You can change your PlayStation username through your account settings on any device

Your PlayStation Network (PSN) username change happens in your account settings, either on your console, a computer, or the PlayStation app on your phone. Sony lets you change your username once for free, then charges $9.99 for each change after that. The process takes about five minutes, and your new name goes live when ready — your friends will see it right away, though some older games may still show your old name in their records.

You cannot change your username to something already taken by another account, and PSN has content rules: no hate speech, slurs, or sexually explicit terms. If you try a name that violates those rules, the system will reject it and ask you to pick something else.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; each one after costs $9.99 and takes effect when ready.
  • You can change your username on your PS4, PS5, a web browser, or the PlayStation app — the steps are similar on all of them.
  • Your new username appears to friends and in new games right away, but some older games may still display your old name.
  • PSN rejects usernames that are already taken or that contain hate speech, slurs, or explicit content.

How to change your username on a PlayStation console

On your PS4 or PS5, go to Settings, then select Users and Accounts. Choose your profile, then Account, and look for Profile Settings. Select Online ID and choose Change. Type in your new username — it must be between 3 and 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. PSN will tell you when ready if the name is taken or violates content rules.

After you confirm your new name, the system may ask you to enter your password to verify your identity. Once you do, your username changes right away. You will see it on your profile and in your friends' friend lists within seconds.

How to change your username on a computer or phone

Go to the PlayStation website (playstation.com) and sign in with your account. Click your profile icon in the top right, then select Account Settings. Choose Profile, then Online ID, and select Change. The steps are the same as on console: type your new name, check that it is available, and confirm with your password.

On the PlayStation app for iOS or Android, tap your profile icon at the bottom, select Account Settings, go to Profile, and choose Online ID. The change process is identical. All three routes — console, website, and app — connect to the same account, so changing your username in one place changes it everywhere.

What happens to your old username and your games

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. You cannot switch back to it unless no one has taken it in the meantime, and even then you would have to pay the $9.99 fee (unless it is your first change). Games you own stay on your account, and you keep all your progress, trophies, and saves — the change does not affect your game library or your data.

Some older games, particularly those released before 2018, may continue to show your old username in their records or in saved game files. This is a limitation of how those games stored your name when you played them. Newer games will display your new username. Your friends will see your new name everywhere, and party chat will show the updated username.

Understanding the $9.99 fee for additional changes

Sony gives you one free username change per account. If you want to change it again, you will be charged $9.99 through your PSN wallet or payment method on file. The fee applies each time you change your username after the first one. This means if you change your username three times total, you pay nothing for the first change and $9.99 each for the second and third.

The fee is charged at the moment you confirm your new username, not when you start the process. If you do not have a payment method on file or your wallet is empty, the system will prompt you to add one before completing the change.

Usernames PSN will reject and why

PlayStation will not accept usernames that are already taken by another account. The system checks availability in real time, so you will know when ready if your choice is available. PSN also rejects names containing hate speech, slurs, sexual content, or references to illegal activity. The rules are broad enough to catch variations and misspellings of prohibited terms.

If your chosen name is rejected, the system will tell you it violates content policy without always explaining which word or phrase triggered the rejection. In that case, try a different name. Usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can only use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores — no spaces or special characters like periods or apostrophes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Only if no one else has claimed it since you changed it. Even if it is available, changing back counts as a paid change (unless it was your first change overall), so you would pay $9.99. Most old usernames get claimed quickly, so this is rarely an option.

Will my friends still see me in their friend list after I change my username?

Yes. Your account stays the same — only the name displayed changes. Your friends will see your new username in their friend list, and you will remain friends with them. Party invites and messages will show your new name.

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

No. Your entire account — games, progress, trophies, saves, and wallet — stays exactly the same. Changing your username only changes the name displayed on your profile and in games. Your account ID, which is what PSN uses internally, never changes.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try a variation: add numbers, use an underscore or hyphen, or pick a different name entirely. PSN will tell you when ready if a name is available, so you can test different options before you commit. Remember you only get one free change, so choose carefully.

Can I change my username on a game console I do not own?

Yes, if you sign into your PSN account on another console, you can change your username there. The change applies to your account everywhere. You do not need to own the console — you just need to sign in with your credentials.