How to Factory Reset a PS4

If you're wondering how to factory reset a PS4, you might be considering selling your console or simply want to get rid of all those accumulated digital files over the years. With the imminent arrival of the PlayStation 5 Pro, many PS4 owners find themselves in the same situation, looking for a fresh start. Below are the necessary steps to reset your PS4 and prepare it for its future.

Deactivate Your Account on PS4

Before performing a factory reset, it's crucial to deactivate your PlayStation account on the console. Failing to do so may cause issues when trying to log in on other devices, and you could also leave your digital content accessible to the new owner. To deactivate your PS4 as the primary console, follow these steps:

1. Turn on your PS4 and go to the Settings menu.
2. Scroll down and select Account Management.
3. Choose the option Activate as your primary PS4.
4. On the next screen, select Deactivate. (If you see that the "Activate" button is grayed out, it means your account is already active on this system).
5. Confirm your selection by choosing Yes, and you will have deactivated your account.

Once your PS4 is deactivated, you can proceed with the factory reset without worries.

Performing the Reset

Now, let’s move on to the main part: the factory reset. This process is quite straightforward, and by following these steps, you can erase all your personal information, downloaded games, and saved data. (A quick tip: if you want to keep your saved data, back it up first on a USB or use PSN cloud storage if you have a subscription).

To reset your PS4, do the following:

1. Go to the Settings menu on your PS4.
2. Scroll down and select Initialization.
3. Choose Initialize PS4 to see the options for how much you want to erase.
4. Select Full for a total reset, which will delete all data, leaving only the operating system intact.

By completing these steps, your PS4 will be completely clean and ready for its next user or for a new adventure.