How to Perform a Factory Reset on your PS4 [2024 Comprehensive Guide]

Performing a factory reset on a PlayStation 4 is a process that restores the console to its original, brand-new condition.

There could be several reasons behind your intention to perform a factory reset on your PS4. It could be that you're planning to sell or trade your PS4, or perhaps you're dealing with frequent crashes, glitches, or freezing issues. Maybe you're looking to upgrade the PS4 hard drive. Alternatively, you might be purchasing a pre-owned PS4 and wish to ensure that it's free from any malware. Regardless of the motive, resetting your PS4 to its factory settings is a relatively straightforward process. In this article, we'll present two effective methods for you to follow.

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Preparations to Make Before a Factory Reset on PS4

Before performing a factory reset, you need to make certain preparations to ensure the process proceeds smoothly.

• Backup any critical files and data

The first and most crucial step is to back up all essential data since a factory reset will erase everything from the console. To backup your PS4, you'll need a USB drive with sufficient storage capacity to accommodate all the data on your PS4.

If you don't want to back up all files, select the important ones, such as games and apps, screenshots and video clips, settings, and saved data.

• Deactivate any subscriptions

If you don't plan on using your PS4 account in the future, it's advisable to cancel the subscription. You can do this by logging into Account Management through a web browser. Once logged in, navigate to the subscription option from the menu on the left side of the screen, and finally, select "Cancel Subscription" next to the subscription you wish to terminate.

<(Information source: https://www.playstation.com/en-hk/support/store/cancel-ps-store-subscription/)>

• Log out of your PlayStation Network account

To protect your privacy, it's best to log out of your PS4 network account. It's easy. Just go to Settings, select Account Management, and then Log Out.

Unplug any external storage devices

If you have any other external devices plugged into your PS4, make sure to unplug them before performing a factory reset.

• Power off your PS4

"Turn off PS4" is only applicable for Method 2 - resetting via Safe Mode. Press and hold the power button for approximately 10 seconds until you hear two beeps indicating the system has powered down. With the first method, there's no need to manually turn off your PS4.

2 Methods to Factory Reset PS4

Method 1: Factory Reset PS4 via Settings

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "System" on your PS4 home menu.

Step 2. Scroll down to the bottom and select "Initialize PS4".

Step 3. Select "Full" factory reset and then tap "Next".

Step 4. Confirm the factory reset by selecting "Yes".

Step 5. Wait for the factory reset process to complete, which can take up to several hours. When it's finished, your PS4 will automatically restart, and you can begin setting it up as if it were new.

Method 2: Perform a Factory Reset on PS4 using Safe Mode

If you're experiencing issues with booting or encountering errors that prevent you from accessing the Settings menu and initializing your PS4, you can attempt to do so via the console's Safe Mode. Follow these steps: 1. Turn off your PlayStation 4 completely. Make sure it is not in rest mode. 2. Press and hold the power button on the front of the console. Release it after you hear two beeps. The first beep will indicate that the console has been powered on, while the second one will signify that it has entered Safe Mode. 3. Connect your DualShock 4 controller to the PS4 using a USB cable. 4. Press the PS button on your controller. This should illuminate the light bar on the controller, indicating that it's connected in Safe Mode. 5. On the screen, you'll see a list of options. Select "Initialize PS4" using the D-pad on your controller, and then press the X button to confirm your choice. 6. You'll be prompted to choose between "Quick" and "Full" initialization. "Quick" will erase saved data and settings but retain the system software, while "Full" will completely reset the console, erasing all data and reverting it to factory settings. 7. Choose the appropriate option and follow the on-screen instructions to proceed with the initialization process. Once completed, your PS4 will be reset, and you should be able to set it up as if it were new.

Step 1. Turn off your PS4 completely. (Refer to the preparations above)

Step 2. Connect your controller to the PS4 using a USB cable, and then press the PS button on the controller.

Step 3. On your TV screen, you should see a Safe Mode menu. From the next screen, select "Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)."

Step 5. Depending on your needs, select either "Quick" or "Full" factory reset, then tap "Next".

Step 6. Confirm the factory reset by selecting "Yes".

Step 7. Wait for the factory reset process to complete, which may take some time. Once finished, your PS4 will automatically restart, and you can begin setting it up as if it were new.

Summary

Performing a factory reset on a PS4 isn't complicated if you follow the right steps. If your PS4 is functioning normally, you can opt for the first method to reset it via the Settings menu. However, if it's not working correctly, you can use Safe Mode to accomplish the same goal. Both methods will work as long as you carefully follow each step. Remember to backup all your important files and data beforehand! Hopefully, this guide has been helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions on Factory Reset PS4

1. How do I reinstall the system software on a PS4?

Reinstalling the PS4 system software is slightly more intricate than performing a factory reset, as it requires an additional PC and an external hard drive. First, create a folder named "PS4" on a USB drive that has been formatted as FAT32 on your computer. Inside this "PS4" folder, create another folder named "UPDATE." Next, visit the PS4 system software update page and choose the "Reinstall system software" section. Download the installation file to the "UPDATE" folder you created earlier.

2. How do I back up my PS4 before performing a factory reset?

Backing up your PS4 before performing a factory reset is an excellent way to safeguard important data. To begin, you'll need a USB drive with significantly more storage capacity than the size of your PS4 backup files. Insert the USB drive into your PS4 console. Navigate to the Settings menu, then find System, followed by Back Up and Restore. Choose Back Up, select and confirm the content you wish to back up. Give a name to your backup files, such as "PS4 Backup," and finally, click the Back Up button.

3. Does a PS4 factory reset remove everything?

If you perform a factory reset on your PS4, the process will erase all data from the system. Therefore, it's highly recommended that you back up all your data before proceeding with the factory reset.