Every so often, it becomes essential to execute a factory reset of your PlayStation 4 (PS4) console. Various scenarios may prompt this course of action, including system glitches, plans to resell, or a decision to gift your PS4. No matter the reasons, the process may prove complex, especially for those unfamiliar with the gaming console’s operations.
Here is a detailed guide to guide you through a complete factory reset for your PS4.
Also read: How to Download PS4 Firmware & Installation Guidelines
Factory Resetting Your PS4
There are two ways to perform a PS4 reset: either from the system dashboard or via Safe Mode, in cases where the console experiences boot-up issues. Both methods will be outlined below, starting with resetting via the system dashboard.
Resetting from the System Dashboard
Step 1: Navigate to the settings menu and find ‘Account Management’. Deactivate this console as your primary PlayStation 4 to avoid future problems when logging into your new console.
Step 2: Proceed to ‘Activate as Your Primary PS4’, which will likely be active already. If so, only the ‘Deactivate’ option will be available. Select this and confirm on the subsequent screen.
Step 3: Re-sign in using your ID, then go back to the settings to complete the process.
Step 4: In the Settings menu, scroll to the bottom and click on ‘Initialization’. Here, ignore ‘Clear Learning Dictionary’ and focus on ‘Restore Default Settings’ and ‘Initialize PS4’. The former resets the PS4 to its factory settings but doesn’t clear your hard drive, whereas the latter completely removes all data from your hard drive, reverting your PS4 back to the condition it was in when it left the factory.
Step 5: Choose ‘Full’ under ‘Initialize PS4’ to perform a comprehensive wipe. This process may take several hours.
Once you commence the wipe, a progress bar will display the estimated duration, which may extend as the console proceeds through various steps. Upon completion, you can set up your PS4 as if it were new, or if you intend to sell it, you can hand it over entirely data-free.
Performing a Factory Reset from Safe Mode
Follow these steps for performing a factory reset from safe mode:
Step 1: Power off your PS4 completely. Avoid Rest Mode; the power needs to be entirely off.
Step 2: When you hear two distinct beeps, the console has entered Safe Mode, so keep holding down the power switch until you hear them.
Step 3: In Safe Mode, there are three resetting options. ‘Restore Default Settings’ resets all PS4 settings to the original software settings while retaining your data. ‘Initialize PS4’ wipes your hard drive, restores factory settings, and keeps the system software intact. The last option, ‘Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)’, executes a full factory reset and necessitates reinstalling the PS4’s operating system.
Step 4: If no software problems exist, select ‘Initialize PS4’. This resets your hard drive and software settings to factory defaults but leaves the operating system software unaltered.
Reinstalling System Software on PS4
This process completely eliminates all software from the console and requires another device to reinstall the system software after the reset. If you’re experiencing issues with the operating system, you’ll require to follow this additional step:
Step 1: Download the most recent system software (version 10.01) for your PC from the PlayStation website. You’ll need a flash drive or external hard drive with 1.1GB of free space to transfer this to your PS4.
Step 2: On your USB device, create a new folder named ‘PS4’. Within this, create a folder labelled ‘UPDATE’. Place the firmware file into the ‘UPDATE’ folder, saving it as ‘PS4UPDATE.PUP’.
Step 3: Boot your PS4 in Safe Mode, as summarised in the earlier stages.
Step 4: In Safe Mode, select ‘Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)’. The console will prompt you through the process of wiping all data, including system software. You will be guided through inserting the USB with the update saved on it and reinstalling the system software by the subsequent prompts. Your PS4 will return to factory settings when the new files have been downloaded.
Also read: How to Change the Samsung’s Network Settings
Conclusion
The provided guide aims to facilitate a seamless transition to a factory reset PS4. By observing the summarised steps, you should be able to reset your PlayStation 4 to its original state successfully. Remember to back up all crucial data before beginning the process. Best of luck on successfully resetting your PlayStation 4.