How to factory reset your console before selling or giving it away
Factory reset erases everything and puts your console back to brand new. Your account, all your games, saved data, everything is gone. Go to Settings, find System or Reset, and choose the full erase option. Before you do it, make sure you have downloaded any games you want to keep elsewhere, because they will be gone forever.
A factory reset wipes your console completely clean. It is like returning it to the store brand new. Your account, all your games, saved files, and personal settings get erased permanently. It is the right thing to do before selling or giving away a console because the new owner will not have access to your personal account or game library. The reset takes 15-30 minutes and you will need to sign in with a new account afterward, but it protects your privacy.
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Skip — I just want a technicianCommon mistakes to avoid
- Not backing up important game saves before resetting. They will be lost forever
- Turning off the console during the reset. This can damage it
- Forgetting to note down your account recovery information. You will not be able to access it after reset
- Creating a new account on the reset console instead of leaving it for the new owner
Signs you need professional help
- The factory reset fails or gets stuck partway through, the console will not turn back on after the reset, or you want to make sure all your data is truly gone before selling it.
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