Yes, you can change your PlayStation Network ID, but Sony limits how often you can do it

You can change your PlayStation Network ID (the name other players see) through your account settings on a PlayStation console or through the PlayStation website. Sony allows you to change your ID once for free, and additional changes cost $9.99 each. The change takes effect when ready, though some games may take time to recognize the new name.

The process itself takes about five minutes. You do not need to create a new account or lose your games, trophies, or friends list. Your old ID becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PlayStation Network ID change is free; each change after that costs $9.99.
  • You can change your ID through a PS4, PS5, or the PlayStation website without losing games or progress.
  • Some games may not recognize your new ID when ready, and a small number of older games do not support ID changes at all.
  • Your old ID becomes available for others to use 30 days after you change it.
  • You must wait a minimum of 30 days between ID changes.

How to change your ID on a PlayStation console

On a PS4 or PS5, go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Online ID. Enter your new ID (it must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and cannot start with a number). Review the warning about games that may not support the change, then confirm.

The system will ask you to enter your password to verify the change is really you. After you confirm, your new ID is live. You do not need to restart the console or sign out and back in, though some games may not show the new name until you restart them.

How to change your ID on the PlayStation website

Go to www.playstation.com, sign in to your account, and click your profile icon in the top right. Select Profile, then Edit Profile. Click Change Online ID and follow the same steps as on a console. You will need to enter your password to confirm.

The website method works the same way as the console method and takes effect when ready. If you are away from your console, this is the faster route.

Games that may not work with your new ID

Most modern games recognize ID changes without any problem. However, some older games released before Sony added ID-change support may not display your new name correctly or may not let you use certain features. These games are rare, but they exist mostly in the PS3 and early PS4 library.

Before you change your ID, Sony shows you a list of games on your account that may have issues. Read that list carefully. If a game you play frequently is on it, you may want to keep your current ID. You cannot undo an ID change, so this is your only warning.

What happens to your friends, trophies, and game progress

Your friends list, trophy list, and all game progress stay exactly the same. Your friends will see your new ID the next time they check their friends list or see you online. Games that support ID changes will show your new name in leaderboards and saved data. Games that do not support ID changes may show your old ID in those places.

Your PlayStation Plus subscription, wallet balance, and purchase history all stay tied to your account. Nothing is lost or reset when you change your ID.

The cost and timing rules for changing your ID again

Your first ID change is free. The second change and every change after that costs $9.99 each. You must wait at least 30 days between changes, so you cannot change your ID twice in one month. If you try to change your ID before 30 days have passed since your last change, the system will tell you the exact date you can change it again.

The 30-day timer starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you start the process. If you change your ID on a Tuesday, you cannot change it again until the following Tuesday at the earliest.

ID names that Sony will not allow

Your new ID cannot contain spaces, cannot start with a number, and cannot be longer than 16 characters or shorter than 3 characters. Sony also blocks IDs that contain profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. If you try to use a blocked word, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different name.

You also cannot use an ID that is already taken by another player. If the name you want is taken, the system will tell you it is unavailable and suggest similar alternatives. You can try a different spelling, add a number or underscore, or choose a completely different name.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I change my mind right after changing my ID?

You cannot undo an ID change. However, you can change it back to your old ID if no one else has claimed it yet. Your old ID becomes available for others to use after 30 days, so if you change your mind within 30 days, you can change your ID back to the original name for $9.99 (since your first free change is already used).

Do I need to change my password when I change my ID?

No. Your password stays the same. Your ID and your password are separate things. Changing your ID does not affect your account security or password.

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

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and they will see your new ID the next time they check. You will still appear in their friends list under your new name. They do not need to re-add you.

Can I change my ID on my phone?

You can start the process on the PlayStation website through your phone's web browser, but you will need to complete it either on a console or by finishing it on the website. The mobile PlayStation app does not have the ID-change feature built in.

What if a game does not recognize my new ID?

Contact the game's developer or publisher through their support page. Some older games may never receive an update to support ID changes. For newer games, the developer may be able to help you troubleshoot why the new ID is not showing up.