You can change your PlayStation username through your account settings on any device connected to the internet

Your PlayStation Network (PSN) username change happens in your account settings, not in the game itself. You reach it by signing into your PSN account on a web browser or through your PlayStation console. The process takes about five minutes and you can do it from a phone, computer, or directly from your PS4 or PS5.

PlayStation lets you change your username once every 30 days at no cost. If you change it and want to change it back within 30 days, you can do that for free. After 30 days pass, each additional change costs money — the exact amount varies by region, but it is typically between $5 and $10 USD.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your PSN username through your account settings online or on your console, not through a game or app.
  • Your first username change is free, and you can change it again after 30 days for a fee.
  • Some older games may not recognize your new username, though your account and game progress stay the same.
  • Your friends list, trophies, and saved games all follow you to your new username automatically.
  • You cannot use a username that is already taken, contains certain words, or is shorter than three characters.

Changing your username on a web browser

Open a web browser and go to accounts.playstation.com. Sign in with your email address and password. Once you are logged in, look for your profile icon or name in the top right corner and click it. Select Profile or Account Settings from the menu that appears.

Find the section labeled Username or Online ID. Click the option to edit or change it. Type your new username into the field — it must be at least three characters long and cannot contain spaces or certain special characters. PlayStation will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or breaks their naming rules. Once you enter a name that works, confirm the change and you are done.

Changing your username on your PlayStation console

On your PS4 or PS5, go to Settings from the home screen. Select Users and Accounts, then choose Other and User Profile. Highlight your profile and press the Options button on your controller (the button with three horizontal lines). Select Edit Profile and then Online ID.

Enter your new username following the same rules as the web method — at least three characters, no spaces, and no characters PlayStation blocks. The console will check if the name is available as you type. Once you confirm, the change takes effect when ready on that console and across all your devices.

What happens to your games and friends after you change your username

Your game progress, trophies, and saved files all stay with your account. They do not disappear or reset when you change your username. Your friends list transfers over too — your friends will see your new username the next time they check their friends list or start their console.

Some older PlayStation 3 games and a small number of PS4 games may not display your new username correctly in-game. These games were built before PlayStation allowed username changes and they may show your old username or a generic player ID instead. This is a display issue only — your account, progress, and online access work normally. Newer games almost always show your new username without any problem.

Username rules and what you cannot use

Your new username must be between three and 16 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces or most special characters like @, #, or &. PlayStation blocks usernames that contain profanity, hate speech, or references to illegal activity. They also block names that impersonate PlayStation staff or famous people.

If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, PlayStation will reject it and ask you to try again. The system checks this automatically, so you will know right away if your choice does not work. You can try as many different names as you want until you find one that is available and allowed.

Waiting 30 days between free changes

After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again for free. If you change your mind within those 30 days, you can change it back to your old username at no cost — that counts as your one free change. After 30 days, every change costs money.

PlayStation does not send you a reminder when the 30 days are up. You can check how long you have to wait by going back to your account settings and looking at the username section — it will show you the date when your next free change becomes available. If you want to change your username before that date, you will be asked to pay the regional fee.

Troubleshooting a username change that did not work

If you tried to change your username and got an error message, the most common reasons are: the name is already taken, the name contains blocked words or characters, your account has a restriction on it, or you are trying to change it too soon after your last change. Read the error message carefully — it usually tells you which rule you broke.

If the error says your account has a restriction, you may have been flagged for violating PlayStation's code of conduct. In that case, you cannot change your username until the restriction is lifted. Contact PlayStation Support through their website to find out why your account is restricted and when you can make changes again. If you are certain the name should work and you keep getting an error, PlayStation Support can help you troubleshoot the specific issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one for free?

Yes. Within 30 days of your change, you can switch back to your previous username at no cost. After 30 days, changing to any username — including your old one — costs the regional fee. This is useful if you change your mind quickly.

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

Yes. Your friends list updates automatically and your friends will see your new username. You do not need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests. Your account ID stays the same behind the scenes, so PlayStation knows it is still you.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try a variation of it — add a number, a hyphen, or an underscore. You can also check if a similar name is available. PlayStation will tell you when ready whether a name is taken, so you can keep trying different options until you find one that works.

Do I lose my trophies or achievements when I change my username?

No. All your trophies, achievements, and game progress stay attached to your account. They follow you to your new username automatically. Nothing is lost or reset.

Can I change my username on mobile or through the PlayStation app?

The PlayStation app on mobile does not have a username change feature. You must use a web browser at accounts.playstation.com or change it directly on your PS4 or PS5 console. Both methods work equally well.