PS4 does not recognize USB stick - what to do?

If your PS4 does not recognize a connected USB stick, this is often due to incorrect formatting. We'll show you how to solve the problem.

Formatting: PS4 does not recognize USB stick

Note: In the following instructions, the USB stick is formatted under Windows. Mac users follow this guide.

1. If you press the [Windows] and [E] keys simultaneously, the Explorer opens.
2. Connect the USB stick to the computer and switch to "This PC" on the left.
3. Right-click on the USB stick and select the "Format" option.
4. Select the "FAT32" option at "File system" above and click the "Start" button below.
5. Confirm the process with "OK", the USB stick will be formatted. Now the PS4 should recognize it.

PlayStation 4: USB stick is not recognized

• The PlayStation 4 only recognizes USB sticks that use the "FAT32" or "exFAT" file system. If the option is not available, you need a different USB stick.
• If the PS4 still does not recognize the USB stick, switch the console off completely and then briefly disconnect it from the power. Insert the USB stick and restart the console.
• Also try to format the USB stick with the exFAT file system. Some users have problems with this file system, but the PS4 generally accepts it as well as FAT32.
• Try the other USB input as well. USB sticks with a lot of storage space (32 GB and more) can also cause problems. Try a USB stick with less memory.