https://vipsglobal.blogspot.com/2019/02/how-to-apply-factory-reset-to-your-ps4.html



Just like our smartphones get errors that require a factory reset, so also does the game consoles also requires a factory reset. Here in this post, I will be sharing step by step process of applying a factory reset to the PS4. Whether you’re trying to fix an error or just trying to test a software update, you need to do a factory reset. A lot of PS4 owners don’t even know the factory reset option is available, not alone how to apply it.

However, the factory reset is simply a process that reverts it back to its original, out-of-the-box state. Also, the factory reset is not something we apply every now and then. Just like it works in your smartphones, that’s the same way it works in the PS4. It wipes out the entire system hard drive and also might remove the software.

WHEN CAN I APPLY FACTORY RESET TO MY PS4?



When you want to sell off your PS4 to a new buyer. It is important to do a factory reset in order to wipe off your personal data from the console.

Also, it is also used as a last option when a software glitch stops your PlayStation 4 dead in its tracks. In this case, you have no choice but to do a full factory reset.

However, it is important to note that you must back up your videos, etc to an external device or to the cloud. Before you can use the cloud, you must have a PlayStation Plus account.

METHODS OF APPLYING FACTORY RESET TO YOUR PS4

There are 2 major ways to apply reset to your PS4. From the console’s dashboard or in Safe Mode if the console is having boot-up issues or unable to boot.

HOW TO RESET VIA THE CONSOLE’S DASHBOARD

1. Sign into your PS4 and go to the settings menu.



Once in the menu, scroll down to “PlayStation Network/Account Management.” First, you need to deactivate the machine as your primary PlayStation 4. This step is very crucial, it allows you to play downloaded games offline by identifying this particular PS4 as yours. If you miss this step, you’ll encounter a host of other problem as you try to sign in and play your games.

2. Deactivate your PlayStation 4



Navigate to “Activate as Your Primary PS4.” After that just click on “deactivate” and click “yes” on the next screen.

3. Sign in again with your user account

You need to note that user account is different from your PS4 account. Once signed in, head to the settings menu of your PS4 again.

4. Navigate to the “INITIALIZATION” option in the settings menu



This point is very important. Here you will find two options which are “Restore Default Settings” and “Initialize PS4.” The “restore default settings” option will only clear your saved settings data and return the PS4 to its factory settings. It will not wipe your hard drive. Then the “initialization” option is the big one. This is the one that will clear your hard drive of data, including downloaded games, saved game data, and anything else you’ve added to the console since buying it.

5. Go to “initialize” and choose “FULL”



This is the big one you’re looking for. Note that this process takes a lot of time. Probably, a couple of hours. Once you initialize it, a progress bar pops up to show you how long it’s going to take. During this process do not disconnect it from the power source. If you want to sell it, then you’re free to sell it because your data have all been erased.

HOW TO PERFORM A FACTORY RESET FROM “SAFE MODE”



This is quite simple but must only be used when you have software glitches. You can access this option from the console’s Safe Mode.

1. TURN YOUR PS4 FULLY OFF

2. HOLD DOWN THE POWER BUTTON UNTIL YOU HEAR TWO BEEPS SOUND

3. CHOOSE THE RESET OPTION

The last option is “Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software),” which is an even bigger factory reset that will require you to reinstall the PS4’s operating system.