If you don’t want to sell your console stuffed with personal data, then initializing it will be the best possible thing to do.
If you are clueless regarding the idea of initializing a PS4, then you are at the right place reading the right article.
To know how to initialize your Ps4 before selling it off, read the write-up in detail.
This comprehensive tutorial will tell you everything regarding the initializing of PS4.
What Does Initializing PS4 Mean?
Initializing means setting up the basic system files and settings.
This also includes your user profile, language, and other preferences.
If you are facing any problems with your PS4, like when PS4 won’t connect to Wi-Fi, then initializing is a good troubleshooting step.
This step deletes all the data and settings and will start from scratch.
There isn’t any evidence of PS4 becoming faster after the initialization process.
But if you notice any change after the initialization, it will be regarded as negligible.
But it is known to fix the system’s performance or functionality in case of any issues.
The whole process is likely to get over within 30 minutes dependent on the internet connection.
It will also delete all the data which are stored in the internal storage but the data isn’t deleted from the USB drives which are connected to a PS4.
It will wipe out all the information like the apps, saved games, images, videos, and personal details like credit card information.
The user interface slows down, it gets stuck in a loop, games fail to install, and apps fail to run.
Basically, initializing PS4 will restore all the system’s settings back to the default one.
It also downloads any system updates that are available.
After initializing, when you restart your device, you will lose all the system’s data, and you need to re-download all the games.
Full initialization is highly recommended if you want to get rid of your PS4.
To initialize you fully, all you need to do is:
- First, connect it to the internet.
- Then, go to the Settings menu and then select the “application saved data management” option.
- Then select “saved data online” or “saved data on USB storage”.
- After you have taken a backup, open Settings again and select “Initialization”.
- Then, choose “initialize PS4”.
- Select “full” from the following menu.
Note: This process will delete all the stored data in your PS4.
- Finally, start initializing.
How Can You Initialize Your PS4?
There are 2 ways to initialize your PS4 without losing any data:
Quick Initialization
This helps in removing all the data in your PS4, similar to the full initialization.
This method isn’t helpful if you want to remove the data securely.
After the quick initialization takes place, the data, the physical data doesn’t get completely wiped out.
It actually paves the way for overwriting the data in the future without deleting the past information.
The disadvantage is that all your data can be recovered by unscrupulous people and can be misused to the fullest extent.
This method will only be advantageous or rather helpful if you want it to stay back with you just like it was in the newer state or the initial state.
Full Initialization
This method rewrites the Ps4 hard drive. It destroys the original data completely, which will not be recoverable at any cost.
You need to be patient enough and wait till the full initialization process is over.
A lot of time needs to be taken to complete the entire process.
What Happens After You Initialize Your PS4?
Initializing is known to remove all data from the PS4; in other words, it can be termed factory resetting.
Usually, the data doesn’t get deleted from the connected external USB storage devices after you are done with initializing your PS4.
Formatting the external hard drive manually will remove all the related Ps4 data.
Personal and sensitive data like credit or debit card details aren’t stored on PS4.
What Happens If The PS4 Initialization Is Canceled?
You don’t have the option to cancel a PlayStation 4’s initialization even if you are halfway through the process.
Not canceling the initialization process once you are halfway through it is highly recommended.
It will be risky since it can corrupt the operating system of your PS4.
The corrupt operating system will make your ps4 useless and in that case, you will have to send it to the company.
They will look at your PS4, install the OS, and will send it back to you.
But it is extremely necessary to initialize your Ps4 if you are planning to sell it off.
While reselling, it will act as a safety valve since you will be able to delete all the data, credit card numbers, and all from your PS4.
After you are done with initializing your PS4, you are left with two options:
– You can start using it the same way you did when you first got your hands on it.
– Or simply sell it off and bid it a happy farewell.
Is Data Recovery Possible After Initialization?
After the full initialization process, all the settings, data, or all other information saved in your Ps4 will get deleted permanently.
This deleted data can’t be undone since the hard drive has already been rewritten.
This particular process was carried out to protect personal data.
Quick initialization will keep all your data intact until and unless you overwrite it with new data.
In this case, recovering lost data is possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can You Initialize PS4 Without Losing Any Data?
Yes, you can do that with the help of the settings menu.
In the safe mode, under the settings menu, choose to restore default settings for resetting everything in the PS4.
Performing this step will keep your data to its original software settings.
2. Does Restoring PS4 Delete Everything?
No, restoring PS4 will not delete the saved data on your hard drive.
But it will remove all the settings applied to the system.
3. Does Initializing Ps4 Delete Payment Methods?
No, it won’t remove the payment options from your account.
Closure
Now that you know the whole initialization process, it can effectively clean your PS4 and return it to its original factory settings.
Update us with your input or comments, if any.