How to Wipe a PS4 Before Selling
Selling your PlayStation 4 (PS4) is a common practice when you’re looking to upgrade to a newer console or simply want to make some extra cash. However, before you put your PS4 on the market, it’s crucial to ensure that all your personal data is completely wiped from the device. This not only protects your privacy but also prevents potential buyers from accessing sensitive information. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of how to wipe a PS4 before selling it.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before you proceed with wiping your PS4, it’s essential to backup any important data you have on the console. This includes saved games, screenshots, and any other files you might want to keep. You can do this by using an external hard drive or by transferring the data to your computer.
To backup your data, follow these steps:
1. Connect an external hard drive to your PS4.
2. Go to the ‘Settings’ menu on your PS4 home screen.
3. Select ‘Application Saved Data Management.’
4. Choose ‘Saved Data on PS4.’
5. Select the game or app you want to backup.
6. Select ‘Copy to USB Storage Device.’
Repeat this process for all the games and apps you want to backup.
Step 2: Factory Reset Your PS4
Once you have backed up your data, it’s time to perform a factory reset on your PS4. This will erase all the data on the console, including your personal information, saved games, and settings.
To factory reset your PS4, follow these steps:
1. Turn off your PS4 and disconnect the power cable.
2. Hold down the power button on the PS4 for about 7 seconds until you hear a second beep.
3. Connect the power cable back to the PS4.
4. Press the power button to turn on the console.
5. When the ‘PS4 System Software’ screen appears, press the ‘New User’ button on the controller.
6. Select ‘Erase All Data.’
7. Confirm the deletion of all data on the console.
Step 3: Format the Hard Drive
After the factory reset, it’s recommended to format the hard drive to ensure that all the data is completely removed. This step is optional but can provide an extra layer of security.
To format the hard drive, follow these steps:
1. Go to the ‘Settings’ menu on your PS4 home screen.
2. Select ‘System.’
3. Choose ‘Storage.’
4. Select ‘Manage PS4 Hard Drive.’
5. Choose ‘Format.’
6. Confirm the format process.
Step 4: Remove the Hard Drive (Optional)
For an extra level of security, you can remove the hard drive from your PS4 before selling it. This ensures that the data cannot be accessed by anyone who tries to connect the hard drive to another device.
To remove the hard drive, follow these steps:
1. Turn off your PS4 and disconnect the power cable.
2. Unscrew the back panel of the PS4.
3. Remove the hard drive from its slot.
4. Keep the hard drive in a safe place until you’re ready to use it again.
By following these steps, you can confidently sell your PS4 without worrying about your personal data falling into the wrong hands. Happy selling!
