How to reboot a PS4

⚡ Fast fix

• Frozen screen? Start with a restart, not a factory reset.
• Crashing in one game? The game may be the problem, not the console.
• Safe Mode exists for a reason. Use it before wiping your system.
• Factory reset = last resort. Back up your saves before pulling the trigger.

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You've been playing Spider-Man® for hours and just as you're about to save the game's progress, your PlayStation® 4 freezes. Now what?

At Asurion, our experts help customers solve gaming console issues like this every day, from overheating PlayStations to Xboxes that won't turn on. Because when tech breaks, we fix it. Before you assume your PS4 is done for, there are a few things worth trying—including one troubleshooting step many players skip entirely.

Before you get started

Before attempting any major troubleshooting, be sure to back up everything on your machine—saved games, images, videos, and trophies. If you don't have a PlayStation Plus® account or aren't able to access it to upload your save data to the cloud, here's how to back up your information on an external hard drive or flash drive.

How to back up your PS4 data

• Select the Trophies icon, then press Options > Sync Trophies with PlayStation Network. This saves your trophies separately from your backup data. Repeat for any games you want to preserve trophies from.
• Connect a FAT32- or exFAT-formatted external storage device, such as a hard drive or USB flash drive.
• Go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore.
• Select Back Up, then choose the data you want to save.
• A progress bar will appear while the backup is created. You can name the backup when it's finished.
• Select Back Up, then press Enter.
• Remove the external storage device from the PS4.

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How to restart a PS4

Sometimes a simple restart is all you need to fix an issue with your PlayStation 4. Unlike a factory reset, a reboot won't erase any of your stored data.

To reboot your PS4:

1. Press and hold the PS button on your controller, then select Power.
2. You can choose to Turn Off PS4 or Restart PS4, but don't select Enter Rest Mode. This option does not fully turn off the device.

After restarting your PlayStation, try playing a game. If your system continues to crash or freeze, it may be best to move forward with a reset to factory settings.

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Try Rebuild Database before a factory reset

If your PS4 is running slowly, freezing, crashing, or behaving strangely, rebuilding the database is often worth trying before wiping the system.

1. Turn off the PS4 completely.
2. Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep (about 7 seconds later).
3. Connect your controller using a USB cable.
4. Select Rebuild Database from the Safe Mode menu.

This reorganizes the data stored on your console and can resolve performance issues without deleting your games, apps, or saved data.

It's also one of the most overlooked PS4 troubleshooting tools. We've seen plenty of PS4s that looked like they were headed for a factory reset but were fixed with a database rebuild instead.

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How to factory reset a PS4

If you're only dealing with occasional freezing or performance issues, don't jump straight to this step. In many cases, a restart or database rebuild gets the job done without wiping the console. A factory reset should be your last resort.

Whether you have the original console, a Slim model, or a Pro, here's how to factory reset your PS4 from the dashboard screen.

1. Turn off your system and unplug any cables. If the PS4 is warm, it may be overheating. Allow it to cool in a well-ventilated area for a few minutes, then reconnect the cables and power it back on.
2. Sign in to your PS4 and open Settings.
3. Select Account Management, then choose Activate as Your Primary PS4.
4. If your PlayStation is already activated, select Deactivate > Yes. This can help avoid account issues after the reset.
5. Sign back in and open Settings > Initialization.
6. You'll see three options:
   • Clear Learning Dictionary
   • Restore Default Settings
   • Initialize PS4
7. Select Initialize PS4 > Full to remove all accounts, settings, games, and personal data from the console.

This process can take several hours, depending on how much data is stored on the system.

How to factory reset a PS4 from Safe Mode

If you're unable to reach the PlayStation dashboard or are dealing with software errors, you can factory reset your PS4 through Safe Mode.

1. Turn the system completely off and unplug any cables. Do not place it in Rest Mode.
2. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps.
3. Wait for the console to start in Safe Mode.
4. Review the available options.

You'll see several troubleshooting options. It can look intimidating, but most people only need one or two of them. You can choose:

• Restore Default Settings
• Initialize PS4
• Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software)

The final option removes the operating system entirely and requires you to reinstall system software afterward.

Asurion Experts recommend selecting Initialize PS4 > Full if you're not dealing with operating system corruption. This resets the console while leaving the system software intact.

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How to reinstall system software on a PS4

If nothing else has worked and you want to completely start fresh, reinstalling the system software is the most extensive reset available.

You'll need:

• A USB flash drive or external storage device
• A computer with internet access

Here's how:

1. Download the latest PS4 system software from PlayStation.com.
2. Connect your USB drive to your computer.
3. Create a folder named PS4 and a subfolder named UPDATE.
4. Move the firmware file into the UPDATE folder.
5. Make sure the file is named PS4UPDATE.PUP.
6. Turn off your PS4 completely.
7. Press and hold the power button until you hear two beeps to enter Safe Mode.
8. Select Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software).
9. Follow the on-screen instructions and connect the USB drive when prompted.

Once the installation is complete, your PS4 will be restored to factory settings.

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FAQ

Will a factory reset delete my games?

Yes. If you choose Initialize PS4, your games, accounts, settings, and locally stored data will be removed. Back up anything important before starting.

What does Rebuild Database do on PS4?

Rebuild Database reorganizes the data stored on your console. It can help fix freezing, crashing, and performance issues without deleting your games or saved data.

How long does a PS4 factory reset take?

It can take anywhere from several minutes to several hours depending on the reset option and how much data is stored on the console.

Should I factory reset my PS4 before selling it?

Yes. Use Initialize PS4 > Full to remove your personal information, accounts, and saved data before handing the console to someone else.

What if my PS4 won't boot normally?

Start the console in Safe Mode. From there, you can try Rebuild Database, Initialize PS4, or reinstall the system software depending on the issue.