If you’ve had a device for an extended period, it’s a good idea to factory reset it now and then. Unused files grow, caches become clogged with garbage data, and programs you never use begin consuming important storage space.
Technology, particularly gaming devices, is not without flaws. It’s always frustrating to become immersed in a game only to have it freeze just before you reach a checkpoint. Recently, it appears as though the system’s age has exacerbated these issues.
Many PS4 owners have had these frustrating experiences, and there is a pretty simple solution to resolve them, as a complete factory reset. For this, you should learn about How to Factory Reset a PS4?
What are the Reasons To Reset The PS4?
Factory resetting your PS4 deletes all data on the system and restores all settings to their factory defaults. If you desire to know How to Factory Reset a PS4? You have arrived at the correct location.
There are numerous reasons to wipe your PlayStation 4’s hard drive. Perhaps you’re having trouble with your console and believe that restarting it would resolve the issue.
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Suppose you’re intending to upgrade to the latest PlayStation 5 and want to wipe your PS4 before selling or giving it away. In either case, the following guide should assist you in restoring the factory settings to your PlayStation 4.
How to Factory Reset a PS4?
A complete factory reset of the PlayStation 4 is a relatively simple procedure. It is typically done as a last option to ensure the system’s operation. Before factory resetting, it’s critical to back up any saved data.
Resetting PS4 When it is Bootable
If your PS4 does not have a boot issue and powers on typically, you can reset it using the options in the settings.
Here’s how to wipe and reset a PlayStation 4.
Deactivate the Account
- When preparing your PS4 for sale, the first thing you should do is deactivate the PSN account. It can accomplish via the console’s main Settings page.
- From the Home screen to access the Main Menu , press “Up” on your PS4 controller.
- Following that, press the “Right” button on the controller until you reach “Settings.”
- Choose “Settings.”
- Scroll down the menu and press “X” to select the “PlayStation Network/Account Management” tab.
- Now, scroll down to the “Activate as Your Primary PS4” tab and select it with your controller’s “X” button.
- If your account is currently active, the “Activate” option will be disabled and inaccessible.
- If it is not active, the “Deactivate” option is disabled. To deactivate your PSN account, click the “X” button next to the “Deactivate” option.
- Upon completion, a confirmation page will show. Select the “Yes” option and confirm by pushing the controller’s “X” button.
- PlayStation will notify you when the process of deactivation is complete. To confirm, click the “OK” button.
Following that, your PlayStation 4 will reboot. To turn back to the main menu, click the PS button on your controller. Once the PS4 is up and running, it recommends that you activate and deactivate your PSN account again to ensure that it has completely deactivated. Follow the steps outlined above.
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Bear in mind that even after you deactivate your PSN account, your user account will remain active. It will be the console’s sole method of accessing the main menu and playing games.
Wipe the PS4 Clean
Following that, you should erase your PS4 in preparation for the sale. It clears all data from the console and resets it to factory defaults. Wipe your PlayStation 4 by following these procedures.
- Log in with your login name and password.
- On the main screen, press the “Up” button on your controller. The “Notifications” icon highlights by default.
- Continue scrolling right until you reach the “Settings” icon. To select it, click the “X” button.
- Scroll down the “Settings” menu to the “Initialization” tab. With the “X” button, select it.
- Following that, click the “Initialize PS4” option.
- The console will present you with two options: “Quick” or “Full.” Although quick startup takes minutes, the subsequent user will be able to restore your data.
- Complete initialization takes far longer, and the erased data is never recoverable. Because you are selling the console, select the “Full” option.
- Select the “Initialize” button at the bottom of the following screen.
- Finalize your selection by clicking the “Yes” button on the following screen.
Once you agree that you want to complete the console’s initialization, your PS4 will restart and begin the initialization process. Bear in mind that the entire process can take many hours. Your PS4 will display a screen instructing you to connect the controller via the USB cable when the process is complete.
Resetting PS4 When it is Not Bootable
If your PS4 has a boot issue and will not start, you can still reset it to factory settings.
It essentially activates the safe mode option, which you can use to boot your console when it refuses to boot in normal mode. In safe mode, there is an choice to reset your PS4 to factory defaults.
To employ this technique, follow the steps below:
- If your PS4 turns on, turn it off.
- Once your PS4 has switched off, boot it into safe mode. To complete it so, hold down the Power button for approximately eight seconds.
- After the second buzzer sound, release the Power button.
- Utilize the USB cord to connect your controller to your PS4. The wireless mode does not function in safe mode, so you must connect through USB.
- Using your controller, select the Initialize PS4 option.
- Select Complete to initialize your console completely.
- Your console has now restored to its default state. It is no longer storing any of your data or settings.
Reinstall the PS4’s Operating System Software
Installing the system firmware on your PS4 is one way to reset it. In most circumstances, this step is unnecessary, as the procedures outlined above should completely reset your console.
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However, if you continue to experience troubles after resetting the console, you can try updating the most recent firmware update, which should resolve your issues and reset the console.
This procedure necessitates the use of a computer and a USB flash disc. Your flash drive should have a minimum of 2GB of storage space to accommodate the PS4 firmware file.
Then, you must take the following steps:
- Click a browser on your system and navigate to the PlayStation 4 firmware download page.
- You can download the firmware file from the reinstallation section. It is the complete software package for your PlayStation 4.
- Take a USB flash drive and format it with the FAT32 file system.
- Generate a folder on your flash drive called PS4.
- Create a new folder called UPDATE inside the PS4 folder.
- Transfer the PS4 firmware you previously downloaded to this UPDATE folder.
- Ascertain that the downloaded file is named PS4UPDATE.PUP. If not, rename it.
- Link your flash drive to your PS4 console using the USB cable.
- To enter safe mode on your PS4, press and hold the Power button until it beeps twice.
- Select Initialize PlayStation 4 (Reinstall System Software).
- Select Update from USB Storage Device and then click OK.
- Wait for your console to restart before attempting to reinstall the system software.
- When this process is complete, your PS4 should be restored to factory settings using the stock firmware.
If your PS4 does not recognize the software file, double-check that you used the recommended folder names. Additionally, ensure that the software file is not faulty, as this will need you to re-download it from the Sony website.
FAQs – How to Factory Reset a PS4?
How Do You Hard Reset a Ps4?
Maintain pressure on the console’s power button for several seconds or until it beeps twice. After that, the system will boot into safe mode. You’ll see a selection of available alternatives. Additionally, Restore Default Settings and Initialize PS4 are available.
How Long Does It Will Take to Factory Reset Ps4?
However, this process can take several hours. It recommends that you select Full initialization. After selecting one, click “Initialize” to confirm the action. Then, on the subsequent screen, click “Yes” to confirm once more.
Do You Need to Wipe My Ps4 Before Trading It in?
If you’re considering trading in your PS4 for a newer model, you’ll want to ensure that you remove all of your data and reset the system to factory settings before selling it.
Conclusion
Although PlayStation 4 difficulties are uncommon, rebooting your PS4 should resolve the issue in most cases. You may want to do this as well if you’re giving away your console. In any case, you have to reset your PS4; then you need to learn about How to Factory Reset a PS4?
If you’re considering resetting your PS4 to upgrade to the PS5, be sure you understand whether this latest console from Sony meets your demands. When making the transition, there are several factors to consider to ensure your satisfaction with your purchase.
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