How to Reset PS5 Without Losing Data

If your PlayStation 5 has been acting slow, freezing, or showing strange errors, resetting it might sound like the obvious solution. But many gamers hesitate because they fear losing saved games, screenshots, installed titles, and personal settings.

The good news is that you can reset your PS5 safely without losing important data — as long as you choose the right reset option and follow a few precautionary steps.

In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to reset your PS5 without deleting your data, what each reset option does, and when you should use them.

First — Understand the Types of PS5 Resets

Before resetting your console, it’s important to know that not all reset options erase your files. Sony provides multiple system tools designed to fix problems while keeping your data intact.

Here are the three main options you should know:

1. Restart Your PS5 (Soft Reset)

This is the simplest reset and should always be your first step when troubleshooting.

A restart clears temporary memory, shuts down background processes, and refreshes the system without touching your data.

When to use it:

• The console feels sluggish
• A game freezes
• Apps crash randomly
• Downloads get stuck

How to restart:

1. Press the PS button on your controller.
2. Go to the Power icon.
3. Select Restart PS5.

That’s it — no data is removed.

2. Restore Default Settings (Best Safe Reset)

If restarting doesn’t fix the issue, the next safest option is restoring default settings.

This reset returns system settings to their factory state but keeps everything else, including:

• Installed games
• Saved data
• Media files
• User accounts

Think of it as resetting the console’s preferences rather than wiping the storage.

How to restore default settings:

1. Turn off your PS5 completely.
2. Hold the power button until you hear a second beep (about 7 seconds).
3. Connect your controller using a USB cable.
4. Enter Safe Mode.
5. Select Restore Default Settings.

After the reset, you may need to reconfigure things like:

• Wi-Fi
• Display settings
• Accessibility options

But your data will still be there.

3. Rebuild Database (Recommended for Performance Issues)

Many PlayStation users confuse rebuilding the database with a factory reset — but it’s actually one of the safest maintenance tools available.

Rebuilding the database scans your drive, removes corrupted entries, and reorganizes everything so the system can access files more efficiently.

What it can fix:

• Slow menus
• Game crashes
• Missing icons
• Storage errors
• Performance drops

How to rebuild the database:

1. Turn off the PS5.
2. Hold the power button until the second beep.
3. Boot into Safe Mode.
4. Choose Rebuild Database.

Depending on how much data you have, the process can take anywhere from a few minutes to about an hour.

Most importantly — your games and saved progress remain untouched.

Important: Avoid “Reset PS5” Unless Necessary

Inside Safe Mode, you’ll also see an option called Reset PS5.

This is a full factory reset.

It deletes:

• Games
• Saves
• Accounts
• Screenshots
• Videos
• Settings

Only use this option if:

• You are selling the console
• You’re giving it away
• The system has severe software corruption

Otherwise, stick with the safer reset methods above.

Always Back Up Your Data (Just in Case)

Even though the safer resets don’t delete files, creating a backup is always smart.

You have two easy options:

Use PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage

If you’re a PS Plus subscriber, enable automatic cloud saves so your progress is protected.

Backup to a USB Drive

Go to:

Settings → System → System Software → Back Up and Restore

This creates a full copy of your data that you can restore anytime.

When Should You Reset Your PS5?

Consider resetting your console if you notice:

• Frequent freezing
• Unusual error messages
• Laggy interface
• Games failing to load
• Network problems

In many cases, a simple restart or database rebuild can make your PS5 feel fast again.

Final Thoughts

Resetting your PS5 doesn’t have to mean losing everything. Options like restarting, restoring default settings, and rebuilding the database are designed to solve common system problems while keeping your data safe.

As a rule of thumb, always start with the least aggressive fix and work your way up only if necessary.

With the right approach, you can refresh your console, eliminate bugs, and get back to smooth gaming — without sacrificing your saved progress.