Fixing Error Codes (CE-41902-6), (CE-41899-1) & (CE-41901-5)
The error codes CE-41902-6, CE-41901-5, and CE-41899-1 all refer to the same error message. The difference in code number is due to the difference of reasons why this message appears, as you’ll learn below. But, in general, this message is usually known with the error code CE-41902-6.
The content of the message is:
Cannot format this USB storage device as extended storage. A USB storage device that meets the following conditions must be used(CE-41902-6)
- USB 3.0 or later
- 250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum capacity
- Directly connected to the PS4
This is one of the most common, and simultaneously the most annoying error that occurs while using an external hard drive on PS4. The real problem is that in most cases the external hard drive connected to PS4 already meets these standards. It supports USB 3.0 and its storage capacity is within the range 250gb to 8tb.
So, what’s the matter?
Official Error Fix
Searching on the official website of PlayStation, Sony offers the following fixes for each error.
Error Code (CE-41902-6)
The PlayStation official website suggests the following solutions for this error (source):
Use a USB External Storage Device that fulfills the following requirements:
- USB 3.0 or later
- If your HDD is definitely USB 3.0, connecting it too slowly might cause this error message. Connect the USB External Storage Device quickly and firmly, but carefully.
Error Code (CE-41899-1)
The PlayStation official website suggests the following solutions for this error (source):
Connect the USB External Storage Device directly to the PS4.
Error Code (CE-41901-5)
The PlayStation official website suggests the following solutions for this error (source):
Use a USB External Storage Device that fulfills the following requirements:
- 250 GB minimum, 8 TB maximum capacity
To some users, these quick fixes worked pretty well, and the errors were finally fixed. But, on the other hand, a wide variety of users find the suggested fixes useless and the problem with their PS4 still persists. So, what’s the workaround for this situation?
Ideal Solution
There’s a consensus among PS4 experts that this error is mainly related to the USB connectivity. There’s something that prevents PS4 console from enabling USB 3.0 connectivity with the connected external hard drive. But, at the same time, it recognizes it as a USB 2.0 external hard drive that can be used as a backup storage only on PS4.
So, the actual diagnose of the problem is that PS4 system properly recognizes the connecting external hard drive, but due to USB 3.0 connectivity deficiency, it enables the USB 2.0 connectivity instead, and thinks that your external hard drive is not suitable as an extended storage device.
You can follow these simple steps in order to fix these three error codes: CE-41902-6, CE-41899-1, and CE-41901-5.
Step 1 Clean USB ports and Connector
Sometimes the error is caused because of dirt/dust in the PS4 USB ports or inside the USB connector head of your external HDD. So, it’s a good idea to clean both of them before the start. A small dental floss wrapped with a bit of a clean tissue can do the job perfectly.
Step 2 Firmly Plug the USB connector into PS4
Due to a sort of connection loose between the cable and the port, this problem may occur. Make sure you firmly plug the external hard drive cable into the PS4 USB port. Just as the official error fix suggests. If this doesn’t work still, try to use the other USB port.
Step 3 Plug in and Plug out Several times
Pushing the USB connector and pulling it out from the PS4 USB port can fix this issue. Do it several times (3-5 times only, not more). Each time try to clean both, the USB connector head and the USB port.
Step 4 Connect to a USB 3.0 Computer
Connecting your external hard drive to a PC and enabling USB 3.0 connectivity may resolve the problem, especially with brand new external hard drives.
Simply, all what you have to do is connecting the external hard drive to a PC while it’s turned off. Now, turn it on and let the OS recognize your external hard drive. Try now to have some activities on the external hard drive, something like copying a large file to it (minimum 1gb) then delete it. Afterwards, safely remove the external hard drive and connect it again to PS4 and see whether it works or not.
Step 5 Disable USB 2.0 Specification
Some users suggested that if you cover and block the middle two pins of the USB connector head of your external hard drive, this will force PS4 system to enable the USB 3.0 connectivity with the connected drive. Several users found that helpful and it fixed the error.
A user with the name sam6862 on the PlayStation community posted his own fix for this error and said:
![[ce-41902-6] error fix](https://i.imgur.com/Kc82JMI.png)
Step 6 Check it on another PS4 Console
If none works, check your external hard drive on another PS4 console if possible. This is in order to determine whether the problem is with your PS4 USB ports or with the external hard drive USB connector.
If the external hard drive doesn’t work on the other PS4, the USB cable is the main culprit and it must be replaced with a new one. Otherwise, if the other console has no problem with your external hard drive, the problem is with your console’s USB ports. You better visit a technician for this.
Step 7 Change the USB cable
Ok, this is the last option that we all try to avoid. But really, if none works, it will be the only way to go.
Conclusion
PS4 Error Codes CE-41902-6, CE-41899-1, and CE-41901-5. are solely related to the state of connection between your console and the external storage device. The reason in almost all situations is the same: PS4 cannot enable USB 3.0 connectivity with the external storage device. In most cases, the external hard drive USB cable is the main reason. But before taking the final step of replacing it, try the different solutions laid out in this quick guide in order to precisely determine the real culprit.
How do I fix my usb extended storage not working. My usb is 3.0 and has the storage requirements.
Try using a different USB cable if you have one. Connect the USB storage quickly and firmly. Connecting too slowly might prevent your USB storage from being recognized.
I have WD My Passport Ultra 1TB USB 3.0 and keep getting this error, PS4 recognizes the HDD but cannot format it… What’s wrong?
If your USB storage device meets these specifications, please connect it to another USB port on your PS4TM console. If you have another USB cable available, try it. Connect the USB storage device quickly and securely. Slow connections may prevent your USB storage from being recognized.
How to resolve the error ce-41902-6?
I really do not want to attempt the tape fix or replace any components just yet.
I seem to have developed this issue recently. Could someone please explain its root?
If your USB storage device fulfills these requirements, please try connecting it to another USB port on your PS4™ console. Try using a different USB cable if you have one. Connect the USB storage quickly and firmly. Connecting too slowly might prevent your USB storage from being recognized.
Hey I’m getting black screen after ps4 logo and I’ve spent 20$ on a hdmi cable to see if that was the problem but still didn’t work please help!
Have you tried all tips illustrated on this article? It’s probably the PS4 internal hard drive that’s messing up.
so I’ve gone through the entire trouble shooting guide. and my ps4 still won’t recognize my hard drive and it’s a 3.0 1tb flash. I keep getting can not ne formatted as extended memory so idk what else to try
Hi Hiram,
Probably it’s that the PS4 system software doesn’t fully support your USB flash drive brand. You better use a renowned brand.
I have a 16tb hard drive and would like to format it to my PS4. Is their a patch I could download to get it to work on my PS4 or is the limit gonna stay at 8tb and render my hard drive us less for my system?
The maximum limit of a PS4 hard drive size is 8TB and you can’t really use a larger capacity than that.
Hi I have a 2TB USB3.0 flash drive and I connect it to my ps4 slim and all I get is the error code and the requirements but I done all of the requirements tho and the error message is CE-41902-6 plus it came with 2mb in the flash drive
Most probably your USB flash drive is not compatible with the PS4 system. Try another USB flash drive and check whether it works or not. If it does, then it’s an incompatibility issue, otherwise you may want to full initialize the PS4, as some of the PS4 system files might be corrupted/damaged.
The tape thing actually works
Thanks for your feedback
The tape on the connector end of the USB cable worked like a charm. Great tip! Thanks
You are very welcome 🙂
Can a 1TB 3.0 USB Flashdrive work with these solutions?
Yes it can
Hello,
I bought the Sandisk external SSD.. I’ve tried on both the PS4 and PS5… I keep getting the error message where it says that it needs to be atleast usb 3.0 or later, 250 gb min, and directly connected to PS4… I’ve reformatted the drive to exfat and fat32… it is a USB -C port on the SSD and I’m using the provided cord that came with the PS5 (usb c to a) and connecting it to the rear port of PS5. (Also tried the same with PS4)… to no avail.. even tried the tape trick… still nothing… the External worked fine when I was transferring my Game Clips to it from my PS4, but it still won’t allow me to format it as extended storage.. I feel like I’ve tried everything…
So it works as a backup/mass storage but not as an extended storage. You may need to change the USB cable as the PS system may have troubles recognizing USB 3.1+ connectors.
Hello
If my HDD has a USB 2.0 connection, will it not be used to use it as external storage on my PS4?
Thanks
Hi,
It can be used with the PS4 only as a mass storage (for backup purposes). It cannot be used as an extended storage.
Hi,
My name is Finn and I am getting the error code: CE-41902-6, saying the hard drive requires USB 3.0 or later. it worked for the first few months though. Anyway i went ahead and got a USB3.0 but the problem persists. My Mac cannot read the hard drive either so it is hard to resolve the issue.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated,
thank you.
Hi Finn, and welcome to our website.
If your MAC can’t recognize the external hard drive, it means the problem with the external HDD itself. Try to disassemble it and connect it without its cover, and check whether it works or not. If you’re a savvy, you can pull out the HDD part and connect it internally to your MAC to find out whether it’s the problem or not.
In many cases, the USB bridge of external hard drives malfunctions and causes lots of errors. It might be the reason or even something else. You need to figure it out or let a technician help you.
Hello my devise is making a mmm mmm mmm sound and it does not work also the ps4 cant see the devise well 5 min ago it saw it and gave error code ce-41901-5 someone knows what the problem is
Most probably it’s the PS4 hard drive that’s malfunctioning. Try first to full-format it, and if it doesn’t work for you, you need a new PS4 hard drive replacement.
Hello. Thanks for your help on this issue. I’ve tired everything here aside from the second PS4 and nothing seems to work. I have a Samsung 860 Pro 512GB put into an enclosure and this thin will not format as extended storage. Is there anything I’m missing?
I’ve tried every USB port on the system, a different cable. The tape. Formatting to exFAT on a Mac and Windows PC. Tried with a USB It seems to read the drive correctly with 9MB used and 512GB available.
It seems your external storage is well and not defective. The problem is then with the PS4 operating system and you have to install it from scratch.
Hi Brian,
Have you tried initializing the PS4 with reinstalling its system?
Plus, have you tried to connect the external storage to a PC to check whether it’s intact or not?
I cleaned the USB ports by using a vaccuum and blowing into the ports to loosen up any dust. Then I tried wrapping a toothpick with a kleenex tissue and managed to pull out a quite a large chunk of dust that the vaccuum failed to extract. Boom, fixed. Hope this helps.
Wow, nice experience. Thanks for your feedback, much appreciated. May it help someone who has the same problem.
How can I send you pics cause I cant explain why mine does not work
upload them to any image hosting service, such as imgur.com
I’m having the same problem. My extended storage was working fine until now. I’m trying to format it as extended storage but it says CE-41901-5 when i try to format it
It has bad sectors. Connect it first to a PC and perform a full format. This should resolve your problem.
The tape worked for me on a 500 Gig Passport. Didn’t think it would but its working now…excellent.
Hey, A got a Seagate hard drive and the one day it just stopped working. Then eventually my PS4 started recognizing it randomly but then I can’t format the slim. I did wanna buy another one anyways but I don’t know what the problem is. I tried formatting it on my computer but then I think I erased all of my game data. I had a lot of hour gone on that thing. Hopefully you can help me out.
When you connect it to a computer, does your computer recognize it easily? If yes, the problem then is with your PS4. You need to re-install the system software as it suffers from some file conflicts that cause this issue.
The tape thing plus ps4 off and on again with it plugged in worked. Thankyou.
You’re welcome and thanks for the feedback.
Thank you.. Works wonderfully.
You’re most welcome.
Ok so I tried using another ext had and what I found that was needed in the “SeagateExpansion.ico” you need an ext had that has the expansion.ico in it when you bought it so the ps4 recognises it as expansion. Changing USB 3.0 cables did not work. Hope this helps.
Thank you very much for this nice advice. I really appreciate it and it may help others who are facing such a problem.
Changing the USB cable worked for me with a brand new 1Tb Seagate Expansion portable drive… Had the CE-41902-6 error, and followed your steps. The only solution that worked was the cable… Hope it’ll help someone! Thanks for your advices on this website !
Thanks to you as well for the feedback. It’s much appreciated.
It didn’t work.
Hard luck! You have a serious problem then my friend. If you can, check your external hard drive on another PS4 before taking yours to a technician.
I don’t have another PS4.
None of these worked or I couldn’t do them.
I don’t have another cord or PS4.
The tape thing didn’t work, either.
You didn’t help at all!
I hate you!
I hate you too! Try to initialize PS4 by the way, it might work.
That would erase everything, though.
How would that help???
In many cases, the problem is with PS4 operating system due to some app conflicts. Initializing PS4 will eliminate these conflicts and help PS4 operate like the first time you used it. After initializing, go directly and update to the latest version, then check your external hard drive whether it works or not.
Hmmm…
Okay….
Do I go full or quick?
quick
I have tried the tape method and i have done all the other steps except the copying a 1gb file onto the drive. do u have any more suggestions on what to do
If you verify that your external hard drive is working fine by connecting it to a PC, then you have to reinitialize your PS4. This should fix the error.
Hi, I’m frank my PS4 is acting like I have no extended storage I formatted it to my pc, and it showed it had an issue that my computer fixed by itself, then when I connected it back still nothing not even an error message, just simply (not connected) I think I’ve tried everything to fix this, plugging it into another PS4 it says it’s not connected as well
Hi Frank,
If you have connected the external hard drive to another PS4 and it’s still not working, then surely the issue is with your external hard drive not PS4.
I think it’s all about corrupted file system on your external hard drive. Perform a FULL (not quick) format on your PC for your external HDD, and hopefully it will work then.
Hi,
Thank you for your reply, it appears to be the memory card’s available storage.
It is actually showing as only having 247.6GB not the minimum 250GB needed for backup.
Looks like I’ll have to go back to the seller and see why.
Darren.
Hi again,
I think I now know what the problem is. Data storage manufacturers market drives in terms of decimal (base 10) capacity. In decimal notation, one megabyte (MB) is equal to 1,000,000 bytes, one gigabyte (GB) is equal to 1,000,000,000 bytes, and one terabyte (TB) is equal to 1,000,000,000,000 bytes.
PS4 system use the binary (base 2) numbering system. In the binary numbering system, one megabyte is equal to 1,048,576 bytes, one gigabyte is equal to 1,073,741,824 bytes, and one terabyte is equal to 1,099,511,627,776 bytes.
Accordingly, the 256gb of your usb flash drive is actually 256,000mb, which is calculated by PS4 system as an exact 250gb.
Now, the drive needs to reserve a few gigabytes for the file system, so it takes 2.4gb for that purpose.
It seems PS4 system wants 250gb of usable storage space, not the actual storage capacity. This is a totally new information to me. I have to immediately modify the PS4 USB flash article with the updated info.
I apologize, on the other hand, for any inconvenience that article caused to you and others.
Hi,
Does anyone know how to fix error code CE-41901-5?
I Recently purchased (£50) a Patriot Supersonic Boost XT 256GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive to provide extra game storage. (I found it recommended on one of the very useful article’s here.)
My Playstation will not let me format the drive for storage as it says the drive only has 255.3GB storage available so not meeting its minimum requirements!
Can anyone help?
Thanks
Dreared.
Hi Darren,
I am sorry for what has happened to you. It’s quite strange how PS4 doesn’t accept that USB flash drive although it already meets the minimum system requirements.
Currently, try to format your USB stick on a PC with exFAT file system, then connect it to your PS4 as it’s turned off. Now, turn on your PS4 and try again.
Additionally, can you please provide me with a screenshot of that error and show me where it says the drive capacity doesn’t qualify for use as an extended storage?
Thanks
My external PS4 HDD is beeping and not showing light and not getting recognized on syst.with error CE-411905 how do I fix this ??
Connect it first to a PC and check whether it’s recognized there or not. If it is, then the problem is with the PS4 system software, there might be some system file conflict that prevents the PS4 to recognize the external HDD. You need then you initialize the PS4 and re-install the PS4 system software.
It recognises on the pc but I can’t open the hard disk on it either
You can’t open it on PC because it’s encrypted, but that’s not our concern here. What we care about is that the PC could recognize it, and that means the problem is not with the external HDD, rather it’s with the PS4 itself. Try switching the USB port, if that doesn’t work, your PS4 system needs to full initialize.