There is nothing as frustrating as a PS4 crashing or freezing amid a game. One effective way to try and fix such issues in PS4 is to reset the console to its factory settings. This will delete all your data and settings, so be sure to back up your files before you attempt a factory reset.
Besides gaming issues, you can factory reset your gaming console if you want to dispose of it. This article will show you how to factory reset a PS4. But first, learn;
Deactivate Your PlayStation Network Account
If you plan to sell or give away your console, you should deactivate your PSN account first. It is a crucial step to follow when resetting a PS4 device.
Step 1: Launch Settings on the PS4 and choose PlayStation Network/Account Management
Step 2: Select Activate as Your Primary PS4 tab and choose the Deactivate
Step 3: A confirmation screen will pop up; choose Yes to validate your selection.
Step 4: Once the deactivation process is complete, the system will notify you. Select OK to complete the process.
Note: Even after deactivating your PSN account, you will still be able to access your account. You can access your account either from the device after the reset or from another PS4.
Reset PS4 From Your Console’s Dashboard
Step 1: With your console on, proceed to the Settings menu and navigate Account Management. This approach allows you to deactivate the device as your primary PlayStation 4.
Step 2: Proceed to Activate as Your Primary PS4. At this point, you will have two options; Activate (in gray color because your PS4 is already activated) and Deactivate. Choose Deactivate and confirm your selection in the next screen by selecting Yes.
Step 3: Log in to your account and proceed to the Settings menu.
Step 4: Navigate downwards and choose the Initialization option, then select Initialize PS4.
Step 5: On the next page, select Full followed by Initialize.
Step 6: Choose Yes to validate your selection.
Note that the resetting process may take a long time, maybe a couple of hours. When the process is complete, you can set up your gaming profile the way you did when the device was new. If you want to dispose of it, the console will have no data attached.
Reset PS4 From Safe Mode
This option is the best if you have difficulties accessing your Settings menu. Here is how to go about it;
Step 1: Power off your PS4 completely; ensure not to set it into Rest Mode.
Step 2: Long press the Power Button till you hear two beeps. The device will boot up in a black background labeled Safe Mode.
Step 3: On the Safe Mode menu, you’ll find different three different approaches to resetting your console;
Step 4: Restore Default Settings: This option allows you to reset everything on your console to its original software settings. This allows you to retain your data. If you don’t want to lose your data, this is your best option to reset your PS4.
Step 5: Initialize PS4: It will erase the hard drive and reinstate you back to factory settings but maintain the operating system.
Step 6: Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software): This is a fuller factory reset! It is the best option if you have software issues brought about by the operating system. But if you choose this option, you will need to reinstall the PS4’s operating system.
Step 7: Choose Initialize PS4 if you are not experiencing software problems. You will have to choose either Quick or Full. The Full initialization option will erase everything from your console, and this process may take a couple of hours or more.
Once it’s complete, you will have a blank console ready for a new user! It’s the best option if you want to sell or recycle your PS4 machine.
FAQs
Q. What happens when a PS4 is factory reset?
Factory reset will wipe all your data and settings from your PS4 machine and return it to factory settings. It’s one of the best solutions for gaming systems prone to freezing, glitching, or crashing. And since this process will erase all your information, ensure to backup beforehand.
Q. How can I restore my PS4 after a factory reset?
Log in to your PS4 account and launch the Settings menu. Navigate to Account Management and press the X button to access Account management features. Go ahead and choose Activate as Your Primary PS4, then select Activate.
Q. Will factory resetting my PS4 make it faster?
Resetting your PS4 reorganizes your files efficiently. Thus, your gaming machine will perform better than before. However, note that this “rebuilding” process can take several hours. So, the right time to do it is when you are not planning to use the console.
Final Word
PS4 remains one of the best gaming systems in the market today! If you are experiencing any issues while playing your favorite games, resetting the device is the best solution.
You can also opt to factory reset it when you want to dispose of it. Follow the guide above to factory reset your PS4 today!
