Yes, you can change your PlayStation Network name, but there are limits

PlayStation Network (PSN) lets you change the name associated with your account, but the process and restrictions depend on which name you want to change and how many times you have changed it before. Your Online ID (the name other players see) can be changed for free once, then costs money for each change after that. Your account name (the legal name tied to billing) can be updated in your account settings without a fee, though you may need to verify your identity.

The distinction matters because they control different parts of your account. Your Online ID is what appears in games and on your profile. Your account name is what appears on receipts and in customer service records. You can change one without changing the other.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first Online ID change is free on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5; each change after that costs money (the price varies by region).
  • You can change your account name (legal name for billing) for free through account settings, but you may need to verify your identity with a phone number or email.
  • If you change your Online ID, some games may not recognize your old achievements or progress, so check the game's support page first.
  • You must wait a minimum of 30 days between Online ID changes once you have used your free change.

Changing your Online ID (the name other players see)

Your Online ID is the username displayed in games, on your profile, and in friend lists. To change it on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, go to Settings, then Account, then Other, then Change Your Online ID. You will be prompted to enter a new name and confirm the change.

The first change is free. After that, you will be charged a fee each time you change your Online ID. The cost varies by region—check your regional PlayStation Store to see the current price. You must wait at least 30 days between changes once your free change is used.

Before you change your Online ID, understand that some games will not carry over your progress or achievements to the new name. This is because the game stores your data under your old Online ID. Check the support page for any game you care about before you make the change. Many newer games sync progress to your account rather than your Online ID, so the risk is lower, but older titles may not.

Changing your account name (the legal name for billing)

Your account name is the full legal name tied to your PlayStation account for billing and customer service purposes. This is separate from your Online ID. To change it, sign into your account on the PlayStation website, go to Account Settings, then Profile, then Edit Profile. You can update your first and last name there.

Changing your account name is free and does not require you to wait between changes. However, PlayStation may ask you to verify your identity by confirming a phone number or email address on file. If you cannot verify your identity, you may need to contact PlayStation Support to make the change.

What happens to your old Online ID after you change it

When you change your Online ID, your old name becomes available for someone else to use after a grace period. You cannot reclaim your old Online ID later. Your friends list, trophies, and game library stay with your account under your new Online ID, but as noted above, some games may not recognize your progress under the new name.

If you are concerned about losing progress in a specific game, contact that game's support team before you change your Online ID. They can tell you whether your save data is tied to your Online ID or to your account itself.

Changing your name on PlayStation App or website

You can change your account name (legal name) through the PlayStation App or the PlayStation website without using your console. Sign in, go to your profile settings, and select Edit Profile. The steps are the same as on console.

However, you cannot change your Online ID through the app or website—that change must be made on a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console. If you do not have access to a console, you will need to use one to make that change, or contact PlayStation Support for help.

When you might need to contact PlayStation Support

Contact PlayStation Support if you cannot verify your identity when changing your account name, if you have reached the limit on how many times you can change your Online ID in a set period, or if you want to change your Online ID but are unsure whether a game will recognize your progress under the new name.

You can reach PlayStation Support through the PlayStation website by selecting Help, then Contact Us. They can also help if you have forgotten your password or need to recover a suspended account before making name changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. Your friends list transfers to your new Online ID automatically. They will see your new name the next time they log in. However, if they search for your old Online ID, they will not find you—only your new name will appear in search results.

Can I change my Online ID on a PlayStation 3 or older console?

No. Online ID changes are only available on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. If you use an older console, you cannot change your Online ID through the system. You would need to create a new account with a different Online ID.

What if I change my Online ID and then want to change it back?

You can change your Online ID back to your old name, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Once you change your Online ID, your old name enters a grace period before it becomes available to others. If someone takes it during that time, you cannot reclaim it.

Does changing my Online ID affect my PlayStation Plus subscription?

No. Your PlayStation Plus membership stays active under your account regardless of your Online ID. You will not lose access to online play, cloud saves, or monthly games when you change your name.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new Online ID?

Online IDs can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces or most special characters. PlayStation will tell you if your chosen name breaks these rules when you try to create it. You may need to try a few variations before you find one that works.