How To Factory Reset PlayStation? [ALL METHODS]

Are you having software-related issues with your console, such as pairing or connecting to a gaming system or experiencing input lag? Factory resetting the console will remove all software-related problems by removing any customizations and settings, but it won’t deal with hardware-related issues. To do so, here is my easy guide for you.

---

Key Takeaways

• A factory reset resolves software-related issues by removing any customizations and settings from the system.
• Before factory resetting any PlayStation, back up any important data and files because everything will be deleted after factory reset; unplug the other external devices, sign out of your PlayStation account to prevent revealing your data, and deactivate your subscription.
• You can factory reset the console using two methods: one with a controller and the other without a controller.

---

What Does A Factory Reset PlayStation Mean?

When user data is deleted from an electronic device and reset to factory defaults, the process is known as a “factory reset.” It is a software restoration and seeks to return the device’s software to its initial default configuration to resolve errors by erasing any changes, preferences, and user data it contains.

When To Consider Factory Resetting PlayStation?

In the following circumstances, you might think about doing a factory reset:

• To trade a PlayStation.
• To resolve technical issues like glitches or bugs, performance issues, connectivity problems, input lagging, or account-related problems.
• To remove all of your data to clean up the system
• When you want to switch your PlayStation network account, the console can be configured with the new account information after a factory reset.
• To upgrade the internal hard drive in your PlayStation.
• To give it a fresh start after buying a used PlayStation.
• If your PlayStation has malware.

Why Consider Factory Resetting PlayStation?

For the reasons I’ve listed below, you should consider factory resetting your PlayStation.

• A factory reset improves the system’s overall performance by removing any corrupted files and settings from the system.
• It will help fix errors like glitches or bugs that may cause games and applications to crash frequently.
• It will protect your privacy by removing saved passwords, credit card information, and account details.
• Everything can be restored to its default state by factory reset.
• A factory reset will wipe the system clean.
• A factory reset will wipe any malware from the PlayStation.

Although a factory reset can often resolve software-related difficulties, it won’t deal with hardware concerns. A factory reset is unlikely to fix physical damage or other issues with the console, and it may be necessary to replace or repair the console in those cases.

Preliminary Steps Before Factory Resetting Any PlayStation

To avoid any data loss or any other issue, I will advise doing the following before you factory reset your PS:

1. Back up any important data and files
2. Signing out of your PlayStation account
3. Deactivate subscription
4. Unplug external devices

Back-Up Any Important Data And Files

The first and most crucial step is to back up all crucial data because a factory reset would remove everything on the console. Prepare a USB drive with adequate space to store all the data in your PlayStation to back up your console.

Signing Out Of Your PlayStation Account

You’d better sign out of your PlayStation network accounts to prevent revealing certain personal data.

Deactivate Subscription

You should cancel your PlayStation account subscription if you aren’t using it in the future.

Unplug External Devices

Before factory resetting the PlayStation, unplug the other external devices if plugged in.

How To Factory Reset PlayStation?

Below are two methods that I have described to factory reset for both the PlayStation 4 and 5:

1. Factory reset through the system
2. Factory reset in a safe mode

PlayStation 4

Method 1: Factory Reset Through The Settings

You can factory reset the PlayStation 4 quickly and easily using the instructions below.

1. Go to “Settings.”
2. Go to “Initialization.”

   

3. Click “Initialize PS4.”

   

4. Now, click “Quick” to delete only settings and user data or “Full” if you want to delete all data, including system software.

   

5. Click “Yes” to confirm your factory reset.
6. If prompted, enter your account password.
7. Now complete your initialization step by following the on-screen instructions.
8. After the initialization procedure is finished, which may require a few hours, your PS4 will instantly restart, and you can begin setting it up from scratch.

Method 2: Factory Reset In A Safe Mode

1. Hold the PlayStation 4 power button until you hear two beeps to turn the console off.
2. Press the PS button after connecting your controller to the PlayStation 4 through a USB cable.
3. Now see the safe mode menu and click “Initialize PS4”.

   

4. Click “Quick” to delete only settings and user data or “Full” if you want to delete all data, including system software.
5. Click “Yes” to confirm your factory reset.
6. Wait for the finishing, which may require a few hours.
7. Your PS4 will immediately restart after completing the initialization procedure.
8. Now, you can start setting it as a new one.

PlayStation 5

Method 1: Factory Reset Through Settings

Firstly, you can factory reset the PlayStation 5 by downloading your PS remote play app. To do so, follow these steps.

1. Download the PS remote play app and sign into your PlayStation network account.
2. Connect your device to the same network as your PS5 by following the on-screen instructions.
3. After connecting, go to “Settings” > “System.”System-Image Credits (Emopulse)
4. Select “Reset options.”Reset options-Image Credits (Emopulse)
5. You will be given three choices after selecting Reset Options:
   1. Clear Learning Dictionary: It will erase all the terms you’ve typed on your PS5’s history.
   2. Restore Default Settings: It will keep your data untouched and restore all the settings to default settings on your PS5.
   3. Reset Your Console: restore all the settings to default settings on your PS5 and erase all the saved data.
6. Select “Reset Your Console.”Reset your console-Image Credits (Emopulse)
7. Now, factory reset the console by Following the on-screen instructions.
8. After the factory reset is finished, which may require a few hours, your PS5 will instantly restart, and you can begin setting it up from scratch.

It should be noted that “Reset Your Console” on PlayStation 5 works as the same option as “Initialize PS4” on PlayStation 4.

Method 2: Factory Reset In A Safe Mode

1. Hold the PlayStation 5 power button until you hear two beeps to turn the console off.

   

2. Allow it to shut down by waiting a short while.
3. Then, find the physical power button on the back of your DualSense controller. It will be in a tiny hole next to the Sony logo.

   

4. Take any pointed object, such as a straight pin or SIM ejector, and insert it into the hole for five seconds.
5. Once you’ve entered the tool, you’ll hear a click. When you hear it, take the tool out, then turn on your PS5 to fix the controller with it through a USB cable.
6. After connecting the controller to the PlayStation, you will see the safe mode menu; click reset PS5.
7. You’ll need to set up your PS5 completely from scratch after the factory reset is finished. Sign into your PlayStation network account and prepare your system to play games again by following the on-screen instructions.

Does Factory Resetting Fix Errors?

A device or controller’s factory reset can occasionally fix errors and problems but cannot be relied upon to solve all issues. The type of fault and what initially triggered it will determine whether a factory reset will resolve it.

Getting Rid Of The Need For Factory Resets In The Future

To prevent running into the same problem again, follow these PlayStation best practices:

• Keep checking the PlayStation updates.
• Use the right shutdown method rather than shutting off your PS5 abruptly.
• Back up your game data regularly to the cloud or an external drive.
• To avoid overheating, keep your console in a well-ventilated space.

Final Words

When a device encounters software-related problems, factory resetting the console is the best way to fix the error. It won’t deal with hardware concerns. It only resolves software-related issues by removing any customizations and settings from the controller. 

Moreover, if you are ready to factory reset the console, first, follow the preliminary steps like backing up any important data and files, unplugging the other external devices, signing out of your PlayStation account, and deactivating your subscription if you won’t be using it going forward, then, you can factory reset the console in a safe mode by following above methods.

If this helped, then check out our other articles on:

• How To Update PlayStation
• How To Clear The Cache On PS5
• How To Power Cycle PlayStation