How to Reset Your PS5

Restore a PS5 to default settings

By Robert Earl Wells III
Updated on February 2, 2021
Reviewed by
Jerrick Leger
Jerrick Leger headshot
Reviewed by Jerrick Leger
    Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses.
    lifewire's editorial guidelines
    Consoles & PCs

    What to Know

    • Go to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console > Reset.
    • If your PS5 turns on but won't boot up the main menu, reset it in safe mode. With the console off, press and hold the Power button.
    • After you hear a second beep, press the PS button on the PS5 controller. Select Reset PS5 from the safe mode menu.

    This article explains how to reset your PS5 to factory settings. The instructions apply to the PS5 Standard and Digital Editions.

    How to Factory Reset Your PS5

    A hard reset can resolve problems with your PlayStation 5 such as the download queue error. Follow these steps to restore your PS5 to the state it was in when you got it.

    Resetting the PS5 will wipe all games, save data, and other content from the system. If you get another console, you can retrieve content from the cloud.

    1. From the Home page, go to Settings.

      The Settings icon on the PS5 home screen

    2. Select System.

      The System heading in PS5 settings

    3. Select System Software.

      System Software in PS5 System settings

    4. Select Reset Options.

      The "Reset Options" heading

    5. Select Reset Your Console.

      The "Reset Your Console" option

    6. Select Reset.

      The Reset button

    The PS5 will restart, and you will be taken through the setup process. Turn off the console if you don't want to set up the system.

    How to Reset Your PS5 in Safe Mode

    If your console turns on but won't boot up the system software, you can reset your PS5 in safe mode.

    1. Press the Power button on the console to turn it off.

      The Power button on the PlayStation 5

    2. Press and hold the Power button until you hear a second beep (about 10 seconds).

    3. Connect a PS5 controller to the console and press the PS button.

      The PS button on the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller

    4. Select Reset PS5 from the safe mode menu. Wait for the console to restart as normal.

      If your PS5 still won't boot up, you may need to reinstall the PS5 system software in safe mode.

    Why Hard Reset Your PS5?

    Resetting your console can fix problems with the PS5. For example, some users have reported problems downloading content. If your PS5 isn't working properly, try a hard reset. If you plan to sell your PS5, you should do a factory reset so that the new owner can set it up with their own account.

    If resetting your PS5 doesn't fix your problem, visit Sony's PlayStation Fix and Replace page to see if your console is eligible for a free repair.

    Back Up Your PS5 Game Data

    Before you perform a factory reset, back up all of your data. You will need a PlayStation Plus account to upload game save data to the cloud, but all of your games and other content can be downloaded again on another console. Alternatively, you can move your files to an external hard drive.

    Was this page helpful?