Yes, you can change your PSN username, but Sony limits how often you can do it

You can change your PlayStation Network username once every 30 days. The first change is free. If you want to change it again after that, each additional change costs $9.99. Sony does not let you revert to a previous username, so choose carefully — once you confirm the change, the old name becomes available for someone else to claim.

The change takes effect when ready across your PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and the PSN website. Your friends list, trophies, and game progress stay with your account. However, some games may not recognize the new name right away, and a few older titles may not support username changes at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free, and each change after that costs $9.99 and requires waiting 30 days since your last change.
  • You can change your username on a PS4, PS5, or through the PSN website, and the change appears everywhere within minutes.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to use when ready, so you cannot get it back later.
  • Games you own stay on your account, but some older games may not display your new username or may not let you change it at all.
  • If a game does not support the new username, you may see your old name in that game's menus, but your account and progress are still yours.

How to change your username on PS4 or PS5

Go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Online ID. Type your new username — it must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and cannot contain spaces. PSN will tell you when ready if the name is taken or violates the naming rules.

Review the warning that your old username will be released and some games may not recognize the new one. If you are ready, select Change Online ID. The system will ask you to confirm your password. Once you enter it, the change is complete and live on all your devices.

Changing your username through the PSN website

Sign into your account at account.playstation.com. Click Profile, then Online ID. Select Change Online ID and follow the same steps as on console — type the new name, review the warning, and confirm with your password.

This method works if you do not have your console nearby or prefer to manage your account on a computer. The change syncs to your PS4 or PS5 within a few minutes.

What happens to your games and friends after you change your username

Your game library, save files, and trophies stay attached to your account. Your friends list remains intact, and your friends will see your new username the next time they log in. You do not lose access to anything you own or any progress you have made.

However, some games — particularly older titles released before 2018 — may not support the new username. In those games, you might see your old username displayed in menus or on leaderboards, even though you are logged in with your new account. Your progress in those games is still yours; the name display is straightforward a limitation of how the game was built.

The 30-day waiting period and the $9.99 fee

After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before changing it again. This timer starts from the date of your last change, not from the date you first created your account. If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, PSN will show you the exact date when you can change it next.

The first change is free. Every change after that costs $9.99 and requires the same 30-day wait. If you have PlayStation Plus, the fee does not change — it applies to all accounts, whether you subscribe or not.

Why you cannot get your old username back

Once you change your username, Sony releases the old one when ready. Anyone else can claim it within seconds. PSN does not hold old usernames in reserve or let you reclaim them later, even if you change your mind a few minutes after the switch.

This is why it matters to think through your new username before you confirm. If you realize you made a typo or chose something you do not like, you will have to wait 30 days and pay $9.99 to change it again. Write down or test your new username somewhere before you enter it into PSN.

Games that do not support username changes

Most modern games work fine with a new username. However, some titles — especially games released before 2018 or games that store usernames locally rather than pulling them from PSN — may not update your display name.

Common examples include older Call of Duty titles, some sports games, and certain indie titles. You can still play these games and your progress is safe, but you may see your old username in the game's menus or on scoreboards. The game itself has no way to know you changed your PSN username, so it keeps showing what it stored before the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have an active PlayStation Plus subscription?

Yes. Your subscription status does not affect your ability to change your username. The first change is still free, and subsequent changes still cost $9.99. Your subscription remains active under your new username.

What if someone takes my old username right after I change it?

There is nothing you can do to reclaim it. PSN does not reserve old usernames. If you want to use that name again, you would have to contact the person who claimed it and ask them to change theirs, which they have no obligation to do. Choose your new username carefully.

Will my friends know I changed my username?

Yes. Your friends will see the new username the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. You will not be removed from their list, and they will not lose your friendship data. They will straightforward see you under your new name.

Can I change my username on my phone or tablet?

You can manage your account through the PlayStation App on mobile, but the option to change your online ID is only available on the PSN website or on a PS4 or PS5 console. Use account.playstation.com from your phone's web browser if you prefer not to use a console.

Do I lose my trophies or achievements if I change my username?

No. All your trophies, achievements, and game progress stay with your account. Changing your username does not affect any of your gaming history or unlocked rewards.