This article explains how to factory reset a PS4. Instructions apply to all models, including the PlayStation 4 Slim and PS4 Pro.

What to Know

  • Go to Settings > PlayStation Network/Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4 > Deactivate, then restart the console.Sign in again and go to Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 > Full, then confirm to begin the reset.Note: To hard reset a PS4 that won’t boot up, start the console in safe mode and reinstall the system software using a flash drive.

How to Factory Reset a PS4

If you plan to sell your PS4, or if a software glitch is preventing your console from booting up, consider performing a factory reset. Before you begin, the console has to be on, and you must be signed in to your PS4 account.

  • Navigate to the Settings option (the briefcase icon) in the row of icons above the home menu.
  • Go to PlayStation Network/Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.
  • Choose Deactivate and then manually restart the console.
  • After you sign in again, navigate to Settings.
  • Choose Initialization, and then pick Initialize PS4.
  • Another option here, called Restore Default Settings, simply deletes any custom system preferences you have set up; it will not erase your game data.
  • When you’re ready to wipe your PS4 hard drive of everything except its operating system, select Full, and then confirm with Initialize and then Yes.
  • A progress bar should appear but expect the process to take a few hours.
  • Once finished, follow the on-screen instructions. You should then turn off your PS4 by holding down the console’s power button until it beeps.

If you plan to sell your PS4, you can now be confident that whoever buys it won’t have access to your personal account or information. The next time someone turns on the system, they’ll be prompted to set up the console just like when you first bought it. Physically cleaning your PS4 is also a good idea if you want to get a good price for it.

Navigate to the Settings option (the briefcase icon) in the row of icons above the home menu.

Go to PlayStation Network/Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4.

Choose Deactivate and then manually restart the console.

After you sign in again, navigate to Settings.

Choose Initialization, and then pick Initialize PS4.

Another option here, called Restore Default Settings, simply deletes any custom system preferences you have set up; it will not erase your game data.

When you’re ready to wipe your PS4 hard drive of everything except its operating system, select Full, and then confirm with Initialize and then Yes.

A progress bar should appear but expect the process to take a few hours.

Once finished, follow the on-screen instructions. You should then turn off your PS4 by holding down the console’s power button until it beeps.

What Does It Mean to Factory Reset a PS4?

Resetting your PS4 restores the hard drive to the state it was in when you first bought the console. Performing a factory reset is highly recommended before selling your PS4 since your system probably contains personal data such as your credit card information.

A PS4 reset can also remove the entire operating system, which may be necessary if your console is malfunctioning.

How to Hard Reset a PS4 That Won’t Boot Up

If you can’t access the settings because your PS4 won’t boot up, you’ll have to reset your console in safe mode and reinstall the system software.

A factory reset is irreversible, so back up your game data with an external hard drive. Alternatively, PlayStation Plus users can upload their data to the cloud for safe storage.

  • Insert a flash drive into the computer and make a new folder on it called PS4.
  • Within that folder, make another called UPDATE.
  • Download the latest PS4 software from PlayStation.com, saving the .PUP file inside the UPDATE folder.
  • Safely remove the flash drive from your computer and set it aside for now.
  • Turn off your PS4. Make sure it’s not in rest mode; you want the power to be completely off.
  • Hold down the console’s power button for several seconds until it beeps a second time. The system will then boot up in safe mode.
  • You’ll be presented with a list of options. In addition, to Restore Default Settings and Initialize PS4, you’ll see Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software). Choosing this option will completely wipe the console’s hard drive of everything, including the PS4 operating system.
  • If your console isn’t having software issues, go to Initialize PS4 > Full; otherwise, choose Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).
  • After the process is finished, you’ll be prompted to connect a device containing the system software. Insert into the PS4 the flash drive that contains the software you downloaded.
  • The console will automatically detect the file and install the operating system.
  • When it’s finished, the PS4 will reboot again and should start up normally.

You’ll need a computer with internet access and a USB flash drive with at least 500 MB of free space.

Insert a flash drive into the computer and make a new folder on it called PS4.

Within that folder, make another called UPDATE.

Download the latest PS4 software from PlayStation.com, saving the .PUP file inside the UPDATE folder.

Safely remove the flash drive from your computer and set it aside for now.

Turn off your PS4. Make sure it’s not in rest mode; you want the power to be completely off.

Hold down the console’s power button for several seconds until it beeps a second time. The system will then boot up in safe mode.

You’ll be presented with a list of options. In addition, to Restore Default Settings and Initialize PS4, you’ll see Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software). Choosing this option will completely wipe the console’s hard drive of everything, including the PS4 operating system.

If your console isn’t having software issues, go to Initialize PS4 > Full; otherwise, choose Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).

After the process is finished, you’ll be prompted to connect a device containing the system software. Insert into the PS4 the flash drive that contains the software you downloaded.

The console will automatically detect the file and install the operating system.

When it’s finished, the PS4 will reboot again and should start up normally.

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