The fastest way to change your username

You change your PlayStation Network username through your account settings on the PS4 console itself, or through the PlayStation website on any computer. The process takes about five minutes. You get one free username change; after that, each change costs $9.99 USD (prices vary by region). Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days.

The username change applies across all PlayStation services — your PS4, PS5, PlayStation app, and the web. Games and apps see the new name when ready. Some older games made before 2018 may show your old username or a generic player ID instead, but this is rare and does not affect your ability to play.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once for free through your PS4 settings or the PlayStation website; additional changes cost $9.99 each.
  • The change takes effect when ready across all PlayStation services, though a small number of older games may not display the new name.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to use after 30 days, so choose a new one you plan to keep.
  • If you change your username, your friends list, trophies, and game progress all stay with your account — nothing is lost.

Changing your username on the PS4 console

Start at the home screen and go to Settings (the gear icon in the top right). Select Account, then Other, then Change Your Profile Name. Type your new username — it must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but cannot start with a number or contain spaces.

The system checks whether the name is available as you type. If you see a green checkmark, the name is yours to claim. Select Next, review the name one more time, then select Change. The system may ask you to enter your password to confirm. Once you see the confirmation screen, the change is complete.

Changing your username on the PlayStation website

Go to www.playstation.com and sign in with your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Profile. Look for Edit Profile and click it. Find the field labeled Online ID (this is your username) and click Change next to it.

Type your new username using the same rules as the console: 3 to 16 characters, letters and numbers only, no spaces, cannot start with a number. The website shows you whether the name is available. Click Change Online ID to confirm. You may need to enter your password. The change takes effect within a few minutes.

What happens to your old username and your account data

Your old username does not disappear when ready. For 30 days, no one else can claim it — it is reserved in case you change your mind. After 30 days, it becomes available for anyone to use. If you want to keep that name, do not change it.

Everything else on your account stays exactly as it was. Your friends list, trophy progress, game saves, purchase history, and payment methods all remain tied to your account. People on your friends list see your new username the next time they log in. Games you own are still yours; you do not lose access to anything.

When your new username might not show up in games

Most games released after 2018 display your new username when ready. A small number of older games — particularly those made before PlayStation Network added username-change support — may show your old username, a generic player ID, or a placeholder instead. This does not prevent you from playing; it is only a display issue.

If you encounter a game that shows the wrong name and it bothers you, you can report it to the game's developer. Most studios have patched this problem, but some older or less-maintained titles have not. Your actual account and progress are unaffected.

The cost of changing your username more than once

Your first username change is free. If you change it again, PlayStation charges $9.99 USD per change (the price is $11.99 CAD in Canada and varies in other regions). The charge appears on your PlayStation Network account or the payment method you have on file.

You can change your username as often as you want, but each change after the first one costs money. There is no limit to how many times you can change it, so if you want to experiment with different names, you can — you just pay for each one.

Troubleshooting a username change that did not work

If you tried to change your username and got an error message, the most common causes are: the name is already taken (try a different one), your account does not have permission to change usernames (this happens if your account is a child account under parental controls), or your payment method failed (if you were charged for a second change).

If your account is a child account, the parent or guardian must change the username through their own account settings. If you see a payment error, check that your payment method is current and has enough funds, then try again. If the problem persists, contact PlayStation Support through the Help section on the PlayStation website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since you changed it the first time. After 30 days, your old username becomes available again, and you can claim it like any other name. If you do, you will be charged $9.99 (since it is not your first free change).

Do my friends see my old username or my new one?

Your friends see your new username. It updates on their friends list the next time they log in. They will not see your old username anywhere unless they are looking at very old screenshots or messages from before you changed it.

Will I lose my games or trophies if I change my username?

No. Your games, trophies, saves, and all account data stay with your account. The username is just a display name; changing it does not affect anything you own or have earned.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try a variation — add a number, use an underscore or hyphen, or pick a different name altogether. The PS4 shows you in real time whether a name is available as you type it, so you can experiment until you find one that works.

Can I change my username on the PS4 app or mobile?

You can change it through the PlayStation app on your phone or through the website on any browser. You cannot change it through the mobile app itself, but the website works fine on a phone's web browser.