Changing your PS4 username costs nothing

Sony does not charge you to change your PlayStation Network username on PS4. The first change is free, and you can make it directly from your console or through the PlayStation website without paying anything.

The catch is that you only get one free username change. After that, each additional change costs $9.99 USD (or the equivalent in your region's currency). This fee applies whether you change it on PS4, PS5, or through the web browser.

If you have never changed your username before, you have one free change waiting. If you have already used that free change and want to switch again, you will need to pay the $9.99 fee each time.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PlayStation Network username change is free, and you can do it from your PS4 console or the PlayStation website.
  • Every username change after the first one costs $9.99 USD in the United States, with prices varying by region.
  • You can change your username as often as you want once you are willing to pay, with no limit on the number of changes.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after you change it, so choose your new one before you make the switch.

How to make your free first change

Go to the PlayStation website and sign in with your account. Click your profile icon in the top right, then select "Account" and "Profile." You will see an option to edit your online ID (username). Click "Change" next to your current username.

Type your new username and check that it is available. PlayStation will tell you when ready if someone else has already claimed it. Once you confirm the change, it takes effect right away. You can also make this change directly on your PS4 by going to Settings > Users and Accounts > Other > Edit Profile > Online ID.

After you complete your first change, that free option disappears. The next time you want to change your username, the system will ask you to pay $9.99 before proceeding.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for any other PlayStation Network player to claim. This happens when ready. If you had a username you were proud of or that other players knew you by, understand that you cannot get it back unless the new owner changes their name and you claim it first.

Your friends list, trophies, game progress, and all your account data stay with your account. Changing your username does not affect any of that. People who had you added as a friend will still see you on their friends list, though your name will update to show your new username.

Regional pricing for paid changes

The $9.99 USD price applies in the United States. Other regions have different costs. In Canada, the fee is $11.99 CAD. In the United Kingdom, it is £7.99. In Australia, it is $14.95 AUD. European prices vary by country but typically fall between €7.99 and €9.99.

The price you see depends on the currency and region linked to your PlayStation Network account, not where you are physically located. If you want to know the exact price in your region, sign into your account on the PlayStation website, go to your profile, and try to change your username. The system will show you the fee before you confirm the purchase.

Why Sony charges for changes after the first one

Sony's reasoning is that the first free change gives you a chance to fix a username you regret or that no longer fits. After that, frequent changes can confuse your friends and make your account harder to track. The fee discourages people from changing their username constantly while still allowing it for those who want to pay.

This policy also protects against abuse. Without a cost, some players would change their names repeatedly to avoid consequences for bad behavior or to impersonate other players. The $9.99 fee creates a small barrier that cuts down on that kind of activity.

Changing your username on PS5 or the web

The cost is the same whether you change your username on PS4, PS5, or through the PlayStation website. Your PlayStation Network account is the same across all devices, so changing your username in one place changes it everywhere. You will not be charged multiple times for a single change.

If you own both a PS4 and a PS5, you only need to make the change once. It will show up on both consoles when ready. The same applies if you change it through the web: your new username will appear on any PlayStation console you sign into.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available to other players when ready. If someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again unless they change their username first. You would need to pay $9.99 to change to a different name.

Do I have to pay if I change my username on PS4 instead of the website?

No. The cost is the same no matter where you make the change. Whether you use your PS4 console, PS5, or the PlayStation website, you get one free change and then pay $9.99 for each change after that. The method does not matter.

What if I change my mind right after paying?

Sony does not offer refunds for username changes. Once you confirm the change and pay the $9.99 fee, the transaction is final. If you realize you made a mistake, you would need to pay another $9.99 to change it again. Think through your new username before you confirm.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or trophies?

No. Your game saves, trophies, and all account data stay exactly the same. Only your username changes. Your friends will still see your progress and achievements under your new name.