You can change your PSN username once for free, then pay $9.99 for each change after that

PlayStation Network lets you change your username through your account settings on a console, the PlayStation app, or the web. Your first change is free. After that, each change costs $9.99. The new username takes effect when ready, though your old username stays reserved for 30 days in case you want to switch back at no cost during that window.

The change affects your online identity across all PlayStation games and services. Friends see your new name right away. Trophies, game progress, and your library stay attached to your account — nothing is lost when you change the name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PSN username change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 through PlayStation's website or console settings.
  • You can change your username on a PS4, PS5, through the PlayStation app on your phone, or at account.playstation.com on any web browser.
  • The new username is active when ready, and your old name stays reserved for 30 days if you want to revert for free.
  • Some games made before 2018 may not recognize your new username and could show your old one instead, though your account access remains unchanged.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, and cannot match another active PSN account.

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 confirm it meets PlayStation's rules — between 3 and 16 characters, no spaces, and no special characters except hyphens and underscores. If the name is available, you will see a confirmation screen showing the cost (free for your first change, $9.99 after that). Select Proceed to complete the change.

The system will ask you to sign in again after the change takes effect. This is normal and takes less than a minute. Your new username will appear in your profile and to other players when ready.

Changing your username through the PlayStation app or website

Open the PlayStation app on your phone or go to account.playstation.com in a web browser and sign in. Tap or click your profile icon, then select Account, then Profile, then Online ID. Enter your new username, check availability, and proceed with payment if it is not your first change. The process is the same as on console — the new name takes effect right away.

Using the website or app is often faster if you do not want to navigate console menus. You can change your username from anywhere with internet access, and the change syncs to all your devices within minutes.

Rules for choosing a new PSN username

Your username must be 3 to 16 characters long and can contain letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), hyphens (-), and underscores (_). Spaces are not allowed. PlayStation checks the name against a list of prohibited words and phrases — if your choice is flagged, you will be told when ready and can try another name.

The name you choose must not already be in use by another active account. If someone else has the name you want, you cannot use it. Names are case-insensitive, so "JohnDoe" and "johndoe" are treated as the same name.

What happens to your old username

When you change your PSN username, your old name is held in reserve for 30 days. During this window, you can change back to your old username for free by going through the same process and selecting your previous name. After 30 days, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim.

If you change your mind after the 30-day window closes, you cannot get your old username back unless it happens to become available again later — and even then, you would have to pay $9.99 to claim it.

Older games may still show your old username

Games released before 2018 were built before PlayStation changed how usernames work. In these older titles, your new username may not display correctly — you might see your old name, a string of numbers, or a generic label instead. This is a display issue only. Your account access, progress, and trophies are unaffected, and you can still play online normally.

Newer games and all PlayStation services (messaging, parties, the store) will show your new username correctly. If you play a lot of older games and the display matters to you, keep this limitation in mind before you change.

Troubleshooting a failed username change

If your change does not go through, the most common reason is that the username is already taken or contains a prohibited word. Try a different name. If you see an error message about payment, make sure your payment method is current and has available funds. For a $9.99 charge, most payment methods process when ready.

If you are told your account is not may be able to access to change its username, your account may be new (some accounts must be at least 30 days old) or there may be a restriction on the account. Check your account status at account.playstation.com or contact PlayStation Support if the error persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after 30 days?

No, not for free. After 30 days, your old username becomes available to anyone. If you want it back later and it is still unclaimed, you would have to pay $9.99 to reclaim it like any other username change. This is why the 30-day window exists — to give you a free chance to revert if you change your mind quickly.

Do my friends see my new username right away?

Yes. Your new username appears in your friends' friend lists, in party chat, and in game lobbies when ready after the change. They do not have to do anything on their end — the change syncs automatically across all PlayStation services.

Will I lose my trophies or game progress if I change my username?

No. Your trophies, game saves, and entire library stay attached to your account. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it only changes how your name appears to other players and in your profile.

What if the username I want is already taken?

You cannot use it. Try a variation — add a number, a hyphen, or an underscore. You can also check if a name is available before you commit to paying for the change by entering it in the username field and seeing if PlayStation says it is taken.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

It is active when ready on PlayStation Network, your profile, and in online games. Older games made before 2018 may take longer to update or may not update at all. Third-party websites and forums that track PSN data may take hours or days to reflect the change.