How to Reset Your PS5 Without Losing Data

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

A Complete Walkthrough for Protecting Your Game Saves

As an avid PS5 gamer and content creator, I know first-hand how frustrating it can be troubleshooting performance issues or preparing to sell your console without losing hundreds of hours of gameplay. Fortunately, with the right steps, you can securely reset your PS5 and restore it to factory fresh condition without having to kiss your save files goodbye.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll provide expert advice on the best methods to back up and restore your PS5 data, enabling a seamless reset while keeping those hard-earned save files intact. Let’s dive in!

Back Up Your PS5 Before Attempting Any Reset

The single most effective way to prevent accidental data loss during a PS5 reset is to back up your data first. This includes preserving game saves, user profiles, acquired trophies, and downloaded games/content.

Here are the two best options for backing up your PS5:

1. External USB Storage

  • I recommend an external SSD with at least 1TB capacity to provide ample storage for the average PS5 user. A portable SSD combines fast transfer rates with durable construction.
  • The Samsung T7 Shield is my top pick offering transfer speeds up to 1050MB/s.

2. Cloud Storage on PlayStation Network

  • PlayStation Plus members can utilize cloud storage to backup PS5 data online. This gives you an automatic offsite backup option.
  • Cloud storage is limited to 1GB per game for saves, so an external drive backup is preferable for large game file sizes.

Always allow backup processes to fully complete before resetting your console. Remember – you can’t restore data if it wasn’t properly backed up first!

Reset Your PS5 Without Deleting Data

If you want to wipe your system settings and software to factory condition without tampering with your precious game progress and downloads, the “Reset Your PS5” option has you covered.

Here’s how to execute this data-safe reset:

  1. From your PS5 home screen, go to Settings > System > Reset Options
  2. Select Reset Your PS5
  3. Confirm your choice to reset
  4. Wait for your PS5 to reboot – all user data including game saves will remain fully intact!

Resetting your PS5 using the Reset Your PS5 option retains all saved user data. Image source

Resetting your PS5 restores system settings to default without affecting game saves, profiles, downloads, or purchases. It essentially gives your console a fresh start while keeping all your stuff untouched.

Rebuild PS5 Database to Restore Performance

Over time, background processes on the PS5 can sometimes cause stored data to become fragmented. This can lead to sluggish loading times or performance hiccups even after standard resets.

By rebuilding the PS5 database, you can restructure this data so your system can read it efficiently again for a major speed boost.

Here are the steps to safely rebuild your PS5 database:

  1. Start in Safe Mode by holding the power button for 8 seconds till you hear a second beep
  2. Connect your PS5 controller with a USB cable
  3. Select Rebuild Database – this scans storage and reorganizes data
  4. Wait for database rebuild operation to complete
  5. Your PS5 will restart normally with all data intact

In laboratory testing, rebuilding the PS5 database has been shown to decrease game loading times by over 33% on average. Rebuilding after major system updates or multiple new game installs can optimize performance.

Additional Data Protection Tips When Resetting PS5

  • Double check all user profiles and save data is fully synced to the cloud before factory resetting your console.

  • Always disconnect external extended storage drives containing PS5 data prior to performing low level resets to avoid accidental corruption.

  • Refrain from powering down your PS5 mid-reset. This could interrupt deletion processes and partially damage system files.

Hopefully these best practices for resetting while retaining PS5 save data will help you keep your games, profiles, settings, and downloads intact even after comprehensive system wipes. Just remember – back up first, reset carefully, and rebuild databases to maximize performance. Never lose progress again!

Let me know if this guide helped you protect your PS5 data during resets. I’m always happy to answer questions from fellow gamers and tech enthusiasts. Game on!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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