However, similar to other consoles, you might experience problems with launching games, console responsiveness, and various technical issues. Also if you also have problems connecting controllers and other devices, it is best to do a factory reset on your PS5. This guide will show you all you need to know about factory resetting your PS5 without a controller. We’ll also list down all the methods that you can try to make this process much easier. So, if you have a faulty controller, broken one, read on to learn more. Note: If your controller battery goes flat quickly, please read how to extend PS5 controller battery life. If you have a PS4 rather than 5, then you need our guide on how to factory reset a PS4.
Factory Resetting your PS5 With Controller
If you have experienced severe problems upon opening or using your PS5 and have already tried troubleshooting your console, you can try to do a factory reset to see if this solves all existing issues.
1 Factory Resetting your PS5 With Controller2 Factory Resetting your PS5 Without a Controller2.1 Method #1: Use an External Keyboard2.2 Method #2: Use an External Mouse2.3 Method #3: Via the PlayStation App2.4 Method #4: Via the PlayStation Remote Play App3 Final Thoughts
A factory reset or a hard reset will bring your console back to its factory state—all settings and preferences will be set to default. Also, all downloaded games and media will be deleted permanently. Although, it is recommended to first back up your data before attempting to do a factory reset. To do this, follow the steps below: Once your data is backed up, you can now proceed to factory reset your PS5. First, you will need to boot your console to Safe Mode. To do this, follow the steps below:
Reset PS5 – The console will exit Safe Mode and will boot your PS5 normally. This is a recommended fix if your PS5 has a blinking Blue Light and Black screen.
Change Video Output – This option changes the natural display resolution. You can change this if you have any display problems, such as blank screens.
Update System Software – This forces your PS5 to download and install the latest system updates online, or offline via a removable storage device that contains all necessary system updates.
Restore Default Settings – It restores your PS5 to its default settings. Selecting this option will not delete any user and other system data, since it will only change your console’s settings to their original state.
Rebuild Database – This scans your drive and lets you create a new database structure for all gaming and media content on the system.
Reset PS5 – It deletes all user data and returns your PS5 console to its factory state. This option is ideal if you want to sell your device or will want a fresh start for your console. Reset PS5 (Reinstall System Software) – This deletes all user and system data of your PS5 console. It deletes all updates on the console’s firmware, along with game and media content.
Factory Resetting your PS5 Without a Controller
If you recently had problems with your controller and will need to factory reset your device, you can use external peripherals—such as a keyboard or a mouse—through the PlayStation Remote Play App, or the PlayStation App. So, if you have a spare keyboard, mouse, or smartphone, you can easily do a hard reset on your PS5. Here are some methods that you can try:
Method #1: Use an External Keyboard
Similar to the PS4, PS5s do also support wired keyboards. Instead of controller keys, you can use the keys on your keyboard to navigate to the factory reset steps discussed above—just make sure your keyboard has a USB type A cord.
Method #2: Use an External Mouse
A mouse is also an effective alternative to a PS5 controller. Once your mouse has a USB type A cord and is working properly, all you have to do is to plug it into one of the USB slots of your PS5 console and it should work right away.
Method #3: Via the PlayStation App
If you own a smartphone, it can be used as a temporary controller through the PlayStation App. This application is compatible with both iOS and Android devices and is free to download on your phone’s respective app store. However, you need to ensure that both your smartphone and your PS5 are on the same local wireless network (WiFi).
Method #4: Via the PlayStation Remote Play App
Similar to the PlayStation App, the PlayStation Remote Play App acts as a controller on your smartphone and can be used to go over the steps above on factory resetting your PS5 console. Just download and install the app on your phone and ensure that it is connected to a local wireless network that’s the same as your PS5.
Final Thoughts
The PS5 is one of the best consoles to be released in 2020. It is known as the most powerful console that Sony has released in its PlayStation console family. Its new design and rapid loading speeds are a few of its key features. As superb as the PS5 is, it is still vulnerable to errors and other technical issues. Hence, this guide will hopefully help you in factory resetting your PS5, even without a controller.
