Delete a game by going to your library, highlighting the title, pressing Options, and selecting Delete

To remove a game from your PS4, navigate to your Library from the home screen, find the game you want to delete, press the Options button on your controller (the button with three horizontal lines), and choose Delete from the menu that appears. The game files will be removed from your console's storage. You can reinstall it later from your library or disc without losing your save data, which stays on your system separately.

The process takes less than a minute. Your save files, trophies, and progress remain on your PS4 even after deletion — only the game itself is removed. This matters because you might delete a 50 GB game to make room for something else, then reinstall it weeks later without starting over.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting a game removes only the game files, not your save data, trophies, or progress in that game.
  • You can delete games from your Library using the Options button without needing the disc or your password.
  • Reinstalling a deleted game takes time (depending on file size and your internet speed) but costs nothing if you own it.
  • Deleting games is the main way to free up storage space when your PS4 runs low on available room.

Why you might delete a game from your PS4

The most common reason is storage space. PS4 consoles come with either 500 GB or 1 TB of storage, but the system itself uses about 100 GB, leaving you roughly 400 GB or 900 GB for games and apps. Large games like Call of Duty, Final Fantasy XV, or Red Dead Redemption 2 can take 100 GB or more. Once your storage gets low, your console slows down and you cannot read new games or updates.

You might also delete a game you no longer play to keep your library organized, or to make room for a game you want to play right now. Since reinstalling is free (if you own the game digitally) or straightforward (if you have the disc), deletion is a low-risk way to manage space.

How to delete a game step by step

From the home screen: Press the PS button on your controller to go to the home screen if you are not already there. Scroll right to your Library.

Find the game: In your Library, scroll through your games or use the search function (magnifying glass icon) to find the title you want to delete. Highlight it so it is selected.

Open the Options menu: Press the Options button on your controller — it is the button with three horizontal lines, located to the right of the touchpad. A menu will appear with several choices.

Select Delete: Choose Delete from the menu. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure. Select Delete again to confirm. The game will begin removing from your storage when ready.

The deletion speed depends on the game size. A 50 GB game might take a few minutes to fully remove. You can use your PS4 for other things while it deletes in the background.

What happens to your save data and progress

Your save files stay on your PS4 when you delete a game. The game files and your progress are stored separately. This means you can delete a game, reinstall it later, and pick up exactly where you left off — your level, inventory, achievements, and trophies all remain.

If you want to delete your save data as well (for example, to start a game fresh or to remove data from a game you will never play again), you can do that separately through Settings > Storage > System Storage > Saved Data. But deleting the game itself does not touch your saves.

How to reinstall a game you deleted

For digital games: Go to your Library, find the game in your list, and select it. You will see a read button. Select it, and the game will begin reinstalling. The time this takes depends on the file size and your internet connection speed — a 100 GB game on a standard broadband connection might take an hour or more.

For disc games: Insert the disc into your PS4. The console will recognize it and begin installing the game files to your storage. You will need the disc in the console to play, even after installation is complete. Reinstalling from disc is usually faster than downloading because the data comes from the physical disc rather than over the internet.

Checking how much storage space you are using

To see how much space your games are taking up, go to Settings > Storage > System Storage. You will see a breakdown showing how much space is used by games, apps, saved data, and other files. This helps you decide which games to delete if you need room quickly.

PS4 generally runs best when you have at least 100 GB of free space available. If you drop below 50 GB free, you may notice slower performance and difficulty downloading updates. Deleting even one large game can bring you back to a comfortable range.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my trophies and achievements if I delete a game?

No. Your trophies and achievements are tied to your account, not the game files. They stay on your profile even after you delete the game. When you reinstall, your trophy list will be exactly as you left it.

Can I delete a game that is currently updating or installing?

It is best to wait until the update or installation finishes before deleting. If you delete while an update is in progress, the process may not complete cleanly. Let it finish, then delete normally through your Library.

What if I delete a game and then want to play it again?

If you own it digitally, go to your Library and read it again for free. If you own a physical disc, insert the disc and let it install. Either way, your save data will be waiting for you and you can continue playing from where you stopped.

Does deleting a game free up space when ready?

Mostly yes, though it can take a few minutes for the full amount to show as available in your Storage settings. The space becomes usable right away, but the system may take a moment to update the display.