Yes, you can change your PS5 username, but with one important limit
You can change your PS5 username once for free through your PlayStation Network account settings. After that first change, Sony charges $9.99 each time you want a different name. The change takes effect when ready across all your games and your profile, though some older games may still show your previous username in their servers.
The process itself takes about five minutes and happens entirely on your console or through the PlayStation website. You do not need to contact PlayStation support or wait for approval — you choose the name, confirm it, and it becomes active right away.
Key Takeaways
- Your first username change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 through your PlayStation account.
- You can change your username from your PS5 console by going to Settings, then Account, then Profile, then Online ID.
- The new username takes effect when ready in most games, but some older titles may continue showing your old name in their own servers.
- You cannot use a username that is already taken, contains profanity, or violates PlayStation's naming policy.
- If you change your mind within 30 days, you can change back to your original username for free as a one-time exception.
How to change your username on PS5
Start on your PS5 home screen and press the PS button on your controller to open the control center. Scroll right to find your profile icon in the top right corner and select it. From there, choose Profile, then Account, then Profile again, and finally Online ID.
You will see your current username displayed. Select Change and type in the new name you want. PlayStation will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or breaks their naming rules — no spaces, no special characters except underscores and hyphens, and nothing offensive. Once you confirm your choice, the change is complete and visible to everyone on your friends list and in multiplayer games.
Changing your username through the PlayStation website
If you prefer not to use your console, you can make the change on any computer or phone. Go to www.playstation.com, sign in with your PlayStation Network account, and navigate to your Profile Settings. Look for the Online ID option and select Change.
The process is identical to the console version — type your new name, check that it is available, and confirm. The change syncs to your PS5 within a few minutes. This method is useful if you want to think through your new username before sitting down at your console, or if you are away from home.
What happens to your old username after you change it
Your previous username becomes available for someone else to use when ready. This means a friend cannot hold onto your old name for you, and you cannot reserve it. If you change your mind and want your original username back, you have a 30-day window to change back to it for free — this is the only exception to the $9.99 fee.
In most modern games, your new username shows up right away in chat, on your profile, and in matchmaking. However, some older games — particularly those released before 2018 — may continue displaying your previous username because they store that information on their own servers rather than pulling it from PlayStation Network. The game developers would need to update their systems to show your new name, and many have not done so.
Restrictions on what username you can choose
PlayStation has specific rules about what names are allowed. Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. You cannot use spaces, periods, or special characters like @, #, or $. The name cannot start with a number.
Beyond the technical rules, PlayStation also blocks names that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. Names that impersonate PlayStation staff or famous people are rejected as well. If you try a name and it is rejected, the system will tell you why — usually that it is taken, too similar to an existing name, or against the naming policy — and you can try again when ready.
The cost of changing your username more than once
Your first change is free. The second change and every one after that costs $9.99 each time. You pay through your PlayStation Network wallet or credit card on file, and the charge appears on your account statement as a PlayStation Store transaction. There are no monthly subscriptions or hidden fees — you only pay when you actually make a change.
If you are unsure about a new username, remember that you can change back to your original name for free within 30 days. This gives you a risk-free way to test out a new identity before committing to the $9.99 fee for a third username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?
Yes. Your friends list does not change, and they will see your new username when ready. You will still appear in their friends list under your new name, and they can message you and join your games as usual. The only exception is very old games that do not sync with PlayStation Network.
Can I change my username back to my original one after 30 days?
No, not for free. After the 30-day window closes, changing back to your original username costs $9.99 just like any other change. However, if you change your mind within those 30 days, you can switch back for free one time.
What if the username I want is taken?
You will need to choose a different name. PlayStation will tell you when ready when you try to confirm that the name is unavailable. Try adding numbers, underscores, or hyphens to make a variation of the name you want.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to change my username?
No. Changing your username is a free account feature that does not require a PlayStation Plus subscription. You only pay if it is not your first change.
Will my game progress and trophies stay with my account if I change my username?
Yes. Your trophies, game saves, and all progress are tied to your PlayStation Network account, not your username. Everything stays with you when you change your name.