Before you hand over a PS5, I want you to separate two things: the games installed on it and the progress you have saved inside those games. Saying “everything is on my external drive” does not establish that the saves are protected. Here is what to check while the console still works, and what to tell us if the screen is already blank.
If there is no picture, do not confirm menu choices blindly. Do not reset, reinstall system software or format a drive just to prepare for a quote. If the console is damaged, unusually hot or shuts down repeatedly, stop testing it and explain that you cannot safely check the backup.
Installed games are not the same as saved progress
Sony distinguishes game installations from saved data. USB extended storage and an added M.2 SSD can hold games, but they are not destinations for PS5 game saves. A library of games on a drive is therefore not a backup check.
Start by naming the games whose progress matters. Also mention screenshots or video clips you want to keep. That gives us a clear data priority instead of assuming that getting a picture back is your only concern.
If you already use PlayStation Plus, check sync status
PlayStation Plus cloud storage holds saved data, but do not assume that every recent session uploaded. On a working PS5, highlight a game on the home screen, open its options and choose Check Sync Status of Saved Data. Sony also provides View Sync Status under Sync Saved Data.
Automatic sync depends on the relevant settings and connectivity. For PS5 games, Sony describes syncing the most recent data; PS4 games use a different upload/download workflow. Check the game you actually care about rather than treating the subscription itself as proof.
If you cannot check, say “cloud status unknown.” Do not buy a subscription on the assumption that it will recover progress that never uploaded. Keep your account password and verification codes private.
A console USB backup is a separate option
Sony’s Back Up Your PS5 tool can include saves, settings, captures and games. On a stable console with a working menu, follow Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore > Back Up Your PS5. Review the selected data and required space, then wait for the completion message without interrupting power.
Sony supports compatible FAT32 or exFAT USB drives for this process. A drive formatted as USB extended storage for games cannot hold that backup. Do not reformat a drive containing files you need just to make it suitable.
Games on extended USB or M.2 storage and trophies are not included in the console backup; trophies need separate synchronization. Restoring a console backup erases the data currently on the console. Making a backup and restoring one are different actions—do not test a backup by casually choosing Restore.
Why “copy the save to USB” can be misleading
Sony permits individual PS4 saved-data copies to USB, including PS4 saves managed on a PS5. Individual PS5 saves do not use that same copy-to-USB workflow. That does not mean PS5 saves are excluded from the separate console-backup tool above.
When you describe an existing backup, tell us which method you used and when it last completed. “USB drive connected,” “cloud sync checked” and “console backup completed” give us very different information.
If HDMI output has already failed
Tell us whether you can see the normal menu, only a recovery menu, or no signal at all. Do not keep bending or moving a damaged connector to force a picture. Explain any cable pull, drop, liquid exposure or previous work.
Ask us to discuss the proposed repair and any data-affecting step before you authorize it. HDMI service is not a promise that saves will survive every fault, and we cannot guarantee recovery of inaccessible or erased progress. Your existing backup is worth checking before trouble starts.
Use the existing PS5 service and store links below to request an evaluation. Davie is open daily 10 AM–8 PM; Tamarac daily 9 AM–9 PM. Fort Lauderdale / Swap Shop is closed Monday and Tuesday, open Wednesday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM and weekends 8:30 AM–5:30 PM. On closed days, request a quote online for the next opening.
Sources and further reading
Common questions
Does an external drive full of PS5 games protect my saves?
Not by itself. Installed game data and saved progress are different. Check cloud sync or a completed console backup rather than assuming the game drive contains your saves.
Should I reset my PS5 before bringing it for HDMI repair?
Do not reset it just to prepare for a quote. Describe the display problem and backup status, and agree on data-affecting work before it begins.
What if I cannot verify any backup?
Say that clearly when requesting help. Avoid blind menu choices or an erase step. Inspection can clarify repair options, but recovery of your saves is not guaranteed.
Related repair help
Get a clear next step.
Call your nearest Phone Repair Guy store or send the device and symptoms for a repair evaluation.