How to Factory Reset PS5: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)

Whether you are selling your console, troubleshooting a persistent software issue, or simply want a clean slate, knowing how to factory reset PS5 is one of the most important skills every PlayStation owner should have. A factory reset restores your console to the exact state it was in when you first took it out of the box, removing your personal data, games, saved settings, and linked accounts from the system.

In this guide, we walk you through every method available in 2026 for performing a PS5 factory reset, including resetting through the Settings menu, using Safe Mode when you cannot access the dashboard, and resetting without signing in. We also cover how to back up your data before resetting, what to do after the reset is complete, and how to factory reset your PS5 controller if it is not responding correctly.

What Happens When You Factory Reset PS5
Before You Reset: The Complete Backup Checklist
Method 1: Factory Reset PS5 Through Settings
Method 2: PS5 Safe Mode Factory Reset
How to Factory Reset PS5 Without Signing In
How to Factory Reset PS5 Controller
After the Reset: What to Do Next
Frequently Asked Questions

What Happens When You Factory Reset PS5

Before you commit to a reset, it is important to understand exactly what a factory reset PS5 process does and does not do. Many players hesitate because they are unsure whether they will permanently lose their purchases or their PlayStation Network identity. Here is a clear breakdown.

What Gets Deleted

When you reset your PS5 to factory settings, the following data is removed from the console:

All installed games and applications. Every game you have downloaded or installed from a disc will be removed. The game data, patches, and updates are all erased.
Saved game data stored locally. Any save files on the console's internal SSD or connected USB storage will be deleted.
User accounts and profiles. All PSN accounts signed into the console will be removed from the device.
Screenshots, video clips, and media. Your capture gallery is wiped clean.
System settings and preferences. Network configurations, display settings, accessibility options, audio preferences, and all other customisations return to their defaults.
Cached data and temporary files. Everything the system has accumulated over time is cleared.

What Stays Safe

Your PSN account. Your PlayStation Network account exists on Sony's servers, not on your console. A factory reset does not delete your account, your purchase history, your trophies, or your friends list. You can sign back in on the same console or a different one and everything will be exactly as you left it.
Cloud saves (if you have PS Plus). If you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber and have enabled automatic cloud uploads, your save data is stored on Sony's servers. After resetting, you can re-download these saves.
Digital purchases. Every game and piece of DLC you have purchased is tied to your PSN account. You can re-download them at any time from the PlayStation Store after signing back in.

Understanding this distinction is critical. Does factory reset PS5 delete everything? It deletes everything on the console itself, but your account, purchases, and cloud saves remain untouched on Sony's servers.

Before You Reset: The Complete Backup Checklist

Rushing into a factory reset without preparing can lead to lost save files and unnecessary frustration. Follow this checklist before you proceed.

1. Upload Saves to the Cloud (PS Plus Required)

If you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription (Essential, Extra, or Premium), your saves may already be backed up automatically. To verify and manually upload any missing saves:

Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen.
Select Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
Choose Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4) depending on which games you want to protect.
Select Console Storage and then Upload to Cloud Storage.
Select each game individually or choose Select All to upload everything.

Repeat this process for both PS5 and PS4 save categories if you play games from both generations.

2. Back Up to a USB Drive

If you do not have PS Plus or want a local backup as an extra safety net, you can copy save data to a USB drive. Insert a USB storage device formatted as FAT32 or exFAT into your PS5, then navigate to the same Saved Data menu and choose Copy to USB Drive instead of uploading to the cloud.

You can also back up your entire console, including games, apps, and settings, using the full system backup option under Settings > System > System Software > Back Up and Restore. This creates a comprehensive backup that you can restore onto the same console after resetting, though it requires a USB drive with enough storage capacity to hold everything.

3. Deactivate Your Console as Primary

This step is especially important if you are performing a factory reset PS5 to sell it. Deactivating ensures that the new owner cannot access your digital games or make purchases on your account.

Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play.
Select Disable.

If you share games with family members or friends, deactivating this setting will prevent them from accessing your library until you activate a different console. For more details on how game sharing works on PlayStation, read our guide on how to gameshare on PS5.

4. Record Your Network Settings

After a reset, you will need to reconnect to your Wi-Fi network. Make sure you know your Wi-Fi password. If you use a static IP address, DNS settings, or any custom network configuration, write those down before proceeding.

5. Note Your PSN Credentials

Your PSN email address and password will be required to sign back in. If you use two-factor authentication, ensure you have access to your authenticator app or backup codes.

Method 1: Factory Reset PS5 Through Settings

This is the simplest and most common method. Use this approach when your PS5 is functioning normally and you can access the home screen and settings menu.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Turn on your PS5 and sign in to your user account.
From the home screen, navigate to Settings by selecting the gear icon in the top-right corner.
Scroll down and select System.
In the System menu, select System Software.
Select Reset Options.
You will see two choices:
- Reset Your Console -- This removes all user data and restores the PS5 to factory default settings while keeping the current system software version intact.
- Reset Your Console and Delete Data -- This is the full factory reset PS5 option. It removes all data and also reinstalls the system software. This is the option to choose if you are selling your console or want a completely clean start.
Select Reset Your Console and Delete Data for a complete factory reset.
The system will ask you to confirm. Select Reset.
Your PS5 will restart and begin the reset process. This can take anywhere from fifteen minutes to over an hour depending on how much data is on the console.

Do not turn off your PS5 during the reset process. Interrupting a reset can cause system software corruption, which would require a USB recovery.

Once the process completes, your PS5 will boot into the initial setup screen, exactly as it appeared when you first unboxed it.

After resetting, it is a good idea to make sure your system software is current. Our guide on how to update your PS5 system software covers the latest steps for 2026.

Method 2: PS5 Safe Mode Factory Reset

If your PS5 is experiencing serious software problems, freezing on startup, stuck in a boot loop, or refusing to load the dashboard, you may not be able to access the Settings menu at all. In these situations, PS5 Safe Mode factory reset is your solution.

What Is Safe Mode?

Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode built into every PS5. It boots the console with only the most basic functions active, bypassing any corrupted software or settings that might be causing problems. Safe Mode gives you access to several recovery options, including a full factory reset.

How to Boot Into Safe Mode

Turn off your PS5 completely. Press and hold the power button on the console until you hear a second beep (approximately seven seconds). The console will shut down.
Once the console is fully off, press and hold the power button again. You will hear one beep immediately. Continue holding the button until you hear a second beep, which occurs after approximately seven more seconds.
Release the power button. The console will boot into Safe Mode.
Connect your DualSense controller to the PS5 using a USB-C cable. Safe Mode does not support Bluetooth connections, so a wired connection is mandatory.
Press the PS button on the controller to navigate the Safe Mode menu.

Safe Mode Reset Options

In the Safe Mode menu, you will see several numbered options. The two relevant to a factory reset are:

Option 6: Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) -- This is the full factory reset. It wipes all data and reinstalls the operating system from scratch. If your system software has become corrupted, this is the option that will fix it.
Option 7: Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) [USB] -- Use this if the console cannot download the system software on its own. You will need to download the reinstallation file from the official PlayStation support website onto a USB drive formatted as FAT32, placed in a folder structure of PS5 > UPDATE, with the file named PS5UPDATE.PUP.

Select Option 6 if your console has a working internet connection. Select Option 7 if it does not.

Confirm your selection, and the reset will begin. The process may take longer than a Settings-based reset because the system software is being fully reinstalled.

How to Factory Reset PS5 Without Signing In

There are scenarios where you cannot sign into your PSN account on the console. Perhaps you have forgotten your password, the account is locked, or you purchased a second-hand console that still has someone else's account on it. Whatever the reason, you need to know how to factory reset PS5 without signing in.

The answer is Safe Mode. The Safe Mode factory reset does not require you to be signed into any PSN account. You simply need physical access to the console and a USB cable for the controller.

Follow the exact same steps outlined in the Safe Mode section above:

Turn off the console completely.
Boot into Safe Mode by holding the power button until the second beep.
Connect your controller via USB.
Select Option 6 (Reset PS5) or Option 7 (Reset via USB).
Confirm and wait for the process to complete.

No PSN sign-in is required at any point during this process. This makes Safe Mode the definitive method for resetting a PS5 when account access is not available.

If you are buying a used PS5 and the previous owner did not reset it, this method allows you to wipe the console cleanly and set it up fresh with your own account.

How to Factory Reset PS5 Controller

Sometimes it is not the console that needs resetting but the controller. If your DualSense controller is not connecting to the PS5 via Bluetooth, is experiencing input lag, has buttons that are not registering, or is behaving erratically, a controller reset can often solve the problem without needing to contact Sony support.

Soft Reset (Re-Pairing)

Before performing a full hardware reset, try re-pairing the controller:

Connect the DualSense to the PS5 using a USB-C cable.
Press the PS button on the controller.
The controller should sync and begin working normally.

If this does not resolve the issue, proceed to a hardware reset.

Hardware Reset (Factory Reset PS5 Controller)

The DualSense controller has a small physical reset button located on the back of the controller, near the L2 trigger. You will need a thin tool like a paperclip or SIM card ejector to press it.

Turn off your PS5. The console should be completely powered down, not in rest mode.
Locate the small reset hole on the back of the DualSense controller. It is a tiny pinhole near the Sony logo, between the L2 button and the attachment point for the controller.
Insert a paperclip or similar thin object into the hole and press and hold the button inside for five seconds.
Release the button.
Connect the controller to the PS5 using a USB-C cable.
Turn on the PS5 and press the PS button on the controller.

The controller will pair with the console as if it were brand new. All custom button mappings, sensitivity settings, and Bluetooth pairings will be cleared.

This method works for both the standard DualSense and the DualSense Edge controller. On the Edge, the reset button is in a similar location but may require you to remove any attached back paddles first.

After the Reset: What to Do Next

Once your PS5 factory reset is complete and the console boots into the initial setup screen, here is a structured approach to getting everything back up and running.

1. Complete the Initial Setup

Follow the on-screen prompts to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, accept the terms of service, and sign in to your PSN account. If you are setting up the console for a new owner, skip the PSN sign-in step and let them create or sign in with their own account.

2. Update the System Software

After a full reset, especially one performed via Safe Mode with a USB, your system software may not be the latest version. Connect to the internet and check for updates immediately. Running the latest firmware ensures you have access to the newest features, security patches, and performance improvements. Our guide on how to update your PS5 system software walks through the process in detail.

3. Restore Your Cloud Saves

If you backed up saves to PlayStation Plus cloud storage before the reset:

Go to Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings.
Select Saved Data (PS5) or Saved Data (PS4).
Choose Cloud Storage and then Download to Console Storage.
Select the saves you want to restore.

4. Re-Download Your Games

All your digital purchases are still tied to your PSN account. Open the PlayStation Store, go to your Game Library (the collection icon on the home screen), and re-download any games you want to play. If you had disc-based games, simply insert the disc and the console will begin installation.

This is also a great opportunity to reconsider which games you actually want installed. Rather than downloading everything you owned before, be selective. Install the games you are actively playing and leave the rest in your library for later.

If you are looking for something new after resetting, explore our PS5 games catalog to find your next favourite title. Games like Quick Mafs are perfect for family gaming sessions right after a fresh setup.

5. Reconfigure Your Settings

Set up your preferred display resolution, HDR settings, audio output, controller configuration, and notification preferences. If you use a headset, re-pair it. If you use an external SSD, reconnect it and format it if necessary.

If you previously used Game Share with friends or family, navigate back to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play and enable it. Review our guide to gamesharing on PS5 if you need to set this up for the first time after your reset.

7. Check Backwards Compatibility

If you were playing PS4 or even PS3 titles through PlayStation's backwards compatibility features before your reset, all of those games remain in your library. PS4 games can be re-downloaded or reinstalled from disc immediately. For information on accessing older PlayStation titles, check out our article on playing PS3 games on PS5.

When Should You Factory Reset Your PS5?

Not every problem requires a full reset. Here are the situations where a factory reset PS5 is the right call, and situations where a simpler solution might work.

A Factory Reset Is Appropriate When:

You are selling or giving away your console. This is the most common reason. A complete reset ensures no personal data remains on the device.
Your console has persistent software problems that survive a simple restart, rebuilding the database, or clearing the cache.
You have installed system software that is causing instability and you want to start fresh.
You want a completely clean gaming experience without the clutter of old downloads, settings, and cached data.
You bought a used console that still has the previous owner's data on it.

Try These First Before Resetting:

Restart the console. Many minor glitches are resolved by a simple power cycle.
Rebuild the database. In Safe Mode, Option 5 rebuilds the database without deleting any data. This can fix slow performance, missing games in the library, and other minor issues.
Clear the cache. Turning off the PS5 completely (not rest mode) for thirty seconds clears the system cache.
Check for system software updates. Some problems are caused by outdated firmware. Make sure you are running the latest version.

If you are considering an upgrade rather than a reset, our PS5 vs PS5 Pro comparison breaks down the differences to help you decide whether a new console might be a better investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does factory resetting a PS5 delete everything?

A factory reset deletes everything stored locally on the console, including games, save data, user accounts, screenshots, videos, and all system settings. However, it does not delete your PSN account, your digital purchase history, your trophies, or any save data that you have uploaded to PlayStation Plus cloud storage. Your account and purchases live on Sony's servers and can be accessed from any PS5 after signing back in.

How do I factory reset my PS5 to sell it?

To prepare your PS5 for sale, first upload your saves to the cloud or a USB drive. Then deactivate the console under Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play. Finally, go to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options and select "Reset Your Console and Delete Data." This performs a complete wipe, ensuring the buyer receives the console in its original out-of-box state with none of your personal data remaining.

Can I factory reset my PS5 without losing my account?

Yes. Your PSN account is stored on Sony's servers, not on the console itself. A factory reset removes your account from the PS5 but does not delete the account. After the reset is complete, you can sign back in with your email and password, and your entire account, including purchases, trophies, friends list, and cloud saves, will be intact. The only data you risk losing is locally stored save files that were not backed up to the cloud or a USB drive.

How do I factory reset my PS5 without signing in?

Boot into Safe Mode by turning off the console completely, then pressing and holding the power button until you hear two beeps. Connect a DualSense controller via USB cable, then select Option 6 (Reset PS5) from the Safe Mode menu. This process does not require a PSN sign-in at any point, making it the go-to method when you cannot access an account on the console.

How do I reset my PS5 controller?

Locate the small reset pinhole on the back of the DualSense controller, near the L2 trigger. Insert a paperclip and press the button inside for five seconds. Then connect the controller to your PS5 with a USB-C cable and press the PS button. The controller will re-pair with the console and all custom settings will return to defaults. This hardware reset resolves most connectivity and input issues without needing to send the controller to Sony for repair.

Final Thoughts

A factory reset is a straightforward process once you know the steps, but it is not something to do carelessly. Always back up your save data before resetting, deactivate your console if you are transferring ownership, and make sure you have your PSN credentials ready for when you sign back in.

Whether you are resetting to troubleshoot a stubborn software glitch, preparing your console for a new owner, or just wanting to start fresh in 2026, this guide has you covered with every method available.

After your reset, do not forget to explore what is new. Browse our PS5 games catalog to discover titles worth adding to your freshly clean console, and check out our list of the best free PS5 games for titles you can download without spending a thing.

Last updated: April 2026. This guide applies to both the standard PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition, as well as the PS5 Slim models. Steps may vary slightly with future system software updates. Visit the official PlayStation support site for the most current instructions.