The steps to change your PS4 username

You change your PS4 username through your account settings on the console itself or through the PlayStation website. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require you to create a new account — you're editing the username on your existing profile. Sony lets you change your username once for free; after that, each change costs $9.99.

The easiest route is usually the PS4 console if you have it in front of you. You go to Settings, then Account Management, then Account Information, then Profile, then Online ID. From there you select "Change" and type your new username. The console will check whether that name is already taken before you confirm.

If you don't have your PS4 handy, you can change your username on the PlayStation website by signing into your account, going to Profile, selecting Edit Profile, and changing the Online ID field. The steps are the same whether you use the console or the website — you're changing the same username either way.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 through either the PS4 console or the PlayStation website.
  • You can change your username on the PS4 itself through Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Profile > Online ID, or on the PlayStation website under your profile settings.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready, but some games and services may take a few hours to show the change.
  • You cannot use spaces, special characters, or certain words in your username — the system will tell you if your choice isn't allowed before you pay.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for someone else to claim. You cannot switch back to it later unless nobody else has taken it in the meantime. If you're worried about losing a username you've built a reputation under, think through the change before you confirm it.

Your friends list, trophies, game saves, and purchase history all stay attached to your account — they don't disappear when you change your username. Other players will see your new name in games and on your profile, but the account itself is the same one you've always had.

When the free change doesn't explore

Sony gives you one free username change per account. This applies whether you change it on the console or the website — it's one free change total, not one per method. After you use that free change, you'll see the $9.99 charge appear when you try to change your username again.

If you created your account a long time ago, you may have already used your free change without remembering it. There's no way to see whether you've used it until you try to change your username and the system either lets you do it free or shows you the charge.

Usernames that won't work

PlayStation blocks usernames that contain spaces, most special characters, or words that violate their code of conduct. You also cannot use usernames that are offensive, impersonate real people, or promote illegal activity. The system checks your choice against these rules before you confirm the change, so you'll know when ready if your username isn't allowed.

Usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long. Numbers and underscores are allowed. If you pick a name and the system rejects it, try removing numbers, shortening it, or choosing a different word entirely.

How long the change takes to show up everywhere

Your new username appears on your PS4 console and the PlayStation website right away. However, some games take longer to update — you might see your old name in a game for a few hours or even a day while the game's servers sync with PlayStation's system. This is normal and not a sign that something went wrong.

If you're playing online multiplayer and your username hasn't updated in the game yet, other players will still see your new name on the PlayStation Network side of things. The delay is only on the game's own display.

Changing your username on a PS4 you share with others

If multiple people use the same PS4 console, each person has their own account and their own username. When you change your username, it only changes the name for your account — nobody else's usernames are affected. You sign into your own account, go through the steps above, and only your profile is updated.

Make sure you're signed into your own account before you start the change process. If you accidentally sign into someone else's account and change their username, you'll need to undo it by signing back in as them and changing it again.

What to do if you forget which account you used

If you have multiple PlayStation accounts and can't remember which one you want to change, sign into each account on your PS4 and check the username under Settings > Account Management > Account Information. Write down the usernames so you know which account is which, then sign into the one you want to change.

You can also go to the PlayStation website, sign in, and see your current username at the top of the page. If you have multiple accounts, you'll need to sign out and sign into each one separately to see which username belongs to which account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after someone else takes it?

No. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for anyone to claim. If someone else takes it, you cannot use it again unless they change their username and it becomes available again. Choose your new username carefully because you cannot reclaim the old one.

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

Yes. Your friends list stays the same, and they'll see your new username on their friends list automatically. You don't need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests — your account is the same, only the name changed.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or trophies?

No. All your game saves, trophies, and purchase history stay attached to your account. Changing your username doesn't delete anything or move it to a different account — it's purely a name change on the account you already have.

What if the username I want is already taken?

The PS4 system will tell you the name is unavailable before you confirm the change. You won't be charged if the name is taken. Try a different spelling, add numbers, or choose a different word and try again.

Can I change my username on my phone or computer?

Yes, you can change it on the PlayStation website using any web browser. Sign in to your account, go to your profile, select Edit Profile, and change the Online ID field. The process is the same as on the PS4 console.