To prepare a working PS5 for a new owner, back up anything you want to keep, then choose Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console and confirm. This erases user data and settings; the reset cannot be undone.
Before you reset the PS5
- Back up what you need. PlayStation lists a console backup file, cloud storage, and a USB drive or USB extended storage among the available storage routes. What can be preserved depends on the backup method and content, so do not assume one backup saves everything. See PlayStation’s transfer or disposal guide and PS5 backup instructions.
- Sync trophies manually. Do this before resetting so you do not leave unsynced trophy data behind.
- Remove items you want to keep. Eject any disc and unplug USB devices you are taking with you. If you installed an M.2 SSD and intend to keep it, remove it before handing over the console.
- Record the serial number. PlayStation recommends keeping it somewhere safe; it may help establish the console’s identity or ownership later.
A USB device used for PS5 game storage is not automatically suitable for backup files: PlayStation notes that USB extended storage for games uses a different format. Check the backup instructions before choosing a drive.
Factory-reset the PS5 from Settings
- From the PS5 home screen, open Settings.
- Select System > System Software > Reset Options.
- Choose Reset Your Console, then confirm the on-screen prompt.
PlayStation says the reset deletes user data and returns the console to its original state. Its transfer guide warns: “This process cannot be undone, so be sure not to delete any important data by mistake. Deleted data cannot be restored.”
Choose the right reset option
| Option | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Reset Your Console | Deletes user data and settings. | The data-erasing reset for a sale, gift, or other handoff. |
| Restore Default Settings | Restores settings but does not delete content such as games, apps, screenshots, video clips, or saved data, according to PlayStation’s Safe Mode guide. | When you want to return settings to defaults but keep console content. It is not a handoff wipe. |
| Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) | Available in Safe Mode; deletes user data and removes PS5 system software. Reinstallation uses an official system-software file on USB. | A recovery route if the console cannot be reset normally or system software needs reinstalling—not a required step for a working console. |
If you cannot reset the console in Settings
Use Safe Mode as a recovery option. Its menu includes Reset PS5 and Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software); both delete user data, while the reinstall option also removes system software. Follow PlayStation’s Safe Mode instructions and use the official reinstallation file if you select the reinstall option.
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#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
What happens to subscriptions?
PlayStation’s handoff FAQ says subscriptions are applied to the account when its owner signs in to PlayStation on a new console. The reset concerns data on this PS5; it does not transfer ownership of the account to the next person. See PlayStation’s transfer or disposal FAQ.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Slim Design, players get powerful gaming technology packed inside a sleek and compact console design.
- 825GB of storage, keep your favorite games raeady and waiting for you to jump in and play
- Ultra-High Speed SSD, maximize yoru play sessions with near instant load times for installed PS5 games
- Integrated I/O, the custom integration of the PS5 console's systems lets creators pull datat from the SSD so quickly that they can design games in ways never before possible
- Ray Tracing, immerse yourself in owrlds with a new level of realism as rays of light are individually simulated, creating true-to-life shadows and reflections in supported PS5 games
Rank #3
- Enjoy smooth and fluid high frame rate gameplay at up to 120 fps for compatible games, with support for 120Hz output on 4K displays.
- PS5 consoles support an 8K output, so you can play games on your 4320p resolution display.
- Maximize your play sessions with near-instant load times for installed PS5 games.
- 825GB SSD allows ultra-fast load times, while 3-D audio output produces crisp acoustics.
- Explore uncharted virtual territories and slay dragons with this sleek Sony PlayStation 5 gaming console.
Rank #2
- CPU: x86-64-AMD Ryzen Zen 8 Cores / 16 Threads at 3.5GHz.GPU: AMD Radeon RDNA 2-based graphics engine.
- 16GB GDDR6/256-bit Memory; 825GB SSD Storage Capacity
- Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax, Bluetooth 5.1
- HDR technology, 8K output,4K TV gaming, Up to 120 fps with 120Hz output, Tempest 3D AudioTech
- What's Included: Sony PlayStation 5 Digital Edition; DualSense; USB cable, HDMI cable.
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