Skip to main content

How to reset a PS5

The Sony PlayStation 5 is here, and although it's an impressive console, it's not free of issues. No matter if you're troubleshooting a problem or getting your console ready for sale, our guide on how to reset a PS5 will show you how to restore the console to its factory default settings.

Related Videos

Difficulty

Easy

Duration

5 minutes

That's not the only reset option the PS5 offers, however. We've split up our instructions into two parts: Step-by-step and in-depth. The step-by-step instructions will get your PS5 reset as fast as possible, but if you want a few more options or if you want to be extra careful during your reset, we recommend reading our in-depth instructions instead. Before you reset your PS5 though, you might want to back up your game date and user settings. Check out our guide on how to use an external drive on your PS5.

How to reset a PS5 step-by-step

There are a few different reset options on PS5 that we'll cover in detail below. If you just want to wipe your PS5 entirely, you can follow the steps in this section. Note that using this method will erase everything on your console, including user data and saves. If you want to back up your saves first, continue on to our in-depth guide below.

Step 1: Navigate to the Settings menu (gear icon).

Step 2: Select System.

Step 3: Select System software.

Step 4: Select Reset options.

Step 5: Select Reset your console.

Step 6: Select Reset.

After a few minutes, your PS5 will automatically reset itself and boot into the standard setup screen. If you're selling or trading in your console, you can stop here. If you're resetting for troubleshooting or anything else, proceed through the setup as normal.

how to reset a ps5

How to reset a PS5 in-depth

Resetting your PS5 to its factory defaults is simple enough, but there are a few reset options that the console doesn't explain. We've detailed the three reset options below, along with an in-depth look at how to find them.

Step 1: Navigate to System Software.

To get started, boot up your PS5 and sign in to your account. Then, go to the Settings menu from the home screen. If you're in a game, you can find go back to the home screen by pressing and holding the PS button in the center of the DualSense controller.

In the top right corner of the home screen, you'll see a cog. Navigate there to open the Settings menu, then follow System > System software. You'll find the PS5 reset options here, but don't select them yet.

Step 2: (Optional): Back up your data

Before selecting Reset Options, select* Back Up and Restore*. In this menu, you can back up your games, apps, and other data to a USB device before performing the reset. This is especially important if you're not a PlayStation Plus subscriber, as all of your saves are stored locally on the console.

Even if you are a PlayStation Plus subscriber, it's a good idea to perform this step anyway. Not only is it a safety net in case your saves haven't synced, but it will also allow you to automatically restore your games and apps to a PS5 in the future.

To offload your data, you'll need a USB 3.0 storage device. Our guide to the best external hard drives can help you out there.

Settings screen in PS5.

Step 3: Choose your reset option.

After you've finished backing up your data, go back to System software and select Reset Options. The PS5 has three reset options, and short of the Reset Your Console option, the names are nebulous. Here's what each of the settings does:

Clear learning dictionary: Removes all of the terms you have entered into your PS5. The PS5 uses terms you've entered to predict what you might be looking for. This setting resets the console's stored terms. It does not affect save data, games, apps, or user data.

Restore default settings: Restores all of the console's settings to default. This option does not affect save data, games, apps, or user data.

Reset your console: Removes everything from your PS5 and fully resets it. Only use this option if you're selling or trading in your PS5, or if you want to start from scratch.

Select the option that best suits your needs, and you're set. If you want to perform a factory reset, choose Reset your console. Once again, we recommend backing up your data before proceeding with a factory reset, even if you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber.

Reset system screen in PS5.

Editors' Recommendations

Easy to install, this 2TB internal SSD for PS5 with heatsink is $160 off
The WD Black SN850 internal SSD being installed in a PlayStation 5.

Sony's PlayStation 5 may have exceeded most expectations, but the console has one glaring limitation -- it only has 825GB of storage space. If you want to install all the titles that you purchase from PS5 game deals, you'll need an internal SSD like Western Digital's WD Black SN850. It will expand your PlayStation 5's internal memory by 2TB for just $200, as it's currently on sale from Best Buy with a $160 discount on its original price of $360. If you're interested, you need to buy it now because we expect this offer to draw a lot of attention.

Why you should buy the WD Black SN850 2TB Internal SSD
The PlayStation 5 is equipped with an 825GB hard drive, but you can only use 667GB of that for games. That's nowhere near enough even for casual gamers, especially as the size of AAA titles continue to grow. Fortunately, you can expand its memory with products like Western Digital's WD Black SN850 2TB Internal SSD. It's officially licensed for the PlayStation 5, so you don't have to worry that it will mess up your console. It's also easy to install -- after removing the console's faceplates, you'll instantly see the M.2 expansion slot that's waiting to accept the internal SSD.

Read more
How to connect a PS5 controller to a PC
playstation 5 controller ps5

The PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller is one of the biggest leaps in controller design ever, adding advanced haptic feedback to Sony’s new console. For games that take full advantage of it, like Astro’s Playroom, the effect it has on the play experience can be truly game-changing. Like most other console controllers, the DualSense can also be used to play games on PC, though without the full benefit of features like variable-resistance triggers.

For those who want to get a little more mileage out of their DualSense, here’s how to connect the PS5 controller to a PC. While the good news is that the DualSense works just like any other controller on a PC, the bad news is that, well, the DualSense works just like any other controller. It may lack the PS5-specific features that make it such a standout when connected to a PC, but it’s also simple to set up and use, whether you want to connect using a USB cable or Bluetooth.
How to connect a PS5 controller to PC with USB
Connecting the PS5 controller to a PC with a USB cable will likely be the go-to option for most people, as it’s extremely easy to do and won’t run the risk of draining the DualSense’s battery during a play session. Just connect the DualSense to a USB-C to USB-A cable (like the one that comes with the PS5), and plug the other end into your PC. If your PC has a USB-C port, you can also use a regular USB-C cable. If you’re purchasing a new DualSense on its own, as opposed to using one that comes with the console, just be aware that it won’t come with its own cable.
How to connect a PS5 controller to PC with Bluetooth
If your computer has built-in Bluetooth capability or you have a separate Bluetooth adapter, you can also connect the DualSense wirelessly. The process is the same as connecting any wireless controller. Just hold the PS button and the Create button on the DualSense to start pairing. On your PC, navigate to the Bluetooth & Other Devices menu and click Add Bluetooth or other device, then select the Bluetooth option. When the connection is made, the PS5 controller will show up as Wireless Controller in the menu.
How to use a PS5 controller on PC with Steam
The major caveat to using a PS5 controller on PC is that not all games will recognize it natively. Fortunately, Valve added limited DualSense support to Steam almost as soon as the PS5 was released and is continuing to add features. All the Steam games with controller support are playable with the DualSense, and functions like motion controls, rumble, and the light bar should work just like they did for the PS4’s controller, though new features like adaptive triggers still aren’t working.

Read more
How to factory reset a PS4
White PS4 under white DualShock 4 controller.

As with most tech products, it's sometimes necessary to factory reset your PlayStation 4 console. This can be due to a number of reasons, especially if your PS4 system is acting wonky. Other times, you might simply need to factory reset the machine if you plan of selling it or giving it away. But doing so can be a tricky process, even more so if the PS4 is your first gaming console.

Here's how to factory reset your PlayStation 4 system.

Read more