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Originally published October 24, 2018. Updated October 26, 2026.
A PS4 factory reset is the last step before you sell the console, and the first thing to try when it keeps crashing. The PS5 has its own version of the same job. Sony’s support pages spell out both, and the order of the steps matters.
PS4 Factory Reset and PS5 Reset Steps
What should you do before a PS4 factory reset?
Write down the serial number. Then remove any discs and USB drives. Sony’s transfer and dispose page says to back up saves to external storage, PlayStation Plus cloud storage, or a USB drive, and to sync your trophies. If you added an M.2 SSD you want to keep, take it out first. Do not move a PS4’s internal hard drive to another console, because it will be reformatted and wiped.
How do you deactivate the console?
On a PS4, go to Settings, then Account Management, then Activate as Your Primary PS4, and choose Deactivate. On a PS5, go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, then Other, then Console Sharing and Offline Play, and choose Disable. Both paths come from Sony’s deactivation page. If you no longer have the console, you can deactivate every device from your account page. That works once every six months and cannot target a single console.
How do you do a PS4 factory reset?
Go to Settings, then Initialization, then Initialize PS4, and choose Full. A full PS4 factory reset erases the console, and it can take a long time.
How do you reset a PS5?
Go to Settings, then System, then System Software, then Reset Options, and choose Reset Your Console. Sony says this deletes all settings and cannot be undone. After the reset, you need to download ASTRO’s PLAYROOM again from the PlayStation Store.
What if the console will not start normally?
Use Safe Mode. Turn the console off, hold the power button, and release it after the second beep. Then connect a controller with a USB cable. Sony’s Safe Mode page lists Reset PS5 or Initialize PS4. A softer option, Restore Default Settings, resets settings without erasing user data or games.
Editor’s Take
Most people skip deactivation, and Sony lists it ahead of the reset for a reason. Do that step first, then run the PS4 factory reset. If you are upgrading during a sale, our Black Friday dates guide shows when the deals start.
