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Before you give away or sell a PS4 or PS5, protect your PlayStation account and erase the console’s local data as two separate tasks. First preserve anything you want to keep, then deactivate the console, sign out and review payment access, and finally perform the full data-erasing reset. Sony says a reset deletes stored data and cannot be undone.
1. Preserve anything you want to keep
Do this before resetting: Sony says data deleted during a reset cannot be restored. If you are moving to another console, use the appropriate backup or transfer option for the data you need, and sync your trophies manually. The available options depend on the console and data type; a generic USB drive is not a way to copy every kind of data. See Sony’s transfer or dispose guidance.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim) | $594.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![Playstation SONY 4, 500GB Slim System [CUH-2215AB01], Black, 3003347 (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31aelHds6gL._SL160_.jpg)
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Playstation SONY 4, 500GB Slim System [CUH-2215AB01], Black, 3003347 (Renewed) | $175.88 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Sony PlayStation 4 500GB Console (Renewed) | $170.45 | Buy on Amazon |
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- Record the console serial number and keep it somewhere safe in case you later need proof of ownership.
- Remove any disc and USB devices you want to keep.
- If you have a PS5 with an installed M.2 SSD that you intend to retain, remove it before handing over the console.
- Do not move a PS4’s internal hard drive into another PS4 as a way to preserve its contents; Sony says it will be reformatted when installed in a different PS4.
2. Deactivate console access
Deactivation releases the console’s activation or sharing status; it does not sign you out or erase local data. If you can still use the outgoing console, deactivate it there before continuing.
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- Open Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Console Sharing and Offline Play.
- Select Disable.
On PS4
- Open Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Select Deactivate, then Yes.
Sony’s deactivation instructions are on its PlayStation console deactivation page. If the console is inaccessible, Sony also offers remote deactivation of all devices through Account Management. Sony states that this remote action can be used only once every six months, so check the current account controls before relying on it.
#1 Best Overall
- Model Number CFI-2000
- Includes DualSense Wireless Controller, 1TB SSD, 2 Horizontal Stand Feet, HDMI Cable, AC power cord, USB cable, printed materials, ASTRO’s PLAYROOM (Pre-installed game)
- Vertical Stand sold seperately
3. Sign out and review payment access
Sign out of your PlayStation account on the console you are handing over. Then review saved payment methods in Account Management and remove any you do not want available through the account. Sony recommends signing out across devices, deactivating consoles and considering payment-method removal in its guidance for compromised accounts and unauthorized charges. Removing every payment method is not a stated requirement for an ordinary sale.
Your subscriptions belong to your account, not the console: Sony says they apply when you sign in to a new console. Do not transfer or sell your account with the hardware. If you suspect someone has accessed your account, use Sony’s Account & Security guidance to recover it, change the sign-in method, secure the email account associated with it, and contact PlayStation Support if you cannot regain access. Sony also documents passkeys as a sign-in option; available controls can vary.
Rank #2
- Includes a slim 500GB PlayStation4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, Power Cord and HDMI Cable.
- Play online with your friends, get free games, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
4. Erase the console before handoff
Choose the full reset or initialization, not Restore Default Settings. Sony says Restore Default Settings resets selected settings but does not delete user or game data. A full reset or initialization deletes stored user and game data and personal settings, and is irreversible. Confirm that you have preserved what you need before proceeding.
Reset a PS5
- From the home screen, open Settings > System > System Software > Reset Options.
- Select Reset Your Console and confirm.
Initialize a PS4
- Open Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4.
- Select Full and confirm.
Menu wording can differ by software version or region. Sony’s instructions explain the difference between resetting and restoring settings: restore default settings on a PlayStation console and transfer or dispose of a console.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- "Suspend mode" eliminates the load time on your saved game and allows you to immediately return to where you left off by pressing the power button.
- Enables the greatest game developers in the world to unlock their creativity and push the boundaries of play through a platform that is tuned specifically to their needs.
- Engage in endless personal challenges between you and your community, and share your epic moments for the world to see.
- Gamers can share their epic triumphs by hitting the "SHARE button" on the controller, scan through the last few minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game.
Which action does what?
| Action | Effect on stored data | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Restore Default Settings | Resets selected settings; does not delete user or game data, according to Sony Support. | Settings troubleshooting, not sale preparation. |
| PS5 Reset Your Console or PS4 Full initialization | Deletes user and game data and personal settings; Sony says the deletion cannot be undone. See Sony Support and Sony’s transfer/disposal guidance. | Final wipe after preserving wanted data. |
| On-console deactivation | Releases console activation or sharing status; does not erase data. See Sony’s deactivation instructions. | Before handoff when you can access the console. |
| Remote deactivate all devices | Deactivates devices remotely; Sony states this can be done only once every six months. See Sony Support. | When the console is lost, sold already or inaccessible. |
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