How to Factory Reset a PS5 – Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

If your PlayStation 5 (PS5) is acting up, running slow, or you’re preparing to sell it, a factory reset can help. This process wipes all data, returning the console to its original factory condition—just like when you first unboxed it.

In this guide, we’ll explain:

What a factory reset does
When you should do it
And how to safely reset your PS5 in a few easy steps

🔍 What Is a Factory Reset on PS5?

A factory reset completely erases:

User accounts
Saved games
Installed games & apps
System settings
Network settings

Your PS5 will restart as if it’s brand new.
⚠️ Warning: This process is permanent. Make sure to back up your important data before you begin.

✅ When Should You Factory Reset Your PS5?

✔️ Before selling or gifting your console
✔️ After encountering major software problems
✔️ To remove your PlayStation Network (PSN) account
✔️ If troubleshooting steps didn’t work
✔️ After severe performance issues or storage corruption

📥 Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before you reset your PS5, back up important files, like:

Saved game data (upload to PS Plus Cloud or copy to a USB drive)
Screenshots and video clips
Game progress for titles that don’t support cloud saving

Go to:
Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Saved Data (PS5 or PS4) → Cloud Storage or USB Drive.

⚙️ Step 2: Factory Reset from System Settings (Recommended)

This is the easiest and safest method.

➤ Follow These Steps:

Go to Settings on the PS5 Home Screen.
Scroll down and select System.
Choose System Software.
Select Reset Options.
Choose Reset Your Console.
Select Reset to confirm.

⏱️ The console will restart and begin the reset process, which may take 5–10 minutes.

🔄 Step 3: Reboot and Set Up (If Needed)

After the reset, your PS5 will reboot to the initial setup screen, where you can:

Set your language
Reconnect to Wi-Fi
Log in to a new or existing PlayStation account
Redownload your games and apps

If you're selling the console, leave it on the setup screen for the next user.

🔧 Alternative: Factory Reset in Safe Mode (If PS5 Won’t Boot)

If your PS5 has software issues and won’t load normally, you can reset it from Safe Mode.

➤ Steps to Enter Safe Mode:

Power off the console completely.
Press and hold the Power button until you hear two beeps (about 7 seconds).
Connect your controller using a USB cable.
Select Option 6: Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) for a full reset.

➡️ This will erase everything, including the system software. You’ll need to reinstall it from a USB drive.
➡️ You can download the latest PS5 software from the official PlayStation website.

⚠️ What Happens After Resetting?

Data	Status After Reset
Games & Apps	Deleted
PSN Accounts	Removed
Saved Data	Deleted (unless backed up)
System Updates	Stays on the latest firmware
Console Activation	Deactivated from your PSN account

🔔 Important: Remove PS5 from Your PSN Account (Before Selling)

If you’re selling your PS5, remove it from your account using:

Settings → Users and Accounts → Other → Console Sharing and Offline Play → Disable
Or log in to account.sonyentertainmentnetwork.com and remove the console from your device list.

🛡️ Need Help with PS5 Repairs?

If your PS5 has hardware faults like:

HDMI port damage
Overheating
Power issues
Disk drive faults

Visit MLGFIX.com, where we provide:
✔️ PS5 HDMI port replacements
✔️ Cooling fan repairs
✔️ Power supply replacements
✔️ Full diagnostics & fixes

🕹️ Final Thoughts

A factory reset is a great way to give your PS5 a fresh start, whether you’re troubleshooting problems or preparing it for resale. Just be sure to back up your data and follow the steps carefully.