Yes, you can change your PS5 username, but Sony limits how often you can do it

You can change your PlayStation Network (PSN) username on PS5. Sony lets you change it once for free, then charges $9.99 for each change after that. The change takes effect when ready across all your games and your profile, though some older games may still show your old name because they store usernames locally rather than pulling them from your account in real time.

The process itself takes about five minutes and happens entirely through your PS5 settings — you do not need a computer or phone. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days, so if you want to reserve it, you would need to create a new account and claim it before then.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; each change after that costs $9.99 and can be done once every 60 days.
  • The change shows up when ready in your profile and in most games, but some older titles may display your old username because they do not sync with your current PSN name.
  • You change your username through Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Change Your Profile > Online ID on your PS5.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to claim 30 days after you change it, so you cannot reserve it by switching back and forth.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game saves, trophies, friends list, or any content you own — those stay tied to your account.

Where to find the username change option on PS5

Start at the PS5 home screen and go to your profile icon in the top right corner. Select Profile, then scroll down and choose Users and Accounts. From there, select Other, then Change Your Profile, and finally Online ID. You will see your current username and a button to change it.

Sony will show you whether your change is free or will cost $9.99. If it is your first change ever on this account, it will be free. If you have changed it before, you will see the $9.99 charge and a note about the 60-day waiting period before you can change it again.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one does not disappear when ready. It stays reserved under your account for 30 days. After 30 days, Sony releases it, and anyone else can claim it. You cannot change your username back to a previous one unless it has been at least 30 days since you left it and no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Your friends will see your new username right away in their friends list. Messages you sent before the change will still show your old username in the message history, because those are stored records. Going forward, all new messages and interactions will show your new name.

Games that may still show your old username

Most modern games pull your username directly from your PSN account, so they update automatically when you change it. However, some older games — particularly those released before 2015 — store your username locally on your console or in their own servers rather than checking your PSN account each time.

In those games, you may see your old username in leaderboards, chat, or player lists even after you have changed it on your account. The game developer would need to update their servers to sync with your current PSN name, and many older titles no longer receive those updates. This is purely a display issue and does not affect your ability to play or your actual account.

The 60-day waiting period between paid changes

After you use your free change, you must wait at least 60 days before you can change your username again. This applies even if you are willing to pay the $9.99 fee. The timer starts from the date of your last change, not from when you purchased the change.

If you try to change your username before 60 days have passed, PS5 will show you a countdown telling you how many days remain. There is no way to bypass this waiting period, even with multiple accounts or by contacting PlayStation Support.

What stays the same when you change your username

Changing your username does not touch any of your game data. Your save files, trophies, achievements, game library, and any in-game progress remain exactly as they were. Your friends list stays intact, and your followers and people following you do not get removed.

Your PlayStation Network account ID — a number assigned to your account that sits behind the scenes — never changes. Games and services use this ID to track your progress, so everything tied to your account continues to work. The username is just the display name that other players see.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the PS5 app or website instead of on the console?

You can change your username through the PlayStation website by logging into your account, going to Profile Settings, and selecting Online ID. The process is the same — your first change is free, and subsequent changes cost $9.99. The change syncs to your PS5 automatically.

What if someone else claims my old username before the 30 days are up?

Usernames are claimed on a first-come, first-served basis. If someone else takes your old username within the 30-day window, you cannot get it back. You would need to choose a different name. This is why some people create a secondary account and claim their old username when ready if they think someone might want it.

Do I lose my PlayStation Plus subscription if I change my username?

No. Your PlayStation Plus membership, any active subscriptions, and your wallet balance all stay with your account. Changing your username does not affect any of your account services or purchases.

Will my old username show up in my game chat history?

Yes. Messages and chat logs from before the change will display your old username because they are historical records. New messages sent after the change will show your new username. Some games may not update old chat logs at all, depending on how they store that data.

Can I change my username more than once every 60 days if I pay extra?

No. The 60-day waiting period applies regardless of whether you are using your free change or paying $9.99. Sony enforces this limit to prevent username squatting and account abuse. You cannot bypass it by paying a higher fee or contacting support.