How to reset PS4 game controller

By simply resetting your PlayStation 4 controller , you can fix almost all pairing issues, as well as many other common problems. This article will guide you through how to factory reset your DualShock 4 controller in just a few easy steps.

Note : When you factory reset your PS4 controller, your entire game library, game data, or any other files on your PlayStation 4 system will not be affected.

How to Factory Reset PS4

If you're not having any issues booting up your PS4 and your console is working properly, you can reset your console using one of the options in the settings. However, we recommend deactivating your account on your PS4 before resetting your account to avoid any trouble logging in later.

If you have important data that is about to be lost or difficult to download after a reset, you can safely back up your PS4 data before continuing with the steps below.

1. How to deactivate account on PS4

The first thing you should do is disable your account on the console. This will remove your ability to play downloaded games on that console and help avoid login issues elsewhere where you use your account.

Here's how to deactivate an account on PS4:

1. Open the Settings menu on PS4.
2. Select Account Management on the resulting screen.
3. Find Activate as Your Primary PS4 and select it.
4. Select Deactivate > Yes  to disable your account on this console.

The Activate button will be grayed out because your account is already active on this PS4.

2. How to factory reset PlayStation 4

Now that you have disabled your account, it is time to delete and reset your console to factory defaults.

Keep in mind that a factory reset isn’t a first-line solution for software issues. If you’re having trouble signing in, you can delete your PS4 user account. If this helps, you won’t need to reset your PS4.

You can also use the Restore Default Settings option to just revert your saved settings to their defaults. This option won't wipe your PS4's hard drive and is much faster than a factory reset.

Once you are sure that a factory reset is the best way, follow the steps below to reset your console to factory settings:

1. Open the Settings menu on the console.
2. Scroll all the way down until you see Initialization and select it.
3. Select Initialize PS4 . This will erase everything you have saved on your PS4.
4. Select Full on the following screen to completely reset the console.

It will take a while for your PS4 to fully reset. You can monitor the reset progress using the progress indicator on the screen.

Once the reset is complete, your PS4 will reboot to show the first-time setup guide. You have now successfully erased all data from your PS4.

How to Factory Reset PS4 in Safe Mode

If your PS4 is having trouble booting up and you can't access the settings menu, there's still a way to reset your console.

In Safe Mode, PS4 starts with only essential system software and drivers, bypassing any settings or apps that could be causing problems.

To factory reset your PS4 in Safe Mode, follow the steps below:

1. Turn off your PS4 completely.
2. Once you've turned off your PS4, boot it into Safe Mode. To do this, press and hold the Power button for about 8 seconds until you hear a beep.
3. Release the Power button after the second beep.
4. Connect your controller to your PS4 using a USB cable. Wireless mode doesn't work in Safe Mode, so you'll need to use a cable to connect.
5. Select the Initialize PS4 option using your controller.
6. Select Full to completely initialize your console.

Your PS4 will now perform a factory reset.

Good luck!