If you are facing issues with your PlayStation due to internal problems, resetting it can resolve them and restore its functionality. However, if you can’t locate your controller, there’s no need to worry. You can still perform a factory reset without a gamepad using your phone or PC too. Surprised? Continue reading to find out how.
How to Factory Reset PS4 Without a Controller
Resetting a PS4 is often done when you need a fresh start, fix software problems, or get ready to sell or trade in the console. A reset involves returning the device to its default factory settings. The hard drive is completely erased in the process.
Note: Before doing so, make sure to back up any data that may be present.
Method 1: Connect to an External Keyboard
You can factory reset the PS4 with a keyboard and access the Safe Mode menu. Here are the steps to do the same:
Note: You will require a USB Keyboard.
1. Turn Off your PS4 and connect the USB keyboard to the nearest USB port.
2. Turn On your PS4. It will enter Safe Mode.
3. Navigate the Safe Mode menu, and select Initialise PS4. Press Enter.
4. Choose Full to perform a complete factory reset.
Method 2: Connect to an External Mouse
You can navigate the Safe Mode menu and start the factory reset procedure without a controller by doing so using an external mouse. Remember that this is not the recommended approach; instead, whenever possible, it is best to use a compatible controller for such activities. To do the same, follow the following steps:
1. Turn Off your PS4 and connect the USB mouse to the nearest USB port.
2. Turn on the PS4. It will enter the Safe Mode.
3. Navigate the Safe Mode menu. Click on Initialise PS4.
4. Out of the two options, click on Full to perform a complete factory reset.
Also Read: How to Change PS4 Controller Color
Method 3: Via the PlayStation App
It can be difficult to reset a PS4 without a controller, but you can use the PlayStation App on your smartphone to browse the PS4’s menus and perform a factory reset. Follow the following steps to do the same:
1. Install the PlayStation app on your phone and Sign in to it.
2. Tap on the PlayStation icon at the bottom, and select Connect to PS4. Pair your PS4 and phone.
3. From the app, select Settings.
4. Tap on Initialisation and then on Initialise PS4.
5. Select Full to perform a complete factory reset.
Method 4: Via PlayStation Remote Play App
You can also factory reset your PS4 if you don’t have a controller through the Remote Play app. Follow the below-mentioned steps to perform the activity:
1. Install the Remote Play app from Google Play or iOS and Sign in to the app.
2. Go to Settings, tap on Remote Play Connection Settings, and enable Remote Play.
3. On the PS4, go to Settings.
4. Select Remote Play Connection Settings and then Add Device.
5. On the app, go to settings and tap on PS4 Connection Settings.
6. Enter the number appearing on the TV.
7. Once paired follow the steps 4 and 5 mentioned for the PlayStation app.
Also Read: Can You Download and Play NCAA Football 14 on PS4?
Method 5: Use Bluetooth or Wireless External Devices
Using Bluetooth or wireless external devices also helps you reset your PS4 without a controller. To do the same, follow the steps mentioned below:
1. Download the PlayStation or Remote Play app.
2. On your PS4, go to Settings.
3. Select Devices and choose Bluetooth Devices.
4. Pair the device with your TV.
5. Go to the app and follow the steps 4 and 5 mentioned for the PlayStation app.
Method 6: Use Your Smartphone
You can use your smartphone to factory reset your PS4 if you can’t find your controller. To do this, download the PlayStation app of your choice and follow the steps mentioned in Methods 3, 4, or 5.
Method 7: Use Your Windows PC/Laptop
Using a PC or a laptop can also work to reset the PS4 without a controller. For that follow the following steps:
1. Connect your PS4 controller to your PC using USB.
2. Sign in to the PlayStation website.
3. Follow the steps as mentioned in Method 3.
How to Reset PS4 Without Controller and Without Losing Data
It is difficult to reset PS4 without a controller without losing data because the typical procedures require you to have one. However, you can use the PlayStation Network website to do a remote reset without losing any data if your PS4 is online and you have your smartphone or PC with you. Follow the steps below to reset PS4 without controller and without losing data:
1. Go to the PlayStation Network website.
2. Sign in to your account and go to Settings.
3. Go to PS4 Systems. Select the PS4 you want to reset.
4. Click on Reset PS4 and choose the option Keep Data to reset your PS4 without losing any data.
Also Read: Can You Use a PS5 Controller on a PS4?
How to Factory Reset Your PS4 With Controller
To reset your PS4 with a controller, follow the following steps:
1. Open your PS4 and using your controller navigate to Settings.
2. Select Initialization.
3. Select Initialize PS4.
4. Select Full to complete a factory reset of your PS4.
When to Factory Reset PS4?
It is very much necessary in certain situations that reset your PS4. Some of these situations are:
- Selling Your PS4: If you are planning to sell your PS4, you must perform a factory reset to remove personal data.
- Security: If you want your data to be secured and want to completely erase your login information from your console, you can perform a factory reset.
- Cleaning Unwanted Data: Every app accumulates unwanted data, including PS4. Hence, to ensure smooth performance, you can perform a factory reset.
How to Turn Off A PS4 Without Controller
Turning off a PS4 without a controller is very easy. Here are the steps to do the same:
1. Locate the Power button on your PS4. It is denoted by the PlayStation logo.
2. Press the button for some time.
3. Wait for your PS4 to turn off, then unplug the cable.
It is possible to reset your PS4 without a controller, which may come in handy in many situations. Even though it may not be the simplest procedure, knowing how to do it will help any user get back in control of their system and start again if their controller breaks down. We hope this article helped you in doing so. Keep reading for more helpful guides.
