If you’re ready to move on from your trusty PlayStation 4 and sell it to someone else, it’s important to ensure that any sensitive or personal data has been removed first. Restoring your PS4 to its factory settings is a must before handing it over to its new owner, but it’s not as simple as just turning it off and packing it up.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset your PS4 ready to sell:

Step 1: Backup important data

Before resetting your PS4, it’s a good idea to backup any important data you may want to keep. This includes any saved games, screenshots, videos, or apps. You can do this either by transferring the data to an external hard drive or cloud storage, or by using the PS Plus cloud storage if you have a membership.

Step 2: Deactivate your account

Next, you need to deactivate your account from the PS4. This will ensure that your personal information, such as your credit card details and login information, is not passed onto the new owner. To do this, go to the PS4 settings menu and select ‘Account Management’. From there, select ‘Activate as Your Primary PS4’ and then ‘Deactivate’.

Step 3: Sign out of your account

Once your account has been deactivated, it’s important to sign out of it completely. Go to the PS4 settings menu again and select ‘PlayStation Network/Account Management’. Under this menu, select ‘Sign Out’ to log out of your account.

Step 4: Initialize the PS4

Now it’s time to initialize the PS4. This will completely erase all data from the system, including any games, apps, and personal settings. Go to the PS4 settings menu once more and select ‘Initialization’. From there, select ‘Initialize PS4 (Full)’ and follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the reset.

Step 5: Wipe the hard drive

Finally, to ensure that all data has been completely erased from the system, you’ll need to wipe the hard drive. This step is particularly important if you’ve had sensitive information on your PS4, such as banking details or personal data. You can do this by connecting the PS4 to a computer and fully formatting the hard drive.

In conclusion, resetting your PS4 ready to sell may seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential for the protection of your personal and sensitive data. Just remember to backup any important information you want to keep, deactivate and sign out of your account, initialize the PS4, and wipe the hard drive for peace of mind.