How to Recover Data After Initializing PS4 Effectively

We all understand the huge frustration that comes with losing the game data and leaderboards you've built up over time. Sometimes we have to face the PS4 initialization situation. But what does Initialize PS4 mean and what does Initialize PS4 do? Why did my game data disappear after initializing my PS4?

No need to worry. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed guide to understand the PS4 initialization process and introduce you to the best method to recover data after PS4 initialization. Keep reading to learn more!

What is PS4 initialization and what does it do?

PS4 initialization refers to the process of restoring the console's settings to their default state. When you initialize your PS4, it erases all user data, including games, apps, saved game progress, and personal settings. It basically resets the console as if it were new.

The initialization process is typically used in situations where you want to start over with your PS4, troubleshoot software issues, or prepare the console for sale or transfer. However, it is important to understand that initializing your PS4 will result in the loss of all your games and data unless you have backed them up first.

It's important to be careful before initializing and make sure you have a backup of your games and data to avoid losing valuable progress or content.

What happens if you initialize your PS4

Many users have asked what happens if I initialize a disk with data on it. When you initialize your PS4, a few key events occur:

• Erase Data: All data on your PS4's internal memory will be erased. This includes:

Game installations: All installed games will be deleted.

Saved Data: Does Initializing PS4 Delete Games? yes All saved games, screenshots and videos will be deleted.

User Accounts: All user accounts and their associated settings will be deleted.

System Settings: All system settings will be restored to their default settings.

• System Reset: The PS4 system software will be reset to its default state. This means that any customizations or changes you have made to system settings will be lost. The PS4 will also go through the initial setup process that you encountered when first setting up your console.
• No impact on external memory: It is important to note that the initialization process only affects the internal memory of the PS4. All data on external devices connected to your PS4 will remain intact. However, these devices will need to be reconnected and reconfigured after initialization.
• Impact on account data: Your PlayStation Network (PSN) account information is not stored on the PS4 itself, but rather on Sony's servers. Therefore, initializing your PS4 will not delete your PSN account. After initialization, you can reconnect to your PSN account and re-download the purchased content.

How do I restore my games after initializing my PS4?

Initializing your PS4 may be a necessary step to troubleshoot issues or prepare the console for a new owner. However, this can also lead to the loss of your game data. Fortunately, there are 3 methods to restore your games after initializing your PS4, even recover data without backup first.

Method 1. Recovery data after initializing PS4 with MyRecover

Restoring your games after initializing/resetting your PS4 can be a challenge, especially if you don't have a backup. However, data recovery software like MyRecover can be an effective tool to recover PS4 data after initialization. MyRecover is designed to recover lost files on various devices, including gaming consoles such as PS4/PS5.

Main features of MyRecover:

• The intuitive user interface allows easy navigation and data retrieval in just 3 clicks.
• Applies to any data loss situation: You can recover data from initialized disks, formatted storage devices or after virus attacks, system crashes, accidental deletion, etc.
• Support to recover lost game save data on PS5, PS4, Xbox One, etc., and restoration of popular computer games.
• Combined scan ensures you find and recover data from PS4 hard drives quickly and efficiently.
• Recover game data after initializing PS4 with a high recovery success rate and fast speed, maintaining original file name, directory, path, format, and quality.

You can first try the free edition of MyRecover, which allows you to recover data after initializing PS4, up to 500MB for free. “How do I recover my games after initializing my PS4? Download MyRecover and follow the simple steps belowto recover deleted files on PS4.

Step 1. Run MyRecover and scan PS4 hard drive

Install and run MyRecover on your Windows PC. Connect your PS4 hard drive to your computer and hover over the drive, click Scan to continue.

Step 2. Review the found data

Quick Scan and Deep Scan will find all your data on PS4 hard drive. You can use Filter feature to find desired files and preview data before recovery.

Step 3. Restore Data

Just select the data and click Recover X Files. Save the recovered files from the original to a new drive. After a few minutes, your data will be restored smoothly.

Method 2. Recover PS4 Game Data from Cloud Storage

If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you have access to 100GB of cloud storage to back up your game data. The autosave feature backs up your PS4 games to the cloud. Here's how to recover lost game data after initializing your PS4:

1. Go to Settings: From the PS4 home menu, go to Settings.

2. Select Manage saved data in app: Select this option to manage your saved data.

3. Select Data saved in cloud storage: This is where your cloud recordings are stored.

4. Download to system storage: Select this option to start downloading your saved data.

5. Select the files you need: View your saved game data and select the files you want to restore.

6. Start Download: Click the Download button to start the recovery process.

Method 3. Recover PS4 Data from PlayStation Store

If you purchased games from the PlayStation Store, you can download them again for free using the same account you used for the original purchase. Here's how to recover lost game data.

1. Log in to your PS4: Use the same account credentials you used to purchase the games.

2. Open PlayStation Store: Access the store from the main menu.

3. Check your purchased games: Find the games you want to restore.

4. Start Download: Select the games and start the download process to the PS4 local storage.

PS4 Initialization FAQ