Is your PlayStation 4 acting strange? Are you planning to sell or give away your PS4? Whatever the reason, sometimes it’s necessary to factory reset your console. But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it may seem, especially with our step-by-step guide. In this article, we’ll show you how to factory reset your PS4, ensuring that your data is backed up and the process goes smoothly.
Why Factory Reset Your PS4?
Performing a factory reset is usually a last resort when your PS4 is experiencing software glitches or you want to ensure that none of your personal data remains on the console before selling or giving it away. It’s important to note that a factory reset will erase all data, including games, saved game data, and settings, so backing up your data is crucial.
Back Up Your Data
Before diving into the reset process, it’s essential to back up your data. This includes images, saves, and videos, which can be uploaded to an external device or the cloud. PlayStation Plus members can take advantage of the 100GB of cloud storage, while non-members can use a flash drive for save data backup.
Factory Reset from the Dashboard
To perform a factory reset from the PlayStation 4 dashboard, follow these steps:
Step 1: Start in the settings menu and navigate to Account Management. Deactivate the console as your primary PlayStation 4 to avoid any complications when using your new console.
Step 2: Proceed to Activate as Your Primary PS4. If your console is already activated, select Deactivate to continue.
Step 3: Sign back into your account and return to the settings for the final steps.
Step 4: Scroll to the bottom of the Settings menu and click on Initialization. Choose Restore Default Settings to reset your settings data or Initialize PS4 to wipe your hard drive and restore the console to its factory condition.
Step 5: If you choose to initialize, be aware that it can take several hours to complete. Once finished, you can set up your PS4 as if it were brand new.
Perform a Factory Reset from Safe Mode
If you’re experiencing software issues or other errors that prevent you from accessing the settings menu, you can perform a factory reset from Safe Mode:
Step 1: Turn off your PS4 completely, ensuring that it is not in Rest Mode.
Step 2: Hold down the power button on the console until you hear two beeps, indicating that you’ve entered Safe Mode.
Step 3: In Safe Mode, you’ll find options similar to those in the settings menu. Choose either Restore Default Settings to reset everything while preserving your data or Initialize PS4 to fully wipe your hard drive and restore the console to its original software settings.
Step 4: If you select Initialize PS4, you’ll have the option to perform a Quick or Full initialization. Choose accordingly, and the process will commence.
Reinstall System Software on PS4
If you’re facing software problems with the PS4’s operating system, you may need to reinstall the system software. Here’s how:
Step 1: On your PC, search for the latest system software from the PlayStation website and download it. Prepare a USB flash drive or external hard drive with enough space.
Step 2: Create a folder named “PS4” on your USB device. Inside that folder, create another folder named “UPDATE” (all caps). Copy the downloaded firmware file (named “PS4UPDATE.PUP”) into the “UPDATE” folder.
Step 3: Boot your PS4 in Safe Mode, following the steps mentioned earlier.
Step 4: Choose Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) and follow the on-screen prompts. The console will wipe everything, including the system software. Plug in the USB device with the update file to reinstall the system software.
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