You can change your PlayStation username, but only once every 60 days, and the change costs money on most accounts

PlayStation lets you change your online username through your account settings, but there are real limits. You get one free username change in your lifetime — after that, each change costs $9.99 on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5. You also have to wait at least 60 days between changes, and some games may not recognize your new name right away or at all.

The process itself takes about 15 minutes and happens entirely on your console or through the PlayStation website. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few months, and your friends list stays intact — people can still find you by your new name.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 and requires a credit card or PlayStation Store balance.
  • You must wait 60 days between username changes, and PlayStation will not let you change back to a previous name for at least 30 days after you abandon it.
  • Some games, especially older titles, may not display your new username or may show your old one in saved data and trophies.
  • Your friends can still message and play with you after you change your name — the change does not break your friend list or party invites.
  • You change your username through Settings on your console or by visiting the Account Management section on the PlayStation website.

How to change your username on PlayStation 4 or 5

Start on your console. Go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Online ID. PlayStation will show you your current username and let you type in a new one. The system checks in real time whether that name is already taken — if it is, you will see a red X and need to try something else.

Once you find a name that is available, you will see the cost. If this is your first change, it says Free. If you have already used your free change, it shows $9.99. Select your payment method — a credit card linked to your account or PlayStation Store balance — and confirm. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up in games and on your profile.

You can also change your username on the PlayStation website without using your console. Go to www.playstation.com, sign in, click your profile picture, select Account, then Other, then Change Your Online ID. The steps are the same as on the console.

What happens to your old username and when you can reuse it

When you change your username, your old one does not disappear when ready. PlayStation holds it for about 30 days, which means you cannot claim it again during that time and no one else can either. After 30 days, your old username becomes available for anyone to register.

If you want to switch back to a username you used before, you have to wait until that 30-day hold expires, and then you have to claim it before someone else does. You still have to follow the 60-day waiting period between any changes — so if you changed your name today, you cannot change it again until 60 days from now, even if you want to go back to your old name.

Games that may not recognize your new username

Older games and some newer ones do not update your username automatically. Your trophy list, saved game files, and in-game profiles may still show your old name. This is especially common in games released before 2018, though it can happen with newer titles too.

Games that use their own separate account system — like Fortnite, Call of Duty, or Destiny 2 — are not affected by your PlayStation username change at all. Your in-game name stays the same unless you change it within that game's own settings. Your PlayStation username is just what appears on your console and in the PlayStation Network; it does not automatically sync to every game's internal system.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

PlayStation enforces a mandatory 60-day gap between username changes. This means if you change your name on January 1st, you cannot change it again until March 1st at the earliest. The timer starts the moment your change goes through, not when you request it.

This rule applies even if you want to change your name back to something you used before. If you regret a change, you have to wait the full 60 days before you can try something else. There is no way to speed this up or request an exception.

Costs and payment methods

Your first username change is free, no matter when you make it. After that, each change costs $9.99. You can pay with a credit or debit card linked to your PlayStation account, or with PlayStation Store balance (also called wallet funds).

If you do not have a payment method on file, you will need to add one before you can pay for a username change. You cannot use gift cards or promotional codes to cover the cost — only real money or existing wallet balance works.

What stays the same after you change your username

Your friends list does not break. Everyone on your friends list can still see you, message you, and invite you to parties and games. You do not need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests.

Your trophies, achievements, and play history stay attached to your account. Your profile shows your new username going forward, but your old username may still appear in some games' trophy data or saved files, depending on how that game stores information.

Your PlayStation Network account itself does not change — your email, password, payment methods, and subscription status all stay exactly the same. A username change is purely cosmetic from the account's perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have an active ban or suspension?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your username until the suspension or ban is lifted. If your account is permanently banned, you cannot change your username at all.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change it?

Once the 30-day hold expires, your old username is fair game. If someone else claims it before you do, you cannot get it back. If you think you might want it again, you should reclaim it yourself before the hold ends.

Do I have to change my username on both PS4 and PS5?

No. Your username is tied to your PlayStation Network account, not to a specific console. If you change it on one console, it changes on all of them automatically. You only need to make the change once.

Will my new username show up in old screenshots or videos I recorded?

No. Clips and screenshots you recorded before the change will still show your old username in the video or image itself. The change only affects how your name appears going forward and in your profile.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

PlayStation usernames can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, special characters like @, #, or !, or certain words that violate the code of conduct. If you try to use a forbidden character or word, the system will reject it and ask you to try again.