Whether due to age or some internal problems, you may think about resetting your PS4 console. However, you will need to use your PS4 controller to do this easily. But what if you don’t have a controller with you or it is also damaged and unusable? Even if the controller battery is flat it will take a while to recharge (please read How Long Does It Take A PS4 Controller To Charge? to find out more). In this guide, we’ll show you a variety of ways how you can factory reset your PS4 without using a controller. So, if you’re currently experiencing this problem on your PS4, read this guide to learn more. Note: If you have a PS5, then you need our guide on resetting your PS5 without a controller.
Factory Resetting your PS4 with a Controller
When you often experience an unresponsive console or errors, it’s a good time to do a factory reset to your PS4. A factory reset restores your device to its default settings and configurations. To factory reset your PS4, you will only need to follow a few steps:
1 Factory Resetting your PS4 with a Controller1.1 Disassociate your PlayStation Network Account1.2 Factory Reset your PS42 Factory Resetting your PS4 Without a Controller2.1 Method #1: Connecting an External Keyboard2.2 Method #2: Connecting an External Mouse2.3 Method #3: Via the PlayStation App2.4 Method #4: Via the PlayStation Remote Play App2.5 Method #5: Using Bluetooth or Wireless External Devices3 Final Thoughts
Disassociate your PlayStation Network Account
Deactivating your PlayStation Network account will sign your account out on your console and other consoles that you’re currently signed into. This step is also crucial if you just bought a brand new PS4 or a pre-owned one. Note that this does not affect your PS Plus membership if you have one, so any billing issues like Error Code E-8210604A should not stop you resetting your PS4.
Factory Reset your PS4
Once you have disassociated your PSN account, you can now proceed to factory reset your PS4. Here are the steps to do it: Quick – Will wipe all data temporarily, as information can be recovered using specialized data recovery tools. Full – This will wipe the data securely and takes hours to complete. When you select this option, data cannot be recovered quite easily. A factory reset is also recommended when you have corrupted data on Hulu for PS4.
Factory Resetting your PS4 Without a Controller
If your controller is not working (maybe it has the PS4 Controller Red Light Error) there are still several methods by which you can factory reset your PS4. However, it might include connecting an external device, such as a keyboard, mouse, and a Bluetooth device. It can also be done via the PlayStation App.
Method #1: Connecting an External Keyboard
In case you didn’t know, your PS4 console does support wired keyboards as a peripheral device. Once your keyboard has a USB type A connector, it can be connected to your PS4 with ease. Also, if you have a wireless keyboard, try connecting it and see if your keyboard is still supported by your console. Once you don’t have a keyboard or it is incompatible, you can try the next method.
Method #2: Connecting an External Mouse
Similar to a keyboard, a mouse can also work as a peripheral device to factory reset your PS4. Once it has a USB type A end, you can easily plug it in and your mouse can be used to navigate to the factory reset steps discussed earlier.
Method #3: Via the PlayStation App
If you have a smartphone, you can use it to download the PlayStation App. You can use this app to interact with your PS4, similar to having a controller. It is also compatible with both iOS and Android devices; just download the app from either the App Store or the Google Play Store. First, ensure that both your device and console are connected to one, common local wireless network (WiFi). Also, you will need to pair only one device for this method to work successfully.
Method #4: Via the PlayStation Remote Play App
Like the PlayStation App, you can use the PlayStation Remote App as a remote controller and navigate to the steps in factory resetting your PS4 console; ensure that both your phone and console are connected in one wireless network.
Method #5: Using Bluetooth or Wireless External Devices
Once one wired peripheral device does not work on your PS4 console, you can try connecting another wireless device via Bluetooth. Fortunately, almost all PlayStation consoles have Bluetooth support. To activate Bluetooth on your PS4 via the PlayStation App, follow these steps:
Final Thoughts
Factory resetting your PS4 is usually easy without a controller. It is easy to use and can help you navigate basic commands with ease. But once you don’t have a controller, a factory reset can also be done. Hopefully, this guide can help you factory reset your PS4 console when you have a faulty or damaged controller.
