
My PS4 and I go way back.
GTA V, The Last of Us Part 2, Rocket League…
You name it, I’ve played it!
However, the time has come for me to pass on my PS4 to somebody else.
But before that, it needs to be restored to its default settings with a factory reset.
Read on to find out:
- 2 ways to factory reset a PS4.
- How to reinstall the console’s system software.
- Why Sony created Safe Mode and how you can activate it.
- What essential preparations you should do before choosing a factory reset.
- And lots more…
How to factory reset PS4?
You can factory reset a PS4 via the console’s Settings. Another way to do it is through Safe Mode, which can be activated by following a specific sequence involving the Power button and the controller.
2 Ways To Factory Reset PS4
Before reverting your PS4 to factory settings, let’s make sure you’re well-prepared for the task.
After you finish the initialization, all the data will be erased from the hard disk, and all system settings will be back to their factory defaults.
So, to prevent possible future problems, simply take note of the following precautions:
Save important data in the Cloud or on a USB stick
Your PS4 saves a lot of important data like:
- Videos.
- Games.
- Pictures.
- Screenshots.
So, if you ever want to continue from a different PlayStation, it’s good to save this important data.
By doing so, you simply upload your data to a new console and continue playing from where you left off.
Now, the best way to make a copy is to save it to the Cloud or put it on a USB stick.
If you want to upload it to the Cloud, you’ll need to have a PlayStation Plus account.
This allows you to save up to 100 GB of cloud data.
Personally, I prefer to save all my data to a USB stick.
Simply connect a trusty USB drive to your PS4 and do these 6 steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Application Saved Data Management.
- Choose Saved Data In System Storage.
- Select Copy to USB Storage Device.
- Then click on Select All.
- Select Copy.
Done!
You’ve copied all the saved data onto your USB stick.
You might also be interested in: (13 Fixes) Netflix Not Working On PS4
Another precaution you should consider is to…
Deactivate your PS4 from your PlayStation Network account
You probably used your PlayStation 4 as your primary game device.
As a result, your PlayStation Network Account is connected to this PS4.
This is PlayStation’s online service that allows you to expand your enjoyment on your PS4.
Now, to avoid future problems, it’s better to deactivate your PSN account first.
‘Why is that?’
Well, your PSN account can contain personal and billing information.
You don’t want these to fall into the wrong hands.
Luckily it’s easy by doing these 5 steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Select Account Management.
- Navigate to Activate as your Primary PS4
- Choose Deactivate (activate is greyed out since your PSN account is already the primary one on this PS4).
- Confirm by selecting Yes.
This ensures that your account is safely disconnected from your PS4 before the reset process begins.
After you’ve taken the proper precautions, you’re ready to.…
#1: Factory reset your PS4 via the settings menu

Now it’s actually time to perform a factory reset on your PS4.
Keep in mind that this will erase all data from the hard disk and reset all system settings to their defaults.
That said, here’s how to factory reset your PS4 using the menu in 4 easy steps:
- Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and select Initialization.
- Choose Initialize PS4.
- Select Full.
Note: Resetting your PS4, can take several hours to complete.
When completed, your console will restart, and voilà – your PS4 is reborn.
#2: Factory reset PS4 from Safe Mode
If you’re experiencing trouble getting to the PS4 settings menu, then there’s a very handy workaround: Safe Mode.
This allows you to start your PS4 but with only the necessary functions active.
Luckily it’s easy to factory reset your console in Safe Mode by following these 6 easy steps:
- Turn OFF your PS4 by holding the Power button for around 3 seconds or until it beeps twice.
- When the PS4 is completely OFF, press and hold the Power button again for around 7 seconds or until it beeps twice.
- Get the PS4 controller and connect it to the console using the USB cable.
- Once connected, press the PS button from the controller.
- The Safe Mode Menu appears.
- Select Initialize PS4.
And if you need some visual guidance on how to do this, you can check out this helpful video:
There you have it!
Your PS4 is as good as new.
Bonus: Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)
When you enter Safe Mode on your PS4, there’s another option in the menu: Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).
This will do the same thing as Initialize PS4, but it does something extra…
It also removes the PS4 system software.
Meaning, you’ll need to reinstall the software yourself.
Note: Initializing PS4 (Reinstalling System Software) is only recommended when the PS4 cannot start normally.
Now, before you perform this option, you’ll need to download the system software on a USB.
It’s easy to do below:
- Use this link to download the latest PS4 system software.
- Name the downloaded file: PS4UPDATE.PUP.
- Get a USB stick (with at least 2 GB of storage).
- Create a folder and name it PS4.
- Create another folder in the PS4 folder and name it: UPDATE.
- Place the downloaded file PS4UPDATE.PUP inside the UPDATE folder.
Now that you have the system software on the USB stick, connect it to the PS4.
Next is to get your PS4 again in Safe Mode (as described above), and this time choose Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).
Then, simply follow the instructions on the screen.
When done, your PS4 is ready to be set up again.