Resetting your PS4 back to its factory settings can be time consuming, and you could lose your precious saved data if you do it incorrectly.
Therefore, you'd want a good reason to factory reset your PS4. Fortunately, we've got five of them. Here's why to consider a PS4 factory reset...
1. You Want to Sell or Trade Your PS4
A factory reset is a must-do if you're looking to either sell or trade your PS4.
Whether you're giving your PS4 to a friend, posting it on eBay, or selling/trading it in a store, you won't know exactly who's going to use your ex-console. Because of this, you need to wipe any and all personal information your PS4 has stored over the years.
This ensures that no one can access information such as your PSN account details—including your card number, if you have that saved—your purchased games, or your subscriptions, either to PS Plus or PS Now.
There are many reasons you'd want to sell or trade your PS4. But, if you're unsure where to start, we've got a handy guide on how to reset your PS4 ready to sell.
2. When Your PS4 Constantly Crashes, Glitches, or Freezes
A good reason to factory reset your PS4 is when it constantly acts up and regularly interrupts your gameplay.
There could be a good reason for this that doesn't require you to factory reset your PS4, so check that first. A key example could be if you're looking to boost the performance of your PS4, which doesn't need you to factory reset it.
However, if your PS4 crashes regardless of what game you're on, regularly slows down or freezes even when you're on the home screen, or exhibits unexplained glitches, then a factory reset might be your best option.
3. You Want to Upgrade Your PS4's Internal Hard Drive
Let's face it—the PS4's default internal hard drive isn't up to scratch if you're looking for a large, varied digital games library.
If you're thinking about upgrading your PS4's internal hard drive, then strongly consider factory resetting your PS4 with your current internal hard drive in place. This way, you've got a spare internal hard drive to sell, if you'd like, or a backup hard drive that's free of issues in case your new hard drive has any faults.
It goes without saying that if you're planning to upgrade your PS4's internal hard drive, then back up your data. Also, consider an external hard drive for your PS4 as opposed to an upgraded internal hard drive.
4. You're Buying a Used PS4
When you buy a used PS4, you have no idea what's on it.
Regardless of the user description in the product listing or whatever the shop tells you, it's well worth your time to carry out a factory reset on your newly-acquired PS4. This way, you can absolutely guarantee its out-of-the-box settings and that it won't have anyone else's account information.
Though you're buying a used PS4, factory resetting it will help give it that “new” feeling whilst also ensuring that your console hasn't got any left-over data.
5. You Suspect Your PS4 Has Malware
If you're worried that your PS4 is sporting some malicious software, then you might want to consider factory resetting it.
Though it's uncommon, it is possible for hackers to get into your PS4. And though it's unlikely that someone's going to break into your house just to hack your PS4, a hacker might gain entry into your console via a PlayStation Message that requires you to open a link, for example.
If you suspect something's happened—say your PS4 now acts oddly—then a factory reset might wipe any malware on your PS4.
The other, more likely, possibility is people trying to hack into your PSN account. For this, contact PlayStation Support. And, if you haven't already, absolutely enable two-step verification on your PSN account.
Factory Reset Your PS4, but Do It Smartly
Factory resetting your PS4 might sound like a chore, but it's well worth your time to do it in these scenarios. Doing so should benefit you in the long term.
If you're looking to factory reset your PS4, make sure you go through the correct steps. Most important of all: back up your PS4's data.