PlayStation Error Code CE-37813-2 — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

CE-37813-2 means your PlayStation cannot read or use the USB storage device you plugged in. The USB drive may not be formatted correctly, may be damaged, or may not be compatible. This usually takes just a few minutes to fix.

Affected Models

PlayStation 4
PlayStation 4 Slim
PlayStation 4 Pro
PlayStation 5
PlayStation 5 Digital Edition

Common Causes

The USB drive is not formatted in the file system PlayStation requires (FAT32 or exFAT)
The USB drive is damaged or has corrupted data on it
The USB drive was not safely ejected last time and has file system errors
The USB port on the PlayStation is damaged or dirty
The USB drive is not compatible with PlayStation (some drives use unusual formats)

How to Fix It

Try a different USB port on your PlayStation. PS4 and PS5 have multiple USB ports. Try each one to rule out a damaged port.

One port may be faulty while the others still work fine.
Try a different USB drive. If a second drive works, your original drive is faulty or incompatible.

This quickly tells you whether the problem is the drive or the console.
Format the USB drive to FAT32 or exFAT on a Windows PC. On Windows: open File Explorer, right-click the drive, select 'Format,' choose FAT32 or exFAT, and click Start.

Warning: formatting erases everything on the drive. Back up any important files on your PC first.
If you formatted the drive for use as PS4 Extended Storage and it stopped working, go to Settings > Devices > USB Storage Devices and try to format it again from within PlayStation's settings.

Extended Storage drives use a special PlayStation format. You cannot read them on a PC.
Clean the USB connector on the drive and the PlayStation's port with a dry, lint-free cloth or a can of compressed air.

Dust and debris in USB ports can cause connection errors.

When to Call a Professional

CE-37813-2 rarely requires professional help. If you suspect the USB port on your PlayStation is physically damaged, a repair shop can fix it. Repair of a USB port typically costs $30 to $70 depending on the shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What format does a USB drive need to be for PlayStation?

For saving data and media, your USB drive should be FAT32 or exFAT. For Extended Storage (storing and playing games), PlayStation formats the drive itself using its own special system. You cannot use an Extended Storage drive on a Windows PC — it will appear unreadable.

Can I use any USB drive as Extended Storage on PS4?

Not quite. The drive must be at least 250GB and no larger than 8TB. It also needs to be USB 3.0 for acceptable performance. Some cheap or old drives are too slow and may cause errors during gameplay.

Why does my USB drive work on my PC but not on PlayStation?

Your PC likely formatted it in NTFS, which PlayStation does not support for standard storage. Format it to FAT32 or exFAT on your PC and it will work on both devices. Note: FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit. Use exFAT if you need to transfer files larger than 4GB.