Whether you're preparing to sell your PlayStation 4 (PS4), encountering persistent software issues, or simply looking for a fresh start, performing a factory reset can effectively restore your console to its original settings. 

In this guide, I'll walk you through a step by step process of factory resetting your PS4, ensuring a smooth and hassle free experience.

Note that Factory resetting a PS4 is the same thing as initialize PS4.

See more: What does initialize PS4 do?


Here's how you properly Factory Reset your PS4

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before initiating a factory reset, it's crucial to back up your data to avoid permanent loss. Connect an external USB storage device to your PS4 and navigate to the "Settings". 


From there, select "System," followed by "Backup and Restore." Choose "Back Up" and follow the on screen prompts to create a complete backup of your games, saved data, and settings.


Step 2: Sign Out of Your Accounts (Optional)

To ensure a secure factory reset, sign out of all your accounts on the PS4. Navigate to the "Settings" menu, select "Account Management," followed by "Sign Out." Repeat this process for each account associated with your console, including PlayStation Network (PSN) and any other linked services.


Step 3: Initiate the Factory Reset

Once your data is safely backed up and accounts are signed out, it's time to initiate the factory reset process. 

On the PS4 home screen, navigate to the "Settings" menu. Scroll down and select "Initialization," followed by "Initialize PS4." Choose the "Full" option to perform a complete factory reset, erasing all data from the console's internal storage.

If your PS4 was activated as your primary console for PlayStation Network services, a factory reset deactivates this setting. You will need to reactivate it if you want to continue using your console as the primary device.


Step 4: Confirm and Start the Reset

After selecting the "Full" option, the console will display a warning message about the consequences of a factory reset. 


Carefully review the information and confirm your decision. Once confirmed, the PS4 will begin the reset process. Be patient, as this can take some time.

Note: Do not turn off your PS4 at this stage


Step 5: Reinstall System Software (Optional)

If you encounter persistent software issues or want a completely clean system, you can reinstall the PS4's system software after the factory reset. 


You can follow this ultimate guide on how to reinstall system software on PS4.

If you are selling or giving away your PS4 then skip the next step.


Step 6: Restore Your Data

After completing the factory reset and reinstalling the system software (if desired), it's time to restore your data from the backup created in Step 1. 

Connect the external USB storage device containing the backup to your PS4. Navigate to the "Settings" menu, select "System," followed by "Backup and Restore." Choose "Restore" and follow the prompts to restore your games, saved data, and settings.


When should I factory reset my PS4

There are several situations when it is recommended to perform a factory reset on your PS4. 

Here are some common scenarios:

1. Preparing to Sell or Give Away

If you're planning to sell or give away your PS4, performing a factory reset is essential. It ensures that all your personal data, accounts, and saved information are removed from the console, protecting your privacy and preventing unauthorized access to your accounts.

2. Persistent Software Issues

 If you're experiencing frequent software glitches, freezes, crashes, or other persistent issues with your PS4, a factory reset can help resolve these problems. It essentially resets the console to its original settings, eliminating any software conflicts or corrupted data that may be causing the issues.

3. Performance Optimization

Over time, as you install and uninstall games, the performance of your PS4 may gradually decrease. Performing a factory reset can help improve performance by clearing out unnecessary files, cached data, and temporary files that may be affecting the system's responsiveness and speed.

4. Account Management

If you want to remove all accounts associated with your PS4 or start fresh with new accounts, a factory reset is necessary. It allows you to sign out of all accounts and delete any stored login information, ensuring a clean state for account management.

5. Troubleshooting

When you've exhausted other troubleshooting methods for resolving various software or system related issues on your PS4, a factory reset can be a last resort. It can help eliminate complex software conflicts or issues that are challenging to pinpoint and resolve through other means.

6. System Optimization

Performing a factory reset on your PS4 can be beneficial when you want to optimize the console's performance. It helps to free up storage space, clear system cache, and remove any unnecessary settings or configurations that may be impacting the overall efficiency of the system.


What data can I back up on PS4

When performing a factory reset on your PS4, it's essential to back up your data to ensure you don't lose any important information. 

Here is the data you can back up on PS4:

Game Saves

Back up your game saves to preserve your progress. Game saves contain your in game progress, character profiles, unlocked items, and settings. By backing them up, you can restore your progress after the factory reset.

Game Data and DLC

You can back up game data, including downloaded games and downloadable content (DLC). This ensures that you don't have to re-download and install games or DLC after the reset, saving you time and bandwidth.

Capture Gallery

If you have captured screenshots, video clips, or game recordings using the PS4's Capture Gallery feature, you can back up these media files to preserve your memories and then later restore them and share them.

Application Data

Some applications, such as specific game apps, may store additional data beyond game saves. Backing up application data ensures that you retain any custom settings, preferences, or additional content associated with those apps.

Settings and Preferences

Back up your system settings and preferences, including display, audio, network, and privacy settings. This allows you to restore your personalized configurations easily.

Conclusion

Performing a factory reset on your PS4 can resolve software issues and ensure a fresh start. By following this step by step guide, you can safely initiate a factory reset, back up your data, sign out of accounts, and restore your console to its original settings. 


Whether you're preparing to sell your PS4 or troubleshooting persistent problems, a factory reset is an effective solution for reclaiming the optimal performance of your console.

Thank you for reading and leave a comment if you have any questions.