Yes, you can change your PlayStation username, but the process and consequences depend on which PlayStation system you use and how many times you have changed it before

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 owners can change their online ID through the account settings menu. The change takes effect when ready across your profile, your friends list, and any multiplayer games you play going forward. However, some older games — particularly those released before 2018 — may not recognize your new name and could show your old username or a blank space instead. Your game saves, trophies, and purchased content stay with your account regardless of the name change.

PlayStation 3 owners cannot change their username at all. The name you chose when you first created your account is permanent on that system. If you want a different name, you would need to create a new PSN account, though you cannot transfer your games or trophies to it.

Key Takeaways

  • PlayStation 4 and 5 users can change their online ID once for free, then pay $4.99 for each additional change.
  • Games released before April 2018 may display your old username or show nothing at all, even after you change your name.
  • Your game saves, trophies, and purchased games remain on your account after a username change.
  • The name change takes effect when ready in multiplayer games and on your profile, but some friends may need to restart their console to see the update.

How to change your username on PS4 or PS5

Go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Online ID. Enter your new username — it must be between three and sixteen characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces. PlayStation will check whether the name is available. If it is, you will see a confirmation screen showing your new name and a note about which older games might not display it correctly. Select Confirm to complete the change.

The new name appears on your profile and in your friends list within seconds. However, friends who are currently playing a game may not see the change until they restart their console or sign out and back in. Multiplayer games you join after the change will show your new username to other players.

What happens to your games and trophies

Your game library, save files, and trophy list do not move or disappear when you change your username. Every game you own remains on your account and launches the same way it did before. Trophies you earned stay in your trophy case with the date you earned them, though they will now be associated with your new username.

The risk is with how individual games display your name. Games made after April 2018 were built to handle username changes and will show your new name in-game. Older games were not designed for this feature. Some will show your old username, some will show nothing at all, and a small number may cause errors when you try to play them. You can still play these games — the issue is only cosmetic — but you may see your old name in leaderboards or chat, or see a blank space where your name should appear.

The cost of changing your username more than once

Your first username change on a PS4 or PS5 account is free. If you want to change it again, PlayStation charges $4.99 per change. This fee applies each time you modify your online ID after the first one. There is no limit to how many times you can change your name, as long as you pay the fee each time.

The fee is charged to the payment method on file for your PlayStation Network account. If you do not have a valid payment method saved, you will need to add one before you can complete a paid name change.

Restrictions on what you can name yourself

PlayStation enforces a code of conduct for usernames. Your new name cannot contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language. It cannot impersonate a real person or a celebrity, and it cannot be identical to an existing PlayStation Network username. Names that reference illegal activity or sexual content are also rejected.

If you choose a name that violates these rules, PlayStation will reject it during the availability check and ask you to try a different one. If you change your name to something that later violates the code of conduct, PlayStation can force you to change it again without refunding your fee.

How your friends see the change

Your new username appears on your profile when ready and shows up in your friends list right away. However, the update may not reach your friends' consoles when ready if they are currently playing a game. Friends who are online when you make the change will see the old name until they restart their game, restart their console, or sign out of their PSN account.

In party chat and multiplayer games, your new name shows up as soon as you join. If a friend is in a game with you when you change your username, they will see the new name the next time you speak or the next time the game refreshes its player list.

What to do if an older game does not recognize your new name

If you are playing a game from before 2018 and your username does not appear or shows your old name, the issue is that the game was not built to support username changes. You cannot fix this on your end — the game developer would need to update the game to recognize new usernames, and most older games never receive this update.

You can still play the game normally. The name display issue does not affect gameplay, your save files, or your ability to earn trophies. If the blank or old name bothers you, your only option is to avoid playing that specific game, or to create a second PSN account and start over — though you would lose access to your saves and trophies on that game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes. A username change is not permanent — you can change it back to your old name if you want. If it is your first change, it is free. If you have already used your free change, you will pay $4.99 to change back.

Do my friends lose access to my profile if I change my username?

No. Your friends remain on your friends list and can still message you and join your games. They will see your new username, though it may take a few minutes for the change to show on their console if they are currently playing.

Will changing my username get me banned?

Not unless your new username violates PlayStation's code of conduct. If you choose a name with profanity, slurs, or hateful content, PlayStation will reject it before you can use it. If you somehow get a name approved and then it is flagged later, you will be forced to change it again, but you will not be banned from your account.

Can I change my username on the PlayStation app or website?

No. Username changes must be made through your PS4 or PS5 console. You cannot change it through the mobile app or the PlayStation website.

What if someone else takes the username I want?

Usernames on PlayStation Network are first-come, first-served. If the name you want is already taken, you will need to choose a different one. You can try adding numbers or a prefix to make a variation of the name you want.