How to Reset a PS3

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There may be several different reasons why you need to reset your PS3. If your game or video has frozen, a quick reset should take care of the problem. If you've changed TVs or cables, you may have to reset the video output settings. If you are experiencing frequent lockups or are having problems with the XMB, you may need to use the hard drive tools in Safe Mode.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Resetting a Frozen PS3

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  1. If your PS3 is frozen, you can perform a manual reset. You'll have to do this from the console itself, as your controllers are likely frozen as well.
  2. You'll hear three rapid beeps and your PS3 will turn itself off.
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  3. Don't turn it on using the controller, as it may not detect the PS3.
  4. Your PS3 will likely attempt to check for errors on the disk. This may take a while, or it may complete in just a few moments.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Resetting Video Output Settings

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  1. The power light on the front should be red. [1]
    • If you are switching TVs or changing HDMI cables, you may have to perform this reset if nothing is appearing on the screen when you turn the PS3 on.
  3. [2]
  6. This will take about five seconds.
  7. You may have to press the PS button on the controller to turn it on first.
  8. You can set the correct resolution from here. [3]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Starting Safe Mode

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  1. The PS3's Safe Mode allows you to access some diagnostic and repair tools that can fix a system that is freezing often or experiencing glitches. You can use Safe Mode to rebuild the file system or factory reset the PS3.
  2. Before trying any repair work on the PS3 file system, it is always recommended to backup your save data in case something goes wrong. You can backup data to any USB drive, and most game saves range between 5-20 MB in size. [4]
    • Insert the USB drive into your PS3.
    • Open the Game menu and select "Saved Data Utility".
    • Navigate to the first game you want to backup.
    • Press △ and select "Copy".
    • Choose your USB drive and copy the file. Repeat for all the game saves you want to backup.
  3. To enter Safe Mode, you'll need to turn your PS3 off first.
  4. You will hear the first beep.
  5. The system will power back off and the light will turn red. [5]
  6. You will hear the first and second beep as before.
  7. Release the Power button. You will see the message "Connect the controller using USB and then press the PS button". [6]
  8. You can't use wireless controllers in Safe Mode.
  9. There are several options you can pick from that can help fix the problems your PS3 is experiencing. Try these in order to see if anything can fix it. If the fix doesn't help, move on to the next one.
    • Restore File System - This will attempt to fix damaged files on the hard drive.
    • Rebuild Database - This will attempt to fix the database information on your hard drive. It will delete messages and notifications, as well as delete any folders you have created. No files should be deleted.
    • Restore PS3 System - This will restore the PS3 to its factory settings, and everything on the hard drive will be deleted. Make sure you have everything you want saved backed up before proceeding with this fix. [7]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Does the PS3 have a factory reset button?
    Community Answer
    No, the PlayStation 3 does not have a factory reset button.
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  • Question
    What do I do if my PS3 freezes when starting up?
    Community Answer
    Unplug the power cable from the wall, wait for 30 seconds and plug it back in.
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  • Question
    When I press the power button, it starts up and the light turns green, and another light turns blue - but then it powers off right away. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    That means your flashdrive is broken. Take it to a technician.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/users/turnoff.html
      2. ↑ https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/videooutput.html
      3. ↑ https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/videooutput.html
      4. ↑ https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/backuputility.html
      5. ↑ https://www.geekwithenvy.com/2013/05/how-to-enter-safe-mode-on-ps3/
      6. ↑ https://www.geekwithenvy.com/2013/05/how-to-enter-safe-mode-on-ps3/
      7. ↑ https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/restoreps3.html

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Press and hold the Power button.
      2. Hold it down for 30 seconds.
      3. Wait a few seconds and then press it again once.
      4. Wait for the error check to complete.

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