What Happens if I Completely Reset My PS4?
When you’re experiencing problems with your PlayStation 4 (PS4) console, you might consider resetting it to its factory settings. But, before you do, it’s essential to understand what this process entails and what you’ll lose in the process.
Will I Lose My PSN Account?
No, you won’t lose your PlayStation Network (PSN) account during a factory reset. However, all apps and their data will be uninstalled, and you’ll have to reinstall them. Moreover, any custom settings or configurations you made will be erased, so you’ll have to redo them manually.
Will I Lose My Games and Data?
Yes, a factory reset will delete all saved games, trophies, and game data. This includes any progress you made, and you’ll have to start over from scratch if you want to continue playing those games.
Other Consequences of a Factory Reset
Here are some additional consequences to consider:
• Loss of Customizations: Any custom settings or configurations you made, such as controller layouts, wallpaper, or dashboard settings, will be erased.
• Loss of Apps and Data: All apps installed on your PS4 will be uninstalled, including games, media players, and streaming apps.
• Loss of Saved Scores and Progress: Any high scores, leaderboards, or progress you made in games will be lost.
• Loss of Settings and Customizations: All custom settings, such as parental controls, accessibility settings, and audio settings, will be reset to their default values.
How to Perform a Factory Reset on Your PS4
Performing a factory reset is a straightforward process:
- Go to Settings > Initialization System Software.
- Select Reset PS4.
- Choose the type of reset you want to perform: Initialize PS4 or Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).
- Confirm that you want to reset your PS4.
Preparation Before a Factory Reset
Before performing a factory reset, make sure to:
• Backup Your Games and Data: Use cloud storage or external hard drives to backup your saved games, trophies, and game data.
• Export Your Saved Scores and Progress: Use online services like PlayStation Network (PSN) to export your high scores, leaderboards, and progress.
• Write Down Custom Settings: Take note of any custom settings or configurations you made, so you can reset them manually later.
Conclusion
Resetting your PS4 to its factory settings can be a viable solution if you’re experiencing problems with your console. However, it’s crucial to understand what you’ll lose in the process. By backing up your data, exporting your saved scores and progress, and taking note of your custom settings, you can minimize the impact of a factory reset and get your PS4 up and running smoothly again.