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

Your PlayStation Network name is the username that appears on your profile, in your friends list, and on any games you play online. Sony lets you change it through your account settings on a PlayStation console or through your account page on a web browser. The first change is free; after that, each change costs $9.99 USD (prices vary by region).

Before you change your name, know that some older games may not recognize the new name properly, and you may lose progress or access in those titles. Your friends will see the new name when ready, but it can take a few hours for the change to show up everywhere across PlayStation's network.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PSN name change is free, but each change after that costs $9.99 in most regions.
  • The change takes effect when ready for your profile and friends list, but may take several hours to appear in all games and services.
  • Some games made before 2018 may not work properly with your new name, and you could lose progress or trophies in those titles.
  • You can change your name through your PlayStation console, a web browser, or the PlayStation mobile app.

How to change your name on a PlayStation 4 or 5

Start by going to your profile on your console. Press the PlayStation button on your controller to open the control center, then select your profile icon in the top left. Choose "Profile" and then "Edit Profile."

Select "Online ID" and enter your new name. The system will check whether the name is available and whether it follows PlayStation's naming rules (no offensive language, no impersonation of real people or companies). If the name is available and acceptable, you will see a confirmation screen showing the cost (free for your first change, $9.99 after that). Confirm the purchase, and your name changes when ready.

How to change your name through a web browser

Go to account.playstation.com and sign in with your PSN credentials. Click on "Profile" in the left menu, then select "Edit Profile."

Find the "Online ID" field and click "Change." Enter your new name and check availability. If it is available, you will be asked to confirm the purchase. The first change is free; subsequent changes cost $9.99. After you confirm, the change takes effect when ready on your account.

What happens to your old name and your games

Your old PSN name becomes available for someone else to use after you change it. You cannot reclaim it later, so choose carefully if you think you might want to go back to it.

Games released before 2018 may have trouble recognizing your new name. You could lose access to online features, lose progress, or lose trophies and achievements in those older titles. Games released in 2018 and later are built to handle name changes without problems. Before you change your name, check whether you play any older games regularly — if you do, test them after the change to see whether they still work.

Restrictions on what you can name yourself

Your new name must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens. It cannot start or end with a number or hyphen. PlayStation will reject names that are offensive, that impersonate real people or companies, or that violate their code of conduct.

If you try a name and it is rejected, you will see a message explaining why. Common reasons include the name already being taken, the name containing banned words, or the name being too similar to a real person's or company's name. Try a different variation and check availability again.

How long the change takes to show up everywhere

Your new name shows up on your profile and in your friends' friend lists when ready. However, it can take up to a few hours for the name to appear in all games, in your trophy list, and across all PlayStation services. During that time, some games may still show your old name.

If you are playing online with friends, tell them about the change so they do not think your account has been hacked. Your friends will receive a notification that your name has changed, but it helps to give them a heads-up, especially if you play competitive games together.

What to do if you cannot change your name

If you see an error message when you try to change your name, the most common cause is that the name you chose is already taken or violates PlayStation's naming policy. Try a different name. If the system says you have already used your free change and you do not want to pay $9.99, you will need to keep your current name.

If you see a different error — such as a network error or a message about your account — try again in a few minutes. If the problem continues, sign out of your account completely, restart your console or close your browser, and sign back in. If you still cannot change your name after that, contact PlayStation Support through their website or through your console's support menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PSN name back to my old one?

No. Once you change your name, your old name becomes available for someone else to use, and you cannot reclaim it. If you want to use that name again, you would have to wait for someone else to stop using it and then claim it, which is not may provide to happen.

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

Yes. Your friends will see your new name in their friends list when ready, and they will receive a notification that your name has changed. You will still appear in their friends list under your new name, and they can message you and play with you as usual.

What happens to my trophies and achievements if I change my name?

Trophies and achievements in games released in 2018 and later will transfer to your new name without any problems. In older games, you may lose access to your trophies or they may not display correctly. Test any older games you care about after you change your name to see whether they still work.

Do I have to pay $9.99 every time I change my name?

Only your first change is free. Every change after that costs $9.99 in most regions. The price may be different depending on your country and local currency.

Can I change my PSN name on my phone?

You can change it through the PlayStation mobile app if you have it installed. Open the app, go to your profile, select "Edit Profile," and choose "Online ID." The process is the same as on a web browser, and the first change is free.