Delete Saved Game Data on Xbox One: 3 Verified Methods

To delete saved game data on Xbox One for a specific game, press the Xbox button to open the guide, navigate to My games & apps, highlight the game, press the Menu button, select Manage game and add-ons, choose Saved data, pick a profile, then choose Delete from console (local only) or Delete everywhere (local and cloud). This is the most common task for freeing up storage space or fixing a corrupted save.

How to delete saved game data on Xbox One for a specific game

This method targets a single game's save files, leaving all other game data untouched. It is the safest way to remove progress for one title without affecting anything else.

Press the Xbox button to open the guide, then go to My games & apps and select See all.
Scroll through your installed games and highlight the game you want to manage.
Press the Menu button on your controller (the button with three horizontal lines).
Select Manage game and add-ons from the menu that appears.
Choose Saved data.
Select the profile whose save you want to delete.
Choose either Delete from console (removes only the local copy) or Delete everywhere (removes both the local copy and the cloud copy).
Confirm the deletion when prompted.

If you need to perform a similar action on another platform, you can also delete switch save data through that console's system settings, though the exact steps differ.

How to clear local saved game data for all games at once

Use this bulk-clear path when you want to free up significant storage space or troubleshoot widespread save issues without affecting your cloud saves. This removes all local save files from the console but leaves your Xbox Live cloud saves intact, so your progress can be re-synced when you next play.

Press the Xbox button to open the guide, then go to Profile & system > Settings.
Select System, then choose Storage.
Select your storage device (Internal or External).
Select Clear local saved games.
Read the warning message carefully, then confirm the action.

If you have multiple storage devices, repeat these steps for each device. This option is ideal when you want to start fresh with all games locally but keep your online progress safe. Remember that once deleted, local saves cannot be recovered unless they are re-downloaded from the cloud.

How to factory reset your Xbox One console

A factory reset is the nuclear option. It wipes the console back to its original state and should only be used when other methods have failed or if you are selling or giving away the console. Always back up any important data before proceeding.

Go to Settings > System > Console info & updates.
Select Reset console.
Choose between the two available options:
- Reset and keep my games & apps, This deletes all settings, accounts, and saved game data but keeps your installed games and apps. You will need to re-download game updates and re-sign in to your profiles.
- Reset and remove everything, This completely wipes the console, including all games, apps, saved data, profiles, and settings. The console will be as if it just came out of the box.
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and complete the reset.

This process can take significant time. Any digital games or content purchased will need to be re-downloaded and installed after the reset.

What happens to your cloud saves and achievements

Deleting local saves does not touch your Xbox Live cloud saves or achievements. Achievements are permanently tied to your Xbox Live account and cannot be removed by deleting any save data. Cloud saves are stored on Microsoft's servers and will automatically sync the next time you play a game while connected to Xbox Live, provided you did not choose "Delete everywhere."

To avoid accidentally wiping progress permanently, always choose Delete from console instead of Delete everywhere unless you are certain you want to remove the save from the cloud as well. Once a save is deleted from the cloud, it cannot be recovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will deleting saved game data also delete my achievements?

No, achievements are tied to your Xbox Live account and remain intact even after deleting saved game data. Deleting saves only removes progress files, not your earned achievements.

If I delete saved game data, can I still access it in the future?

No, deleting saved game data is permanent. If you choose "Delete from console," the save can be re-downloaded from the cloud. If you choose "Delete everywhere," it cannot be restored.

Do I need to be connected to the internet to delete saved game data?

No, you can delete saved game data offline directly from your console. However, you will need an internet connection to re-sync cloud saves after a local deletion.