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How to Recover Lost Saved Game Data on PS4 with PS Plus Quickly
This guide explains how to recover lost saved game data on PS4 with PS Plus by accessing cloud storage. We also answer does PS Plus saves game data automatically and cover PS5 data recovery methods for complete protection.
By Delores / Updated on October 24, 2025
Recover Lost Saved Game Data in PS4?
Recover Lost Saved Game Data?
A few weeks ago, I stupidly did an initialization because I was having trouble installing games, so & after checking online, I read people saying that doing an initialization solved it. so i did that which still didnt help (turns out i just had to update my system or something) anyways the next few weeks go by without touching my other games (except the few new ones i bought) & today i hopped on to play some genshin impact & saw they were having maintenance going on so i decided to play some streets of rage 4. i hopped on & noticed my saved game data was gone & shortly realized it was because of the initialization i did. is there any way to recover all the saved game data I lost from my other games?
- Question from gamefaqs.gamespot.com
It’s very upsetting if you lose your PS4 saved game data. What should you do to recover lost saved game data? Does PlayStation Plus save game data? If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, there's an excellent chance you can get it all back. Don't worry, this guide will not only walk you through the exact process of recovering lost saved game data on PS4 with PS Plus but also answer all your burning questions about cloud saves.
About PlayStation Plus (PS Plus)
PlayStation Plus cloud storage is your own personal gaming vault in the sky. It’s designed to automatically back up your precious game data.
PlayStation Plus works its magic largely in the background, but it’s not entirely a "set it and forget it" affair. While connected to the internet, your PS4 is configured to sync your saved data to the cloud whenever it's in Rest Mode. This is why enabling Rest Mode features is so important—it’s when your console does its housekeeping, downloading updates, and backing up your latest saves.
Does PS Plus save game data automatically? Absolutely, that's one of its core features. However, It only backs up data for the games you've actually played while subscribed and only if you haven't manually turned the feature off. Furthermore, each game gets its own dedicated slot in the cloud, and the system typically keeps the most recent version. So, while it’s a powerful tool, it’s not a permanent archive of every single save file you’ve ever created.
Check If Your Saved Game Data is Backed Up
How to check if your saved Game data is backed up in PS4, check:
1. On your PS4, head to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage.
2. From there, you can see the option to upload to Online Storage.
3. Browsing this list shows you what's currently on your console.
For a more direct look, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in Online Storage.
This menu shows you exactly what is already backed up, giving you peace of mind and confirming that you have a viable path for how to recover PS Plus save data should you need it.
How to Recover Lost Saved Game Data on PS4 with PS Plus?
What now if your save data is gone from your PS4 console? Don't worry; this is where your PlayStation Plus subscription pays for itself. The process for how to recover lost saved game data on PS4 with PS Plus is straightforward; just try these steps carefully.
1. First, power on your PS4 and make sure you are connected to the PlayStation Network.
2. From the main menu, navigate to "Settings". Scroll down and select "Application Saved Data Management".
3. Next, choose "Saved Data in Online Storage".
4. You will then see the option to "Download to System Storage", select it.
5. Now, browse through the list of games and find the one you need to recover. You can press the "Options" button on your controller for a sortable list, which can be helpful if you have many games.
6. Once you select the game, you'll see one or more save files with timestamps indicating when they were last uploaded to the cloud. Carefully review the dates and times to choose the most recent, viable save.
7. Highlight the file you want and select "Download".
The system will copy the file from the cloud back onto your console's hard drive. Once the process is complete, you're all set! Fire up the game, and you should find your progress restored.
How to Recover Lost Saved Game Data on PS5 with PS Plus?
The PS5 continues the cloud-saving tradition of PS Plus, but with a more streamlined and integrated system. The process for how to recover lost saved game data on PS5 with PS Plus is similar in spirit but different in execution.
1. On your PS5, start by going to the Settings menu from the top-right corner.
2. Navigate to "Saved Data and Game/App Settings".
3. Here, you'll find the "Saved Data (PS5)" or "Saved Data (PS4)" options. Select the one that corresponds to the game you're trying to recover.
4. Then, choose "Cloud Storage" and select "Download to Console Storage".
5. You'll be presented with a list of your cloud-saved games. Find the one you need, check the timestamp, and hit Download.
The PS5's interface is generally faster and more intuitive for this specific task.
Can I Run PS4 Games on PS5?
The process for how to recover PS Plus save data from your PS4 to your PS5 is usually handled automatically when you first install and launch the PS5 version of a game. Often, the game itself will detect a PS4 cloud save and prompt you to import it.
If it doesn't, you can manually download the PS4 save file to your PS5 via the method described above. Once it's on the console, the PS5 game (if it supports cross-save) will typically recognize the data and allow you to convert or load it, letting you pick up right where you left off on your old console.
How to Recover Lost Saved Game Data without PS Plus?
What if the save file you need isn't in the cloud? This is a common snag and usually means the automatic upload was disabled or the console wasn't regularly placed in Rest Mode while connected to the internet. You have other ways to recover saved game data without PS Plus:
Way 1. Get Deleted Saved Data Back on PS4 from a USB Drive
This is the old-school, manual method, and it’s a fantastic backup to the cloud. To use this, you must have previously copied your saved data to a USB storage device.
1. If you have, plug the USB drive into your PS4.
2. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data on USB Storage Device.
3. Select "Copy to System Storage".You'll then see a list of the save files on your USB drive. Find the one you need and copy it over.
The beauty of this method is that it gives you direct control, allowing you to maintain multiple versions of saves, something the cloud doesn't easily facilitate.
Way 2. Restore Data from a System Backup
If you've used the PS4's Backup and Restore feature to create a full-system backup on an external hard drive, you can restore your entire console to that previous state.
Warning: This will erase all data on your PS4 that was created after the backup was made and restore everything—settings, captures, the works—to that moment in time. It's not for recovering a single save file, but it's a lifesaver if your entire hard drive fails or you need to initialize the console.
Way 3. Recover Lost Files from PS4 via MyRecover
If you have lost files on your PS4 or PS5, you can also try an alternative way to recover them in time, which is the powerful data recovery software MyRecover. MyRecover provides the following strengths:
- Broad recovery scenario support. MyRecover covers a wide range of data-loss situations: accidental deletion, emptied the Recycle Bin, disk formatting, system crash, virus attack, lost partitions, etc.
- Wide device & file-type compatibility. It supports many storage media: HDDs, SSDs, USB flash drives, SD cards, external hard drives, and so on. Besides, it supports 200+file types, including documents, photos, videos, audio, archives, emails, and system files.
- User-friendly UI and workflow. MyRecover has a simple, intuitive interface, making it accessible even for non-technical users.
- Good scanning technology & recovery rate. The software uses both Quick Scan and Deep Scan modes. Quick for recent deletions, Deep for more thorough scanning.
- High compatibility with file systems & Windows versions. MyRecover supports major Windows versions (Windows 7/8/10/11) and Windows Server editions. It supports NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, ReFS, and more file systems.
So, how to recover lost files from PS4 or PS5 with MyRecover? Here are the simple steps:
1. Connect your PS4/5 hard drive to your computer. Install MyRecover after downloading it on your computer, then launch it.
100% Secure2. Tap Disk Data Recovery, choose your PS4/5 hard drive, and hit Scan.
3. Hit OK once it’s finished.
4. Preview and choose the files and hit Recover, then select a location to save these recovered files.
- Tips:✎...
- Recovering files from unlimited computers is also available for MyRecover Technician, you can try it and enjoy.
- If your computer won’t boot up, you can recover files from the unbootable computer, then troubleshoot it without losing data.
MyRecover- Recover Deleted Files Easily with Simple Clicks
- 1000+ File Formats Supported
- Support HDD, SSD, External Hard Drive, USB Drive, SD Card, etc.
- Quickly Find Files Using File Types, Name, Size, etc.
- Preview Files Before Recovering
- Recover Unlimited Data
100% SecurePreventing Future Game Data Loss
Now that you've (hopefully) recovered your data, let's make sure you never have to go through that stress again. Securing your game saves is about building good habits and using the tools at your disposal correctly.
Way 1. Configure Automatic Uploads for PS Plus Save Data
On PS4, go to Settings > Power Save Settings > Set Features Available in Rest Mode.
Ensure "Stay Connected to the Internet" is ticked.
Then, for each game, you can press the "Options" button on the application icon on the main menu, select "Upload/Download Saved Data", and confirm that automatic uploads are enabled.
On PS5, this is more centralized.
Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) or (PS4) > Sync Saved Data, and make sure "Auto-Sync Saved Data" is enabled.
Way 2. Manage Your Game Saves
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. While the cloud is fantastic, making occasional manual backups to a USB drive is a brilliant habit, especially for games you've invested hundreds of hours in.
Also, be careful with manual cloud management. When you're deleting a game from your hard drive, the system will ask if you want to delete the saved data too. Always, always choose "No".
Furthermore, before you initialize your console, always perform a manual cloud sync via the Settings menu to ensure every last bit of progress is uploaded.
FAQs about Recovering Lost Saved Game Data with PS Plus
What is the first thing I should do if I realize my PS4 save data is gone?
A: Don't panic or start a new game! Immediately check your PS Plus cloud storage via Settings > Application Saved Data Management. If you start a new game, it might overwrite the cloud data, making recovery impossible.
Can I recover PS4 saved game data without PS Plus?
A: Yes, but only if you made a prior backup. You can restore saves from a USB drive or a full system backup. Without these, there's no way to recover deleted data, as cloud storage requires an active PS Plus subscription.
Why is my most recent save not in the cloud storage?
A: This usually happens if your console isn't regularly in Rest Mode (when auto-sync occurs), if automatic uploads are disabled for the game, if your cloud storage is full, or if you've been playing offline.
How far back does PS Plus cloud storage keep my saves?
A: It primarily keeps the most recent version of your save files, not a long history. It's designed for disaster recovery, not archiving old save points. For multiple saves, use a USB drive.
Does the process for how to recover lost saved game data on PS5 with PS Plus differ from the PS4?
A: The principle is the same, but the menu location is different. On PS5, navigate to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings to download cloud saves. The process is more streamlined but serves the same purpose.
If my PS Plus subscription expires, do I lose my cloud saves forever?
A: Not immediately. Saves are typically retained for a period (often around six months). However, they risk permanent deletion if your subscription lapses for too long. Back up critical saves to a USB drive before your subscription ends.
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