A Phillips #1 screwdriver is the right tool to open the PS5 SSD cover and secure most compatible M.2 SSDs.
Knowing what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD access panels helps you avoid stripped screws, scratched plastic, and needless repair stress. The job is simple when you use the correct Phillips size, prepare the console properly, and handle the small SSD screw and spacer with care. This guide explains what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD compartments, what tools you may need, and how to install the drive safely.
What screwdriver to open PS5 SSD access cover
For most PlayStation 5 consoles, you need a Phillips #1 screwdriver, also called a PH1 crosshead screwdriver. This size fits the screw that holds the PS5 SSD expansion bay cover and the smaller screw used to secure the M.2 SSD.
The best choice is a small screwdriver with these features:
• Phillips #1 tip with a precise fit
• Magnetic tip to hold small screws
• Short handle for better control
• Non-slip grip
• Strong steel shaft
• Tip length of about 2 to 4 inches
A Phillips #0 may look similar, but it is often too small. A Phillips #2 is usually too large and can damage the screw head. When asking what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD, the safest answer is a quality Phillips #1.
You do not normally need a Torx screwdriver. The PS5 SSD expansion cover and M.2 mounting screw use crosshead-style screws, not Torx screws. Some third-party replacement panels may use different screws, so check the panel before applying force.
Why the correct screwdriver size matters
The small PS5 screws are firm, but they should not require heavy force. A properly sized Phillips #1 driver fills the screw head and transfers pressure evenly. This reduces the chance of slipping.
Using the wrong screwdriver can cause several problems:
• The tip may slip and scratch the console
• The screw head may become rounded
• The screw may become stuck
• Plastic threads may crack
• You may need pliers or a screw extractor
The most important rule is simple: the screwdriver should sit deep in the screw head without rocking. If it moves from side to side, stop and try another size.
When deciding what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD, do not judge only by the screwdriver’s appearance. Test the fit gently. A good Phillips #1 tip should turn the screw with steady pressure and little movement.
A common upgrade mistake is pushing down too hard while using a poor-quality driver. That can make the tip jump out of the screw and leave a mark on the case. Slow pressure works better than brute force.
Tools needed for a PS5 SSD upgrade
The screwdriver is the main tool, but a few extra items can make the process easier and safer. You do not need a large repair kit.
Prepare these items:
• Phillips #1 screwdriver
• Compatible M.2 NVMe SSD
• Soft, clean cloth or table mat
• Small tray for screws
• Compressed air, used carefully if dust is present
• Anti-static wrist strap, if available
A magnetic screwdriver is useful because the PS5 SSD screw and spacer are very small. Keep the screw in a tray as soon as you remove it. Dropping it inside the console can turn a quick upgrade into a frustrating search.
You should also confirm that the SSD has a suitable heat sink. The PlayStation 5 supports an M.2 NVMe SSD with a PCIe Gen4 interface. Sony recommends a drive with a heat dissipation system, such as a built-in or separately fitted heat sink.
The answer to what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD does not change based on the SSD brand. Samsung, WD, Crucial, Seagate, and other compatible brands still use the same general mounting screw inside the console.
How to open the PS5 SSD expansion bay
Before starting, shut down the PS5 completely. Do not use Rest Mode. Unplug the power cable and allow the console to cool for a few minutes.
Place the console on a soft, clean surface. Remove the stand if it is attached. The access method differs slightly between the original PS5, PS5 Digital Edition, and newer slim models, so use gentle pressure and avoid forcing the cover.
Follow these general steps:
- Turn off the PS5 and disconnect every cable.
- Let the console cool.
- Place it on a soft cloth.
- Remove the vertical or horizontal stand.
- Locate the rectangular SSD expansion cover.
- Remove the cover screw with a Phillips #1 screwdriver.
- Lift or slide the expansion cover away, depending on the PS5 model.
- Set the cover and screw in a safe place.
The original PS5 expansion cover is usually held by one screw. The PS5 Slim uses a different outer design, but the SSD bay still uses small crosshead screws. Always check the model-specific installation instructions before removing a panel.
If you are unsure what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD, begin with a Phillips #1. Press the driver straight down into the screw. Turn it slowly to the left, and stop immediately if the tip slips.
How to remove the SSD mounting screw and spacer
Inside the expansion bay, you will see a small screw and a round spacer. The spacer can be moved to match the length of your M.2 SSD.
Before removing anything, look at the labels inside the bay. The positions may be marked 30, 42, 60, 80, and 110. These numbers refer to the SSD length in millimeters. Most PS5-compatible drives are M.2 2280 models, so the spacer usually belongs in the 80 position.
Remove the small screw with the same Phillips #1 screwdriver. Then move the spacer to the correct hole if needed.
Use this process:
- Remove the small mounting screw.
- Lift out the spacer.
- Find the hole that matches the SSD length.
- Place the spacer in that hole.
- Keep the screw nearby.
Do not lose the spacer. Without it, the SSD may sit too low or move inside the bay. The drive should rest flat, with its mounting notch aligned over the spacer.
This is another reason the answer to what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD is important. A Phillips #1 driver gives you enough control to remove this tiny screw without damaging it.
How to install the M.2 SSD
Hold the SSD by its edges. Avoid touching the gold connector pins. Insert the drive into the M.2 slot at a slight angle, usually around 30 degrees.
Push the connector fully into the slot. Do not force it. The notch in the SSD connector must match the key inside the M.2 socket.
Next, gently lower the free end of the SSD until it rests over the spacer. Replace the small screw and tighten it until the drive is secure.
Use these steps:
- Match the SSD notch with the slot.
- Insert the SSD at an angle.
- Push it in fully.
- Lower it onto the spacer.
- Replace the mounting screw.
- Tighten the screw gently.
The screw should hold the SSD down without bending it. Do not tighten it like a wheel lug nut. Excess force can damage the board, spacer, or screw.
If the SSD has a separate heat sink, make sure it fits inside the expansion bay cover. A heat sink that is too tall can prevent the cover from closing. Sony’s published PS5 specifications set a maximum supported drive height, so check the console instructions and SSD maker’s measurements before installation.
The correct answer to what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD is still Phillips #1 during this step. A small magnetic driver makes it easier to start the screw without dropping it.
How to close the PS5 and test the SSD
After the SSD is secure, replace the expansion bay cover. Tighten its screw gently. Reattach the stand, reconnect the cables, and turn on the PS5.
The console should detect the new drive and ask you to format it. Formatting removes all data on the SSD, so confirm that the drive is new or backed up before continuing.
After formatting, the PS5 displays a read speed result. The exact number may vary between drives and systems. A lower result does not always mean the SSD is defective, but a drive that is not detected may be installed incorrectly or may not meet the console’s requirements.
Check these points if the PS5 does not recognize the drive:
• Turn off the console and reseat the SSD
• Confirm that the SSD is fully inserted
• Check that the spacer is in the correct position
• Make sure the mounting screw is secure
• Confirm that the drive has a compatible heat sink
• Update the PS5 system software
• Check the SSD manufacturer’s compatibility details
Do not open the expansion bay while the PS5 is running. Unplug the console before touching the SSD.
Knowing what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD helps with installation, but correct drive selection and careful handling matter just as much.
Common mistakes to avoid
A PS5 SSD upgrade is usually easy, but small mistakes can cause trouble. Most problems come from rushing rather than from technical complexity.
Avoid these errors:
• Using a Phillips #2 because it looks stronger
• Using a flathead screwdriver on the crosshead screw
• Turning the screw at an angle
• Removing the SSD while the console is connected to power
• Forgetting to move the spacer
• Installing the SSD backward
• Using a heat sink that is too thick
• Overtightening the mounting screw
• Touching the gold contacts
• Closing the console before checking the drive
A flathead screwdriver may turn the screw in an emergency, but it is not the right answer to what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD. Its blade can slip more easily and damage the screw head.
If a screw feels stuck, stop and inspect the driver. Clean dust from the screw head, press down firmly, and turn slowly. Never keep turning after the tip begins to slip.
Phillips #1 versus Phillips #0 and Phillips #2
The Phillips system uses different sizes. The number does not describe quality. It describes the shape and size of the tip.
Here is a simple comparison:
• Phillips #0: Very small; may not fill the PS5 screw head
• Phillips #1: Best general fit for the PS5 SSD bay
• Phillips #2: Often too large for the small SSD screw
• Flathead: Poor fit and higher slip risk
• Torx: Usually not required for the PS5 SSD bay
A Phillips #1 screwdriver should be your first choice. Some tool kits label the same driver as PH1, PH-1, or 1 crosshead. These labels generally refer to the same tip size.
Tool brands can vary slightly. One brand’s Phillips #1 may fit better than another due to tip shape and machining. If the driver does not sit firmly, use a better precision tool rather than forcing it.
For most people searching what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD, buying one reliable PH1 screwdriver is enough. There is no need to purchase a large electronics toolkit unless you plan to perform more repairs.
Safety and static protection tips
Electronic parts can be damaged by static electricity, although normal careful handling is usually enough for a home upgrade. Work on a hard table, not a carpeted floor, and touch a grounded metal object before handling the SSD.
Keep drinks, metal objects, and loose screws away from the console. Make sure the PS5 is unplugged and cool.
Use these safety habits:
• Shut down fully instead of using Rest Mode
• Disconnect the AC power cable
• Handle the SSD by its edges
• Avoid touching the connector pins
• Keep the work area dry
• Do not use force on the cover
• Store removed screws in a small container
The screwdriver itself does not need to be special or electrically insulated for this task. Precision and fit matter more than insulation. Still, a clean, undamaged screwdriver is safer than a worn tip.
The question of what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD is simple, but safe preparation protects both the tool and the console.
Frequently asked questions about what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD
What screwdriver size opens the PS5 SSD cover?
A Phillips #1 screwdriver is the standard choice for the PS5 SSD expansion cover. It also fits the small screw that holds most M.2 SSDs in place.
Do I need a Torx screwdriver for a PS5 SSD upgrade?
No. The PS5 SSD bay normally uses Phillips-style screws, not Torx screws. A Torx driver is unnecessary unless a third-party replacement panel uses different hardware.
Can I use a Phillips #2 screwdriver on the PS5 SSD screw?
A Phillips #2 is usually too large and may not seat correctly. Use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to reduce slipping and prevent damage to the screw head.
Does the PS5 SSD screw come with the SSD?
Many compatible M.2 SSDs do not include the correct PS5 mounting screw or spacer. The PS5 expansion bay already includes these parts, so keep them safe when removing the original screw.
Can I open the PS5 SSD bay with a flathead screwdriver?
A flathead may turn the screw, but it is not recommended. It can slip, scratch the console, and strip the screw more easily than a Phillips #1.
What screwdriver opens the PS5 Slim SSD bay?
A Phillips #1 screwdriver is generally suitable for the PS5 Slim SSD bay. The outer cover design differs from the original PS5, so follow the instructions for your exact model.
Is a magnetic screwdriver safe for the PS5?
Yes. A small magnetic Phillips #1 screwdriver is generally safe and helpful for handling the tiny SSD screw. Keep the magnet moderate and avoid dragging the tool across circuit boards.
Conclusion
The best answer to what screwdriver to open PS5 SSD is a Phillips #1 screwdriver. Choose one with a precise tip, a comfortable grip, and a magnetic end if possible. Power off the PS5, protect the small spacer and screws, install the SSD at the correct angle, and tighten the mounting screw only until it is secure.
A careful approach turns the upgrade into a short, low-risk task. Check your SSD size, heat sink height, and PS5 model before starting, then use the right tool instead of forcing an imperfect fit. If this guide helped, explore more console storage tips or share your PS5 SSD upgrade experience in the comments.
