How to factory reset a PS5 before selling it

If you're selling or passing on your PlayStation 5, a proper reset protects your account and payment details and makes the console ready for its next owner. It's quick, but the order matters — deactivate first, then reset.

Step 1: Back up your saves

If you have PlayStation Plus, your saves can sync to cloud storage. Check this under Settings > Saved Data and Game/App Settings > Saved Data (PS5) > Cloud Storage. You can also copy saves to a USB drive formatted as exFAT or FAT32.

PS4 game saves on the PS5 have their own section in the same menu. If you're moving to a new PS5, you can also transfer data directly between consoles over your home network.

Step 2: Turn off "Console Sharing and Offline Play"

This is the step most people skip. Your PS5 may be set as the console where your digital games can be played by anyone. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play, and select Don't Enable.

If you no longer have the console in front of you, you can sign out of all devices from your account settings on the PlayStation website, but it's limited to once every six months — so do it on the console if you can.

Step 3: Remove discs and accessories you're keeping

Check the disc drive. Unplug any external storage that belongs to you.

Step 4: Reset the console

Go to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console. Choose Reset and confirm. This deletes all users and data from the console and returns it to its factory state. It can take a while; leave it alone until it restarts to the initial set-up screen.

If you can't get into the menus, the PS5 has Safe Mode. With the console off, hold the power button until you hear the second beep (about seven seconds), connect a controller with a USB cable and press the PS button. Choose Reset PS5 from the options.

Step 5: Clean and pack

Give the console a dust with a dry microfibre cloth and use low-pressure air for the vents. Don't open the casing. Remove the stand if you'll be posting it — pack the stand separately.

Selling your PS5

Once it's reset, you can get an instant offer from SendForCash. Tell us whether it's the disc or digital edition, the condition, and which controllers and cables you're including. Accept the offer and we send a free postage label. We pay the same day we inspect, by bank transfer or PayPal. More on selling consoles in our games console guide.

FAQ

Does resetting a PS5 remove my PSN account?

It removes your account from that console. Your PSN account itself, your purchases and cloud saves are unaffected and you can sign in on another console.

Do I need to reset my DualSense controller?

No. Controllers don't store account data. They'll pair with the next console when connected by USB.

How long does a PS5 reset take?

Usually a few minutes to around half an hour, depending on how much is stored. Don't switch it off mid-reset.

Can you buy a PS5 that has an overheating problem?

We only buy working items. A console that shuts down, overheats or has a damaged port isn't one we can accept.