You can change your PS4 username through your account settings on the console itself

Your PS4 username is tied to your Sony Network account, not to the console. To change it, you log into your account on the PS4, go to Settings, then Account Management, select your profile, and choose to edit your online ID. Sony lets you change your username once every 60 days at no cost. The first change is free; after that, each additional change costs money (the price varies by region).

The change takes effect when ready across all your games and services tied to that account. Friends will see your new name right away. Some older games may display your old username for a short time while their servers catch up, but this usually resolves within hours.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings > Account Management > your profile name > Online ID to change your username on the PS4 console itself.
  • Your first username change is free, and you can change it again 60 days later; additional changes after that cost money depending on your region.
  • The new username shows up when ready in your profile and to your friends, though some older games may take a few hours to update.
  • You cannot change your username through the PlayStation app or website — you must do it on the PS4 console or through a web browser on your computer.

Step-by-step process on your PS4 console

Start at the PS4 home screen. Press the up arrow on your controller to reach the function area at the top. Select your profile icon (the circle with your avatar or initials), then scroll down and choose Settings.

In Settings, scroll down to Account Management and select it. Choose your profile name from the list. You will see several options; select Online ID. The system will show you your current username and a button to change it. Enter your new username — it must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but cannot start with a number. Once you confirm, the change is complete.

Changing your username through a web browser

If you prefer not to use the console, you can also change your online ID through a computer or phone. Go to the PlayStation Network website, sign in with your account credentials, and navigate to your profile settings. Look for the section labeled Online ID or Username and follow the same steps as you would on the console.

The web method works the same way: your first change is free, and the 60-day waiting period applies whether you change it on the console or online. The username rules are identical — 3 to 16 characters, no leading numbers.

What happens to your old username and friends list

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for someone else to use. Your friends list does not change — everyone on your friends list will straightforward see your new name appear in their list. You do not lose any trophies, game progress, or saved data. Your account history remains the same; only the display name changes.

If you had a custom avatar or profile picture, those stay with your account. Your message history with friends is preserved, though it will show your new name going forward.

The 60-day waiting period and cost for additional changes

Sony enforces a 60-day waiting period between username changes. If you change your username today, you cannot change it again for 60 days. After that first free change, each additional change costs money. The fee varies by region — in the United States it is typically around $10, but check your region's PlayStation Store to confirm the exact price before you attempt the change.

If you try to change your username before 60 days have passed, the system will tell you the exact date when you become may be able to access to change it again. You can still attempt the change on that date; the system will not let you proceed until the waiting period is over.

Usernames that will not be accepted

Sony has rules about what usernames are allowed. You cannot use usernames that contain profanity, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. Usernames that impersonate real people or celebrities are also rejected. The system checks your proposed username against a filter before you confirm the change, so you will know when ready if your choice is not allowed.

If your username is rejected, try a variation — add a number, use an underscore, or shorten it. The system will give you feedback about why it was rejected, though the message is sometimes vague. Common reasons include profanity filters catching words you did not intend, or the name being too similar to a celebrity or brand name.

Troubleshooting if the change does not go through

If you see an error message when trying to change your username, first check that you are signed into the correct account and that you have internet connection. Make sure your username follows the rules: 3 to 16 characters, no leading numbers, and no special characters beyond hyphens and underscores.

If the error persists, restart your PS4 console and try again. If you still cannot change it, check whether you are within the 60-day waiting period from your last change. You can also try changing it through the web browser instead of the console, or vice versa — sometimes one method works when the other does not. If neither works after multiple attempts, contact PlayStation Support directly through the official PlayStation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but you have to wait 60 days after your last change, and you will pay the regional fee if it is not your first change. Your old username is available once you change away from it, so someone else could claim it in the meantime. If that happens, you cannot use it again.

Will my games and trophies disappear if I change my username?

No. Your trophies, game progress, and saved data are all tied to your account, not your username. Everything stays with you when you change your name. Games may take a few hours to display your new username in leaderboards or trophy lists, but your progress is never lost.

What if I forgot my password and cannot sign in to change my username?

Go to the PlayStation Network website and use the "Forgot your password?" link to reset it. You will need access to the email address tied to your account. Once you reset your password, you can sign in on your PS4 and change your username normally.

Can I change my username on PS5 the same way?

Yes. The PS5 uses the same Sony Network account system, so the process is nearly identical. Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Online ID on the PS5 console. The 60-day waiting period and cost structure are the same.

Do I need PlayStation Plus to change my username?

No. You can change your username whether or not you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. The change applies to your account when ready and does not depend on your subscription status.