Change your PlayStation 4 username through your account settings

You change your PlayStation 4 username by going into your account settings on the console itself, then selecting the option to change your online ID. The process takes about five minutes and doesn't require a computer or phone. Your new username takes effect when ready across all your games and your profile.

Before you start, know that PlayStation allows you to change your username once for free. After that, each change costs $9.99. You also cannot change back to a username you used before — once you switch away from it, that name is retired from your account permanently.

Key Takeaways

  • Access your account settings from the PS4 home screen, then navigate to Users and Accounts to find the Online ID option.
  • Your first username change is free, but subsequent changes cost $9.99 each through the PlayStation Store.
  • Some games made before April 2018 may not recognize your new username and will still show your old one in-game.
  • Your new username appears when ready on your profile and in online multiplayer, but you keep the same account, friends list, and game library.

Step-by-step: changing your username on PS4

Start at your PS4 home screen. Press the PS button on your controller to open the function area, then scroll up to find your profile icon in the top left corner. Select it, then choose Users and Accounts from the menu that appears.

Once you're in Users and Accounts, scroll down until you see Account Information. Open that menu. You'll see several options including Profile, Password, and Online ID. Select Online ID. The system will show your current username and give you a text field to enter your new one.

Type in your new username — it can be up to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. PlayStation will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or contains words the system doesn't allow. Once you've entered a name that works, select Change and confirm your choice. That's it. Your new username is live.

What happens to your games and friends after you change

Your game library, trophies, and saved data all stay with your account. You don't lose anything. Your friends list remains the same, and your friends will see your new username the next time they log in or refresh their friends list.

However, some games released before April 2018 may not update to show your new username. In those older games, you might still appear as your old name to other players, even though your profile shows the new one. This is a limitation of how those games were built and PlayStation cannot change it. Newer games will display your new username correctly.

Understanding the cost of changing again

Your first change is free. If you want to change your username a second time or more, you'll need to pay $9.99 per change through the PlayStation Store. You can find this option in the Store under Services, then Account Services, then Change Online ID.

Before you pay for a change, test your new name idea by checking whether it's available — the system tells you this for free when you go through the change process. You don't have to complete the change to see if a name is taken.

Usernames you cannot use

PlayStation blocks certain words and phrases from being used as usernames. The system will reject them automatically when you try to enter them. Common reasons for rejection include profanity, slurs, references to illegal activity, and impersonation of real people or brands.

If you're trying to use a name that keeps getting rejected and you don't think it violates any rules, the name may straightforward be reserved by PlayStation or already taken by another account. Try a variation — adding a number, underscore, or hyphen often solves this.

Changing your username on the PlayStation app or website

You can also change your online ID through the PlayStation website or the PlayStation mobile app if you prefer not to use your console. On the website, sign into your account, go to Account Settings, then Online ID. On the mobile app, open your profile, select Account Settings, and find Online ID there.

The process is identical — you enter your new name, the system checks if it's available, and you confirm the change. Your new username updates across all platforms at the same time. Using the website or app can be faster if you already know exactly what name you want and don't want to navigate menus on your TV.

What to do if you cannot change your username

If you see an error message when you try to change your username, the most common cause is that you've already used your free change and haven't paid for another one. Check whether you've changed your username before — if you have, you'll need to purchase a change through the PlayStation Store for $9.99.

If this is your first time changing and you still get an error, your account may have a restriction on it. This can happen if there's been suspicious activity on your account or if your account is new (usually less than a week old). Wait a few days and try again, or contact PlayStation Support through their website if the error persists.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once you change away from a username, you cannot use that name again on your account, even if you pay for another change. The old name is permanently retired. If you're unsure about a new name, think it through before you confirm the change.

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

Yes. Your friends list doesn't change, and your account ID stays the same. Your friends will see your new username on their friends list the next time they refresh or log back in. You won't lose any friends or have to re-add anyone.

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

No. Your password and your username are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. You log in with your email address and password, not your username, so your login information stays the same.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try a variation. Add numbers, underscores, or hyphens to make it unique. PlayStation will tell you when ready whether a name is available when you type it in during the change process, so you can experiment with different versions for free before you commit to a change.

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

Your new username appears when ready in your profile and in online multiplayer for games made after April 2018. Older games may continue to show your previous username because they were built before PlayStation added this feature. There's no way to force those older games to update.