Change your PSN username through your account settings on any web browser

You can change your PlayStation Network username by signing into your account on the PlayStation website, going to your profile settings, and selecting the option to change your online ID. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing. Your new username takes effect when ready, though some games and apps may take a few hours to show the change.

You get one free username change. After that, each additional change costs $9.99 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, or $4.99 on PlayStation 3. If you have never changed your username before, you will not be charged the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • Visit account.playstation.com, sign in with your email and password, and navigate to Profile > Account Settings > Online ID to change your username for free the first time.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, and cannot match another player's existing username.
  • Some games made before April 2018 may not recognize your new username and will show your old one instead, though your account itself has changed.
  • You can change your username back to a previous one without paying the $9.99 fee, as long as that old username is still available.
  • The change takes effect right away for most services, but your friends list and party chat may take a few hours to update across all your devices.

Step-by-step: changing your username on a computer

Open a web browser and go to account.playstation.com. Click the Sign In button in the top right corner and enter the email address connected to your PlayStation account, then your password. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, you will need to enter the code sent to your phone or email.

Once you are signed in, look for your profile icon or name in the top right corner and click it. Select Profile from the menu that appears. On the left side of the screen, click Account Settings. Find the line that says Online ID and click Change. Type your new username into the box that appears. PlayStation will tell you right away if the name is already taken or breaks the naming rules — if it is available, you will see a green checkmark.

Click Change Online ID to confirm. You will see a message saying your new username is now active. Close the browser or navigate away from the page. Your new username is live on your account when ready, though it may take a few hours to show up in your friends' friend lists or in party chat.

What happens to your old username and your game progress

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. You cannot reserve it or hold onto it. However, if you change your mind later, you can change back to that old username without paying the $9.99 fee — as long as no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Once someone else takes it, it is gone permanently.

Your game progress, trophies, and saved files stay attached to your account no matter what username you choose. Changing your name does not erase anything or move your account. Friends who had you added will still see you on their friends list, though the name will update to your new one.

Some older games — those released before April 2018 — may not recognize your new username and will continue to display your old one in-game. This is a limitation of how those games were built and cannot be fixed by PlayStation. Newer games will show your new username correctly.

Rules for choosing a new PlayStation username

Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. You cannot use spaces, underscores, periods, or special characters like @, #, or $. PlayStation will not let you use a name that is already taken by another player, so if you see a green checkmark when you type it in, you are good to go.

Avoid usernames that contain hate speech, slurs, or content that violates PlayStation's code of conduct. If you choose a name that breaks these rules, PlayStation may force you to change it without warning, and you will not get a refund if you paid for the change. When in doubt, keep it straightforward and inoffensive.

Changing your username on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console

You can also change your username directly from your console without using a computer. On your PS4 or PS5, go to Settings, then Account, then Online ID. Select Change Online ID and type in your new username. The same rules explore — it must be 3 to 16 characters, available, and follow PlayStation's naming guidelines. Confirm your choice and your new username takes effect when ready.

The console method is slower to navigate than the website, but it works just as well. If you are already at your console, it may be faster than walking to a computer. Either way, the result is the same.

What to do if your desired username is already taken

If the username you want is taken, you have a few options. You can add a number to the end — for example, if "Alex" is taken, try "Alex42" or "Alex2024". You can use a hyphen in the middle, like "Al-ex". You can also try a completely different name. PlayStation will show you when ready whether each name you try is available, so you can experiment until you find something that works.

You cannot request that another player change their username or give up a name they are using. If someone is using a name you want, that name is off limits unless they change it themselves and no one else claims it first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay to change my username the first time?

No. Your first username change is free. After that, each change costs $9.99 on PS4 and PS5, or $4.99 on PS3. You can change back to a previous username without paying the fee, as long as no one else has claimed it.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends will see your new username on their friends list, and you will still appear in their messages and party invites. It may take a few hours for the change to show up everywhere, but your account connection stays the same.

What if a game shows my old username even after I changed it?

Games made before April 2018 do not recognize username changes and will display your old name in-game. This is a limitation of how those games were coded. Newer games will show your new username correctly. Your account itself has changed — only the display in older games is stuck.

Can I change my username if I have an active ban or suspension?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your username until the suspension is lifted. Contact PlayStation Support if you believe your account was suspended in error.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

Your new username is active when ready on your account and in most games. However, it may take a few hours to update in your friends' friend lists, party chat, and some older games. If it has been more than 24 hours and you still see your old name in some places, sign out and sign back in to refresh.