The quickest way to change your username

You change your PlayStation Network username through your account settings on the PS5 console itself, not through a game or app. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to be signed into the account you want to change. You will need your current password, and Sony charges a one-time fee for the first username change — subsequent changes cost more, so choose carefully the first time.

The username you pick becomes your online identity across PlayStation Network. Other players see it in lobbies, on your profile, and in messages. Once you confirm the change, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Online ID to reach the username change screen on your PS5.
  • Your first username change costs money (the amount varies by region), and you will need your account password to confirm the change.
  • The new username takes effect when ready, but some games may take hours or days to display it correctly.
  • You cannot change your username more than once every 60 days after your first change, and each additional change costs more than the first.

Step-by-step: changing your username on the console

Start at the PS5 home screen. Press the PS button on your controller to open the control center, then scroll right to find your profile icon — it is the small circle with your account picture in the top right. Press X to open your profile menu.

From your profile menu, scroll down and select Settings. This opens the full settings menu. Navigate to Account, then select Other. You will see an option labeled Change Your Online ID — select it. The console will show you your current username and a text field where you can type your new one.

Type your new username into the field. The PS5 will check in real time whether the name is available — if it is taken, you will see a message and need to try a different one. Once you find an available name you want, press X to continue. The console will ask you to enter your account password to confirm the change is really you.

After you enter your password, the PS5 will show you the cost of the change and ask you to confirm. Press X again, and your username changes when ready. You will see your new name on your profile right away.

Why some games still show your old username

After you change your username, you might log into a game and still see your old name in the lobby or on your character. This is not a mistake — it happens because games store your username in their own databases, separate from PlayStation Network. The game developer has to sync their records with your new PlayStation username, and this can take anywhere from a few hours to several days depending on the game.

If a game has not updated your name after a week, restart the game completely (close it and reopen it) or restart your PS5 console. Most games pull the updated name from PlayStation Network the next time you launch them. If you still see the old name after that, the game may not have updated its systems yet — contact the game's support team if you need it changed urgently.

Understanding the cost and waiting period

Sony charges a fee for changing your username because the company has to update your account across multiple systems and databases. The first change costs less than subsequent ones. The exact price depends on your region and currency, so check the confirmation screen before you finalize the change — you cannot undo it after you pay.

After your first change, you have to wait at least 60 days before you can change your username again. If you try to change it sooner, the PS5 will tell you the exact date when you become may be able to access. Each change after the first one costs more money than the previous change, so most people pick a username they plan to keep for a long time.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, your old one becomes inactive on your account. Sony does not let you keep both names or switch between them. After a waiting period (usually several months), your old username becomes available for another player to claim.

Your profile, trophies, friends list, and game library stay exactly the same — changing your username does not affect any of your account data or your games. Other players who had you added as a friend will still see you on their friends list, though your name will update to the new one the next time they check.

Troubleshooting: username change did not go through

If you entered your password and the change did not happen, the most common reason is that your payment method failed. Check that your credit card or payment method on file is current and has enough funds. Go back to Settings, Account, Other, Change Your Online ID and try again — you should not be charged twice if the first attempt failed.

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, you are still within the 60-day waiting period from your last change. The PS5 will show you the exact date you become may be able to access. If you see a different error message, restart your PS5 console and try again. If the problem persists, contact PlayStation Support through the PlayStation website — they can check your account status and help you complete the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the PlayStation app instead of the console?

No, you can only change your username through the PS5 console itself. The PlayStation app on your phone does not have a username change option. You must use a PS5 to make the change, though you can manage other account settings through the app.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

If the name is taken, the PS5 will tell you when you try to use it. You will have to pick a different username. You can add numbers or special characters to make a variation of the name you want — for example, if "Player" is taken, you might try "Player_2024" or "Player42".

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

No, your trophies, games, and all account data stay on your account. Changing your username only changes the name other players see — it does not affect your library, progress, or achievements. Everything linked to your account remains exactly the same.

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

Your new username shows on PlayStation Network when ready, but games may take several hours to several days to display it. This depends on how often each game syncs with PlayStation Network. Restarting the game or your console can speed up the update.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, you can change your username to your old one, but you have to wait 60 days after your first change and pay the fee again. Your old username becomes available after a waiting period, so you may be able to claim it back — but someone else could claim it first if you wait too long.