Are you stuck with an unresponsive PS4 and have no idea how to get it up and running again? Don’t sweat it – this guide will show you the easy steps to factory resetting your PS4 without a controller! Let’s get started, shall we?
Introduction
Welcome to this guide on how to factory reset a PlayStation 4 without a controller. After years of loyal service, your PS4 console may have started to fill up with clutter. Whether the device has become slow and you’re looking to make it as good as new, or you’re ready to pass it on, this guide will show you how easy it is to restore the PS4 back to its original settings without needing the help of a controller.
This step-by-step guide will provide instructions on booting up into safe mode, resetting the console and installing new system software. We’ll also include advice on some of the pre-reset checks and post-reset setup steps that are needed for an optimal PS4 experience.
Once complete, your PlayStation 4 will be back in its factory state with all the data deleted from your hard drive. So keep reading and let’s start with a few quick prerequisites before diving into how to reset your Playstation 4 without a controller!
Reasons to Factory Reset Your PS4
There are a few key reasons why you might want to factory reset your Sony PlayStation 4 (PS4). It helps prepare the console to sell or trade in, can help clear up issues with general operation, and is also a great way to get rid of any data that was stored on the PS4 due to sharing with other members of your household.
Here are some key reasons why you might want to factory reset your PS4:
- Remove all personal information and saved content: If you’re planning on selling or trading in your PS4, it’s important to make sure all of your personal information (including accounts) and games have been removed from the console.
- Get rid of corrupted data: If your PS4 has been malfunctioning, freezing or crashing during gameplay and other activities, then it may be time for a factory reset. Corrupted or outdated data can cause numerous issues in the form of graphical glitches, corrupted save files and more. A new start can go a long way!
- Refresh hardware performance: One of the most common reasons for performing a factory reset is simply refreshing the system performance – if you’ve been having trouble with running certain games or apps due to lagging or slow loading times, then it might be worth giving things a fresh start after following these instructions.
Pre-Reset Preparation
Before you reset your PlayStation 4, it’s important to take a few steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. The following pre-reset preparation tasks include:
- Backing up any important data
- Performing system updates
- Disabling any parental control settings
Back up data: Perform a backup of all your PS4 data using a USB storage device. By copying and storing your data, it will be available if you need to reinstall the system.
System Update: Ensure that the console is running the latest system software by visiting the System Software page in the PlayStation support area of Sony’s official website or go to Settings > System Software Update on the PS4 itself.
Parental Controls: To avoid being locked out of completing the reset process because of parental control settings, it is recommended that you disable these features before initiating a factory reset. To do so, go to Settings > Parental Controls/Family Management > Family Management on the PS4 and follow the instructions displayed on-screen in order to deactivate these controls.
How to factory reset ps4 without controller
When you need to reset your PlayStation 4 (PS4) without the controller, don’t worry – there’s a way to do it. By using an alternate input, such as an official Sony DualShock 4 controller or a keyboard, you can easily reset your PS4 without the controller. This step by step guide will take you through the process.
- Turn off your console by pressing and holding down the power button until it beeps twice.
- Connect a USB cable from your PS4 to your PC or laptop and make sure both devices are powered on.
- Open up “Add Bluetooth or other device” in Windows and select “Wireless Controller”. Select PS4 as the target device and follow the instructions onscreen. If prompted, approve any permissions necessary for pairing with the console.
- Head back over to the DualShock 4 controller that you connected earlier — press down on the options button while keeping other buttons pressed simultaneously to initiate resetting protocol: Press Left + Share + Options at once while powering up your console again with a double-beep, then keep these buttons held in place until syncing is completely finished; repeat this action if necessary.
- Launch a web browser on PC/laptop connected via USB cable earlier; navigate to Sony Entertainment Network website for selecting “Set Up Now” option – enter provided code into provided fields to proceed with setting up new user account (primary account name and password). Log in afterwards using this information, then navigate over to “Power” menu once more – select “Reboot” option from here before finally pressing down Reset button located at bottom left corner of browser window being used for login purposes. Select Yes when asked about current credentials validity; upon completion all data stored inside system memory should be wiped clean as expected!
Tips for Resetting Your PS4
Factory resetting your PlayStation 4 is an effective way to restore the console to its original, like-new condition. Although the process is simple, there are a few tips that can help ensure your data security and get the job done properly.
Before you begin the factory reset procedure, make sure you back up any vital files on a USB drive or an external hard drive. This will help you preserve important documents, photos and videos that may be difficult to replace in the event of data loss. Once your backup is complete, power down your PS4 completely and unplug it from any connected peripherals. Wait for two minutes before plugging it back in and power on the console in Safe Mode.
While your system is in Safe Mode, select “Option 7 – Initialize PS4“, then choose “Full” to perform a full factory reset. This will erase all user data from the hard drive and undo any existing firmware upgrades as well as system updates. Once completed, your computer will start reinitializing itself with default settings, which may take up to an hour depending on how much data was stored in the console beforehand.
Finally, if you have access to a controller – whether it be DualShock 4 or another type – connect it via a USB cable before shutting down your PS4 again and unplugging it from all peripherals once more. After at least two minutes have passed, reconnect everything and boot up normally as usual. Your PlayStation 4 should now be restored to its factory settings with no trace of any prior user information or installed applications!
After completing these steps, your PlayStation 4 should reset to its factory settings, restoring it to the original factory specifications. This can be beneficial if your console is having trouble loading games correctly or if you have noticed any system slowdowns since starting it up. It can also help when attempting to restore a console if it has become too complex to troubleshoot without reverting its settings.
Before performing the reset, ensure you have backed up any data or settings that you want to keep on external media such as a USB drive.
It is also important to note that this process will not return your PS4 console from an abnormal state back into a normal one. It will only bring the system back to its factory settings and delete all of your saved game progress and other information stored within the device. After resetting the console, make sure that you create a new user for yourself so that all of your game progress and settings are saved in one place.
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