Deleting movies on your PS4, whether downloaded from the PlayStation Store or transferred from external devices, is crucial for managing storage space and optimizing console performance. This guide provides a step-by-step process and answers frequently asked questions to ensure you can easily remove unwanted films from your PS4.
Understanding PS4 Storage and Deletion
The PlayStation 4, like any digital device, has a finite amount of storage. Over time, downloaded games, saved data, and especially large movie files can quickly fill up the hard drive. Regularly deleting content you no longer need is essential for maintaining a smooth and responsive gaming experience. There are two primary locations where your movies might be stored: the system storage (the PS4’s internal hard drive) and any external storage device you may have connected.
Accessing Storage Management
Before deleting anything, you need to access the PS4’s storage management menu. Here’s how:
- Navigate to the Settings menu from the PS4’s main screen.
- Scroll down and select Storage.
- You’ll see a breakdown of your storage usage, including how much space is free and how much is occupied. Choose either System Storage or the name of your External Storage device depending on where the movie is located.
Deleting Movies from System Storage
This is the most common scenario for movies downloaded directly from the PlayStation Store. Follow these steps:
- Within the Storage menu, select System Storage.
- Choose Applications. (Even though movies aren’t technically applications, the PS4 categorizes them as such if downloaded from the PS Store).
- A list of installed games and applications will appear. Find the movie you want to delete. Be sure it’s the correct title!
- Highlight the movie.
- Press the Options button on your controller. This will bring up a side menu.
- Select Delete.
- Confirm your selection by pressing OK. The movie will be permanently removed from your PS4’s internal storage.
Deleting Movies from External Storage
If you’ve copied movies onto an external hard drive and connected it to your PS4, the deletion process is slightly different:
- Within the Storage menu, select the name of your External Storage device.
- Choose Applications. Again, movies are treated as applications in this context.
- Locate the movie you wish to delete in the list.
- Highlight the movie.
- Press the Options button on your controller.
- Select Delete.
- Confirm your selection by pressing OK. The movie will be removed from the external drive. Note: If the external drive is also used for other media, verify you are deleting the correct file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Occasionally, you might encounter problems deleting movies. Here are some common solutions:
- Check for Errors: If you receive an error message, note the code. This can help you find specific solutions online, or contact PlayStation Support.
- Close the Application: Ensure the movie file is not currently open or being accessed by any application. Close any running media players or video editing tools.
- Restart Your PS4: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches that might be preventing deletion.
- Rebuild Database: A corrupted database can sometimes interfere with file management. To rebuild the database:
- Turn off your PS4 completely.
- Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps. This will boot the PS4 into Safe Mode.
- Select Rebuild Database. Note: This process can take some time, and it’s recommended only as a last resort.
- Check Permissions: If the movie was transferred from another device, ensure you have the necessary permissions to delete it. This is more common with external hard drives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about deleting movies on PS4, providing further clarification and addressing potential concerns:
FAQ 1: Can I re-download a movie I purchased from the PlayStation Store after deleting it?
Yes, in most cases. Movies purchased through the PlayStation Store are usually available for re-download. Go to your Library, then Purchased, and you should find the movie listed there. You can then download it again. However, licensing agreements can sometimes change, so there’s no absolute guarantee.
FAQ 2: Does deleting a movie also delete my game save data?
No. Game save data is stored separately from movies and other applications. Deleting a movie will not affect your game saves. You can manage your game save data independently in the Saved Data Management section of the Settings menu.
FAQ 3: How do I free up space on my PS4 without deleting anything?
While deleting files is the most direct way to free up space, you can also consider archiving game data to an external hard drive. This allows you to remove games from the system storage but keep your save data intact, ready to be restored later. You can also remove unnecessary themes and wallpapers.
FAQ 4: What if the “Delete” option is greyed out when I highlight the movie?
This usually indicates that the movie file is currently being used by another application. Close all other applications and try again. If the problem persists, restart your PS4.
FAQ 5: Will deleting a movie from my PS4 delete it from my PlayStation Network account?
No. Deleting the movie from your PS4 only removes it from that specific console. It does not affect your PlayStation Network account or your ability to re-download the movie on other PS4 consoles linked to your account (subject to licensing restrictions).
FAQ 6: Can I delete movies directly from the PlayStation app on my phone?
No. The PlayStation app primarily manages game downloads and friend lists. It does not offer the functionality to delete movies or applications from your PS4’s storage.
FAQ 7: Is there a way to move movies to an external hard drive instead of deleting them?
Yes, absolutely. You can transfer movies (and other applications) to an external hard drive connected to your PS4. This is a great way to free up space on your internal drive without permanently deleting your content. Go to Settings > Storage, select the relevant storage location (System Storage or External Storage), and choose Applications. Highlight the movie, press the Options button, and select Move to External Storage (or vice-versa).
FAQ 8: What is the difference between deleting and uninstalling a movie?
On PS4, the terms “delete” and “uninstall” are used interchangeably for removing applications and movies from the storage. The process is the same, regardless of the terminology used.
FAQ 9: I accidentally deleted a movie I didn’t mean to. Can I recover it?
If you accidentally deleted a movie purchased from the PlayStation Store, you can usually re-download it as explained in FAQ 1. However, if you deleted a movie file transferred from an external device, and it was not backed up elsewhere, it is likely permanently lost. There are data recovery services, but their success is not guaranteed and can be costly. Prevention through regular backups is key.
FAQ 10: My PS4 is running slowly. Will deleting movies help?
Yes, deleting unnecessary movies and applications can improve your PS4’s performance, especially if your hard drive is nearly full. A full hard drive can significantly slow down the system.
FAQ 11: Can I delete movies that came pre-installed on my PS4?
Movies don’t typically come pre-installed on a PS4 console. If you are referring to applications like pre-installed game demos or system software, they are typically essential for the operation of the console and cannot be deleted.
FAQ 12: What file formats does the PS4 support for movies on external drives?
The PS4 supports several common video formats, including MP4, AVI, MPEG-2 TS, and MKV. Ensure your movies are in a compatible format before transferring them to an external drive.