Summary
The PlayStation 4 remains a highly sought-after console, prompting owners to ponder the value of upgrading to the PS5. If you choose to go down that path and wish to sell your old PS4 or switch to another gaming device for some reason, it is strongly advised to perform a factory reset beforehand.
Performing a factory reset erases all personal data from the device, ensuring it is prepared for another user. Additionally, it can prove beneficial in resolving any issues with the PS4.
There are two ways to reset your PS4:
1-Accessing the PlayStation 4 dashboard
2-Accessing the Safe Mode on the PS4
In this article, we will cover both methods. Continue reading to learn how to perform a factory reset on your PlayStation 4 system. If you’re interested in learning how to reset a newer system, you can find detailed instructions in our article about factory resetting a PS5.
How to factory reset your PS4
We will provide a comprehensive explanation of each step later in this section. For now, let’s discuss the process of performing a factory reset on your PS4 using the console’s dashboard:
- Navigate to the settings menu and choose Account Management
- Choose the option to deactivate and confirm your selection by choosing “Yes” on the subsequent screen.
- Please log in to your account and navigate to the settings
- Access the Settings menu. Please select the option labeled “Initialization.”
- Choose the option to Initialize PS4. The complete reset might require a few hours or even longer.
- Performing a factory reset is typically considered a final option to guarantee the proper operation of the system.
Prior to performing a factory reset, it is crucial to keep in mind the necessity of backing up any saved data you may have. Performing a factory reset on the PlayStation will completely wipe all of your data from the system. Neglecting to back up your save data will require you to begin your games anew.
It is important to back up various files such as images, saves, and videos. These files can be stored on an external device or in the cloud. To utilize cloud storage for data backup, a PlayStation Plus account is required, providing a generous 100GB of storage capacity. Additionally, if you don’t have a PS Plus membership, you have the option to utilize a flash drive for saving and copying data.
Prior to starting, it is important to note that performing a factory reset on your PS4 will result in the complete erasure of the console’s hard drive, potentially including the removal of its system software. When faced with a software glitch that brings your PlayStation 4 to a standstill, especially during startup or when you need to ensure your data is completely wiped, there is one option left to consider.
Here are detailed instructions to perform a factory reset on your PS4, regardless of whether you have the original model, a Slim, or a Pro.
Begin by navigating to the settings menu and locating the Account Management option. It is recommended to disable the machine as your primary PlayStation 4. This setting enables you to enjoy downloaded games without an internet connection by designating this specific PS4 as your own. If you happen to overlook this step, you’ll come across a range of other issues when you log in to your new console and attempt to play your games.
Next, proceed to the “Activate as Your Primary PS4” option. It is likely that your PS4 is already activated. If that’s the situation, the Activate option will appear disabled, leaving you with only the choice to select Deactivate. Choose the option to deactivate and confirm your selection by choosing “Yes” on the subsequent screen.
Step : Log back into your account and return to the settings to complete the final steps.
Step : Navigate to the bottom of the Settings menu. When you select Initialization, a few additional options will appear for you to choose from. For the purposes of this guide, you only need to focus on the bottom two options. We’ll be skipping Clear Learning Dictionary. After that, you will find the option to Restore Default Settings. This will remove your saved settings data and reset the PS4 to its original factory settings, without affecting your hard drive.
The alternative, Initialize PS4, is a significant choice that will erase all the data on your hard drive, including downloaded games, saved game data, and any other additions you’ve made to the console since purchasing it. By following these steps, you can bring your PS4 back to its original factory state.
Step : The Full wipe is the one you should choose. Be aware that the process will require a significant amount of time, likely a few hours or even longer.
After initiating the wipe, the PS4 will display a progress bar indicating the estimated duration. However, it is important to note that the actual time may be extended due to the console’s execution of various processes. Once the process is complete, you will have the opportunity to configure your PS4 just like you did when you initially powered it on. If you’re interested in selling it, you’ll be providing it in a pristine condition, free from any associated data.
Perform a factory reset from Safe Mode
If you’re experiencing difficulties with system software or encountering errors that are hindering your access to the Settings menu and the ability to re-initialize your PS4, there is an alternative way to access the same options through the console’s Safe Mode.
Step 1: , make sure to completely power off your PS4. Avoid setting it to Rest Mode. Ensure that your console is completely powered off in order to successfully boot into Safe Mode.
Step 2: Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps. To initiate the console, it is necessary to manually press the power button, as opposed to activating it using a controller. Keep it pressed for approximately eight seconds. There will be a beep when you initially press the button, followed by another beep before entering Safe Mode. It will have a distinct label and you’ll easily identify it by its black background.
Step 3: In the Safe Mode menu, you’ll find three distinct methods for resetting your PS4. In Safe Mode, you have the option to reset the PS4 to its original software settings while preserving your data. This can be done by selecting the Restore Default Settings in the Settings menu.
You can also select Initialize PS4. This process will erase all data on your hard drive and revert your device to its original state, while preserving the system software, also known as the operating system.
The final choice is Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software), a comprehensive factory reset that necessitates reinstalling the PS4’s operating system.
Step 4: In the event that you are not experiencing any software issues, you can proceed by selecting the option to Initialize PS4. This process will reset your hard drive and software settings to their original factory state, while keeping the operating system software untouched. It is identical to the option mentioned earlier (found in the Settings menu), and you will have the choice between Quick and Full initializations. If that’s everything you require, then you have successfully completed your task.
How to reinstall system software on PS4
Reinstalling system software is a more thorough reset compared to a full initialization, resulting in the complete removal of all software from the console. It is advisable to have an additional device available for reinstalling system software following the reset. If you’re experiencing software issues with your operating system, you’ll need to select the option to Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software). However, there is an additional step that needs to be completed before proceeding.
Step 1: you’ll need to search for the most up-to-date system software on the PlayStation website. Look for version 10.01 and download it to your computer. To transfer the update to your PS4, you’ll need to utilize a flash drive or an external hard drive that can be connected via a USB port. Make sure you have an external hard drive or USB flash drive with approximately 1.1GB of available space.
Step 2: You can easily create a new folder on your USB device and give it the name “PS4”. Create a new folder inside the designated folder and label it as “UPDATE” using capital letters. Place the firmware file in the designated “UPDATE” folder for easy access during the transfer process. Ensure that the file is saved with the name “PS4UPDATE.PUP”.
Step 3: Start your PS4 in Safe Mode. Simply follow the instructions provided to properly shut down your PS4. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps, enabling it to start up in Safe Mode.
Step 4: Select the option to Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) on your PS4. Simply follow all the prompts from your PS4. As you progress, the console will erase all data, including system software. Follow the upcoming prompts to easily connect the USB containing the update and reinstall the system software. Once the updated files are installed, your PS4 will be reset to its original factory settings.
Will performing a factory reset on my PS4 result in the deletion of all data?
When you perform a factory reset on your PS4 using the initialization menu, all of your settings and information are permanently erased. Ensure that you have no need for any of this data before proceeding with a factory reset on your PS4, as there is no way to recover it once it’s gone.
How can I reset my PS4 as a new owner?
If you’ve recently acquired a pre-owned PS4 and wish to erase all data as the new owner, it is recommended to carry out a factory reset of your console. To accomplish this, navigate to the Settings menu on the PS4 dashboard, proceed to Account Management, choose Deactivate, and finally press Initialize PS4. The factory reset process for a PS4 may require a significant amount of time to complete.
How can I go about wiping and restoring my PS4?
To perform a wipe and restore on your PS4, follow these steps:
- Navigate to the settings menu and choose Account Management
- Choose the option to deactivate and confirm your selection by choosing “Yes” on the subsequent screen.
- Please log in to your account and navigate to the settings section once again. You can find the settings menu there. Please select the option labeled “Initialization.”
- Choose the option to Initialize PS4. The complete reset might require a few hours or even longer.
Is initializing the PS4 equivalent to performing a factory reset?
Indeed, these two concepts are synonymous – erasing all the data from your PS4 and restoring it to its original factory settings.
However, there is another option that might be causing some confusion, known as Restore Default Settings or Restore Factory Settings. This is a fast refresh mode that will preserve all your data, but will restore only your settings to the PS4’s original state. This option may not be ideal if you intend to sell your PS4, as it is important to erase your personal data and games before transferring ownership to someone else. However, it can be advantageous to attempt to swiftly resolve an issue without the need for a complete factory reset.
