Wondering how to initialize your PS4? Well, before doing so, you may also want to know what it actually means. Changing your console settings could mean loss of data, and if you aren’t aware of what’s about to happen, it could lead to unfavorable results. Don’t worry as we are here with a complete guide on what initialization means for PS4 and how to complete the process effectively. Stick with us till the end of this article to know!
What does initialization mean for PS4?
PlayStation 4 (PS4) is not immune to issues. Users have complained of issues like the user interface slowing down, being stuck in a loop, games not installing, apps not launching’ a more. While looking for troubleshooting steps to tackle such issues, you may have come across articles mentioning “Initialise your PS4” and wondered what it actually means. Well, initializing your PS4 (or PS5) will restore system settings to default. Another common word for “Initialisation” is factory reset. So, you’ll lose all your system data and settings upon initialization. You’ll be needing to re-download all your games after the process completes. Sony recommends backing up any important data before initializing your PS4. Note that initialization of your PS4 will NOT delete any data from your externally connected drives (USB).
How to initialize your PS4?
Since this article talks about initialization, it is only fair that we elaborate on the process too. As a warning, please note that this process will delete all user data and app data from the system storage. Only the operating system will remain. After the process completes, you can sign back into your PS account and re-download the games you own or buy new games.
If your PS4 refuses to switch on, you can initialize it through the Safe Mode menu as well. Also, note that you shouldn’t turn off your PS4 in the middle of the initialization process as this may damage your system. An initialization process, once triggered, cannot be stopped or undone. So, here’s how you can initialize your PS4:
1) Log into your account and go to Settings.
2) Open the Initialisation tab and then choose Initialisation.
3) Choose Full in the next screen to fully initialize your PS4.
Note that you can also choose Quick initialization. However, it may not be a safe choice if you are planning to give way your console to somebody else. A quick initialization may also not clean your system effectively. So, if you are looking to troubleshoot your console extensively, we recommend a full initialization.
