Yes, you can change your PlayStation username, but the process depends on your account type and region

PlayStation allows you to change your online ID (the name other players see), but the rules are stricter than on some other platforms. You get one free change, and after that, each additional change costs money. The exact cost varies by region — it's $9.99 USD in North America, but check your regional PlayStation Store for your local price. You cannot change your username if your account is under 30 days old, and some games may not recognize the new name when ready.

The change applies across your entire PlayStation Network account, affecting your profile on PS4, PS5, and the web. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few months, so if you want to reclaim it later, you cannot.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free, but each change after that costs $9.99 USD (or your region's equivalent) through the PlayStation Store.
  • Your account must be at least 30 days old before you can change your username.
  • The change takes effect when ready on your profile, but some games may take time to show the new name in their systems.
  • Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for other players to use after a waiting period.

How to change your username on PS4 or PS5

Start by going to your profile on your console. Press the PlayStation button on your controller, then select your profile icon in the top left corner. Scroll down and select Profile, then choose Edit Profile. You will see an option for Online ID — select it and enter your new username.

If this is your first change, you will not be charged. If you have already used your free change, the system will prompt you to pay before confirming the new name. The new username takes effect when ready on your console and across your PlayStation Network account.

Changing your username through the PlayStation website

You can also change your online ID from a computer or phone. Go to the PlayStation Network website, sign in with your account, and navigate to your profile settings. Look for Online ID or PSN Username in the account settings menu. The steps are similar to the console process — enter your new name and confirm.

This method is useful if you do not have your console nearby or prefer managing your account on a larger screen. The change syncs to your console within a few minutes.

What happens to your old username and your game progress

Your game progress, trophies, and saved data stay with your account — they do not disappear when you change your username. Friends will see your new name in their friend list, and you will appear as the new name in any games you play going forward.

Your old username becomes available for other players to use after a waiting period (usually a few months). If you change your mind and want your old name back, you cannot reserve it, and someone else may have claimed it by then. Think through your new username before confirming, because reclaiming an old one is not may provide.

Games that may not update your new username when ready

Some older games and games that store usernames in their own systems may continue showing your old name for a while. This is not a problem with your account — it is because the game developer has not synced with your updated PlayStation Network profile. Most modern games update within a few hours or days.

If a game shows your old name weeks after the change, contact the game's support team. They can sometimes force a profile refresh on their end. In the meantime, your actual PSN account and your friends list will show the correct new name.

Restrictions and things to know before you change

You cannot change your username if your account is younger than 30 days. This rule prevents new accounts from cycling through names rapidly. If you created your account recently and want to change the name, wait until the 30-day mark has passed.

Some usernames are blocked by PlayStation for containing profanity, hate speech, or impersonation. If your chosen name is rejected, try a different one. You also cannot use spaces in your username — use underscores or numbers instead if you want to separate words.

What to do if you regret your change or made a mistake

If you changed your username and want to change it again, you will need to pay the regional fee (usually $9.99 USD). There is no "undo" button, so the change is permanent until you pay for another one. If you made a typo or chose a name you dislike when ready, contact PlayStation Support to see if they can reverse the change within a short window — they sometimes do this as a one-time courtesy, but it is not may provide.

Keep your receipt or confirmation email from the change. If you are charged twice by mistake, PlayStation Support can review the transaction and issue a refund if warranted.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your subscription stays active and tied to your account regardless of your username. The change does not affect your membership or any games you have downloaded through PlayStation Plus.

Will my friends still see me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list updates automatically, and your friends will see your new username in their friend list and in games. You do not need to re-add anyone.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Only if no one else has claimed it during the waiting period after your change. You cannot reserve your old username, so if someone takes it, you cannot get it back. You would need to pay to change to a different name instead.

Does changing my username affect my PlayStation Network password?

No. Your password remains the same. You sign in with your email address and password, not your username, so the change does not affect how you log in.

What if a game says my username is unavailable even though I changed it?

Some games have their own username systems separate from PlayStation Network. The game may require you to create a separate in-game account or update your profile within the game itself. Check the game's settings or support page for how to sync your new PSN name.