Change Your PlayStation Network Name in Settings

You can change your PlayStation Network (PSN) name directly from your console or through the PlayStation website. The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing the first time—PlayStation allows one free name change per account. If you want to change it again, the second change costs $9.99, and each change after that also costs $9.99.

Your PSN name is what other players see when you're online, in your profile, and on leaderboards. Changing it does not affect your account security, your games, or your saved data. However, some older games may not display your new name correctly or may show your old name for a short time after the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PSN name change is free; subsequent changes cost $9.99 each and can be done once every 30 days.
  • You can change your name through your PS4 or PS5 console, or through the PlayStation website from any device.
  • Your new name takes effect when ready, but some games may display your old name for up to a few hours.
  • You cannot use a name that is already taken, contains offensive language, or violates PlayStation's naming policy.
  • Changing your PSN name does not delete your account, games, trophies, or friends list.

Change Your Name on PS4 or PS5

Start by signing into your console with the account you want to change. Press the PlayStation button on your controller to open the control center, then navigate to your profile icon in the top left corner. Select Profile, then choose Edit Profile.

Find the Online ID field and select it. Enter your new name—it must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but cannot start with a number. PlayStation will check whether the name is available. If it is taken or violates the naming policy, you will see an error message and must choose a different name. Once you find an available name, confirm the change. Your new name appears on your console when ready.

Change Your Name Through the PlayStation Website

Go to www.playstation.com and sign in with your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Profile Settings. Look for the Online ID section and click Change next to it.

Enter your new name following the same rules: 3 to 16 characters, letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores only, and cannot start with a number. PlayStation checks availability in real time as you type. Once you see a green checkmark confirming the name is available, click Change Online ID to finish. The change takes effect within a few minutes.

What Happens to Your Games and Friends After a Name Change

Your games, trophies, and saved data remain exactly as they were. Your friends list does not change, and your friends will see your new name the next time they log in. However, some older games—particularly those released before 2018—may not update your name properly. In these games, you might see your old name displayed, or the name might not show at all. This is a limitation of how those games were built and is not a problem with your account.

Your party chat history, messages, and activity feed will show your new name going forward. Past messages and posts will not retroactively update to show your new name, but new activity will use it when ready.

Naming Rules and What Names Are Not Allowed

PlayStation blocks names that contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language. Names that impersonate real people, celebrities, or PlayStation staff are also not allowed. You cannot use names that are already taken by another account. Names must not start with a number, and you cannot use spaces—use hyphens or underscores instead if you want to separate words.

If you try to create a name that breaks these rules, PlayStation will reject it and ask you to choose something else. There is no appeal process for rejected names; you straightforward need to pick a different one that follows the policy.

Timing and Frequency of Name Changes

Your first name change is free and can be done at any time. If you change your name again, you must wait at least 30 days before making another change, and it will cost $9.99. This 30-day waiting period starts from the date of your last change, not from when you first created your account.

If you change your name and then want to change it back to your original name within 30 days, you will still have to pay the $9.99 fee. There is no way to undo a name change for free once the 30-day window has passed.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

If you see a message that your name is unavailable even though it seems original, another account may have claimed it very recently. Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. If the website or console keeps rejecting your name without a clear reason, the name may contain a word or phrase that PlayStation's filter flagged. Try removing or replacing suspicious words.

If your new name does not appear on your console after 15 minutes, sign out completely and sign back in. If it still does not show, restart your console. On the website, clear your browser cache and try again. If the problem persists after these steps, contact PlayStation Support through their website—they can investigate whether there is a technical issue with your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PSN name on my phone or tablet?

You can change it through the PlayStation website on a mobile browser, but you cannot change it through the PlayStation mobile app. Open a web browser, go to playstation.com, sign in, and follow the same steps as on a computer.

What if someone else has the name I want?

You cannot use a name that is already taken. Try adding numbers, hyphens, or underscores to create a variation. For example, if "Player123" is taken, you could try "Player_123" or "Player1234". PlayStation will tell you when ready whether a name is available.

Do I lose my trophies or games if I change my name?

No. Your trophies, games, saved data, and account history all stay with your account. Only your display name changes. Your trophy list and game library remain exactly as they were before the name change.

How long does it take for my new name to show up everywhere?

Your new name appears on your console and the website within minutes. However, some games may take a few hours to update, and very old games may never update properly. Other players will see your new name the next time they refresh their friends list or see you online.

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

No. Once you change your name, changing it again—even back to your original name—costs $9.99 and requires waiting 30 days. There is no free way to revert to a previous name.