You can change your PlayStation username through your account settings on any PlayStation console or through the PlayStation website

PlayStation lets you change the username tied to your account once every 30 days. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way whether you use a PS4, PS5, or the web browser. You'll need to know your current password, and your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters long, using only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.

The change applies to your entire PlayStation Network account — your profile, your friends list, your messages, and your game library all update at once. Games you've already played will still show your old username in their save files and leaderboards, but going forward, everyone will see your new name.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 30 days through your account settings on a PlayStation console or the PlayStation website.
  • Your new username must be 3 to 16 characters and can only use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
  • The change takes effect when ready across your entire account, including your profile, friends list, and messages.
  • Old game save files and leaderboards will keep your previous username, but new activity shows your new name.
  • You'll need your account password to confirm the change.

Changing your username on a PlayStation 5

Start at the home screen and go to your profile in the top-left corner. Press the X button to open your profile menu, then select "Profile" from the list. Scroll down to find "Account" and open it.

Select "Other" and then "Change Your Profile Name." Enter your new username in the text field — you'll see a green checkmark if the name is available and meets the character requirements. Type your account password to confirm the change, then select "Change Profile Name." The update happens right away.

Changing your username on a PlayStation 4

From the home screen, go to your profile in the top-left corner and select it. Choose "Account" from the menu, then "Account Information." Select "Profile" and then "Change Your Name."

Enter your new username and check that it's available. You'll see a message if the name is taken or doesn't meet the rules. Type your password to confirm, then select "Change." The new name appears on your account when ready.

Changing your username on the PlayStation website

Go to the PlayStation Network website and sign in with your account email and password. Click your profile icon in the top-right corner and select "Account." Choose "Profile" from the left menu, then "Edit Profile."

Find the "Online ID" field and click "Change." Type your new username and check availability. Enter your password to confirm the change, then click "Change Online ID." You'll get a confirmation message, and the change takes effect right away.

Rules for your new username

Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, special characters like @, #, or !, or words that PlayStation's system flags as inappropriate.

If you try a name and see a message that it's unavailable or violates the rules, try a different combination. PlayStation doesn't tell you which specific rule a name breaks, so if you're unsure, add a number or underscore and try again.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, no one else can claim your old one for 30 days. After that period, another player can take it. Your old username disappears from your profile, your friends list, and your messages — everyone will see your new name instead.

Games you've already played keep your old username in their save files and online leaderboards. If you earned trophies or achievements under your old name, they stay linked to that name in those games. New games you play and new trophies you earn will show your new username.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

You can only change your username once every 30 days. This limit applies to your entire account, so if you change it on your PS5, you can't change it again on your PS4 or the website until 30 days have passed. PlayStation counts from the date you made the last change, not from the calendar month.

If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, you'll see a message telling you when you're may be able to access to change it again. There's no way to speed up this waiting period.

Troubleshooting a failed username change

If your change doesn't go through, the most common reason is that your password was entered incorrectly. Try again and make sure Caps Lock is off. If you've forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Your Password" option on the PlayStation sign-in page to reset it before you try to change your username.

If the username you want is taken, try adding a number at the end or using an underscore in the middle. If you see an error message that the name violates the rules, it contains a word or phrase PlayStation's system doesn't allow. Try a completely different name instead of just rearranging the letters.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your subscription stays active and attached to your account no matter what username you use. The change doesn't affect your subscription status, your games, or your online play.

Will my friends still see me on their friends list after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list doesn't break when you change your username. Everyone on your friends list will see your new name the next time they look at their friends list, and you'll still be able to message them and play together.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try a variation with numbers, hyphens, or underscores. For example, if "John" is taken, try "John_1" or "John-2022". You can also check if a name is available before you confirm the change — the system tells you right away.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Not when ready. You have to wait 30 days between changes. After 30 days, your old username becomes available again, but another player might have claimed it. If they did, you won't be able to use it unless they change their name first.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or trophies?

Your game saves stay on your account and work the same way. Trophies you've already earned keep your old username attached to them in those games, but new trophies you earn will show your new username.