open the console
Touch a metal object to discharge static, keep the screw in a safe place, and do not force anything. If you are not sure your drive fits, check the requirements in the PS5 SSD guide first. Back up anything important on the console's internal drive to cloud saves or USB before you start, as a precaution.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| Drive not detected | Reseat it firmly, check it is Gen4 NVMe, update system software |
| Speed warning after format | The drive is slower than recommended. It may still work, but loading can be slower |
| Cover will not close | The heatsink is too tall. Use a slimmer heatsink within 11.25 mm |
FAQ
Does adding an SSD void the PS5 warranty?
No. The M.2 slot is a user upgrade that Sony supports and documents.
Can I install GTA 6 on the M.2 SSD?
Yes. Set the M.2 drive as the installation location before you pre-load.
How long does it take?
About 15 minutes for the fitting, plus a minute or two to format.
Sources
- Sony PlayStation support: how to install an M.2 SSD in PS5, PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro.
- Rockstar: pre-load date.