If you're looking to part ways with your PlayStation console or fix pesky performance issues, a factory reset is your go-to solution. This process clears all data, offering a clean slate to ensure your device is ready for its next chapter. However, knowing when and how to reset your console is critical. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process while highlighting the essential precautions to take along the way.
Protect Your Data Before Resetting
Before performing a factory reset, it’s important to secure your personal data and protect your online activities. Falcon VPN is an excellent tool to help safeguard your privacy while you go through the reset process. By encrypting your internet connection and hiding your IP address, Falcon VPN ensures that your information stays secure, especially if you’re planning to sell your console or troubleshoot over the internet.
How to Download and Use Falcon VPN:
- Visit the official Falcon VPN website.
- Download the version that’s compatible with your device (Windows, Mac, iOS , Android ).
- Install and launch the VPN client on your device.
- Connect to a secure server location.
Once connected, your data is protected, and you can confidently proceed with resetting your PlayStation console.
Why Should You Consider a Factory Reset?
There are three primary scenarios where factory resetting your PlayStation console becomes necessary:
1. Preparing Your PS4 or PS5 for Sale
When selling your PlayStation on the second-hand market, protecting your personal information should be a top priority. A factory reset ensures that all personal data, including your account credentials and game history, is removed from the console. This prevents the new owner from accessing your content or activities.
2. Resolving Persistent Performance Issues
If your console has been acting up—experiencing slow load times, lag, or crashes—a factory reset might help. Resetting reverts the PlayStation to its original settings, removing corrupted data or configuration errors. However, this should only be used as a last resort after trying other troubleshooting methods, such as clearing the cache or checking for software updates.
3. Fixing Boot Problems
Sometimes, consoles refuse to start properly due to severe software or configuration issues. Performing a factory reset in safe mode can restore the system to an operational state. This option is especially helpful if system updates or other changes have caused boot errors.
Deactivate Your PS4 Account Before Resetting
When preparing your console for a new owner, deactivating your PS4 account is an essential step. Failing to do so can lead to complications when signing into another device or transferring ownership. Here's how to remove your account from the console:
- Open the Settings menu on your PS4.
- Navigate to Account Management.
- Select Activate as Your Primary PS4.
- Choose the Deactivate option and confirm your decision.
- Follow the prompts to complete the process.
Once your account is deactivated, you’re ready to move on to the factory reset process.
How to Factory Reset a PS4 Console
To reset your PS4 completely, follow these steps:
- Open the Settings menu on your PS4.
- Head to the Initialization section.
- Choose Initialize PS4 to review reset options.
- Select Full for a complete reset. This will delete all personal data and downloaded content while leaving the operating system intact.
- Resetting Your PS4 in Safe Mode
If your PS4 won’t boot up normally, you can use safe mode to restore factory settings:
- Power down your PS4 by holding the power button until you hear two beeps.
- Hold the power button again until you hear two more beeps to start the console in safe mode.
- Using a USB-connected controller, choose Initialize PS4 from the safe mode menu.
- Select the Full option to reset your device completely.
This method is particularly useful for addressing startup issues that prevent access to the standard settings menu.
Backing Up Your Data on a PS5 Console
Before resetting your PS5, consider backing up your data to avoid losing crucial files. This precaution can save you the hassle of redownloading games, re-entering personal settings, or reinstalling system software. Use these steps to create a backup:
- Connect a USB storage device to your PS5.
- From the home screen, go to Settings.
- Navigate to System > System Software.
- Access the Backup and Restore option.
- Select Back Up Your PS5 and choose the data you wish to save.
- Start the backup process. When complete, the system will display a confirmation.
How to Factory Reset a PS5 Console
Once your data is safely backed up, follow these steps to reset your PS5:
Open the Settings menu from your PS5 dashboard.
Navigate to System > System Software.
Access Reset Options to choose from three available actions:
- Clear Learning Dictionary: Removes stored custom words but keeps other data intact.
- Restore Default Settings: Resets your system configurations without deleting apps or saved data.
- Reset Console: Completely erases all data and returns the system to factory settings.
For a full reset, select Reset Console to wipe the device clean.
Cases Where a Factory Reset Won’t Help
While a factory reset resolves many issues, there are some problems it simply cannot fix:
- Cheating in Multiplayer Games: Factory resetting won’t address cheats or hacks used by other players. Solutions to these problems lie with game developers or server administrators.
- DDoS Attacks: If your gaming experience suffers from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, you’ll need to secure your connection with a VPN, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN, to safeguard your IP address.
- Slow Internet: Slow connection speeds are typically caused by network issues, your internet service provider, or outdated hardware—not your console’s settings.
- Web Browsing Issues: Problems browsing on your PlayStation usually relate to the browser or DNS configuration. Try adjusting your PlayStation’s network settings or switching browsers before resorting to a factory reset.
- Protect Your Gaming Experience
A factory reset can be an effective solution for preparing your console for resale or fixing severe software issues. However, it should only be used when other troubleshooting options have failed. For gaming challenges like DDoS attacks or privacy concerns, consider leveraging a reliable VPN service to protect your data and improve your online experience.
By taking these precautions and following the outlined steps, you can reset your PS4 or PS5 with confidence while ensuring your data remains safe.
Albert Ivan, writer by day, popper by night, is the former senior editor at iTop VPN. He Joined Falcon VPN in 2022 and has since written extensively on the topic of tech, digital privacy & security and internet freedom.
