How to Save in GTA 5 & GTA Online

Author: Caleb Jan 25,2025

This guide details how to save your progress in Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) and GTA Online. Both games feature autosaves, but manual saves offer additional security.

GTA 5 Story Mode Saving:

There are two primary methods for saving in GTA 5's Story Mode:

1. Sleeping at a Safehouse: Safehouses (marked with a white house icon on the map) allow manual saving. Enter a safehouse, approach your character's bed, and press:

  • Keyboard: E
  • Controller: Right on the D-pad

This will initiate a save.

2. Using the Cell Phone: For a quicker save, use the in-game cell phone:

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

GTA Online Saving:

GTA Online doesn't have a dedicated manual save menu. However, these actions trigger autosaves:

1. Changing Outfits/Accessories: Altering your appearance forces an autosave. Look for a spinning orange circle in the bottom-right corner to confirm the save. If it doesn't appear, repeat the process.

  • Open the Interaction Menu (Keyboard: M; Controller: Touchpad).
  • Select Appearance, then Accessories, and change an accessory. Alternatively, change your Outfit.
  • Exit the Interaction Menu.

2. Accessing the Swap Character Menu: Even without switching characters, navigating to this menu will trigger an autosave.

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

Remember, a rotating orange circle in the bottom-right corner indicates a successful autosave in both games. Utilize these methods to safeguard your progress.