The PS5 might still feel new, but it actually launched back in 2020, which means it’s already well into its life cycle. If you’re not gaming as much or eyeing another console, it may be time to let it go. Whether you’re giving it to a friend or hoping to make some cash by selling it, don’t forget one crucial step before handing it over-erasing your personal data.

Luckily, factory resetting your PS5 or PS4 is straightforward. This step protects your information, removes linked accounts, and ensures the next user starts with a clean slate. It only takes a few minutes and could save you a major headache down the line.

Factory resetting is a crucial step that you should take whenever you’re selling or giving away a piece of technology. Your old PlayStation is no exception. While you might not be storing the same kind of information on your PS4 or PS5 that you would on your laptop or smartphone, this step can save you a great deal of stress by taking care of any leftover information.

Read on for everything you need to know about resetting your PS5 or your PS4. For more, here’s what to know about buying a used iPhone and our picks for the best place to sell your electronics. 

Resetting the PlayStation 5

You have a few options when it comes to factory resetting your PS5. To access these options, navigate to the Home Screen and then select Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options. 

After selecting Reset Options you will be presented with three options: Clear Learning Dictionary, Restore Default Settings and Reset Your Console. 

• Clear Learning Dictionary will clear the history of all the terms that you have typed on your PS5. 
• Restore Default Settings will restore all of the settings on your PS5 to their default setting, but leave your data intact. 
• Reset Your Console will restore all of the settings to their default options and erase all of the data that has been saved to your PS5. 

If you are looking to factory reset your console before selling it or giving it away, select Reset Your Console to fully wipe all of your data from the device and factory reset the console. 

Resetting the PlayStation 4

The process for factory resetting your console is a bit different for the PS4. First, you will need to navigate to Settings > Initialization. Much like the process for factory resetting the Playstation 5, you will be presented with three options after selecting Initialization: Clear Learning Dictionary, Restore Default Settings and Initialize PS4. 

Clear Learning Dictionary and Restore Default Settings operate the same as they do on the PS5. Initialize PS4 operates in the same way as the Reset Your Console option does on the PS5. 

If you are looking to factory reset your PS4 before giving it away or selling it, selecting Initialize PS4 will do the trick.