Modern game consoles, going back as far back as the Sega Dreamcast in 1999, have required personal information, such as credit cards and email addresses, for online services. This is great until it comes time to sell your old game console. With so much personal information on the hard drive of the console, it’s imperative you scrub the machine of all data before you sell it. Here’s how:
PlayStation 4
Restore your PS4 to factory settings to erase all data you have on the hard drive. But if you have any data you might want to save, back it up via USB hard drive before you reset it. To do this, follow these steps:
- Buy a thin USB drive to back up your data because the USB port on your PS4 is preceded by a narrow slot that some USB drives cannot fit into.
- From the home screen, select Settings and then Application Saved Data Management.
- Select Copy to USB Storage Device, and then choose the files you want saved. (Remember: Although you can save your data online in the cloud Sony provides, this cloud is no longer available once you sell your machine.)
- When you are finished, click Copy.
- The amount of time this process takes depends on how many files you decide to copy and back up on your USB drive.
Now your machine is scrub ready. First, turn off your PS4 off. Then, hold the On button until you hear two beeps so you are in safe mode. (This may take longer than you think it should.) There are seven options in safe mode. Select option six to initialize PS4. Select Yes, and your personal information will be wiped from the machine.
Xbox One
When you reset your Xbox One, you lose any saved games, apps, accounts and any other setting you personalized. Here’s how to scrub your console:
- Turn on your Xbox One, and visit the home screen.
- Press the Menu button on your Xbox One Controller.
- Select Settings and then System.
- There is an option that reads, Restore Factory Defaults.
- When you click this there is a yes or no screen. Confirm your decision.
- Your Xbox One will reformat itself.
Wii U
Follow these instructions to remove your personal information from your Wii U:
- From the home screen, press the wrench icon on the gamepad to get to the settings mode. (Only your gamepad will display these options, not your TV.)
- Scroll all the way to the right.
- Use the control pad to select Delete All Content and Settings.
- If you’ve utilized parental controls, enter the pin number you chose.
- Click OK and then, Next.
- A small paragraph will appear on the gamepad explaining that you will delete all the data on your machine if you continue. Click Delete Everything.
- Your Wii U is returned to the company default.
Although the previous instructions should clear all of your personal data from your game console, you should take extra measures in case some sensitive information is left on the hard drive. You also need to take action for any information lingering in the cloud servers. You don’t want a stranger in the possession of your credit card number and other personal information. For extra protection, invest in an identity theft protection service for some time after you’ve sold your device.
