You can change your PSN username once every 30 days, and it takes about 15 minutes

PlayStation Network lets you change your username through your account settings on a PS5, PS4, or through the PlayStation website. The change happens when ready across all your games and your profile. You get one free username change; after that, each change costs $9.99. The 30-day waiting period starts from the date of your last change, so if you changed your name on March 15, you cannot change it again until April 15.

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. Friends who had you added will keep you in their friends list, but they will see your new name. Trophies, game progress, and your account history stay attached to your account no matter what name you use.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 and you must wait 30 days between changes.
  • You can change your username on a PS5 or PS4 console, or through the PlayStation website from any device.
  • The change takes effect when ready across all games and your profile, and friends keep you added under your new name.
  • If you change your mind within 30 days, you can change back to your old username if no one else has claimed it yet.

Changing your username on a PS5 or PS4

On your console, go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Online ID. Enter your new username and select a suffix (a number from 0 to 9999 that PlayStation adds to make the name unique). Review the name, confirm the change, and you are done. The new name appears on your profile and in your games within seconds.

If you see a message that says "You cannot change your Online ID at this time," it usually means you are within the 30-day waiting period from your last change. You can still change it through the PlayStation website if you want to pay the fee and reset the timer.

Changing your username through the PlayStation website

Go to account.playstation.com, sign in, and select your profile icon in the top right. Click Profile Settings, then Online ID. Enter your new username and suffix, review it, and confirm. If this is not your first change, you will be asked to pay $9.99 before the change goes through. The new name appears on your profile and in your games within a few minutes.

The website method works the same way whether you are on a computer, phone, or tablet. You do not need your console to be on or nearby.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your name, your old username becomes available for any other PlayStation user to claim. If you change your mind within a few days and want to switch back, you can do so if no one else has taken it. After someone else claims your old name, you cannot get it back.

Your friends will not lose you from their friends list when you change your name. They will see your new username in their friends list and in messages, but the friendship itself does not break. Games you played together will show your new name in the activity history.

When you cannot change your username

You cannot change your username if you are within 30 days of your last change, unless you pay the $9.99 fee to reset the timer. Some games, especially older ones, may not display your new username correctly in-game; this is a limitation of the game itself, not your account. PlayStation support cannot override the 30-day rule or waive the fee.

If you see an error message when you try to change your name, restart your console or clear your browser cache and try again. If the error persists, sign out of your account, sign back in, and attempt the change once more.

Usernames that PlayStation will not allow

PlayStation rejects usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. Names that impersonate PlayStation staff, celebrities, or other players will also be rejected. The system checks for these during the confirmation step, so you will know when ready if your chosen name is not allowed.

If your name is rejected, try removing numbers, changing the spelling slightly, or adding a suffix that makes it unique. You can attempt as many names as you want during the change process without being charged, as long as you do not confirm the final change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

Yes, but each change after your first one costs $9.99, and you must wait 30 days from your last change. If you pay the fee, the 30-day timer resets from that date. There is no limit to how many times you can change your name as long as you pay each time.

Will my games and trophies disappear if I change my username?

No. Your trophies, game progress, saved files, and entire account history stay attached to your account. Only your display name changes. Anyone looking at your profile will see your new name, but all your achievements remain linked to you.

What if someone else takes my old username?

Once another player claims your old username, you cannot get it back. If you think you might want to use it again, change back to it within a few days before someone else does. After that, your old name is gone permanently.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password or your account security. You only need to change your password if you suspect someone has accessed your account without permission.

Why does my new username not show up in a game I am playing?

Some games, particularly older titles, cache your username when you first sign in. Restart the game or restart your console to force it to load your new name. If it still does not update, the game may not support dynamic username changes, and you may need to wait for a game update.