PlayStation 5 Error Code CE-109573-5: How to Fix It

Easy 15-30 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
CE-109573-5
Brand
PlayStation 5
Product Type
game_platform
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
15-30 minutes
Error code CE-109573-5 on your PlayStation 5 means the console cannot read the external storage device, such as a USB drive or external hard drive. This often happens due to a corrupted file system, loose connection, or drive failure. Follow these steps to resolve it.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code CE-109573-5

  1. Check Physical Connections

  2. Restart the PS5

  3. Check the Drive on a PC or Mac

    Back up data first to prevent loss.

  4. Reformat the Drive (FAT32 or exFAT)

    This will erase all data on the drive. Ensure backups are complete.

  5. Replace the External Drive

Parts You May Need

External USB drive (SSD or HDD)
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External USB drive (SSD or HDD)
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External USB drive (SSD or HDD)
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External USB drive (SSD or HDD)
Check Price on Amazon
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When to Call a Professional

If the external drive is still not recognized after trying all steps, or if you suspect a hardware issue with the PS5's USB ports (e.g., no USB devices work), contact Sony support or a professional repair service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my game data if I reformat the external drive?
Yes, reformatting erases all data on the drive. Always back up game saves to the cloud or PS5 internal storage first.
Can I use any USB drive with PS5?
The PS5 supports USB 3.0 or later drives with at least 250GB capacity, formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. For playing PS4 games, the drive must be USB 3.0 and at least 250GB.
Does error CE-109573-5 mean my drive is broken?
Not necessarily. It could be a temporary glitch, loose connection, or file system error. Try the troubleshooting steps before assuming the drive is dead.

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