How to Save in GTA 5 & GTA Online

GTA 5 & GTA Online: A Comprehensive Guide to Saving Your Progress

Grand Theft Auto 5 and GTA Online utilize autosave functions to periodically record your progress. However, manual saving offers greater control and peace of mind, especially for those wanting to avoid potential data loss. This guide details how to manually save in GTA 5 Story Mode and force autosaves in GTA Online. A rotating orange circle in the bottom-right corner signifies a successful autosave.

GTA 5: How to Save Your Game

Method 1: Utilizing Safehouses

Manual saving in GTA 5's Story Mode is achieved by sleeping at a Safehouse (marked with a white house icon on the map). Approach your protagonist's bed and press:

Keyboard: E
Controller: Right on the D-pad

This action triggers the Save Game menu.

Method 2: Employing the Cell Phone

For a quicker save, use your in-game cell phone:

Access the cell phone (Keyboard: Up arrow; Controller: Up on the D-pad).
Select the cloud icon to open the Save Game menu.
Confirm the save.

GTA Online: Forcing Autosaves

GTA Online lacks a dedicated manual save menu. Instead, utilize these methods to trigger autosaves:

Method 1: Outfit/Accessory Changes

Altering your outfit or even a single accessory forces an autosave. Watch for the orange circle confirmation.

Open the Interaction Menu (Keyboard: M; Controller: Touchpad).
Select Appearance, then Accessories. Swap an accessory or change your Outfit.
Exit the Interaction Menu. Repeat if the orange circle doesn't appear.

Method 2: Accessing the Swap Character Menu

Navigating to the Swap Character menu, even without changing characters, also triggers an autosave.

Open the Pause Menu (Keyboard: Esc; Controller: Start).
Go to the Online tab.
Select Swap Character.

By following these methods, you can ensure your progress is regularly saved, minimizing the risk of losing your hard-earned achievements in both GTA 5 and GTA Online.