You can change your PlayStation username through your account settings on any device connected to the internet

Your PlayStation username is the name other players see when you're online. Sony lets you change it once for free, and additional changes cost $9.99 each. The process takes about five minutes and works the same whether you're on a PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or a computer or phone using the PlayStation website.

The name you choose must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or most special characters. You cannot use a name that's already taken by another player, and PlayStation will reject names that violate their code of conduct — this includes anything offensive, hateful, or that impersonates a real person or brand.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; any changes after that cost $9.99 each through your account settings.
  • You can change your username on a PlayStation console, computer, or phone by signing into your account and navigating to Profile settings.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready, but your old username becomes available for other players to use after a short delay.
  • If you change your username, your friends list, trophies, and game progress stay attached to your account — nothing is lost.
  • PlayStation will reject usernames with spaces, most symbols, or content that violates their code of conduct, so test your choice before paying.

Changing your username on a PlayStation 5 or PlayStation 4

Start by pressing the PS button on your controller to open the control center. Scroll up to find your profile icon in the top left corner and press it. From the menu that appears, select Profile, then scroll down and choose Account.

Once you're in Account settings, look for Other or Profile (the exact label depends on your console model). Select Change Your Profile Name or Change Your Username. Enter the new name you want, and PlayStation will tell you when ready whether it's available. If the name is taken or violates the code of conduct, try a different one. Once you find one that works, confirm the change — if it's your first change, it will process for free.

Changing your username on a computer or phone

Go to www.playstation.com and sign into your account using your email address and password. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account from the dropdown menu.

Look for Profile or Account Settings and find the option labeled Change Your Username or Edit Profile Name. Type in your new username and let the system check whether it's available. Once you've chosen a name that works, confirm the change. If this is your first change, you won't be charged; if you've already used your free change, you'll be asked to pay $9.99 before the system processes it.

What happens to your old username and account data

Your old username becomes available for other players to use after a waiting period — usually a few days to a week. This means someone else could eventually take your previous name, so don't count on reclaiming it later.

Everything else stays exactly as it was: your friends list, your trophy collection, your game library, your saved games, and your account balance all remain attached to your account. Other players will see your new username, but your gaming history doesn't change. If you're in a party or a game when you change your name, you may need to restart the game or rejoin the party for the new name to show up for everyone.

Choosing a username that won't be rejected

PlayStation's system checks your username against a list of prohibited words and phrases before you can confirm the change. The easiest way to avoid rejection is to avoid anything that could be offensive, hateful, or that mimics a real person or company. Usernames with numbers mixed in — like "Player2024" or "Shadow47" — almost always pass the check.

Spaces are not allowed in usernames at all, so if you want a two-word name, use an underscore or number between them instead: "Dark_Knight" works, but "Dark Knight" will be rejected. Symbols like @, #, $, and % are also blocked. Stick to letters, numbers, and underscores, and you'll avoid most rejections.

If you've already used your free change

Sony gives every account one free username change. After that, each additional change costs $9.99. You'll see this charge listed in your account before you confirm the change, so you won't be surprised by it.

If you're not sure whether you've used your free change yet, go to your account settings and try to change your username. The system will tell you whether the change is free or will cost money before you finalize anything. There's no way to get a second free change, but you can change your username as many times as you want as long as you're willing to pay for it.

Troubleshooting a rejected or failed username change

If your username is rejected, PlayStation will show you a message explaining why — usually because the name is already taken, contains prohibited words, or violates the code of conduct. Try a different name. If you keep getting rejected for the same reason, the name is probably already in use by another player.

If the change fails to process even though the name was accepted, sign out of your account completely and sign back in. Then try the change again. If it fails a second time, restart your console or refresh your browser, sign in again, and attempt the change once more. If the problem persists, contact PlayStation Support through their website — they can investigate whether there's a technical issue with your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. After you change your username, your old one becomes available for other players to use. If someone has taken it, you'll have to choose a different name. There's no way to reserve or reclaim an old username.

Will my friends still see my old username in their friends list?

No. Your friends list updates automatically, and everyone will see your new username the next time they check their friends list or see you online. If you're in a game or party when you change your name, you may need to restart the game or rejoin the party for the new name to show up for everyone.

Does changing my username affect my PlayStation Network account or my games?

No. Your username is just the display name other players see. Your account, your games, your saves, your trophies, and your payment information all stay exactly the same. Changing your username is purely cosmetic.

What if I see an error message saying my username is unavailable?

This usually means the name is already taken by another player or contains words that violate PlayStation's code of conduct. Try a different username. If you're certain the name doesn't violate any rules, wait a few minutes and try again — sometimes the system needs time to update.

Can I change my username on my phone if I don't have a PlayStation console?

Yes. Go to playstation.com on your phone's browser, sign in, and follow the same steps you would on a computer. You don't need a console to change your username — any internet connection is all you need.