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Choose the reset that matches your goal: Restore Default Settings changes system settings without deleting games or saved data; Initialize PS4 erases user data; and Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) erases data and removes the system software. The last two are destructive, so back up anything you want to keep before using them.
Which PS4 reset should you use?
| Option | What it changes | Does it erase user or game data? | Where to select it | USB file required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Restore Default Settings | Resets system settings to their defaults. | No. Stored user and game data remain. | Settings menu | No |
| Rebuild Database | Scans the drive and creates a new database of system content. | Not described by Sony as an initialization or data-erasing reset. | Safe Mode | No |
| Initialize PS4 | Returns the console to its original state. | Yes. It deletes user data. | Safe Mode | No |
| Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) | Deletes user data and removes the PS4 system software so it can be reinstalled. | Yes. | Safe Mode | Yes. Sony’s reinstallation file on a USB drive is required. |
Sony describes these Safe Mode choices on its PS4 Support page. The Settings-menu restore is detailed in PlayStation’s instructions for restoring default settings.
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Reset PS4 settings without deleting games or saves
Use Restore Default Settings if you want to undo personalized system settings but keep the console’s stored content. It is not a full factory wipe.
- From the PS4 home screen, open Settings.
- Select Initialization > Restore Default Settings.
- Review the settings that will be affected, then select Restore.
Sony says this process does not affect user or game data. See its Restore Default Settings guide for the supported console steps.
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- "Suspend mode" eliminates the load time on your saved game and allows you to immediately return to where you left off by pressing the power button.
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- Engage in endless personal challenges between you and your community, and share your epic moments for the world to see.
- Gamers can share their epic triumphs by hitting the "SHARE button" on the controller, scan through the last few minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game.
Back up your PS4 before erasing it
Before choosing either initialization option, sync trophies and back up anything you want to retain. Initialization and reinstallation delete console data; a settings restore does not.
- Connect a USB drive formatted as FAT32 or exFAT.
- On the PS4, go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore > Back Up.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to create the backup.
Sony specifies a USB drive with at least twice the storage space of the backup file. If the drive does not have enough free space, application data can be left out. Sony also notes that if you have never signed in to PlayStation, saved data can be restored only to the original PS4 used to make the backup. Read PlayStation’s PS4 Support guidance before proceeding.
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- Includes a new slim 1TB PlayStation 4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller.
- Play online with your friends, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
- Mount is not included
Initialize a PS4 from Safe Mode
Use Initialize PS4 when you want to erase user data and return the console to its original state, for example before handing it to someone else. This does not require a USB reinstallation file.
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- Press and hold the power button. Release it after the second beep.
- Connect a controller using a USB cable if prompted, then choose 6. Initialize PS4 in Safe Mode.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete initialization.
Initialization is destructive. If you need to keep anything on the console, stop and back it up before selecting the option.
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- Incredible games; Endless entertainment.
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Reinstall PS4 system software from a USB drive
Choose Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) only when you intend to erase the console and reinstall its system software. PlayStation Support warns: “Reinstalling the system software on your PS4 console will delete all of the data on your PS4 console.” Use only the official file and procedure in Sony’s PS4 system software guidance.
- On a PC or Mac, format a USB drive as FAT32 or exFAT.
- Create a folder named PS4 on the drive, then create a folder named UPDATE inside it.
- Download the official PS4 reinstallation file from Sony’s system software page and save it in the UPDATE folder as PS4UPDATE.PUP.
- Connect the USB drive to the PS4.
- With the console off, press and hold its power button until the second beep to start Safe Mode.
- Select 7. Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) and follow the prompts.
If the PS4 does not recognize the file, check that the folder path is PS4/UPDATE and that both folder names and the filename use uppercase letters. Do not interrupt the installation; Sony warns that doing so can damage the system. Sony’s Safe Mode reinstallation instructions provide the USB preparation and installation steps.
Rank #4
- Reliable Performance With Minimal Lag - The PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB features the X86-64 AMD "Jaguar" 8 Cores Processor; 1.84 TFLOPS, AMD Radeon Based Graphics Engine.
- Perfect for Gaming and Media Streaming - with 8GB GDDR5 Memory; 1TB Storage Capacity and 1080p Full HD resolution
- Ample Storage Space - With a 1TB SSD drive, this PS4 Slim console ensures you have ample space for all your favorite games and media
- Ready to Perform Like New - The renewed PlayStation 4 Slim is packaged with care and arrives in excellent condition. All items are well-packaged to prevent scratches or damage upon arrival.
- Complete Package for Fast and Easy Setup - This Playstation 4 Slim Console bundle includes two original controllers, 1x HDMI cable, 1x charging cable for the controllers, 1x power cable, 1x, earbuds set, 1x microfiber cloth
If you are resetting the PS4 to fix a problem
A full wipe is not the first step for every fault. If a deleted game icon remains or certain system features are not working properly, Sony describes Rebuild Database as a Safe Mode option that scans the drive and creates a new database. For disc-reading problems, Sony recommends trying a database rebuild before choosing the system-software reinstall option; see its PS4 disc troubleshooting guidance.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteIf a manual system software update fails, Sony’s Safe Mode update guidance explains the update path and when reinstalling may be needed. If reinstalling does not resolve the issue, Sony directs users to repair support. These are escalation steps, not a guarantee that a rebuild or reinstall will fix every console problem.
Quick Recap
Best Value
![Playstation SONY 4, 500GB Slim System [CUH-2215AB01], Black, 3003347 (Renewed)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31aelHds6gL._SL160_.jpg)
- Includes a slim 500GB PlayStation4 system, a matching DualShock 4 Wireless Controller, Power Cord and HDMI Cable.
- Play online with your friends, get free games, save games online and more with PlayStation Plus membership (sold separately).
- All the greatest, games, TV, music and more. Connect with your friends to broadcast and celebrate your epic moments at the press of the Share button to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.
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