The right PS4 reset depends on your goal: Restore Default Settings changes settings without deleting games or saves; Rebuild Database refreshes the content index; and Initialize PS4 deletes all user data. Before selling or giving away a console, back up anything you want to keep, then use the full initialization path.
Choose the reset that matches the problem
| Option | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Restore Default Settings | Resets selected system settings but does not delete user or game data. | A settings issue when you want to keep content. |
| Rebuild Database | Scans the drive and creates a new database of console content; it is not the same as deleting your user data. | Some system-feature problems or a deleted game icon that remains on the Home screen. |
| Initialize PS4 | Deletes all user data and restores the console to its original state. | A full reset when you accept losing data, including preparing a console for transfer or resale. |
| Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) | Deletes user data and removes the PS4 system software installation. | A more extensive recovery step when advised for a persistent software problem. |
Sony documents these options in its Safe Mode guide and explains settings restoration in its Restore Default Settings guide. Menu wording can vary by system software version or support region.
Back up data before an action that erases it
Sony’s USB backup supports games and apps, saved data, screenshots and video clips, and settings. The drive must be formatted as FAT32 or exFAT and have at least twice as much free space as the resulting backup file. Because backup size depends on what you save, check the file size rather than relying on a fixed drive capacity. If space is insufficient, Sony says you can omit application data.
- Synchronize your trophy information separately.
- Connect the USB drive to the PS4.
- Go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore > Back Up and follow the prompts.
Do not turn off the console during backup: Sony warns that doing so may cause data loss or corruption, or damage the console or USB drive. If you have never signed in to PSN, Sony says saved data can be restored only to the original console. To restore it to another PS4, sign in to PSN before making the backup. Restoring a backup erases data currently on the destination console and cannot be undone. See Sony’s full PS4 backup and restore instructions.
#1 Best Overall
- Precision Control: The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the DualShock 4’s analog sticks and trigger buttons have been enhanced to offer players absolute control for all games on PlayStation 4.
- Sharing at your Fingertips: The addition of the Share button makes sharing your greatest gaming moments as easy as a push of a button. Upload gameplay videos and screenshots directly from your system or live-stream your gameplay, all without disturbing the game in progress.
- New ways to Play: Revolutionary features like the touch pad, integrated light bar, and built-in speaker offer exciting new ways to experience and interact with your games and its 3.5mm audio jack offers a practical personal audio solution for gamers who want to listen to their games in private.
- Charge Efficiently: The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller can easily be recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when on standby, or with any standard charger with a micro-USB port.
For troubleshooting, start with the least disruptive option
Settings problem: restore defaults
Choose Settings > Initialization > Restore Default Settings. This resets settings without deleting user or game data. Check Sony’s Restore Default Settings instructions for details.
System feature issue or a leftover game icon: rebuild the database
Use Safe Mode > Rebuild Database. The PS4 scans its drive and creates a new content database. Sony lists system-feature problems and deleted game icons that remain on Home among the situations this option may help. It does not substitute for a full initialization.
Rank #2
- 🎮【Kind Remind】- Fully compatible with PS4/PS4 pro/Slim. USB wired connection supports PC(Windows 7/8/10/11). With this controller, you can enjoy games in multiple platforms. (Note: you need to activate device with the USB cable in the package for the first connection.)
- 🎮【Support for Built-in Vibration Function】 The game controller has two built-in motion motors, which give you different intensity feedback and a more realistic game experience.
- 🎮【New Way to Play】- The clickable touch pad and integrated light bar offer you a new way to play games. Additionally, 3.5mm audio jack supports compatible headphone.You can enjoy volume controls located directly on the controller and don’t need to worry about disturbing others.is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Upgraded Version】- The buttons are with high sensitivity and provide an accurate gaming experience. The layout of controller buttons is optimized with excellent dual analog gamepad design.
- 🎮【Customer Service】- We have a reliable after-sale service team. If you have any problems with the product once it arrives or if you have any questions about the product, please do not hesitate to contact our customer service team via Amazon e-mail.
Disc-reading issue: test the disc, then try a database rebuild
- Clean the disc with a soft, clean cloth.
- Try another game, Blu-ray, or DVD to see whether the issue is limited to one disc.
- If the problem continues, try Safe Mode > Rebuild Database.
Sony’s disc troubleshooting guide names Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) as a further step if those measures fail. This option deletes all console information, including system software, so back up first if possible and follow Sony’s Safe Mode and reinstall guidance.
Factory reset a PS4 before selling or giving it away
Sony’s published transfer and disposal procedure uses a full initialization. The cited menu path comes from Sony’s Canada support page; labels may differ by region or system software version.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsRank #3
- 🎮【2 Packing】Two controllers are packaged in one box, which is less costly than buying two controllers separately. You can get two different custom designed controllers at the same time, which is very cost-effective.This will bring you a better game experience when you play with your friends, lover, family.
- 🎮【Wide Compatibility】AceGamer wireless controller compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. ❗*Attention*❗: Only when connecting for the first time, you must activate the device with the USB cable for the first pairing and connection. After that, the normal wireless connection of Bluetooth can be made, and USB data cable is no longer needed. ❗*Note*❗: Connecting to PC(without Bluetooth) needs to install receiver, not included.
- 🎮【Function Highlights】360° Refined analog sticks, the new touch pad on the face of the game controller offer players precise control. Controller which built-in 6-axis gyro sensor has dual motor vibration, excellent dual shock effect design makes the tactile sense more sensitive. The optimized buttons and triggers, ergonomic design non-slip grips, which offer you fantastic gaming experience.
- 🎮【Turbo Setting】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
- 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You can get: 2x AceGamer for ps4 controllers wireless; 1x Charging Cable; 1x User Manual; Professional after-sales service. We focus on the design, production and sales of custom controllers. If you have any questions, please contact us in any time!
- Record the console’s serial number.
- Back up games, saves, screenshots, and video clips you want to keep.
- Remove USB devices and any disc from the console.
- On the PS4, select Settings > Initialization > Initialize PS4 > Full.
- Let initialization finish without turning off the console.
Sony says initialization deletes saved settings and information, cannot be undone, and deleted data cannot be restored. Use the Sony transfer or disposal instructions for its published process.
Use Safe Mode if you cannot open Settings
Safe Mode provides reset and reinstall options when the normal menu is unavailable. Sony’s procedure is:
Rank #4
- The feel, shape, and sensitivity of the dual analog sticks and trigger buttons have been improved to provide a greater sense of control, no matter what you play.Motion sensors - Rock and roll as a highly sensitive built-in accelerometer and gyroscope detect the motion, tilt and rotation of your DUALSHOCK 4 wireless controllerDualShock 4 Wireless Controller PS4 and PC compatible. Item PS5 compatible only when playing PS4 games.
- The new multi touch and clickable touch pad on the face of the DualShock 4 Wireless Controller opens up worlds of new gameplay possibilities for both newcomers and veteran gamers
- The DualShock 4 Wireless Controller features a built in speaker and stereo headset jack, putting several new audio options in the player's hands
- The Dualshock 4 wireless controller can be easily recharged by plugging it into your PlayStation 4 system, even when in rest mode, or with any standard charger using a USB cable (type A to micro B sold separately)
- Turn the PS4 off by holding the power button for three seconds.
- After it shuts down, press and hold the power button again. Release it after the second beep, about seven seconds after the first beep.
- Connect the controller to the console with a USB cable, then press the PS button.
- Select the Safe Mode option suited to your goal. Rebuild Database refreshes the content index; Initialize PS4 erases user data; Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) erases user data and removes the system software.
Do not choose an initialization option unless you accept its data-loss consequences. See Sony’s Safe Mode guide for the available options and further instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you are moving your data to a PS5
A PS5 is not required to reset a PS4. If migration is your next step, Sony says to sign in to the same account on the destination console, update system software, synchronize trophies, and connect both consoles to the same network. Sony also describes USB and cloud alternatives for saved data, as well as downloading digital games from the account’s library. See its PS4-to-PS5 transfer guide.
Best Value
- 🎮【Attention】It's compatible with PS4/Pro/Slim/Windows PC. When you are connecting it to game console for the first time, you need to use the charge cable in the package. When you are connecting it to PC, you need to hold down 'share + home' for 3 seconds. The controller's white light would flash, and you'll see the controller on your PC, which has the BT name 'wireless controller'.
- 🎮【Unique Design】The Galaxy design is inspired by the designer's love for the vast universe, different colors of nebulae accompanied by meteorites, if you use it at night, with a little light, then, you are not only holding the controller, but the whole universe.
- 🎮【Custom Process】The galaxy design are printed on the controller shell by water transfer process. They are not cheap stickers. We apply a smooth hand feel oil to the surface to ensure that hand sweat will not erode it.
- 🎮【Turbo Function】You can customize any key as a turbo key. First, hold down the 'share' key, then click the turbo key you want to set up successfully. Secondly, you can adjust the turbo frequency. First, hold down the 'share' key, then touch the joystick on the right up and down. There are three gears to adjust in total.
- 🎮【To Be AceGamer】You Can Get：1x Controller for PS4;1x USB-C Charge Cable;1x User Manual. AceGamer specializes in providing customized controllers for game lovers. No matter what problem you encounter, please leave us a message, we will reply to you within 24 hours.
When a reset does not solve the problem
A reset is not a guaranteed fix for hardware faults. If the issue persists after an appropriate troubleshooting step, Sony’s Safe Mode page directs users to its Repairs diagnostic tool for further steps.
Quick Recap
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