How to factory reset a PS4 console to wipe your data and restore it to its default settings (2024)

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How to factory reset a PS4 console to wipe your data and restore it to its default settings (1) How to factory reset a PS4 console to wipe your data and restore it to its default settings (2)
  • You can factory reset a PS4 from your console's dashboard or via safe mode.
  • Before performing a factory reset, make sure to back up your PS4 data.
  • You'll also need to deactivate your PlayStation Network account before resetting.

If you're selling, trading, or even giving away your PlayStation 4, you should perform a factory reset to erase (and therefore protect) all your personal information. If you're having issues with your console (like crashing, glitching, freezing, or save errors), a factory reset may help to resolve them.

Since a factory reset will erase all your personal information from your PS4 and restore it to factory settings, it's important to back up your PS4 data beforehand.

Here's how to deactivate your PS4 as your primary unit — an essential step before resetting — and how to factory reset a PS4.

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How to deactivate PlayStation Network account

1. Open Settings on your PS4. Select the PlayStation Network/Account Management tab.

2. Select the Activate as Your Primary PS4 tab, then Deactivate.

3. Select Yes to confirm your choice.

4. When the deactivation process is complete, select OK.

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How to factory reset your PS4

Before performing a factory reset using one of the below methods, make sure you've backed up your data.

From your console's dashboard:

1. Log in to your account. Go to Settings.

2. Select Initialization, then select Initialize PS4.

How to factory reset a PS4 console to wipe your data and restore it to its default settings (3)

3. Select Full, then Initialize.

4. Select Yes to confirm your choice.

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From Safe Mode:

If you're unable to factory reset your PS4 using the method outlined above, try this method via safe mode.

1. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps.

2. Select Initialize PS4 to wipe all user data and restore your console to factory settings.

How to factory reset a PS4 console to wipe your data and restore it to its default settings (4)

Abigail Abesamis Demarest is a contributing writer for Insider based in New York. She loves a good glazed donut and nerdy deep dives into the science of food and how it's made.

How to factory reset a PS4 console to wipe your data and restore it to its default settings (2024)

FAQs

How to factory reset a PS4 console to wipe your data and restore it to its default settings? ›

Initialization of your PS4™ system restores system settings to default values. It deletes data saved on system storage and deletes all users and their data from the system. Initialize the system under (Settings) > [Initialization] > [Initialize PS4] > [Full].

How do I factory reset my PS4 and delete everything? ›

Initialization of your PS4™ system restores system settings to default values. It deletes data saved on system storage and deletes all users and their data from the system. Initialize the system under (Settings) > [Initialization] > [Initialize PS4] > [Full].

Does restore default settings PS4 delete everything? ›

Restoring default settings won't delete content on console storage such as games, apps, screenshots, video clips, and saved data. Select Clear System Software Cache if you're experiencing system feature issues or performance drops.

How to factory reset PS4 with power button? ›

Hold the power button down until you hear two beeps, which will allow it to boot in Safe Mode. Step 4: Choose Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) on your PS4. From there, follow all the prompts from your PS4. As you go through, the console will wipe everything, including system software.

Why should I factory reset my PS4? ›

There are various reasons you may want to refresh your PS4 or PS5, but there are also reasons why you should factory reset your PlayStation:
  1. Selling or trading your PlayStation. ...
  2. Fixing performance issues. ...
  3. Troubleshooting software problems. ...
  4. Starting fresh.
Dec 27, 2023

How do I get to factory reset? ›

Factory reset for Android devices

The Reset option is commonly found in the Settings app under General Management but can also be found by searching the Settings app for the word “Reset.” Within the Reset window, there should be an option for Factory data reset.

Does factory resetting a PS4 remove all accounts? ›

When you factory reset your PS4 or PS5, you destroy any personal data or software configurations present on the console, preventing the buyer from accessing your account or playing your games.

Does factory reset remove settings? ›

Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone. If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions.

What happens if I reset and erase all content and settings? ›

When you tap Erase All Content and Settings, it completely erases your device, including any credit or debit cards you added for Apple Pay and any photos, contacts, music, or apps. It will also turn off iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Game Center, and other services.

How long does a PS4 factory reset take? ›

Confirm your factory reset by selecting "Yes". Step 5. Wait for the factory reset process to be completed, which may take up to several hours. Once it's done, your PS4 will restart automatically, and you can start setting it up as new.

What does holding the PS4 power button do? ›

Putting your system in rest mode

You can put your PS4™ system in rest mode using any of these methods. Select (Power) from the function screen, and then select [Enter Rest Mode]. Select [Power] > [Enter Rest Mode] on the quick menu. Press and hold the power button until the system beeps.

How do you reset your PS4 password if you forgot it? ›

Go to the Account Management sign-in page and select Trouble Signing in? > Reset your password and enter your sign-in ID (email address). You are sent an email containing a secure link.

How do I remove previous owner from PS4? ›

Delete a PS4 User
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select "Login Setting" from the menu.
  3. Select "User Management"
  4. Select "Delete User", then select the profile you would like to delete. That's it! You've successfully deleted that pesky profile off your console.

How do you reset PS4 to factory settings? ›

To restore system software to its default settings, select (Settings) > [Initialisation] > [Restore Default Settings], and then follow the on-screen instructions.

How do I delete data on my PS4? ›

How to delete saved data from your PS4 console
  1. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management.
  2. Choose either System Storage, Online Storage or USB Storage > Delete.
  3. Select a game and then select the files you wish to delete or Select All.
  4. Select Delete and then select OK to confirm your decision.

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