The quickest way to change your PS5 username
You change your PS5 username through your PlayStation Network account settings, not through the console itself. Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen, select Users and Accounts, then Other, then Your Profile. Choose Edit Profile and select the field that shows your current username. Type your new username and confirm the change.
The new name appears on your PS5 when ready, but it can take a few minutes to show up in your friends' lists and in online games. If you are playing multiplayer when you change it, you may need to restart the game for the new name to display to other players.
You can change your username once every 60 days at no cost. After that, PlayStation charges $9.99 USD for each additional change in the same year. The price may differ in other regions.
Key Takeaways
- Your PS5 username changes through Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Your Profile > Edit Profile.
- The change takes effect when ready on your console but may take a few minutes to show in friends' lists and online games.
- You can change your username once every 60 days for free; additional changes within a year cost $9.99 USD.
- Your old username becomes available for other players to use after you change it.
- Some games may not display your new username right away and may require you to restart them.
What happens to your old username after you change it
Your previous username is released back into the pool of available names. Another player can claim it when ready, so if you change your mind, you cannot straightforward change back to reclaim it. Choose a new username you plan to keep for at least 60 days.
Your friends will see your new username in their friends list, but messages you sent before the change will still show your old name attached to them. Your trophy list, game saves, and all other account data stay exactly the same — only the display name changes.
Why some games do not show your new username right away
Older games and some online multiplayer titles cache your username on their servers. This means the game remembers your old name from when you last played and does not check for updates every time you log in. Restarting the game forces it to fetch your current username from PlayStation Network.
If you play a game where your old name still appears after restarting, the game developer may not have updated their system to pull the latest username information. This is rare with newer titles but more common in games released before 2020. There is no way to force the game to update faster — you can only wait or contact the game's support team.
Choosing a username that follows PlayStation rules
PlayStation rejects usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. The system also blocks names that impersonate official PlayStation accounts or famous people, names that are only numbers, and names shorter than three characters or longer than 16 characters.
Usernames can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. If you try to create a name that breaks these rules, PlayStation will tell you which rule it violates and ask you to try again. You can keep trying different names until you find one that works.
Changing your username on the PlayStation app or website
You can also change your username through the PlayStation app on your phone or through the PlayStation website on any computer. On the website, sign in to your account, go to Account Settings, select Profile, and choose Edit next to your username. On the mobile app, tap your profile icon, select Profile Settings, and choose Edit Username.
The change syncs across all your devices within a few minutes. If you are logged into your PS5 when you change your username on the app or website, you may need to sign out and sign back in to see the update on your console.
What to do if your username change does not go through
If you see an error message when you try to change your username, the most common cause is that the name you chose is already taken or violates PlayStation's naming rules. Try a different username. If the error persists and you are sure the name follows the rules, sign out of your PS5 completely, wait 30 seconds, and sign back in. Then try the change again.
If you still cannot change your username after trying a different name and signing out, your account may have a temporary restriction. This can happen if you recently changed your password, changed your email address, or had a security issue on your account. Wait 24 hours and try again. If the problem continues, contact PlayStation Support through the official PlayStation website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to my old one after I change it?
No. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for other players to claim. If another player takes it, you cannot get it back. Choose a new username you are comfortable keeping for at least 60 days.
Do I lose my games, trophies, or friends when I change my username?
No. Your game library, trophy list, saved games, and friends list all stay the same. Only the name displayed next to your account changes. Your friends will see your new name in their friends list going forward.
How long does it take for my new username to show up in online games?
It usually appears within a few minutes on your PS5 and in most games. Some older games may show your old username until you restart them. A few games with older server systems may take longer or require you to contact the game's support team.
Can I change my username more than once every 60 days?
Yes, but it costs $9.99 USD for each change after your first free change every 60 days. The price may vary by region. You can change your username as often as you want if you are willing to pay each time.
What if someone else is using the username I want?
You will need to choose a different name. Usernames are unique on PlayStation Network, so only one person can have any given name. Try adding numbers, hyphens, or underscores to your preferred name to create a variation that is available.