How and Why to Factory Reset Your PS5

Getting to know how to factory reset your PS5 and why can be important. Gaming consoles in this present time can be complicated to work with. There are many different components to them, and sometimes, they will stop working. Or, they will begin to deteriorate and need some work to get back to functioning. Furthermore, knowing the ins and outs of the system’s different processes is never a bad thing. In the case of factory reset for a PS5, it is a vital setting that can change things for your console. That’s why I am providing you with the details below on how to enable this on your console. Not just that, but I also give you the info on why you may be inclined to do so.

How to Factory Reset Your PS5

To factory reset the PS5, there are two different ways: through Safe Mode or the console’s settings. It is a rather simple process once you find the path to do so. But, doing each of the methods does differ slightly. Here is how to factory reset both ways:

Safe Mode

1. Ensure that your console is turned off.
2. Press and hold the power button until you hear the beep twice.
3. Connect the DualSense with the USB cable and turn it on.
4. Navigate down the settings until you reach the “Reset PS5” option.
5. Choose this, and all data and settings on the PS5 will be cleared. Therefore, going to factory settings.

Console Settings

1. Head to the “Settings” icon on the top right of the home screen. It looks like a gear.
2. Next, select the “System” option and navigate to “System Software.“
3. From here, you will see the tab for “Reset Options.” Select this.
4. Afterward, head to the “Restore Default Settings” option and click the “Restore” button.
5. Your PS5 will begin going back to its original settings.

While both paths don’t say the phrase “factory reset,” both do indeed wipe the data from the console once selected. This is much different from if you wish to “Restart PS5.” In which case, the console will power down before starting back up again with no data deleted. Thereby taking you back to the home screen of the PS5.

Why Would You Factory Reset The PS5?

The resetting of a PS5 is a last resort for fixing problems with your PS5 before sending it in. Additionally, it’s something to do if you wish to sell or trade in your console. When it comes to fixing problems with it, there could be download issues or error codes that pop up frequently. While there are ways to fix problems one by one, the factory reset tends to be a cure-all for the most part. It allows the console to start again from scratch and re-operate as normal. Therefore, if you are not able to fix it through other means, a factory reset can have potential.

On the other hand, you factory reset the PS5 if you are aiming to sell it or trade it in. Doing this clears all data completely from the system. That way, whoever is receiving the console does not have any of your games, data, or PSN account information. It will be as if they are receiving a blank slate of a PS5.

Overall, the factory reset option on a PS5 should only be used with the utmost caution. Therefore, knowing what it does and why to do it is recommended before trying to do so. It could set you back a ways and cause you to need to redownload everything on your system. I have used it in the past to correct some error codes I was receiving, and it can be a fix. But, if any issues do persist afterward, it may be best to send it to Sony or a repair shop.