Does the PS5 Automatically Upload Saves to the Cloud?

Yes, the PS5 can automatically upload save data to the cloud, but this feature is contingent upon having an active PlayStation Plus subscription and enabling the correct settings. This article outlines the requirements for cloud storage, guides you through enabling automatic uploads, and explains how to manage your saved data manually if needed.

PlayStation Plus Requirement

The primary requirement for utilizing cloud storage on the PS5 is an active PlayStation Plus subscription. Without this membership, the console will not allow you to upload saved data to the online servers. This service is part of the subscription benefits designed to protect your progress in case of hardware failure or when switching between consoles. If your subscription lapses, you will lose access to uploading new saves, though previously uploaded data may remain accessible for a limited time depending on Sony’s current policies.

Enabling Automatic Uploads

By default, the PS5 is often set to automatically upload saved data for supported games when the console is in rest mode. To verify or change this setting, navigate to the Settings menu from the home screen. Select Saved Data and Game/App Settings, then choose Saved Data (PS5). Within this menu, select Auto-Upload and ensure the toggle is enabled for the specific games you wish to back up. You can enable this globally for all compatible titles or select individual games based on your storage preferences.

Managing Rest Mode Settings

For automatic uploads to occur successfully, the console must be able to connect to the internet while in rest mode. Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode. Ensure that Stay Connected to the Internet is turned on. If this setting is disabled, the PS5 will not be able to communicate with the cloud servers to upload your save files while the system is idle, potentially leading to outdated backups.

Manual Upload Options

If you prefer not to use automatic uploads or need to back up data immediately before turning off the console, you can perform manual uploads. Navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Console Storage. Select Upload to Cloud Storage, choose the game data you wish to back up, and confirm the upload. This method is particularly useful if you have just completed a significant milestone in a game and want to ensure the latest progress is secured before closing the application.

Troubleshooting Sync Issues

Occasionally, users may encounter sync conflicts where the cloud save data differs from the console storage. When this happens, the PS5 will prompt you to choose which version to keep. It is generally safer to choose the file with the most recent timestamp to prevent progress loss. Additionally, be aware that cloud storage has a capacity limit. If your storage is full, new uploads will fail until you delete older save files from the cloud management menu. Regularly managing your cloud storage ensures that automatic uploads continue to function without interruption.