The Basic Process: What Happens When You Change Your Name

You change your PlayStation username through your account settings on the console or through the PlayStation website. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to create a new account — your games, friends list, and purchase history all stay with your existing profile.

One important thing to know: your first username change is free. After that, each change costs $9.99 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. You can change your name as often as you want, but you'll pay that fee each time after the first one.

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. If you're worried about losing a name you've built a reputation under, think through the change before you confirm it — you can't get the old name back unless you pay to switch back to it later.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; every change after that costs $9.99.
  • You can change your name through your PS4 or PS5 console, or through the PlayStation website on any device.
  • Your games, friends, and purchase history stay attached to your account when you change your username.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players once you change it, so choose carefully if you've built a reputation under that name.

Changing Your Username on Your PlayStation Console

Start at your home screen and go to your profile. Press the Options button on your controller, then select Edit Profile. You'll see a menu with several choices — select Online ID (this is the technical name for your username).

A window will pop up showing your current username and a button that says Change. Click it. You'll be asked to enter your new username, which can be up to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. Type in what you want, then select Next.

The system will check whether that name is already taken. If it is, you'll get a message saying so, and you can try a different one. If it's available, you'll see a confirmation screen showing your new name. Select Change to finalize it. If this is your first change, you won't be charged. If you've changed your name before, you'll be asked to confirm the $9.99 charge before the change goes through.

Changing Your Username Through the PlayStation Website

Go to www.playstation.com and sign in with your account. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account from the dropdown menu. On the left side of the page, you'll see a menu — click Profile.

Look for the section labeled Online ID and click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type in your new username using the same rules as the console: up to 16 characters, letters and numbers only, no spaces. Click Save Changes when you're done.

If the name is available, the change will process when ready. You'll see a confirmation message on the screen. If you've already used your free change, the system will ask you to pay $9.99 before completing the change. Your new username will be active within a few minutes across all your PlayStation devices.

What Happens to Your Games and Friends After You Change Your Name

Your game library doesn't change. Every game you own stays in your library under your new username. Your save files stay exactly where they are — you'll load them the same way you always have. Trophies you've earned stay attached to your account and show under your new name.

Your friends list carries over completely. Everyone who had you added will still have you added, and you'll still have them added. However, they'll see your new username in their friends list, and if they're playing a game with you, they'll see the new name in the game as well. Some games take a few hours to update your name in their systems, so don't be surprised if you see your old name in a game for a little while after you change it.

Messages you sent before the change will still show your old username in the conversation history. New messages will show your new username. Your purchase history and billing information don't change at all.

Usernames You Can't Use

PlayStation blocks certain usernames for safety and policy reasons. You can't use a name that's already taken by another player. You also can't use names that contain profanity, hate speech, or slurs — the system will reject these before you even get to the payment screen.

Names that impersonate PlayStation staff, celebrities, or well-known brands are usually blocked. If you try a name and get a message saying it's not allowed, the system will tell you it violates the username policy, but it won't always explain exactly why. Try a different variation and see if that one works.

If You Change Your Mind or Made a Mistake

You can change your username again at any time, but you'll pay $9.99 for each change after the first one. If you want to go back to your old username, you can do that — just change your name back to it and pay the fee. Your old username won't be reserved for you, so if someone else claimed it in the meantime, you won't be able to get it back.

If you changed your name and now you're seeing it inconsistently across games or your friends list, wait a few hours. Some games and services take time to sync the change. If it's been more than 24 hours and you're still seeing your old name in some places, restart your console and sign out and back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on mobile or a computer?

Yes, you can change it through the PlayStation website on any device with a web browser. You cannot change it through the PlayStation mobile app — you have to use the website. The process is the same whether you're on a phone, tablet, or computer.

What if someone else took my old username after I changed it?

Once you change your username, it becomes available for anyone else to claim when ready. If someone takes it before you decide you want it back, you cannot get it back. You would have to choose a different name or pay $9.99 to change to a name that's still available.

Do I lose my PlayStation Plus subscription if I change my username?

No. Your subscription stays active and attached to your account. You'll keep all the benefits of PlayStation Plus under your new username. Your subscription renewal date doesn't change either.

Will my username change show up in online games right away?

Most games will show your new username within a few minutes, but some games update their systems more slowly. You might see your old name in a game for a few hours after you change it. Restarting the game usually speeds this up.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

You can use hyphens and underscores, but not spaces. Your username can be up to 16 characters long and can include letters and numbers. Avoid characters like @, #, $, or %, because the system won't accept them.