When you initialize your PS4™ system, it essentially resets the console to its default factory settings. This means that all system settings will be restored to their original values, including display and audio settings, parental controls, and network settings. Additionally, initializing the system will delete all data saved on the system storage, including game saves, screenshots, and videos.
However, it is important to note that initializing the PS4 system does not directly delete your PlayStation Network (PSN) account. Your PSN account is linked to your online profile and is stored on Sony’s servers, not on your console. Therefore, regardless of whether you initialize your PS4 or not, your PSN account will remain intact.
That being said, when you initialize your PS4 system, all users and their associated data will be deleted from the console. This means that any local profiles, including their saved data and settings, will be permanently removed. It is crucial to back up any important data before proceeding with the initialization process to avoid losing any valuable information.
To ensure that you do not lose any digital content associated with your PSN account, such as game purchases and downloadable content, it is recommended to deactivate your PS4 system as your primary console before initializing it. By deactivating your console, you can easily reactivate it on another PS4 system and regain access to your digital content.
To summarize, initializing your PS4 system will delete all data saved on the system storage and remove all users and their associated data from the console. However, your PSN account itself will not be deleted, as it is tied to your online profile and stored on Sony’s servers. It is important to back up any important data and deactivate your console as your primary system before proceeding with the initialization process.