Seagate external hard drive ps5 not working​

The PlayStation 5 (PS5) has quickly become a cornerstone of modern gaming, offering lightning-fast load times, incredible graphics, and an immersive gaming experience. However, its internal storage can fill up rapidly, leading many users to turn to external hard drives like those made by Seagate. These drives offer extra storage space and convenient portability, especially for backward-compatible PS4 games. But what happens when your Seagate external hard drive suddenly stops working on your PS5?

1. External Drive Use on PS5

The PS5 allows you to use external USB drives to store and play PS4 games. However, PS5 games cannot be played directly from an external HDD, only stored and moved back to the internal SSD when needed.

Key Uses for External Drives on PS5:

Storing PS4 and PS5 games

Playing PS4 games directly from the external drive

Freeing up space on the internal SSD

2. Why Use a Seagate External Hard Drive?

Seagate has long been a trusted name in the storage industry, offering durable and high-capacity drives. Many Seagate drives are marketed as “game drives” optimized for consoles.

Common Seagate Models Used with PS5:

Seagate Game Drive for PS4 (also compatible with PS5)

Seagate Backup Plus

Seagate Expansion Portable Drive

These drives typically feature USB 3.0 or higher, which is essential for PS5 compatibility.

3. Common Issues with Seagate Drives on PS5

Here are some of the most frequent complaints users face:

Drive not recognized or mounted

“This USB drive is not supported” error

Slow read/write speeds or freezing

“The USB storage device’s file system is unsupported” error

Drive disconnecting randomly

PS5 crashes or restarts when the drive is connected

4. Initial Checks Before Troubleshooting

Before you dive into advanced fixes, ensure the basics are covered:

✅ The drive is plugged into one of the rear USB-A ports (not the front port)

✅ You’re using the original USB cable that came with the drive

✅ The USB cable and port are clean and undamaged

✅ The drive was previously formatted for use with PS5 or PS4

✅ The PS5 system software is up to date

✅ The drive is at least 250GB and not larger than 8TB, as per PS5 specs

5. Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

Let’s break down how to methodically diagnose and fix your Seagate drive issues.

Step 1: Restart Everything

Unplug the Seagate drive

Turn off the PS5 completely (not Rest Mode)

Reconnect the drive to a rear USB port

Boot up the PS5

Step 2: Try Another USB Port

Sometimes a specific port might be faulty. The PS5 has:

2 USB-A ports on the back (recommended for extended storage)

1 USB-A on the front

1 USB-C on the front (not ideal for external drives)

Step 3: Test the Drive on a PC or Another Console

Connect the Seagate drive to a PC to check if it’s detected

If the PC doesn’t see it either, it might be a hardware failure

If it works fine, PS5 may need reconfiguration

Step 4: Reformat the Drive

If the drive is unreadable or gives format errors:

Connect it to a PC

Backup any data if accessible

Format it to exFAT (this is required by PS5)

Reconnect to PS5 and allow it to format it again for game storage

Step 5: Rebuild PS5 Database

Sometimes the PS5’s system database becomes corrupted:

Boot into Safe Mode (hold power until you hear two beeps)

Choose Option 5: Rebuild Database

Step 6: Disable Rest Mode Auto Power-Off for USB

Some drives disconnect when the PS5 enters Rest Mode:

Go to Settings > System > Power Saving > Features Available in Rest Mode

Turn OFF “Power to USB Ports” during Rest Mode

6. Formatting the Seagate Drive for PS5

When connecting a new or previously used external drive:

Go to Settings > Storage > USB Extended Storage

Select your Seagate drive

Choose Format as USB Extended Storage

Let the PS5 complete the process

⚠️ Warning: Formatting erases all data on the drive.

7. Fixing Specific Error Messages

Error: “This USB drive is not supported”

Fix: Format the drive on PC to exFAT or let PS5 format it.

Error: “The file system is unsupported”

Fix: Reformat the drive via PC or PS5 settings.

Error: “The USB storage device was not properly removed”

Fix: Always go to Settings > Storage > Safely Remove USB before unplugging.

8. Using the Drive on Both PC and PS5

If you plan to use the Seagate drive for both PC and PS5:

Format the drive to exFAT on PC

You won’t be able to store games on it from PS5 unless reformatted by the console

For best results, dedicate a drive to your PS5 and use another for PC

9. When to Replace or Upgrade

If your Seagate drive is over 3–5 years old or shows signs of hardware failure (clicking noises, constant disconnects, etc.), it might be time to replace it.

Good Seagate Alternatives:

Seagate Game Drive for PS4/PS5 (officially licensed)

Western Digital WD_Black P10

Samsung T7 SSD (for faster file transfers)

10. Preventative Measures and Best Practices

Tips to keep your Seagate drive healthy:

Don’t unplug without safely removing

Avoid moving the drive while it’s spinning

Keep it in a cool, dry place

Update PS5 system software regularly

Do not use USB hubs or splitters

11. Final Thoughts and Summary

Seagate external hard drives are generally reliable and well-suited for use with the PS5. especially when formatted correctly and used according to Sony’s guidelines. However, issues can still arise  whether from formatting problems, outdated firmware, or simple connection mishaps.

Quick Recap:

Always use rear USB ports

Format using PS5 for game storage

Rebuild PS5 database if issues persist

Avoid USB hubs and unstable power sources

Replace drives that consistently fail or disconnect

By following the steps in this guide, you should be able to identify the root cause of your Seagate drive issue and get back to gaming with ease. If none of the troubleshooting works, consider contacting Sony support or Seagate technical assistance for warranty options or drive diagnostics.