The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a powerhouse of gaming, but like any computer, it can become sluggish over time. Whether you’re dealing with constant freezing, preparing to sell your console, or just want a “factory fresh” experience, knowing how to reset your system is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every method—from a simple restart to a full factory wipe—safely and efficiently.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your PS4
Resetting your console is a powerful troubleshooting tool that can fix:
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Slow Performance: Frequent lagging or long loading times.
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Software Glitches: System crashes, corrupted files, or “CE” error codes.
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Preparation for Sale: Wiping your personal data and payment info before gifting or selling.
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Account Issues: Resolving login loops or forgotten passcodes.
Essential Checklist: Do This Before You Reset
A factory reset is permanent. Before you start, ensure you have covered these three bases:
1. Back Up Your Data
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USB Drive: Go to Settings > System > Backup and Restore. You can save your games and captures to an external drive.
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PS Plus Cloud: If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management to upload your save files to the cloud.
2. Deactivate as Primary PS4
Crucial Step: If you are selling your console, you must unbind it from your Sony account.
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Go to Settings > Account Management > Activate as Your Primary PS4 > Deactivate.
3. Have a USB Cable Ready
If you plan to use Safe Mode, you must have a USB data cable. Wireless controller connections do not work in the recovery menu.
The Three Levels of Resetting
1. Soft Reset (The Quick Fix)
Use this if a game is freezing or the menu is slightly laggy. This is just a system restart.
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Hold the PS button on your controller.
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Select Power > Restart PS4.
2. Hard Reset (Power Cycling)
Use this if the console is completely frozen and the controller isn’t responding.
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Hold the Power Button on the front of the console for 10 seconds until the system beeps twice and shuts off.
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Unplug the power cable from the wall.
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Wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in and turn it on.
3. Factory Reset (Initialization)
This wipes the entire hard drive and restores the original software.
Method A: Via the Settings Menu (Standard)
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Log in to your PS4 and go to Settings.
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Scroll to the bottom and select Initialization.
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Choose Initialize PS4.
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Select Full. (The “Quick” option is faster but doesn’t securely delete data, making it easier for someone to recover your files).
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Confirm and wait. This may take 2 to 3 hours.
Method B: Via Safe Mode (If System Won’t Boot)
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Turn the PS4 off completely.
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Hold the Power Button until you hear two beeps (one when you press it, one 7 seconds later).
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Connect your controller via USB cable.
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Select Option 6: Initialize PS4.
Note: Option 7 (Reinstall System Software) is even deeper—it deletes the Operating System itself. Only choose this if your PS4 says “System Software Not Found” and you have a USB drive with the firmware ready.
Special Scenarios
How to Reset PS4 Without a Password
If you’ve forgotten your login passcode, you cannot reset through the Settings menu. You must use Method B (Safe Mode). This will wipe the accounts and the passcode, allowing you to set up the console as new.
How to Reset PS4 Without a Controller
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USB Keyboard: You can navigate the standard Settings menu using a wired USB keyboard and the arrow keys.
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Remote Play: Use the PS Remote Play app on your phone to navigate to Settings > Initialization.
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Note: You cannot use these methods for Safe Mode; that requires an official controller.
Common Troubleshooting After a Reset
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Controller Won’t Sync: You must use a USB cable to “pair” the controller to the console the first time you see the “Welcome” screen.
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Missing Games: You will need to log back into the PlayStation Store, go to your Library, and select Purchased to redownload your digital games.
Conclusion
Resetting your PS4 is the best way to breathe new life into an aging console or protect your privacy before moving on to a PS5. Always remember: Back up first, Deactivate second, and Initialize third. Following these steps ensures your data stays safe and your hardware stays functional.
Read Also: How the PS4 Motion Controller Works: Features & Benefits
