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You need to reset your PlayStation 3 console in case of a frozen screen or if you wish to Factory Reset for selling or gifting. An OS freeze may occur due to a lack of RAM space in the PS3 console, or due to over-heating. You can restart the PlayStation 3 to recover from these issues. A hard reset may be the best choice to save the PS3 console from getting bricked. The PS3 has the Reset option in the System Settings as well as in Safe Mode. You can able to reset the console in both ways.
Back up your Saved Game Files
It is recommended to backup your saved data since the reset option will erase all the data in the console. You can use any USB drive to backup data. However, make sure you have at least 1GB of free space in the USB drive.
[1] Connect the USB drive with your PS3 console. Kindly note that the USB ports would be located on the left side of the PS3 console.
[2] Select Game in the menu and scroll down to “Saved Data Utility”.
[3] Browse through the game list and navigate to the game you wish to backup.
[4] Press the Triangle face button △ on the controller and select Copy.
[5] Choose your USB drive from the list.
You have to repeat the same procedure for all the game saves you want to backup.
How to Reset PS3 using Settings
[1] Launch the PlayStation 3 console and go to the home screen.
[2] Select the Settings in the horizontal menu.
[3] Scroll down and click the System Settings in the Settings.
[4] Choose the Restore PS3 System option.
[5] Click Yes in the Warning prompt of the Restore PS3 System option.
[6] Choose the Format method (Quick or Full Format) and select Yes again to reset the PS3 Console.
How to Reset PS3 in Safe Mode
The Safe Mode screen in PS3 offers some tools to diagnose and repair that can fix freezing issues and glitches. You will have to turn off your PS3 to access Safe Mode.
[1] Once your PS3 console is turned off, press the Power button. You will hear the first beep.
[2] Long press the Power button until you hear the next beep. The system will power turn off and the light will turn red.
[3] Press and hold the Power button again.
[4] Continue holding the Power button till a rapid double beep is heard. Release the Power button.
It displays the information that “Connect the controller using USB and then press the PS button”.
[5] Connect the Controller through the USB cable and turn it on. You can’t use the controller in wireless mode.
[6] Press the PS button to enter the Safe Mode Screen.
How to Reset PS3 from Safe Mode
There are several options available in the Safe Mode. You can pick the option to help fix the problems on PlayStation 3.
Restore File System – This tool fixes file system errors on the hard drive.
Rebuild Database – This will attempt to fix the database tables back to the original state.
Restore PS3 System – This will perform a factory reset on the PlayStation 3. All data on the hard drive will be wiped out, and also all settings will be restored to default.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can go to the System Settings and choose the Restore PS3 System to reset the PS3 Fat, Slim, and Super Slim models.
In the event of power failure. You may have to restart the update procedure. However, a fatal error may also brick your console in rare cases.
You can reset the PSN Password on the PlayStation console by visiting the Account Management in the Settings. Sign in to your account and press the triangle button on the controller to get the password reset link through email. You can also change the PSN name on the PlayStation.
The PS3 Controller has a hidden button for the reset. You can find the reset button at the back of the Controller. You have to use a paper clip to press the Reset button for a few seconds and the release button to complete the reset process.
