Can You Get Your Data Back After Initialization PS4? The Honest Truth
This guide answers "can you get your data back after initialization PS4" and explores related concerns like "will initializing a PS4 erase data from PS5". We detail recovery methods, the importance of PS Plus backups, and clear up common confusion between consoles.
Last Updated October 16, 2025
How Do I Get My Data Back After Initializing PS4?
Can you get back lost game data after initializing?
I initialized my PS4 a little bit ago because it was stuck in a safe mode loop, and initializing seemed to be the only viable option at the time. When I saw that my games weren't saved, I was pissed, but the progress bar below the game says that my progress is still there, but when I go into the game, the progress isn't saved. I just wanna play Spider-Man again, I almost platinumed that game!! If you can, please help. Also, my Battlefront 2 progress was saved, and all of my heroes were the same as I had left them before initializing. Is that because it's saved online and not in the PS4? I'm not really a technical wizard, but that's my best guess.
- Question from reddit.com
Can you get your data back after initialization on PS4 if you did it by accident? You will find the answer and learn how to get your files back if you have a backup. Let’s get started.
Can You Get Your Data Back After Initialization on PS4?
Before answering this question, you should learn about Initializing PS4. As a matter of fact, there are two ways to initialize your PS4: Quick and Full.
The Difference Between Quick and Full Initialization
The PS4 offers two types of initialization, and one is far more destructive than the other.
Quick Initialization: This is the faster option. It simply deletes the "catalog" of your data, marking the space as available for new data to be written. Your old game saves and screenshots are still physically on the drive, but the system can no longer see them. If you have just initialized your PS4 using the Quick option and have not used the console since, there is a chance that data recovery software could potentially find those "lost" files before they are overwritten.
Full Initialization: This is the nuclear option. It meticulously overwrites the entire hard drive with zeros, systematically destroying every single piece of data. This process can take hours, but it is designed to be 100% secure and irreversible through any conventional means. If you performed a Full Initialization, the data is permanently gone.
So, can you get your data back after initialization on PS4?
2. It’s not possible to recover saved game files after completing a full initialization. Because the built-in storage of your PS4 is wiped clean and restored to its factory-fresh state. The data that was on there is systematically erased to prevent easy recovery. So, if you did not create a backup before the process, the short answer is no.
3. If you have a backup for the PS4 device, you can restore files anytime, no matter whether it’s a quick or full initialization.
How to Undo Initialize PS4?
You can attempt to cancel a PS4 full initialization, but it may not always work, and the process is irreversible once complete. If you've started a full initialization in the PS4's system menu, press the X button on your controller to try and cancel it, but the console might still delete data and seem to reset to factory settings even if canceled. If initialization is started in Safe Mode, canceling it or restarting the console might allow the process to resume, but a true cancellation is difficult, and it's best to let the process complete if you want to wipe the console.
Way 1. Undo During System Menu Initialization
Start the Initialization process from the PS4's Settings menu.
When prompted, select the "Initialize PS4" option and choose either "Quick" or "Full".
While the initialization is running, press the X button on your connected controller to attempt a cancellation.
Be aware that even if you cancel, the PS4 may continue the process or seem to have reset itself, as data deletion is often irreversible.
Cancel During Safe Mode Initialization
If you are in Safe Mode, navigate to the "Initialize PS4" option and select it.
After selecting a type of initialization, you may be prompted to confirm. Here, a direct cancellation might be possible by selecting the option to exit.
If you've confirmed initialization, it's recommended to allow the process to finish to ensure complete data removal, especially if you are selling the console.
Backup Your PS4 Data Before Initializing
The golden rule of data management is that the best recovery method is a robust backup strategy.
Sony provides two primary avenues for backing up your precious data, and using them is non-negotiable if you value your progress.
Way 1. Using Cloud Storage with PlayStation Plus for Saves
If you have a PlayStation Plus subscription, you have a safety net for your game save data. The console can automatically upload your saves to the cloud, ensuring that even if your console dies, your progress is safe in the sky.
To check this:
1. Go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Auto-Upload.
2. Make sure it's enabled for your games.
Way 2. Backing Up to a USB Storage Device Correctly
For a full-system backup—including game data, screenshots, videos, and settings—you need an external USB hard drive with more free space than your PS4's used storage.
1. Go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore.
2. Choose Back Up PS4 and select everything you want to save.
3. This creates a complete image of your system that you can later restore.
Restore PS4 Data from Backup After Initialization
If you were smart and created a backup, the recovery process is straightforward and stress-free.
Way 1. Restore Your PS4 from a Backup
If you followed the pre-initialization advice and backed up to a USB device, this is your moment.
1. With your PS4 initialized and set up, go to Settings > System > Back Up and Restore.
2. Select Restore PS4.
3. Choose your backup file from the USB drive and let the console work its magic.
It will reboot, and when it's done, it will look exactly as it did before you initialized, with all your games, saves, and settings perfectly intact.
Way 2. Re-download Games and Rebuild Your Library
If you only had your saves in the cloud, the process is a bit more manual, but still effective.
After initializing and logging back into your PSN account, go to your Library. You can see all the games you've ever purchased or claimed. You can simply re-download them.
For your saved data, go to Settings > Application Saved Data Management > Saved Data in Online Storage > Download to System Storage to bring your progress back down from the cloud.
Fast Recover PS4 Files After Quick Initialization
If you quickly initialized your PS4 without a backup, you can recover files from an initialized PS4 device. But first, you have to find a comprehensive Windows data recovery software like MyRecover to recover easily.
- Deep scan. MyRecover performs a deep scan of the hard drive, looking for all files on every sector. Besides, you can perform a quick scan to find files quickly, and it takes less time than a deep scan.
- User-friendly. It's designed to be user-friendly, guiding you through the process of scanning and attempting to reclaim your lost files.
- Easy Recovery. You can enjoy the highest recovery rate in the market, 99%, which makes the recovery process quick.
- Selective recovery. You can find files quickly using file type, file path, file name, and file size.
- 500+ Devices. You can recover files from computer, external hard drive, SD card, USB flash drive, camera devices, music players, etc.
How to get your PS4 data back after quick initialization with MyRecover, check:
1. Physically remove the hard drive from your PS4. This requires a screwdriver and is a delicate process. Once removed, you need a SATA-to-USB adapter or enclosure to connect the bare PS4 hard drive directly to a Windows computer. Do not initialize or format the drive if your computer prompts you.
2. Download and install MyRecover on your Windows PC. Launch it and hit Disk Data Recovery, select the connected PS4 drive, and hit Scan.
100% Secure3. Once the scan is complete, hit OK. And MyRecover will display all the files it found, sorted by file type.
4. Preview and select the files you need to recover, and hit Recover.
5. Choose a safe location, and hit Select Folder to save these recovered PS4 files.
- Tips:✎...
- Saving them back to the PS4 drive will overwrite the very data you are trying to save.
- If you have an unbootable computer, try to create a Windows bootable media to recover files.
- To recover files from unlimited computers, MyRecover Technician is your best shot.
- Recover Deleted Files Easily with Simple Clicks
- 1000+ File Formats Supported
- Support HDD, SSD, External Hard Drive, USB Drive, SD Card, etc.
- Quickly Find Files Using File Types, Name, Size, etc.
- Preview Files Before Recovering
- Recover Unlimited Data
100% SecureFAQs About Data Issues After Initializing PS4
I initialized my PS4 without a backup. Is my data 100% gone?
After a Full Initialization, the data is permanently gone. A Quick Initialization leaves a slim chance for recovery using specialized software.
Does initializing a PS4 delete the PlayStation Network account itself?
A: No. Your PSN account is cloud-based and safe. Initializing only removes your local data from that specific console, not your online account.
Can I use the same backup to restore my data on a different PS4 console?
A: Yes. The backup is tied to your PSN account. You can restore it to any PS4 by logging in with the same account.
What is the actual difference between Restore Default Settings and Initialize PS4?
A: Restore Default Settings only resets system preferences. Initialize PS4 erases everything - all accounts, games, saves, and reinstalls the system software.
How long does it take to initialize a PS4?
A: A Quick Initialization takes minutes. A Full Initialization can take several hours, depending on the hard drive's capacity. A 500GB drive might take 2-3 hours.
If I initialize my PS4, will I lose my account on PS5?
No. Your PS5 account and data are completely separate and will remain unaffected. The two consoles operate independently.
Will initializing PS4 fix corrupted data?
It can fix system software corruption, but does so by erasing all data. It cannot repair individual corrupted save files.
Does Initialize PS4 delete everything?
Yes. It performs a full factory reset, erasing all user accounts, games, saves, and settings from the console.