You can change your PSN name directly in your account settings on any PlayStation console or through the PlayStation website

Your PlayStation Network (PSN) name is the username that appears to other players when you're online. Sony lets you change it, though the process differs slightly depending on whether you're using a PS4, PS5, or the web version of your account. The first change is free; any change after that costs $9.99 USD (prices vary by region). You'll need to know your current PSN password and have access to the email address linked to your account.

The name you choose must follow PlayStation's rules: it can be 3 to 16 characters long, can't contain spaces, and can't include offensive language or impersonation of real people. You can use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Once you change your name, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PSN name change is free; any change after that costs $9.99 USD in most regions.
  • You can change your name on a PS4, PS5, or through the PlayStation website using your account password.
  • Your new name must be 3 to 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces.
  • After you change your name, your old name becomes available for others to use after 30 days.
  • Some games may not recognize your new name when ready, and you may need to restart them to see the change.

Changing your name on a PS5

On a PS5, go to your profile in the top-right corner of the home screen and select Profile. Scroll down and choose Edit Profile. Select Online ID (this is your PSN name), then choose Change. Enter your new name in the text field and select Next.

The system will check whether the name is available and whether it follows PlayStation's naming rules. If it's available and acceptable, you'll see a confirmation screen. Select Change to finish. If this is your first change, it will process for free. If you've changed your name before, you'll be asked to confirm the $9.99 charge before the change goes through.

Changing your name on a PS4

On a PS4, go to Settings from the home screen, then select Account. Choose Account Information, then Profile. Select Edit Profile and choose Online ID. Enter your new name and select Next.

The system will check availability and compliance with naming rules. If your new name is accepted, you'll see a summary screen. Select Change to confirm. You'll be charged $9.99 if this isn't your first name change. The change takes effect when ready, though some games may take a few minutes to update.

Changing your name through the PlayStation website

You can also change your PSN name on any computer or phone by visiting the PlayStation website. Sign in to your account, go to Account Settings, and select Profile. Click Edit next to your Online ID. Type your new name in the field and click Save Changes.

The website will verify that your new name is available and follows the rules. If it passes, you'll see a confirmation. Click Change Online ID to complete the process. The charge (if applicable) will appear on your PlayStation Network billing method. The change is when ready across all your devices.

What happens to your old name and your game progress

Your game progress, trophies, and friends list stay with your account when you change your name. Other players will see your new name in their friends lists and in games, but your account history remains the same. You don't lose access to any games, DLC, or saved data.

Your old PSN name becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days. If you want to keep it reserved, you can change your name back within that 30-day window at no additional cost. After 30 days, you can't reclaim an old name unless it hasn't been taken by someone else.

Why some games don't show your new name right away

Older games and some online multiplayer titles may not recognize your new PSN name when ready. This happens because those games store your old name locally on your console or in their own servers. Restarting the game usually fixes this—close it completely and launch it again.

If a game still shows your old name after a restart, try signing out of your PSN account and signing back in. If the problem persists, the game may need an update from its developer. Check the game's support page or community forums to see if others have reported the same issue.

Restrictions and things to know before you change

You can change your PSN name as often as you want, but each change after the first costs $9.99. There's no limit on how many times you can change it, but Sony recommends waiting a few hours between changes to avoid technical issues.

If you've been reported for an offensive name or behavior, Sony may force you to change your name. In that case, you'll receive a notification and a important date to choose a new one. You won't be charged for a forced name change. If you don't change it by the important date, Sony will assign you a temporary name until you choose one yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PSN name on my phone?

Yes. Visit the PlayStation website on your phone's browser, sign in, and follow the same steps as on a computer. You can also change it through the PlayStation app if you have it installed, though the console method is usually faster.

What if my new name is already taken?

The system will tell you the name is unavailable and ask you to choose a different one. Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. You can check whether a name is available before you commit to the change by attempting it—there's no charge for checking.

Do I lose my friends or trophies when I change my name?

No. Your account stays the same, so your friends list, trophies, game library, and saved data all remain attached to your account. Your friends will see your new name, but you won't lose any of them.

Can I change my name back to my old one after 30 days?

Only if no one else has claimed it. After 30 days, your old name becomes available for anyone to use. If someone has taken it, you can't reclaim it. You can change back to your old name within the first 30 days at no cost.

Why am I being charged $9.99 for my first name change?

Your first change should be free. If you're being charged, you may have already changed your name before on this account. Check your account history or contact PlayStation Support to confirm how many free changes you've used.