Change your password directly on your console or through the PlayStation website

You can change your PlayStation Network password in two ways: on your PS4 or PS5 console itself, or online through your account settings on a computer or phone. Both routes take about five minutes and don't require you to sign out of your console. The online method is faster if you're already at a desk; the console method is simpler if you're already playing.

Your PlayStation Network password protects access to your account, your payment methods, your game library, and your online friends list. Changing it regularly — especially if you've used the same password elsewhere or shared it with someone — reduces the risk that someone else can log in as you.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your password on your PS4 or PS5 by going to Settings, then Account, then Security, then Password.
  • You can also change it online at account.playstation.com by signing in, selecting Security, and choosing Change Password.
  • You will need your current password to set a new one, whether you change it on the console or online.
  • A strong password is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
  • If you forget your password, you can reset it using your email address or phone number linked to your account.

Change your password on your PS4 or PS5

Start on your console's home screen. Press the up arrow on your controller to open the function area, then select your profile icon in the top left corner. Choose Settings from the menu that appears.

In Settings, scroll down and select Account. Then select Security. You will see an option for Password — select it. Enter your current password when prompted, then type your new password twice to confirm it. PlayStation will tell you whether your new password meets their requirements (at least 8 characters, with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols). Once you confirm, your password changes when ready.

You do not need to sign out or restart your console. If you are signed in on multiple consoles, you will remain signed in on all of them until you manually sign out.

Change your password online through your account settings

Go to account.playstation.com in any web browser and sign in with your email address and current password. Once you're logged in, look for your profile icon or account menu — this is usually in the top right corner of the page.

Select Security or Account Security from the menu. You should see an option for Change Password or Update Password. Click it. Enter your current password, then type your new password twice. PlayStation will check that it meets their requirements before you can save it. Once you confirm, the change takes effect when ready.

What makes a strong PlayStation password

PlayStation requires passwords to be at least 8 characters long and to include uppercase letters (A–Z), lowercase letters (a–z), at least one number (0–9), and at least one symbol (!@#$%^&*). An example of a password that meets these rules is BlueSky#2024 or Garden$Bench7.

Avoid passwords that use your username, your real name, your birth year, or words from a dictionary. Avoid reusing a password you have used on other websites or accounts. If you use the same password on PlayStation and on your email, and someone gets that password, they can access both accounts.

If you struggle to remember a strong password, consider using a password manager — a program like Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane that stores passwords securely and fills them in for you. Many of these are free or low-cost.

If you forget your password

Go to account.playstation.com and select the option to sign in. Look for a link that says "Can't sign in?" or "Forgot your password?" Click it. PlayStation will ask you to enter your email address or the phone number linked to your account.

You will receive an email or text message with a link to reset your password. Click the link, and you can create a new password without needing to know your old one. The link usually expires after a few hours, so reset your password soon after you receive it.

If you no longer have access to the email address or phone number on your account, you will need to contact PlayStation Support. They can verify your identity using other information from your account and help you regain access.

What happens after you change your password

Your new password takes effect when ready on all devices. If you are signed in on a PS4, PS5, or the PlayStation app on your phone, you will stay signed in — you do not have to sign back in. However, if someone else was signed into your account on another console, they will be signed out the next time they try to use it.

If you change your password because you think someone else has access to your account, check your account activity. On account.playstation.com, go to Security and look for a section called Devices or Login Activity. You can see where your account has been signed in recently and remove access from devices you don't recognize.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to change my password if I change my email address?

No. Your password and your email address are separate. You can change your email address in your account settings without changing your password. However, if your email was compromised, changing your password is a good idea.

What if I'm signed into my account on someone else's console?

If you sign into your PlayStation account on another person's console, change your password afterward. This signs you out of that console and prevents the other person from using your account after you leave.

Can I use the same password on my PlayStation account and my email?

You can, but it's risky. If someone gets your password from one account, they can access both. Using different passwords for different accounts means a breach on one site doesn't compromise the others.

How often should I change my password?

There's no set rule. Change it if you think someone else knows it, if you've used it on another website that was hacked, or if you haven't changed it in over a year. Regular changes add a layer of protection, but a strong, unique password matters more than how often you change it.