Okay, so you need to wipe your PS4 clean. Maybe you're selling it, maybe it's acting super sluggish, or maybe you just want a completely fresh start. Whatever the reason, figuring out how to factory reset PS4 can feel a bit daunting if you've never done it. Will you lose everything? What's the difference between all those reset options? Can something go wrong? Take a breath. I've done this more times than I can count (seriously, I used to refurbish consoles), and I'm walking you through every single step, every pitfall, and everything you absolutely need to know before you hit that reset button. This isn't just dry instructions; it's the guide I wish I had the first time I needed to factory reset a PS4.
Before You Factory Reset: This Stuff is CRITICAL
Look, I get the urge to just dive in and get it over with. But trust me, skipping this prep work is the number one reason people regret doing a factory reset. Doing a factory reset on your PS4 will erase everything stored on its internal hard drive. Think of it like getting a brand new console out of the box. Poof. Gone. Here's what you absolutely, unquestionably need to do first:
Backup Your Saves (This is Non-Negotiable!)
Your game progress? It lives on the console. Without a backup, resetting means starting every single game from scratch. Ouch.
Your Options:- PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage: The easiest way if you have an active PS+ subscription. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Upload to Online Storage. Select the games you want to back up. Double-check the upload date/time afterward! I once assumed it was automatic for all games and lost months of progress on one title. Not fun.
- USB Drive: No PS+? Grab a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT. Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in System Storage > Copy to USB Storage Device. Select your saves. Make sure the drive has enough space – game saves can be surprisingly large.
Deactivate Your PS4 as Primary
If this is your primary PS4, deactivating before the reset is crucial for avoiding future headaches with game licenses and sharing. Head to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4 > Deactivate. Simple step, big payoff later.
Got Stuff on an External Drive?
Good news! A standard factory reset doesn't touch your external USB drive. BUT, if you need to wipe that too for selling, you'll have to format it separately later (maybe plug it into a computer). Just unplug it before starting the PS4 reset process to be safe.
Note Down Your WiFi Details & Important Info
After the reset, you'll need to reconnect to WiFi. Jot down your network name (SSID) and password somewhere. Also, make sure you know your main PSN email and password – you'll need it to sign back in.
Power & Patience
Plug in the power cable! Seriously, if the power cuts out during a reset (especially a full one), you risk bricking your console. Don't rely on the battery indicator. Also, the reset process can take a while. Plan for at least 20-60 minutes, depending on the method and your hard drive size. Go make a coffee.
Pro Tip: Take a picture of your home screen layout if you're particular about it. Reinstalling everything later is one thing, but remembering exactly where you put each icon is another!
Choosing Your Factory Reset Method: Quick vs. Full
Alright, backups done? Console deactivated? Power plugged in? Good. Now you have a choice. Sony gives you two main ways to factory reset your PS4, each with different purposes and time commitments. Picking the right one matters.
| Method | What It Does | When To Use It | Time Required | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initialization (Quick) | Deletes all user accounts, settings, installed games/apps. Wipes the file system index for speed, but doesn't deeply erase old data. | Selling or giving away the console? Do not use this! Use only if keeping the console for yourself and facing major software glitches or slowdowns. | 10-20 minutes |
|
| Initialization (Full) | Performs a deep erase. Deletes everything (like Quick) AND overwrites the entire hard drive to make data recovery extremely difficult/near impossible. | Best for selling, trading in, or donating your PS4. Also the most thorough fix for persistent, deep-seated software issues. | 1-4 hours (Depends heavily on HDD size) |
|
"But what about 'Restore Default Settings'?" That option (Settings > Initialization > Restore Default Settings) only resets your settings to factory defaults. It does not delete your user accounts, saved data, or installed games. It's useful for fixing messed-up configurations but isn't a factory reset. If you want to know how to factory reset PS4 properly, stick with Initialization.
How to Factory Reset PS4 from the Settings Menu (Normal Method)
This is the standard way, assuming your PS4 turns on and you can navigate the menus. It uses the "Initialization" options we just talked about.
Step-by-Step:
- Power Up: Turn on your PS4 and log in with the account you want to reset from (usually your main account).
- Navigate to Settings: Scroll all the way right on the home screen to the toolbox icon.
- Find Initialization: Go down to Initialization (near the bottom of the list).
- Choose Reset Type: Select Initialize PS4. Now you'll see the choice between Quick and Full.
- Select Quick or Full: Remember the table above? Choose based on your situation. When selling, always pick Full!
- Confirm (Seriously, Last Chance!): The PS4 will warn you, loudly, that everything will be deleted. Read it carefully. If you're sure, select Yes. There's no going back after this.
- Wait Patiently: The console will restart and begin the reset process. You'll see a progress bar. DO NOT TURN OFF THE PS4 during this time. Let it run completely. It might restart several times; this is normal.
- Initial Setup: Once complete, the PS4 boots up like brand new. You'll go through the initial setup screens: choose language, connect to WiFi, sign in/set up a PSN account, adjust settings.
If you backed up saves to the cloud, you can now go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in Online Storage > Download to System Storage to get them back. USB saves go through Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data on USB Storage Device > Copy to System Storage.
How to Factory Reset PS4 Using Safe Mode (For Troubleshooting or Bricked Consoles)
Uh oh. Can't boot into the normal interface? Maybe your PS4 is frozen on a black screen, stuck in a boot loop, or corrupted data is preventing startup. This is where Safe Mode saves the day. Safe Mode is a special boot state that loads minimal system software, bypassing the usual startup. It's essential for troubleshooting and learning how to factory reset PS4 when the normal way fails.
When You Need Safe Mode:
- PS4 won't start normally (black screen, blinking light, freezes on logo).
- You get persistent error codes preventing boot.
- You forgot your PS4's login password.
- The normal Initialization process fails.
Getting into Safe Mode
- Power Down Completely: If your PS4 is on or in rest mode, hold the power button for about 7 seconds until it beeps twice (you'll hear the first beep, keep holding for ~7 more seconds for the second).
- Connect Controller: Plug a USB cable from your DualShock 4 controller directly into the PS4. Safe Mode requires a wired connection.
- Initiate Safe Mode: Press and hold the PS4's power button. Release it after you hear the second beep (about 7-8 seconds). The first beep happens when you press it, keep holding!
- Connect Controller (Again): You should now see a black screen asking you to press the PS button on a controller connected via USB. Do that.
If you see the Safe Mode menu (white text on black background with numbered options), you're in! If not, double-check the steps – timing the button hold is crucial. Try powering down completely (unplug for a minute) and restarting the process.
Safe Mode Factory Reset Options
Safe Mode gives you several choices, but the two relevant for a factory reset are:
| Option Number | Option Name | What It Does | When To Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5. | Rebuild Database | Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content. Like defragmenting. Does not delete games, apps, saves, or settings. | Console is slow, laggy, icons missing, games not loading right. Try this BEFORE a full reset! |
| 6. | Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) | Performs a Full factory reset. Deletes absolutely everything and reinstalls the PS4 system software from scratch. | Major software corruption, persistent boot failures, preparing console for sale when normal reset fails, or after Option 5 & 7 don't work. |
| 7. | Initialize PS4 | Performs the same Full factory reset as Option 6, but doesn't require reinstalling the system software file. | Same as Option 6, but only if the existing system software isn't severely corrupted. Often safer to use Option 6 if unsure. |
Important: Options 6 and 7 in Safe Mode always perform the Full deep erase. There is no "Quick" option here. This is the nuclear option for factory resetting your PS4.
Performing the Safe Mode Full Reset (Option 6 or 7)
- Navigate using your controller's D-pad to Option 6: Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) or Option 7: Initialize PS4.
- Press the X button.
- The PS4 will confirm that this will delete all data. Select Yes.
- For Option 6 ONLY: You'll be prompted to connect a USB drive containing the PS4 system software (PS4UPDATE.PUP file). You'll need to download this file from Sony's official website (https://www.playstation.com/support/hardware/ps4/system-software/) onto a FAT32/exFAT formatted USB drive in a folder named "PS4" > "UPDATE". Plug it in and follow the prompts.
- The reset process begins. This can take several hours. Do not interrupt power!
- After completion, the PS4 will restart. You'll go through the initial setup process like a brand-new console.
I remember helping a friend whose PS4 was utterly bricked after a failed system update. Option 6 was the only thing that brought it back to life. It took over 3 hours, but it worked. Patience is key.
What Happens Right After the Factory Reset?
Reset complete? Your PS4 is now essentially brand new out of the box. Forget everything you had installed and configured. Here's what you need to do next:
- Initial Setup: Choose your language, connect to WiFi or LAN, set time zone, agree to terms.
- Sign In to PSN: You'll need your PSN email and password. If you have 2FA enabled (you should!), have your authenticator app or backup codes ready.
- System Update: The reset installs the system software version that was on the console or the file you provided. It will almost certainly need a system software update. Download and install it immediately. This can take a while depending on your internet speed. Don't skip this; updates fix bugs and security holes.
- Re-activate as Primary (Optional): If this is your main console, go back to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4 > Activate.
- Reinstall Games & Apps: Head to your Library > Purchased. You can redownload anything you've bought digitally. Disc games need to be inserted to install again.
- Restore Saved Data: Remember those backups? Now's the time! Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management and choose either Download from Online Storage or Copy from USB Storage Device. Find your saves and restore them.
- Tweak Your Settings: Dive back into Settings to adjust notifications, privacy, power saving, controller settings, etc., to your liking.
Is your console running noticeably faster? It usually does after a full wipe and reload, especially if it was bogged down. Feels good, right?
Factory Reset PS4 Troubleshooting: When Things Don't Go Smoothly
Sometimes, resetting doesn't go perfectly. Don't panic.
| Problem | Likely Cause | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Reset Freezes or Stalls (Progress bar stuck) |
Hard drive failure is common. Software corruption during the process. |
|
| PS4 Won't Boot into Safe Mode | Power issue, severe hardware fault, controller connection problem. |
|
| Error Code SU-XXXXX (During Safe Mode Option 6) |
Corrupted or incorrect system software file. USB drive issue. |
|
| PS4 Turns On Then Off Immediately (After reset attempt) |
Power supply failure, overheating, deep hardware issue. | This is tough. Unplug everything, try a different power outlet. If persists, professional repair is likely needed. |
| Can't Sign Into PSN After Reset | Network issues, PSN downtime, wrong credentials, 2FA problems. |
|
Encountered an error not listed? Sony's official error code support pages are actually pretty decent. Search for the specific code online.
Your Factory Reset PS4 Questions Answered (FAQs)
Does factory resetting PS4 delete everything?
Yes, completely. Everything stored on the internal hard drive: user accounts, settings, installed games and apps, saved game data, screenshots, videos. It's wiped clean. This is why backing up saves is step #1!
What is the difference between reset and factory reset on PS4?
They usually mean the same thing – restoring the console to its original factory state by wiping all user data and settings. The formal terms Sony uses are "Initialize PS4" (Quick or Full). "Restore Default Settings" only resets settings, not data.
How long does it take to factory reset a PS4?
It varies wildly:
- Quick Initialize: 10-20 minutes.
- Full Initialize (Normal): 1-2 hours.
- Full Initialize via Safe Mode (Option 7): 1-3 hours.
- Full Initialize + Reinstall System Software (Safe Mode Option 6): 2-4 hours or more.
Will I lose my games if I factory reset my PS4?
Yes, all games installed on the internal hard drive will be deleted. However, your license to play them is tied to your PSN account. After resetting and signing back in, you can redownload all your digital purchases from your Library. Disc games need to be inserted to install again. Games on an external USB drive are usually safe unless you format that drive separately.
Is factory resetting PS4 safe?
Generally, yes, if you follow the steps correctly and ensure the power doesn't go out. The biggest risks are interrupting the process (which can corrupt the system) or failing to back up saves. If your PS4 has underlying hardware issues (like a failing hard drive), the reset process might fail or expose those problems.
How do I factory reset my PS4 without the screen?
If you can't see the screen but you suspect the console is still responsive, booting into Safe Mode is sometimes possible "blind" if you know the button sequence. Power down completely. Hold the power button for ~7 seconds until the second beep. Wait 30 seconds. Press Down on the D-pad twice (assuming default Safe Mode order), then press X. This should select Option 3 (Update System Software). Wait about 60 seconds. Press Down twice more, press X (this should select Option 5: Rebuild Database). Wait. If it works, it might fix the display issue. If not, a factory reset blind is very risky. Professional help might be needed.
Can I factory reset my PS4 from my phone?
No, you cannot initiate a factory reset remotely from the PS App on your phone. The reset process must be started directly on the PS4 console itself, either through the Settings menu or Safe Mode.
Do I need the serial number or any codes to factory reset?
No, you don't need the serial number or any special codes to perform a factory reset using the console's built-in options (Settings or Safe Mode). You only need physical access to the console.
Does factory resetting PS4 remove my PSN account?
Yes, factory resetting removes all user accounts from the console, including your PSN account. However, your PSN account itself still exists on Sony's servers. After the reset, during setup, you simply sign back into your PSN account using your email and password to regain access to your digital purchases and online services.
How often should I factory reset my PS4?
Almost never. A factory reset isn't regular maintenance. Only do it if:
- You're selling/giving away the console.
- You're experiencing severe, persistent software problems that rebuilding the database and other fixes don't solve.
- You want a drastic fresh start for account management reasons.
Wrapping It Up: You're Now a PS4 Reset Pro
Knowing how to factory reset PS4 is a powerful tool, whether you're passing your console on, troubleshooting a nightmare software glitch, or just craving that clean-slate feeling. The key takeaways are simple but vital:
- BACK UP YOUR SAVES FIRST. Cannot stress this enough. Cloud or USB, just do it.
- Deactivate as Primary if it's yours.
- Plug in the power cable!
- Understand the difference between Quick (mostly for you, not secure) and Full (mandatory for selling, more thorough).
- Use Safe Mode (Options 5, 6, or 7) if your console won't boot normally.
- Be patient, especially with Full resets or Safe Mode.
- Expect to spend time reinstalling, updating, and restoring afterwards.
Factory resetting can seem intimidating, but breaking it down step-by-step demystifies it. I've walked dozens of people through this exact process. Follow the guide, take your time with the prep, and you'll get through it. Your PS4 will thank you with a fresh start.
Still got questions? Drop 'em in the comments below – happy to help clarify anything about how to factory reset your PS4!
Leave a Message