Removing the Hard Drive
With the backup safely stored on your external drive and the PS4 turned off (not in sleep mode), you can safely remove it and set it aside. Now it’s time to take out the old drive. It is easier (and safer) if you completely disconnect everything (power, AV cables, and other peripherals) from the PS4 and place the console on a table when working on it.
With the front of the console facing you, you will notice a glossy panel on the left. Remove this panel by pressing down firmly at the front and back, then sliding it to the left.
With the cover out of the way, the HDD bay will be visible. You should see a large Phillips screw holding the drive casing in place. Use your Phillips to remove the screw. Pull out the drive tray with the small handle at the front. It should slide out easily.
On the sides of the bracket, you will see four screws securing the drive to the tray. Remove these with your Phillips screwdriver and take out the old HDD. You’re halfway there.
With the cover out of the way, the HDD bay will be visible. You should see a large Phillips screw holding the drive casing in place. Use your Phillips to remove the screw. Pull out the drive tray with the small handle at the front. It should slide out easily.
On the sides of the bracket, you will see four screws securing the drive to the tray. Remove these with your Phillips screwdriver and take out the old HDD. You’re halfway there.
