What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your PS4 — all games, saves, settings, and user accounts — and returns the console to the state it was in when it left the factory. After the reset, you'll see the initial setup screen, as if you'd just unboxed it.
You might do this before selling or giving away your console, if the system is running slowly and you want a clean start, or if you're troubleshooting a persistent software problem. The reset takes 30 minutes to several hours depending on your console's storage and internet speed.
There's no way to undo a factory reset once it starts, so back up anything you want to keep before you begin. Game saves can be uploaded to PlayStation Plus cloud storage, and you can transfer data to an external drive or another PS4 if you have one.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset erases all data on your PS4 and returns it to factory settings, and the process cannot be reversed once started.
- You can back up game saves to PlayStation Plus cloud storage or to an external USB drive before resetting.
- The reset process happens in Settings under System Software, and you choose between a quick reset or a full format that overwrites all storage.
- After reset, your PS4 will boot to the initial setup screen and you'll need to create or sign into a user account to use it again.
Back up your data before you start
If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, your game saves are already being backed up automatically to Sony's cloud storage. You can verify this by going to Settings > System Software > Backup and Restore > Back Up Your Data, and checking the timestamp of the last backup. If it's recent, your saves are safe.
If you don't have PlayStation Plus or want to keep a local copy, you can back up to an external USB drive. Plug in a USB 3.0 drive with at least 100 GB of free space, then go to Settings > System Software > Backup and Restore > Back Up Your Data. Select what you want to copy — you can choose individual games or all data — and let it finish before unplugging the drive.
If you're giving the console to someone else and want them to have your game library, you can't transfer licenses, but you can deactivate your account on the console so they can set up their own. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Deactivate as Your Home PS4, then confirm. This lets the next owner use the console without your account.
How to perform a factory reset from Settings
On your PS4 home screen, go to Settings > System Software > Reset PS4. You'll see two options: Initialize PS4 and Initialize PS4 (Full). Choose Initialize PS4 for a standard reset that clears user data but leaves some system files in place — this is faster and works for most situations.
Choose Initialize PS4 (Full) if you're selling the console or want to completely overwrite all storage so deleted data cannot be recovered. This option takes longer because it writes over every sector of the drive, but it's more secure if privacy is a concern.
The console will ask you to confirm and warn you that all data will be deleted. Select Yes to proceed. The PS4 will restart and begin the reset process. Do not unplug the console or turn it off during this time — let it run until it finishes and boots to the setup screen.
What happens during and after the reset
Once the reset starts, your PS4 will restart and show a progress bar. For a standard reset, this usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. A full format can take 2 to 4 hours depending on your console's storage capacity and whether it's a PS4 Slim, PS4 Pro, or original model.
When the reset is complete, the console will boot to the language and region selection screen, just like a brand-new PS4. You'll need to create a new user account or sign into an existing PlayStation Network account to proceed. If you're keeping the console, set up your account and download your games from your library. If you're giving it away, leave it at this screen for the new owner to set up.
Your console will be on the latest system software version after the reset. If a newer version is available, the PS4 will prompt you to download it the first time you connect to the internet.
Resetting a PS4 you can't access
If you've forgotten your password or can't sign into your account, you can still reset the console without logging in. Go to Settings > System Software > Reset PS4 and follow the same steps. You don't need an account to perform a factory reset.
If your PS4 won't boot to the home screen at all — it's stuck in a boot loop or won't turn on past the Sony logo — you can try Safe Mode. Hold the power button for 7 seconds until you hear two beeps, then release. The console will boot into Safe Mode, where you can select Initialize PS4 from the menu. This works even if the system software is corrupted.
If Safe Mode doesn't work and the console is completely unresponsive, you may have a hardware failure. In that case, contact PlayStation Support or visit a repair center — a factory reset won't fix a broken hard drive or power supply.
Protecting your account after reset
If you're resetting because you're selling or giving away the console, change your PlayStation Network password before you hand it over. Go to your account on a computer or phone, sign into your PlayStation Network profile at account.playstation.com, and update your password under Security. This prevents the new owner from accessing your account even if they somehow know your old password.
You should also remove your payment methods from your account if you had any saved. Sign into account.playstation.com, go to Wallet > Payment Methods, and delete any credit cards or PayPal accounts. This stops anyone from making purchases under your name.
If you're keeping the console and just want a fresh start, you don't need to change your password. Just sign back in after the reset and your account will work normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset fix my PS4 if it's running slowly?
Sometimes. A reset clears out corrupted files and removes games that may be taking up resources, so it can help if the slowness is caused by software problems. But if your hard drive is failing or your console is overheating, a reset won't fix the hardware issue. Try a reset first, and if the problem persists, contact PlayStation Support.
Can I cancel a factory reset once it starts?
No. Once you confirm the reset in Settings, the process begins and cannot be stopped. Do not unplug the console or turn it off. Let it run to completion, even if it takes several hours.
Do I lose my PlayStation Plus subscription when I factory reset?
No. Your subscription is tied to your PlayStation Network account, not to the console. When you sign back into your account after the reset, your subscription will still be active. Your cloud saves will also be there, ready to download.
What's the difference between Initialize PS4 and Initialize PS4 (Full)?
Initialize PS4 clears user data and is faster — usually 15 to 30 minutes. Initialize PS4 (Full) overwrites all storage so deleted data cannot be recovered, and takes 2 to 4 hours. Use Full if you're selling the console and want maximum privacy. Use standard if you're keeping it or giving it to someone you trust.
Can I factory reset my PS4 without a controller?
Yes. You can use the power button on the console itself to navigate Safe Mode and access the reset option. Hold the power button for 7 seconds until two beeps sound, then use the power button to move through the menu and the eject button to select options.