How to pre-load GTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Pre-loading is open. Switch on automatic downloads, keep up to 212 GB free and leave the console in Rest Mode or Sleep.
You need
- Digital pre-order or activated code-in-box
- PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, online
- Up to 212 GB free
Facts Official sourceStated by Rockstar Games, PlayStation Support or Xbox Support. Linked under Sources.
- Pre-load
- Open since 10 Nov
- PS5 start
- Midnight, local time
- Xbox start
- 12 a.m. GMT
- Size
- Up to 212 GB
- Code-in-box
- Activate, then pre-load
PS5
- Switch on Auto-Download in › › .
Tip
You can switch on on the same screen. - Stay online in Rest Mode via › › › › .
Why
Without this, nothing downloads while the console rests. - Check the pre-order: open , select the game and its countdown timer, keep every box ticked and select .
Why
Ticked boxes mean auto-download is on for that content (PlayStation Support). - Leave the PS5 on or in Rest Mode until the download is done.
Why
Pre-loadingpre-load: Downloading the game files before release day, so the game is ready to play as soon as it unlocks. has been open since 10 November. Sony says a pre-order with auto-download starts as soon as the content is available, so it may already be finished.
Xbox Series X|S
- Switch on automatic updates: Xbox button › › › › › .
- Set the power mode to Sleep in › › › .
Why Sleep
Xbox Support says the energy-saving mode also installs updates, but Rockstar names Sleep for the pre-load. - Keep it your home Xbox, online, with up to 212 GB free.
Why
Xbox Support: automatic installs only happen on your home Xboxhome Xbox: The Xbox you chose as your main console. Automatic installs of your games go to this one., connected to the Xbox network, with enough storage. Need room? Free up space on Xbox. - Watch the queue via › .
Options
Pause or cancel there, or press Menu › to move a game to the front.
Nothing downloading?
- Pre-ordered digitally, or code-in-boxcode-in-box: A boxed edition with a download code inside instead of a disc. You redeem the code on your console, then download. activated?
- Up to 212 GB free? Free up space
- Still stuck: PlayStation troubleshooting · Xbox troubleshooting
Game missing on Xbox? In the Store, open the pre-order edition and select Install. If you see a price, don’t buy it again: check your order history first (Xbox Support).
Cancel or refund a pre-order
PS5: cancel before release for a refund. After release, a refund within 14 days of pre-ordering only works if the content has not started downloading (PlayStation Support).
Xbox: cancelling in your order history works up to about 10 days before launch, so for 19 November a cancellation now needs a refund request (Xbox Support).
Questions
When did the GTA 6 pre-load start?
On Tuesday, 10 November 2026: on PS5 at midnight local time, on Xbox Series X|S globally at 12 a.m. GMT. It is open to everyone who pre-ordered digitally.
How big is the GTA 6 pre-load?
Up to 212 GB, depending on your device, says Rockstar.
Can I play GTA 6 as soon as the pre-load is finished?
No. The game unlocks on release day, 19 November 2026. For unlock times by region, check a news source such as gtaviupdate.com.
Does the pre-load work in Rest Mode or Sleep?
Yes, says Rockstar Support: with auto-downloads on, the PS5 can be on or in Rest Mode; with automatic updates on, the Xbox can be on or in Sleep mode.
Is this guide tested on a real console?
No. The steps follow the PlayStation, Xbox and Rockstar support pages under Sources, re-checked on 11 November 2026.
Sources (9)checked 11 November 2026
- Grand Theft Auto VI Pre-Load Begins on November 10
- Grand Theft Auto VI Pre-Load FAQ
- Pre-Load Grand Theft Auto VI Now
- Pre-order and auto-download games
- How to set up auto-downloads and updates on PlayStation consoles
- Pre-order Xbox digital games in the Microsoft Store
- How to install games and apps on an Xbox console
- About system updates on Xbox
- About power options on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
By Redaktion (editorial team) · first published 9 November 2026