Change your PSN name through your account settings

You can change your PlayStation Network (PSN) name directly from your PS4, PS5, or through the PlayStation website. The process takes a few minutes and happens when ready—your old name disappears and your new one takes effect right away. You'll need your account password to confirm the change.

The first time you change your name is free. If you want to change it again, PlayStation charges a fee (the amount varies by region). You can change your name as often as you want, but you'll pay each time after the first change.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PSN name change is free; subsequent changes cost money, with the fee varying by your region.
  • You can change your name on a PS4, PS5, or through the PlayStation website using your account password.
  • The name change takes effect when ready across all your games and your profile, though some older games may not recognize the new name.
  • Your old PSN name becomes available for someone else to use once you change it.
  • Some games store your old name in their own systems, so you may still appear under your previous name in those games' friend lists or leaderboards.

Change your name on PS4 or PS5

From your console, go to Settings, then select Users and Accounts. Choose your user account, then go to Account and select Profile. Find the option for Online ID (on PS5) or PSN Username (on PS4) and select it. Enter your new name, then confirm with your password.

PlayStation will tell you right away if the name is already taken or violates their naming rules. Names can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed. Once you confirm, the change is live.

Change your name through the PlayStation website

Go to www.playstation.com and sign into your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Profile. Look for Edit Profile and find the section for your online ID or username. Enter your new name and confirm with your password.

The website method works the same way as the console—you'll get when ready feedback if the name is taken or invalid, and the change takes effect right away across your account.

What happens to your old name and your game progress

Your game progress, trophies, and saved files stay with your account no matter what name you use. The name change does not affect your games or your PlayStation Plus subscription. Your friends list carries over too, though you may need to re-add friends in some older games that don't recognize the name change.

Your old PSN name becomes available when ready for another player to claim. You cannot reserve it or get it back later unless you change your name again and happen to find it unclaimed. If you think you might want your old name back, change to something temporary first, then change back to your original name while it's still available—but remember that the second change will cost you.

Why some games still show your old name

Older games, especially those released before 2018, sometimes store your PSN name in their own databases rather than pulling it from your PlayStation account each time. When you change your name, these games don't automatically update their records. You may still appear under your old name in those games' friend lists, leaderboards, or chat logs.

Newer games almost always show your current name because they check your account information in real time. If a game is important to you and you're concerned about how the name change will appear, check the game's community forums or support page to see if other players have reported issues.

The cost of changing your name more than once

PlayStation charges a fee for each name change after your first one. The fee is not the same everywhere—it depends on your region and your local currency. Check your PlayStation Store or account settings to see the exact price in your area before you confirm a change.

If you're unsure about a new name, use your free change carefully. You can always change it again later, but you'll pay for it. Some players use their free change to test a name they're not completely sure about, then pay for a second change once they know what they want long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PSN name if I have an active dispute or ban on my account?

No. If your account is under review, suspended, or banned, you cannot change your name until the issue is resolved. Contact PlayStation Support if you're unsure about your account status.

Will my friends see my name change right away?

Yes, your friends will see your new name when ready in their friends list and in any games that pull your name from your account in real time. Older games may take longer or may not update at all.

What if the name I want is already taken?

Try a variation—add a number, underscore, or hyphen. PlayStation will suggest alternatives if you want. You can also wait and check back later; names become available when other players change theirs.

Can I change my name back to my original PSN name?

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If your old name is still unclaimed, you can change back to it, but you'll pay the fee for the second change.

Does changing my PSN name affect my PlayStation Plus subscription?

No. Your subscription stays active and attached to your account regardless of what name you use.