How to Factory Reset PS4?
Play station 4 commonly known as the PS4 is a gaming console that is very popular globally. Having millions of users, issues can occur which will force a user to reset the system or perform similar action.
If you are experiencing difficulties in a platform software or would wish to sell your PS4 console or even give it out and start a new person using it, then you can reset your PS4 console. Here is pretty much all that you ever needed to learn about how to factory reset PS4, how to reset PlayStation 4 and how to clear the system for the best performance.
Why You Should Factory Reset Your PS4?
Before diving into the steps on how to factory reset PS4, it’s important to understand the reasons why a reset may be necessary. Here are some common scenarios:
- Selling or Gifting the Console: An important consideration is that in case you are among the people intending to resale or even give away your PlayStation 4 console you will need to delete all your files. In other words, it means the factory reset will take the system back to a state it was at when the Manufacture produced it.
- Fixing System Issues: If the console is operating slowly, freezing up, or even developing “bugs”, resetting can remove these problems.
- Starting Fresh: Once in a while there is just something to be said for wiping the slate clean and beginning on a fresh canvas. For instance if your hard drive have games you rarely use, saved data’s or apps, this often makes the device slow, a factory reset will remove all such unnecessary items.
Warning: Backup Your Data
A factory reset will remove all content from your console including the games you have been saving, user profiles, screens shots and contents that you have downloaded. As always, you should ensure that you back up any important data before you go any further. You can do this by moving your save files to a USB drive and then copying them to the PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage if, of course, you are under the subscription package.
How to Factory Reset PS4: Step-by-Step Guide
There are two ways to reset your PlayStation 4: a soft reset through the console’s settings menu and a hard reset via Safe Mode. Below, we’ll cover both methods in detail.
Method 1: Factory Reset PS4 Through Settings Menu
The easiest and most common way to reset your PS4 is through the system’s settings menu. This is the method you’ll want to use if your console is functioning normally.
Step 1: Sign Out of Your PlayStation Account
The simplest and the most frequent method to accomplish this is to do it with the aid of the settings of the given PS4 system. This is the method you will wish to use if your console is in a normal state.
- Navigate to Settings.
- To circumvent this click on the link below Account Management and enter your login details.
- Select Sign Out.
This one will help to make sure your account is logged off before you reset the console so that the previous account is no longer used.
Step 2: Click on Initialization
That’s enough about what you should not do to your PS4, now let’s dive right into how to factory reset the device.
- Click on the settings icon which can be found on the home screen.
- You move down and choose Initialization.
- Here you will find a few options some of which you may see are as follows – Initialize
As seen in folder title, the name of the folder is “PS4” and the name of one of the files is “Restore Default Settings.”
Step 3: Select Initialize PS4 (Full)
When resetting the console, you’ll be given two options:
- Quick Initialization: This option only wipes users’ data but leaves some data including the operating system of the computer. It is faster than the previous one but not very safe.
- Full Initialization: This will erase all data and bring the console to a factory default setting to operate it like the PS4 console. It can take about couple of hours but of course, it’s more secure particularly if you are selling the console.
Step 4: Confirm the Reset
When you choose the Full Initialization option, you are offered some options for confirmation of your action. Be sure to avoid clicking the ‘next’ button by accident since this will delete all of the data that you input. After that, confirming the action, the process will start and, as a result, your PS4 will restart.
Method 2: Hard Reset PlayStation 4 via Safe Mode
If your PlayStation 4 console will not start or you’re seeing system problems around it, you may have to do a manual reset with the aid of Safe Mode. It is more useful in a situation where you cannot enter settings menu of the system.
Step 1: Power Off the PS4
To perform a hard reset PS4 console, start by powering it off completely. Press and hold the power button for about 7 seconds until you hear two beeps. This will ensure the system is turned off and not in Rest Mode.
Step 2: Enter Safe Mode
Once the PS4 is powered off, follow these steps to enter Safe Mode:
- Keep the power button pressed down once more. Maintain it that way until you hear the second beep sound which should be after 7seconds.
- After the second beep tap the power button and then let go. The PS4 will now enter into Safe Mode as we now progress through the different steps to fix the console.
Step 3: Select “Initialize PS4” in Safe Mode
By plugging in the USB connected controller you will be able to navigate through the Safe Mode selections. Find Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software). This option will enable the user to restore the PS4 to its factory settings thereby erasing all data that is on the game console and the re-establishing the manufacturing settings of the game console.
Step 4: Confirm the Reset
After you have decided to choose an option from the power state, depending with the flow chart above, after you choose Initialize PS4, you have to corroborate the action. It will also remind the system that it needs either to reboot or shut down and will then start a reset procedure which can take some time. Refer to the reset… once the reset has been done, your PS4 will start again, and will be like it is new, and you will be required to set it up.
How to Clear PS4 Cache and System Data
It is also important to learn how to clear temporary data which include Cache Files without having to do a full factory reset. Such files tend to store over time and may cause the system to lag or even encounter problems when loading certain application, games, etc. Here’s how to clear PS4 cache:
Step 1: Turn Off the Console
First of all, you have to make sure that your PS4 console is off completely. Don’t place it on Rest Mode.
Step 2: Unplug the Power Cord
The next thing to try is power cycling the system and this requires that you remove the power cord from the back of the console once the system is completely off. Wait for about 30 seconds to guarantee that all electricity power is pulled out from the system.
Step 3: Plug It Back In and Power On
Next supposed to take 30 seconds, reconnect the power cord and switch on the console. This will erase the cache on the PS4 thus solving any temporary problems that may be hindering the system’s performance.
What Happens After a Factory Reset PS4?
After a factory reset PlayStation 4, the console will boot up as if it were brand new. You’ll be guided through the initial setup process, where you’ll need to configure language settings, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign back into your PlayStation Network account. If you backed up your data, this is the time to restore it.
Restoring Data from a Backup
If you used a USB drive or cloud storage to back up your data before the reset, you can now restore that data:
- USB Drive: Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data on USB Storage Device. From here, you can copy your saved files back to the PS4.
- PlayStation Plus Cloud Storage: If you’re a PS Plus subscriber, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in Online Storage. You can then download your game saves from the cloud.
Boost Your Security with iProVPN After a PS4 Factory Reset
The next process that need to be done is to get your PS4 system online after a hard reset or factory restore. This is where iProVPN comes into play, iProVPN is a virtual private network that aims at providing its users with more privacy while on the internet. Evaluating the utilization of a VPN service is an ideal option to secure your PlayStation connection since it provides encryption in all the sessions you conduct.
Once your console is reset and reconnected to the network, you can:
Avoid ISP Throttling: A few ISPs throttle your connection if it is laden with gaming or streaming, for instance, Sprint. For this reason, iProVPN can prevent this by concealing your traffic, and therefore, guarantee much faster and more stable speeds.
Stay Safe from Cyber Threats: If only you are using a gaming platform or essentially any other online based service, then you are open to cyber-attacks. Operated through iProVPN, your PS4’s Internet connection is protected and safe from DDoS attacks and other related dangers.
Setting up iProVPN on your router is an easy way to ensure that all devices connected to your network, including your PS4, benefit from a secure and private internet connection.
Common Issues and Solutions After a Factory Reset
While a factory reset PS4 usually resolves most issues, there are a few potential problems you might encounter. Below are some common issues and how to fix them.
Issue 1: The PS4 Won’t Boot After a Reset
If your PS4 doesn’t boot up after a reset, try booting into Safe Mode and reinstalling the system software. Make sure to follow the instructions for entering Safe Mode carefully.
Issue 2: Missing Data After Reset
If you forgot to back up your data before the reset, unfortunately, there’s no way to recover it. Always double-check that your important files are safely backed up before initiating a factory reset.
Issue 3: PS4 is Still Running Slow After Reset
If your PS4 is still experiencing performance issues after a reset, the problem could be hardware-related. Make sure your system is clean, properly ventilated, and free of dust buildup. You may also want to consider upgrading the hard drive for better performance.
Conclusion
A factory reset on a PlayStation 4 is usefully in fixing numerous problems which range from slowing down of the factory to software complications. When marketing the console, fixing system issues or if you just wish to start anew, then this guide on how to factory reset PS4 should meet your needs.
FAQs
- What does a factory reset do to my PS4?
A factory reset restores the PS4 to its original state, erasing all user data, installed games, apps, and system settings.
- Will a factory reset delete my saved games?
Yes, a factory reset deletes all saved data, including game saves. Ensure you back up your data to a USB drive or PlayStation Plus Cloud before resetting.
- How can I back up my data before a factory reset?
You can back up your data by transferring your saved files to a USB drive or saving them to the PlayStation Plus Cloud if you have a subscription.
- How long does a full factory reset take?
A full initialization can take several hours, depending on the amount of data stored on the console.
- Can I recover data after a factory reset?
Unfortunately, once a factory reset is completed, there is no way to recover lost data. Make sure all important files are backed up beforehand.
- What should I do if my PS4 won’t boot after a reset?
If your PS4 doesn’t boot after a reset, try booting into Safe Mode and reinstalling the system software.
- How can iProVPN enhance my PS4 experience after a reset?
iProVPN helps by encrypting your internet connection, preventing ISP throttling during online gaming, and safeguarding your PS4 from cyber threats like DDoS attacks.
- Is there a way to clear cache without doing a full factory reset?
Yes, you can clear the PS4 cache by powering off the system, unplugging it for 30 seconds, and then plugging it back in.
