The steps to change your PSN username

You change your PlayStation Network username through your account settings on a PlayStation console or through the PlayStation website. The process takes about five minutes. You will need your current password and, if you have two-factor authentication enabled, access to the email or phone number linked to your account.

On a PS5 or PS4, go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Profile Name. Type your new username, confirm it, and select Change. On the PlayStation website, sign in, go to your profile, select Edit Profile, and change the name field. Both methods update your username across all your devices and games when ready.

Your new username appears to other players right away. Friends lists update automatically. Any messages or party invites sent to your old name will not reach you — give your friends your new username if you want them to find you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your PSN username through your PS4 or PS5 console settings, or through the PlayStation website using any web browser.
  • Your first username change is free; each change after that costs $9.99 on PlayStation 4 and $4.99 on PlayStation 5.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready across all your games, devices, and your friends' friend lists.
  • Old messages and party invites sent to your previous username will not reach you, so notify your friends of the change.
  • You cannot revert to a username you used before, and you cannot use a name that is already taken by another account.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old username becomes available for other players to use after you change it. You cannot claim it back later, even if you change your username again. If you think you might want to use it in the future, wait before changing.

Games that tracked your old username in leaderboards or friend lists will show your new name going forward. Some older games may take a few hours to update. Your game library, trophies, and progress stay attached to your account regardless of what name you use.

Cost and limits on changing your username

Your first username change on any PlayStation account is free. On PlayStation 4, each additional change costs $9.99. On PlayStation 5, each additional change costs $4.99. You pay through your PlayStation wallet or the payment method on file for your account.

You can change your username as often as you want, as long as you pay the fee each time after the first change. There is no waiting period between changes. The new name takes effect when ready after you confirm it.

Usernames you cannot use

Your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters long. It can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. It cannot start with a number. Usernames are not case-sensitive — PSN treats "Player123" and "player123" as the same name.

You cannot use a username that is already taken by another account. If you try to claim a name someone else has, the system will tell you it is unavailable. You also cannot use usernames that violate PlayStation's code of conduct, which includes slurs, hate speech, or sexually explicit terms. If you choose a name that breaks these rules, PlayStation may force you to change it without warning.

Changing your username on the PlayStation website

Go to www.playstation.com and sign in with your email and password. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Profile. Click Edit Profile. In the Online ID field, type your new username and click Save.

If you have two-factor authentication on, you will need to enter a code sent to your email or phone before the change goes through. The new name appears on your account within seconds. You do not need to be on a console to make this change.

Changing your username on your PlayStation console

On a PS5, go to Settings (the gear icon), select Users and Accounts, then Other, then Change Your Profile Name. Type your new username and select Change. Confirm the change when prompted.

On a PS4, go to Settings, select Account, then Other, then Change Your Profile Name. Type your new username and select Change. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you will need to enter a verification code before the change is saved.

The console must be connected to the internet for the change to go through. If you are offline, you will see an error message. Once the change is complete, sign out and back in to see your new username on your profile.

What to do if your username change does not work

If you see an error message saying the name is unavailable, someone else already has that username. Try a different name. If the system says your username violates the code of conduct, choose a name without slurs, hate speech, or explicit content.

If you are getting a network error or the change is not going through, make sure your console or device is connected to the internet. Restart your console or refresh the website and try again. If you have two-factor authentication on and do not receive a verification code, check your email spam folder or the phone number linked to your account.

If the problem continues, you can contact PlayStation Support through the PlayStation website. They can tell you whether your account has a restriction on it or whether there is a technical issue preventing the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

No. Once you change your username, the old name becomes available for other players to use, and you cannot reclaim it. If you want to use that name again, you would have to wait for someone else to claim it and then change their username, which is not practical. Choose your new username carefully.

Will my friends still see me in their friend list after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list updates automatically, and you will still appear on their friends list under your new username. They do not have to do anything. However, if they have your old username written down or saved somewhere outside of PlayStation, they will need to update it to find you by searching.

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

No. Your game library, trophies, progress, and all saved data stay attached to your account. Changing your username does not affect any of your games or achievements. Your account history remains the same.

Why does PlayStation charge money to change my username after the first time?

PlayStation charges a fee for additional changes to prevent spam and abuse. The first change is free to let you fix a username you regret. After that, the fee discourages people from changing their names constantly, which would make it hard for other players to keep track of who they are playing with.

Can I change my username if I have an active ban on my account?

If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your username until the suspension is lifted. Contact PlayStation Support to find out whether your account has any restrictions on it. Once the restriction is removed, you can change your username normally.