How do you Factory Reset a PS4 to Fix Issues and Prepare it for Sale?

The PlayStation 4 is still a very popular gaming console, but you might be thinking about upgrading to PS5. If you decide to sell your old PS4 or stop using it for any other reason, it’s a good idea to do a factory reset first.

A factory reset will erase all the data and your personal information, making the PS4 ready for a new owner. It can also help fix any problems your PS4 might have.

There are Two Ways to Factory Reset your PS4:

Through the PlayStation 4 dashboard
Using the PS4’s Safe Mode

How to Factory Reset on your PS4?

Before resetting, it's important to back up your saved data so you don’t lose progress in your games. Keep in mind that a factory reset will completely erase everything on your PS4, including the system software. Resetting the PS4 will erase everything, including saved games, images, videos, etc. It’s usually only needed when there’s a serious problem, like the PS4 not starting up, or if you want to remove your data before selling.

Here are the simple steps to perform a factory reset on your PS4, whether you have the original model, slim, or pro.

Step-1: Account Management Option: Go to the settings menu and look for account management. You need to deactivate the PS4 as your primary console. This setting lets you play downloaded games offline on this PS4. If you skip this step, you may run into issues when trying to log in on a new console and play your games.

Step 2: Go to the ‘Activate as your primary PS4’ option. Your PS4 is likely already activated, so the ‘Activate’ option will be grayed out, and ‘Deactivate’ will be the only option available. Select ‘Deactivate,’ then confirm by choosing ‘Yes’ on the next screen.

Step 3: Log back into your account and return to the settings to complete the final steps.

Step 4: Go to the bottom of the settings menu and select ‘Initialization’. You will see a few options. For this guide, focus on the last 2 options, skipping ‘Clear Learning Dictionary.’ The first option, ‘Restore default Settings,’ will reset your settings but won’t erase your hard drive.

The second option, ‘Initialize PS4,’ is the important one. This will wipe your hard drive, including downloaded games, saved data, and anything else you’ve added. It will return your PS4 to the state it was in when you first purchased it.

Step 5: The ‘Full’ wipe is what you need. Be aware that it will take a while, likely a couple of hours or more.

After you start the wipe, the PS4 will show you a progress bar indicating the time left, but it may take even longer as the console goes through several steps. Once it’s done, your PS4 will be ready to set up just like when you first turned it on. If you’re selling it, the console will be completely reset with no data remaining.

How to Factory Reset your PS4 from Safe Mode

If you’re having issues with the system software or errors that stop you from accessing the settings menu, you can perform a reset from safe mode.

Step 1: Turn off your PS4 completely. Make sure it’s not in Rest mode but fully powered off so you can start in safe mode.

Step 2: Press and hold the power button on the console until you hear two beeps. Make sure to press the button on the console itself, not with the controller. Hold it for about eight seconds. It will beep once when you first press it and then again right before it starts in Safe Mode. The safe mode screen will have a black background.

Step 3: In Safe Mode, there are three options for resetting your PS4:

Restore Default Setting: This resets the PS4 to its original software settings but keeps your data.
Initialize PS4: This will erase everything on your hard drive and reset the PS4 to the factory settings, but it will keep the system software (the operating system).
Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software): This is a complete reset; erase everything on PS4 and require you to reinstall the system software (the operating system).

Step 4: If you’re not facing software issues, choose initialize PS4. This will reset your hard drive and settings to their factory defaults but keep the operating system intact. It’s the same option as in the settings menu, and you can choose between Quick or Full reset. Once you pick your option, you’re all set.

How to Reinstall System Software?

Reinstalling system software is a more thorough reset than a full initialization. It will erase all software from the console. You’ll need another device to reinstall the system software after this reset. If you’re having issues with the operating system, choose Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software), but there are other steps you’ll need to do first.

Step 1: On your computer, search for the latest PS4 system software (version 10.01) on the play station website and download it. You’ll need a USB flash drive or an external hard drive with at least 1.1 GB of free space to transfer the update.

Step 2: On the USB drive, create a folder named PS4. Inside that folder, create another folder called ‘UPDATE.’ Place the downloaded file into the ‘UPDATE’ folder and name it PS4UPDATE.

Step 3: Turn off your PS4 completely. Hold the power button until you hear two beeps to start it in safe mode.

Step 4: Select ‘INITIALIZE’ PS4 (Reinstall System Software) in Safe Mode. Follow the on-screen instructions. The PS4 will wipe everything, including its system software. When prompted, plug in the USB drive with the update, and the PS4 will reinstall the system software. Once it’s done, your PS4 will be restored to factory settings.

FAQ’s

Does a Factory Reset Delete Everything on my PS4?

Yes, a factory reset will erase all your settings and data permanently. Make sure you backup anything important before doing it.

How do I Wipe a Used PS4 as a New Owner?

To wipe a used PS4, go to settings> Account Management, select Deactivate, and then choose Initialize PS4. The reset may take a couple of hours or more.