The PlayStation 5 is a well-engineered piece of hardware that offers users a very easy way to factory reset the console using the DualSense controller. But what if you have lost/damaged the controller & need to hard reset the console?
Fortunately, there are 3 concise alternative methods to factory reset a PS5 without using the controller, which I have thoroughly discussed in this article.
So if you’re looking for a way to reset your PS5 without a controller, this guide is for you.
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How to Factory Reset a PS5 without DualSense
To factory reset a PS5 console without using the DualSense controller, use an external mouse or keyboard and navigate to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options. Now select Reset Your Console and hit Reset. Then select Yes to confirm.
You can also use the PS Remote Play feature to reset the console using your smartphone. Below I have discussed these alternative techniques in great detail. So read on to find the method that is best suited for you.
Here are the methods to factory reset PS5 without controller:
Method 1: Use an External Keyboard
Since the PS5 supports wired keyboards, you can use it to navigate through the settings and reset the console without the controller. You can also use a wireless Bluetooth keyboard, but make sure it is compatible with the console.
Here are the steps to reset a PS5 with an external keyboard:
- Connect an external keyboard with the USB port of the console.
- Use the arrow key to navigate to the settings/gears icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Press the Enter button on the keyboard.
- Go to System using the down arrow key and press Enter.
- Press the Enter button again to select System Software.
- Go down to Reset Options using the down arrow key and press Enter.
- Select Reset Your Console.
- Use the left arrow key to choose Reset.
- Select Yes and hit the Enter button.
Now, your console will restart automatically and restore to factory defaults.
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Method 2: Use an External Mouse
Similar to keyboards, PS5 also supports external USB mouse. When you connect a wired/wireless mouse to your PS5, a mouse pointer will be visible on the tv/monitor. Simply use it to navigate through the settings to reset the console.
Here’s how to use an external mouse to reset a PS5:
- Connect an external mouse to your PS5 via the USB port.
- Move the mouse cursor and click on the settings/gears icon.
- Left-click on System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console > Reset >Yes.
The console will reboot automatically and restore all settings to factory defaults. I recommend using a wired mouse, as not all wireless mouse support the console interface.
Method 3: Via the PS Remote Play
The PS Remote Play is an awesome feature that allows users to control their PS5 while being away from the console. Additionally, users can utilize this feature to navigate through the console’s settings using their smartphone to factory reset the PS5 without a controller.
Before we begin, keep in mind you need to have Remote Play enabled on your console, which would require the controller. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use this feature. With that being said, below I’ve explained the full process of setting up & utilizing the Remote Play to reset PS5.
Here are the steps to factory reset a PS5 via the PS Remote Play:
- Select the settings/gears icon at the top right corner of the screen.
- Navigate to System > Remote Play and toggle on the Enable Remote Play option.
- Download the PS Remote Play app on your iOS/Android device from the Appstore/Playstore.
- Ensure your phone and the console are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
- Open the PS Remote Play app on your smartphone and sign in with your PlayStation account.
- Select your PS5 console in the app to sync it with your console. After a few moments, you’ll see the console’s display output appear on your smartphone along with on-screen controller buttons.
- Use the on-screen buttons(which are similar to your PS5 controller’s layout) to navigate to Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options > Reset Your Console > Reset >Yes.
Now your console will be restored to its factory default state. If you haven’t enabled Remote Play on your console & don’t have the controller handy, you might have to settle for the previous two methods.
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Frequently Asked Questions
If I reset my PS5, will I lose my games?
Yes. Resetting PS5 will delete all locally saved data, including the games downloaded on the internal storage.
How long does it take to factory reset PS5?
It will take a few minutes to factory reset a PS5. The console will automatically reboot itself once the resetting process is done.
How can I retrieve deleted data after resetting my PS5?
You can retrieve the cloud-saved data after resetting your PS5. Although, you might have to re-download all the games if you haven’t created a backup on an external drive.
How do I reset my PS5 remotely?
You can reset your PS5 remotely using your smartphone via the PS Remote Play app.
Final Note
Whether you’ve lost or don’t have the DualSense controller available at the moment, knowing the safest ways to reset a PS5 without using the controller can often come in handy.
That’s about it. Don’t forget to back up your saved data on the cloud before you hit the reset option.
If you have further queries, let us know in the comment section below. GGWP!
