Change Your PS4 Username Through Your Account Settings

You change your PS4 username by going into your account settings on the console itself, not through a game or the PlayStation app. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to be signed into the account whose name you want to change.

Start by pressing the PS button on your controller to open the function menu. Scroll up to find your profile icon and username at the top of the screen, then press X. From there, select Profile, then Edit Profile. You will see a field labeled Online ID — this is your username. Press X on that field to edit it.

Type your new username. PlayStation usernames can be up to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. Once you have entered the name you want, press X again to confirm, then follow the on-screen prompts to save the change. Your new username will take effect when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username through your PS4 console settings, not through the PlayStation app or a web browser.
  • Usernames can be up to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces.
  • The change takes effect right away, and your friends will see your new name the next time they look at their friends list.
  • You can change your username once every 60 days on the same account without paying a fee.

What Happens to Your Old Username After You Change It

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to use after a short period. Your game progress, trophies, and friend list all stay with your account — they are tied to your account ID, not your username. Friends who had you added will still see you in their friends list, though your name will now show as the new one.

Messages you sent before the change will still show your old username in the conversation history. Your profile will display your new username, but your account ID (a long number that appears in your profile) stays the same. This is why games and services recognize you as the same person even though your visible name has changed.

Changing Your Username on a PS4 You Do Not Own

If you use a PS4 that belongs to someone else — a friend, family member, or roommate — you can still change the username on your own account. You need to be signed into your account on that console. Press the PS button, go to your profile, and follow the same steps as above.

The console owner will not be affected. Their account and username stay exactly as they are. You are only changing the name associated with your account, which works the same way on any PS4 you sign into.

The 60-Day Wait Between Changes

PlayStation allows you to change your username once every 60 days without paying a fee. If you change your username and then want to change it again, you will need to wait 60 days from the date of your last change. After 60 days have passed, you can change it again at no cost through the same account settings menu.

If you need to change your username before the 60 days are up, you can pay a fee to do so when ready. The fee varies by region, but you would need to make this purchase through the PlayStation Store. Most people find it simpler to wait the 60 days rather than pay the extra cost.

Usernames That Will Not Work

PlayStation rejects usernames that contain offensive language, impersonate real people or companies, or violate their code of conduct. The system will tell you when ready if your chosen name is not allowed — you will see an error message when you try to confirm it, and you can pick a different name right away.

Names that are too similar to existing usernames may also be rejected. If you see an error message, try adding a number or underscore to your preferred name, or choose something different. The system will let you know as soon as you type something that works.

Changing Your Username on PS5 or Through the Web

If you own a PS5, the process is nearly identical to the PS4. Press the PS button, go to your profile, select Edit Profile, and change your Online ID the same way. The username you choose will be the same across both consoles since it is tied to your account.

You can also change your username through the PlayStation website if you prefer not to use the console. Sign into your account at www.playstation.com, go to your profile settings, and look for the Online ID field. The same 60-day rule and character limits explore no matter which method you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my friends know I changed my username?

Your friends will see your new username the next time they look at their friends list or send you a message. They do not get a notification that you changed it, but they will notice the name is different. Your account ID stays the same, so they will still recognize you as the same person.

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

You can change your username to anything you want, including a name you used in the past, as long as you follow the 60-day rule. If you changed your username and then want to go back to your old one, you will need to wait 60 days from your last change. After that, you can set it back to the old name at no cost.

What if I forget what my current username is?

Your username appears at the top of the function menu when you press the PS button on your controller. It also shows on your profile page in the settings. If you are still not sure, you can check the PlayStation website by signing into your account — your username will be displayed in your profile there.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or trophies?

No. Your game saves, trophies, and all your account data stay exactly the same. The username is just the name other players see — everything else tied to your account remains unchanged. You will still have access to all your games and progress after you change your name.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my username?

PlayStation usernames can only contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, periods, or emojis. If you try to use a character that is not allowed, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different name.