How to Factory Reset PS4

If you own a PlayStation 4 and want to sell it or just want to start from scratch, factory resetting your PS4 is the way to go. It’s also helpful to fix any issues you may have with your PS4. But how do you do it? In this article, we will guide you through the process of factory resetting your PS4, step-by-step.

Before you factory reset your PS4, it’s crucial to back up your data to avoid losing your game saves, game progress, and other essential files. You can back up your data to an external hard drive or to the cloud using PlayStation Plus.

To back up your data to an external hard drive, follow these steps:

Connect your external hard drive to your PS4.
Go to “Settings” on the home screen.
Select “System” and then “Back Up and Restore.”
Choose “Back Up PS4.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the backup process.

Deactivate Your PSN Account

Before you factory reset your PS4, you should also deactivate your PSN account to ensure that your account is not linked to the console. Follow these steps:

Go to “Settings” on the home screen.
Select “Account Management” and then “Activate as Your Primary PS4.”
Choose “Deactivate.”

Start the Factory Reset Process

To factory reset your PS4, follow these steps:

Go to “Settings” on the home screen.
Select “Initialization.”
Choose “Initialize PS4.”
Select “Full” when prompted to choose the initialization type.

Initialize Your PS4

After choosing the “Full” initialization type, your PS4 will be wiped clean of all data, and the system software will be reinstalled. This process can take several hours, depending on the amount of data on your PS4.

Reinstall the System Software

After initializing your PS4, you will need to reinstall the system software. Follow these steps:

Go to the PlayStation website and download the latest system software version.
Save the file to a USB drive.
Connect the USB drive to your PS4.
Start your PS4 in safe mode by holding the power button for seven seconds.
Select “Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)” from the menu.

Restore Your Data

After reinstalling the system software, you can restore your data from the backup you made earlier. Follow these steps:

Go to “Settings” on the home screen.
Select “System” and then “Back Up and Restore.”
Choose “Restore PS4.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restore process.

Other Tips for Factory Resetting Your PS4

Make sure your PS4 is fully charged or plugged in during the process.
Do not turn off your PS4 during the factory reset

Common Problems and Solutions

Here are some common problems that you may encounter during the factory reset process and their solutions:

PS4 freezes during initialization

If your PS4 freezes during the initialization process, try the following:

Wait for a few minutes. Sometimes, the system may need some time to complete the initialization process.
Check your internet connection. A poor internet connection can cause the system to freeze during initialization.
Try initializing your PS4 in safe mode.

Can’t initialize PS4 due to a system software error

If you can’t initialize your PS4 due to a system software error, try the following:

Download the latest system software from the PlayStation website and install it using a USB drive.
Try initializing your PS4 in safe mode.

Can’t restore data after factory reset

If you can’t restore your data after factory resetting your PS4, try the following:

Make sure the backup file is on the USB drive and in the correct folder.
Make sure the USB drive is formatted to FAT32 or exFAT.
Check that the backup file is not corrupted.

Conclusion

Factory resetting your PS4 is a great way to start fresh or fix any issues you may be having with your console. Remember to back up your data before initiating the process and to deactivate your PSN account to prevent any issues with your account. Follow the steps outlined in this article to factory reset your PS4 safely and effectively.