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How to Reset Your PlayStation 4: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re looking to reset your PlayStation 4. Whether it’s acting up, you’re giving it away, or you just want a fresh start, understanding the process is crucial. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to reset your PS4, covering everything from standard resets to more advanced methods. Resetting your console is an important step, but ensure you’ve backed up all your important data first!

Understanding PS4 Resets

There are primarily two types of resets you can perform on a PS4:

Quick Initialisation (Factory Reset): This is the faster option and will erase all personal data, settings, and accounts from your PS4. It’s a good choice if you’re short on time, but it’s less secure if you’re selling the console. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores how these interactions can enhance learning in modern education.
Full Initialisation (Factory Reset): This option takes longer but is more thorough. It overwrites the data on your hard drive multiple times, making it much harder to recover any personal information. This is the recommended option if you’re selling or giving away your PS4.

Method 1: Resetting from the Dashboard (Standard Reset)

This is the most common and straightforward method for resetting your PS4.

Log in to Your Account: Ensure you’re logged in to the PS4 account you want to reset.
Navigate to Settings: From the PS4’s main menu (dashboard), scroll to the right and select “Settings.” It looks like a toolbox icon.
Initialisation Menu: Scroll down within the Settings menu and select “Initialisation.”
Choose Initialise PS4: Select “Initialise PS4” from the Initialisation menu.
Select Reset Type: You’ll be presented with two options: “Quick” and “Full.” Choose the option that best suits your needs (refer to the “Understanding PS4 Resets” section above).
Initialise: Select “Initialise” after choosing your reset type.
Confirm Your Choice: A warning message will appear, informing you that all data will be erased. Select “Yes” to confirm.
Wait for the Process to Complete: The PS4 will now begin the reset process. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the size of your hard drive and the type of reset you chose. The console will restart automatically once the process is complete.

Method 2: Hard Reset via Safe Mode

This method is used when your PS4 is experiencing more serious issues and you can’t access the dashboard normally.

Power Off Your PS4: Make sure your PS4 is completely powered off. Do not just put it in Rest Mode.
Enter Safe Mode: Press and hold the power button on the console until you hear two beeps. The first beep will occur almost immediately, and the second will sound about 7 seconds later. Release the power button after the second beep.
Connect Your Controller: Connect your DualShock 4 controller to the PS4 using a USB cable. You’ll need to use a wired connection in Safe Mode.
Choose Initialise PS4 (Reinstall System Software): From the Safe Mode menu, select “Initialise PS4 (Reinstall System Software).” Important: This option will delete everything on your PS4 and reinstall the operating system. You’ll need a USB drive with the latest PS4 system software to proceed.
Download System Software: If you choose to reinstall system software, you’ll need to download the latest version from the PlayStation website to a USB drive. Make sure the USB drive is formatted as FAT32. The folder structure on the USB drive should be “PS4” > “UPDATE” and the update file should be named “PS4UPDATE.PUP”.
Follow the On-Screen Prompts: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the initialisation process. This will erase everything on your PS4, including the system software, and reinstall the operating system.
Wait for Completion: The PS4 will restart automatically once the process is complete. This may take a significant amount of time.

Method 3: Restore Default Settings (Partial Reset)

This method resets all your settings back to their default values, but it does not erase your games, save data, or user accounts.

Navigate to Settings: From the PS4’s main menu (dashboard), scroll to the right and select “Settings.”
Initialisation Menu: Scroll down within the Settings menu and select “Initialisation.”
Restore Default Settings: Select “Restore Default Settings” from the Initialisation menu.
Confirm Your Choice: A warning message will appear. Select “Restore” to confirm.
Wait for the Process to Complete: The PS4 will reset all settings to their default values. This process is relatively quick.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to resetting your PS4:

Should I hard reset my PS4?

A hard reset (full initialisation) is recommended if your PS4 is experiencing significant performance issues, you’re selling or giving it away, or you want to ensure your personal data is completely erased.
Will Gamestop factory reset my PS4 if I trade it in?

Yes, GameStop typically resets pre-owned and refurbished consoles to factory default settings before selling them.
What is the difference between a quick and full initialisation?

A quick initialisation is faster but less secure, while a full initialisation is slower but more thorough in erasing your data. Choose the full initialisation when selling or giving away your console.
Will I lose my games if I reset my PS4?

Yes, both quick and full initialisations will erase all installed games from your PS4’s hard drive. However, games purchased digitally are tied to your account and can be redownloaded later.
Will I lose my save data if I reset my PS4?

Yes, both quick and full initialisations will erase all save data from your PS4’s hard drive. It is very important to back up your saves to the cloud or a USB drive before resetting.
How do I back up my save data before resetting my PS4?

You can back up your save data to the PlayStation Plus cloud storage (if you have a subscription) or to a USB drive. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management to manage your save data.
How do I redownload my games after resetting my PS4?

After resetting your PS4, sign in to your PlayStation Network account and go to the PlayStation Store. Navigate to your Library, where you’ll find a list of all the games you’ve purchased digitally. You can then download them again.
Can I manually factory reset a PS4 without a controller?

No, you need a controller to navigate the menus and initiate the reset process. However, you can turn the console on or off using the power button on the front.
Does initializing PS4 fix problems?

Initializing your PS4 can fix many software-related problems, such as slow performance, glitches, and errors. However, it won’t fix hardware issues.
Is it better to factory reset PS4 quick or full?

A full factory reset is always better if you’re giving away or selling the PS4, as it ensures your data is completely wiped. A quick reset is sufficient if you’re just trying to fix a software issue and don’t mind the potential risk of data recovery.
What does rebuild database do on PS4?

Rebuilding the database reorganizes the data on your PS4’s hard drive, potentially improving performance and fixing errors. It’s less drastic than a factory reset and doesn’t erase your data.
How long does it take to reset a PS4?

The time it takes to reset a PS4 depends on the type of reset you choose. A quick initialisation can take 30-60 minutes, while a full initialisation can take several hours.
What do I do if my PS4 gets stuck during the reset process?

If your PS4 gets stuck during the reset process, try restarting it in Safe Mode and attempt the initialisation again. If that doesn’t work, you may need to contact PlayStation support.
Is there a Playstation reset button on the console itself?

No, there is no physical reset button on the PS4 console itself. The reset process is initiated through the system software. However, the controller has a reset button, as mentioned previously.
Will I lose my PlayStation Plus subscription if I reset my PS4?

No, your PlayStation Plus subscription is tied to your account, not the console. After resetting, simply sign in to your account on the PS4, and your subscription will still be active.

Resetting your PS4 is a significant step, so it’s important to understand the different methods and their implications. By following the steps outlined in this guide and considering the FAQs, you can ensure a smooth and successful reset. Remember to always back up your important data before proceeding! Also, consider the valuable resources available at the Games Learning Society to understand how video games can enhance learning and cognitive skills, as this knowledge might even influence your future gaming habits.

How to reset a PS4?