Resetting your PlayStation 5 can solve many technical problems or prepare your console for selling. Whether your PS5 is acting glitchy or you’re passing it along to a new owner, knowing how to properly reset it is essential. To factory reset a PS5, go to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options and select either “Reset Your PS5” for a complete wipe or “Restore Default Settings” to keep your games and data while fixing system issues.
Before resetting, remember to back up your saved game data to PlayStation Plus cloud storage or an external USB drive. You should also deactivate your console as your primary PS5 to avoid account issues later. If your console won’t boot normally, you can enter safe mode by holding the power button until you hear two beeps and select reset options from there.
Why Factory Reset Your PS5?
A factory reset restores your PlayStation 5 to its original settings — erasing all user data, games, and saved information. It’s useful when:
- You’re selling or giving away your console.
- You’re troubleshooting major software issues.
- You want a completely fresh start.
⚠️ Warning: A factory reset permanently deletes all data. Back up your saves and media to the cloud (via PS Plus) or a USB drive before continuing.
🔧 Option 1: Factory Reset via Settings (Normal Mode)
- Turn on your PS5 and sign in to your account.
- Go to Settings (gear icon in the top-right corner of the home screen).
- Navigate to:
System → System Software → Reset Options - Select Reset Your Console.
- Choose Reset to confirm.
Your PS5 will restart and begin wiping all data. Once complete, it will reboot as if it’s brand new.
🧰 Option 2: Factory Reset via Safe Mode (If You Can’t Access Settings)
If your PS5 isn’t booting properly or keeps crashing, you can perform the reset through Safe Mode.
Steps:
- Turn off the PS5 completely (hold the power button until you hear two beeps).
- Press and hold the power button again — release it after the second beep (about 7 seconds).
- Connect your DualSense controller using a USB cable and press the PS button.
- From the Safe Mode menu, select:
Option 6 – Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software)- This will erase all data and reinstall the system software.
💡 Tip: To reinstall system software, you’ll need a USB drive with the latest PS5 update file downloaded from the official PlayStation website.
💾 Optional: Back Up Your Data First
Before resetting, you can back up your data:
- Go to Settings → System → System Software → Back Up and Restore → Back Up Your PS5.
- Choose what to back up (games, apps, screenshots, etc.) and follow the prompts.
✅ After the Reset
Once complete, your PS5 will restart to the initial setup screen — just like when it was first unboxed. You can now:
- Set up a new user account.
- Restore your backup.
- Sell or give away the console safely.
Sources:
- IGN – How to Factory Reset Your PS5
- Digital Trends – How to Reset a PS5
- TheTechGorilla – How to Factory Reset PS5
Key Takeaways
- Factory resetting your PS5 completely wipes all data, while restoring default settings preserves your games and saves.
- Always back up your game saves and deactivate your console as primary before performing a complete factory reset.
- If your PS5 won’t boot normally, you can still reset it using safe mode by holding the power button until you hear two beeps.
Understanding Factory Reset
Factory reset is an important tool for PlayStation 5 owners that completely wipes your console data and returns it to its original state. Before proceeding with this significant step, it’s helpful to understand what it involves and when it’s appropriate.
What is Factory Reset?
A factory reset, also known as initializing your PS5, is a process that erases all user data from your console and returns it to its original factory condition. This includes:
- All installed games and applications
- All saved game data stored locally
- User accounts and preferences
- System settings and configurations
- Downloaded content and updates
When you perform a factory reset, your PS5 essentially becomes a blank slate, just like when you first unboxed it. This is different from simply logging out of your account or deleting specific games.
It’s important to note that any data not backed up will be permanently lost. Cloud saves linked to your PlayStation account will remain safe, but all local data will be erased during initialization.
Differences Between Soft Reset and Factory Reset
A soft reset (or restart) simply turns your PS5 off and on again to resolve minor issues. It doesn’t delete any data or change your settings.
Here’s how they compare:
| Feature | Soft Reset | Factory Reset |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Fixes minor glitches | Completely wipes system |
| Data loss | None | All local data erased |
| Time required | Seconds | Several minutes |
| User accounts | Preserved | Removed |
| System settings | Maintained | Reset to default |
| Use frequency | Common troubleshooting | Rare, significant situations |
You can restart your PS5 from the power menu when experiencing minor issues, while a factory reset requires going through the system settings.
When to Perform a Factory Reset on PS5
There are several situations when a factory reset is appropriate for your PS5:
Before selling or giving away your console. This protects your personal information and gives the new owner a clean system.
When experiencing persistent technical issues. If your PS5 has ongoing problems that regular troubleshooting can’t fix, a factory reset might be necessary.
After a major system corruption. In rare cases where system software becomes severely corrupted.
When your system performance has significantly degraded over time and simple restarts don’t help.
Before you factory reset your PS5, remember to back up your save data to cloud storage (with PlayStation Plus) or an external storage device. This ensures you won’t lose progress in your games.
Preparing for Factory Reset
Before you reset your PS5, you should take important steps to save your data and account information. These preparations ensure you won’t lose your game saves, screenshots, or important settings.
Backing Up Data
The first crucial step is backing up your PS5 data. Connect an external USB storage device to your console to save your game data, screenshots, and videos.
Navigate to Settings > System > Backup and Restore > Back Up Your PS5. Select the content you want to save, including games, apps, and settings. Your saved data is especially important since it contains your game progress.
If you’ve installed an extra SSD, remember to remove it before resetting. Store the SSD safely and replace the cover plate.
For large game libraries, consider using an external hard drive with sufficient space. This prevents the need to re-download everything later.
Syncing with PlayStation Network
Make sure your trophy data and save files are synced with PlayStation Network. This provides an additional backup in the cloud.
Sign in to your PlayStation account and verify your subscription status for PlayStation Plus. PS Plus members have the advantage of cloud storage for game saves.
To check if your saves are synced, go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Sync Saved Data. Wait for the synchronization to complete.
Take screenshots of your current settings if you have custom configurations you want to restore later. This makes the setup process faster after the reset.
Deactivate your PS5 as your primary console by going to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play.
Executing the Factory Reset
Resetting your PS5 to factory settings requires navigating through specific menus and understanding your options. There are multiple methods to accomplish this, depending on whether your console is functioning normally or experiencing issues.
Using PS5 Settings
To factory reset your PS5 through the regular interface, start by turning on your console and navigating to the Settings menu (gear icon) in the upper right corner of the home screen. Select System, then scroll down to find System Software.
From there, choose Reset Options to see your available choices. You’ll have two main options:
- Reset Your PS5 – This resets the system to factory settings but keeps your data
- Reset Your PS5 (Full) – This completely wipes all data and returns the console to its original state
If you’re selling or giving away your PS5, select the full reset option. The system will prompt you to confirm your choice. After confirmation, your PS5 will begin the reset process, which typically takes several minutes to complete.
Entering PS5 Safe Mode
When your PS5 isn’t functioning properly, you might need to access Safe Mode to perform a factory reset. To enter Safe Mode:
- Power off your PS5 completely (not rest mode)
- Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep (about 7 seconds)
- Connect your DualSense controller via USB cable
- Press the PS button on the controller
The Safe Mode menu provides several troubleshooting options. For factory reset purposes, you’ll want options 5 or 6, depending on your needs. Safe Mode is particularly useful when your console won’t boot normally or is experiencing serious software issues.
Initializing Your PS5
Initialization is the process that actually erases your data during a factory reset. When you initialize your PS5, you’ll have two options:
Quick Initialization: This faster option deletes your data but doesn’t securely wipe it. It’s fine for troubleshooting but not ideal if you’re giving away your console.
Full Initialization: This performs a complete, secure wipe of all data. It takes significantly longer (potentially hours) but ensures your personal information is thoroughly removed.
During initialization, your PS5 will restart several times. Do not turn off your system during this process, as it could damage the console. After completion, your PS5 will boot up as if it were new out of the box, requiring initial setup like when you first purchased it.
Remember to sign out of all devices through the PlayStation app after selling your console for added security.
Post-Reset Setup
After completing a factory reset on your PS5, you’ll need to set up your console again and restore your data. This process involves configuring system settings and recovering your saved games and applications.
Setting Up the Console After Reset
When you turn on your PS5 after a factory reset, you’ll see the initial setup screen. Connect your console to the internet using Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable. This connection is crucial for downloading system updates.
You’ll need to sign in to your PlayStation Network account. Enter your email and password or create a new account if needed.
Adjust your privacy settings and parental controls if you share your console with family members. These settings help control content access based on age ratings.
Choose your power settings next. The “Rest Mode” option allows your PS5 to download updates while using less power than when fully on.
Customize your home screen by selecting which games and apps appear. You can also adjust display settings including 4K resolution and HDR if your TV supports these features.
Restoring Backed Up Data
To recover your saved games, go to Settings > System > Backup and Restore. If you backed up your data before the reset, you can restore it from USB storage or PlayStation Plus cloud storage.
For cloud storage recovery, ensure your PlayStation Plus subscription is active. Your saves should automatically download once you sign in to your account.
For USB recovery, connect your storage device to the PS5. Navigate to the Backup and Restore menu and select “Restore PS5.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
Game installations must be redone after a reset. You can reinstall digital games from your library or use physical discs.
Your trophies are tied to your PlayStation Network account and will reappear automatically after signing in. No additional steps are needed to recover these achievements.
Recovery Solutions
When a factory reset goes wrong, there are still ways to recover your important PS5 data. These methods can help retrieve games, saves, and settings that might otherwise be lost forever.
Using EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard
If you’ve accidentally reset your PS5 and lost important data, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can be your lifeline. This powerful tool is specifically designed to recover lost files from various storage devices, including those connected to your PS5.
To use it effectively:
- Stop using the drive immediately after data loss
- Install EaseUS Data Recovery on a separate computer
- Connect your PS5 storage device to the computer
- Scan the drive thoroughly for recoverable files
- Preview and restore your important game data
The software works with both internal and external drives. It can recover game saves, screenshots, and videos that were deleted during the factory reset process. The success rate depends on how much new data has been written to the drive after the reset.
Recovering Data Without a Backup
If you don’t have EaseUS or similar software, you can still attempt PS5 data recovery through alternative methods.
First, check if your PlayStation Plus subscription automatically backed up your save data to the cloud. Many players forget this feature exists. If enabled, you can download your saves after resetting your console.
For external drives, sometimes the data isn’t actually erased during a reset. Try these steps:
- Boot your PS5 in safe mode by holding the power button until you hear two beeps
- Select “Rebuild Database” instead of “Reset”
- Check if your external storage is recognized afterward
In some cases, external drives remain intact even after a factory reset. The PS5 primarily wipes its internal storage, potentially leaving connected external storage untouched.
Troubleshooting Reset Issues
When your PS5 reset process doesn’t go as planned, there are several proven solutions you can try before seeking professional help. These troubleshooting techniques address both common and complex reset problems.
Common Reset Problems and Solutions
If your PS5 displays the message “Something went wrong, your console needs to reset to factory settings,” try entering Safe Mode first. To do this, turn your PS5 off and then hold the power button until you hear a second beep. This special boot mode offers additional options.
For a PS5 that’s frozen during reset, perform a hard reset by pressing and holding the power button for 15 seconds. This forces the console to shut down completely.
Sometimes the reset option might be grayed out. This typically happens when:
- Your controller isn’t connected via USB cable
- Your console needs a system update first
- There’s an issue with your PlayStation Network connection
If the console won’t complete the reset process, try the startup repair option in Safe Mode first before attempting another reset.
Contacting PlayStation Support
When troubleshooting fails, PlayStation Support provides several contact options. Before calling, gather your PS5’s serial number (found on the console) and any error codes displayed.
PlayStation Support can be reached through:
- Online chat support on the PlayStation website
- Phone support (available 7 days a week)
- Twitter @AskPlayStation for quick responses
Many users find that the online support forum contains solutions from other PS5 owners who’ve experienced similar reset issues. The PlayStation Support team can guide you through advanced reset procedures not covered in basic documentation.
For persistent problems, support may recommend sending your PS5 in for service. They’ll provide packaging instructions and a prepaid shipping label in many regions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Factory resetting your PS5 can be done in several ways depending on your situation. Here are answers to common questions about the process, including methods that don’t require a controller and steps to take before selling your console.
What is the procedure for performing a factory reset on a PS5 in Safe Mode?
To factory reset your PS5 using Safe Mode, first turn off your console completely. Once off, press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps – one when you first press and another after about 7 seconds.
Connect your controller with a USB cable and press the PS button. Select option 6, “Reset PS5,” or option 7, “Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software)” from the Safe Mode menu. The first option resets settings while keeping your data, while the second completely wipes your console.
How can one reset a PS5 to its original settings using the physical buttons on the console?
Using physical buttons to reset your PS5 starts with powering down your console completely. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps to enter Safe Mode.
This method requires you to use the power button on the console itself to navigate to Safe Mode. Once there, you’ll need to connect a controller via USB to select the reset option. You cannot complete the reset process using only the physical buttons.
Is it possible to factory reset a PS5 without using a controller, and if so, how?
Unfortunately, you cannot fully factory reset a PS5 without a controller. While you can enter Safe Mode using only the power button on the console, you need a controller to navigate the menu options.
If you don’t have a working controller, you’ll need to borrow or purchase one to complete the factory reset process. The controller must be connected to the PS5 via USB cable to work in Safe Mode.
What steps should be taken to safely factory reset a PS5 before selling it?
Before selling your PS5, first back up any game saves and data you want to keep to USB storage or PlayStation Plus cloud storage. Then deactivate your PS5 as your primary console in the settings menu.
Navigate to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options and select “Reset Your Console.” Choose the full reset option to remove all data. After resetting, sign out of all devices through the PlayStation app under Account Information > Security to ensure your account is fully disconnected from the console.
After executing a factory reset on a PS5, will all user data and saved games be permanently removed?
Yes, a complete factory reset will permanently remove all user data, saved games, screenshots, videos, and installed games from your PS5. This data cannot be recovered after the reset is complete.
This is why it’s critical to back up any important information before performing a factory reset. You can back up saves to USB storage or to PlayStation Plus cloud storage if you’re a subscriber.
Can a PS5 be factory reset without logging into the account, and what is the process?
Yes, you can factory reset a PS5 without logging into the account by using Safe Mode. Turn off the console completely, then press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps.
Once in Safe Mode, connect a controller with a USB cable and select option 7, “Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software).” This will completely wipe the console without requiring account login. However, if you’re concerned about account security, you should also sign out on all devices using the PlayStation app if you have access to the account.
