You can change your PlayStation Network ID, but only once every 60 days

PlayStation lets you change your online username through your account settings on a PlayStation console or through the web. The first change is free. After that, each additional change costs $9.99. You can change your ID once every 60 days, meaning if you change it today, you cannot change it again until 60 days have passed.

When you change your ID, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim after 30 days. Some games and apps may not display your new ID correctly right away—this is a known issue that usually resolves within a few hours, but can occasionally take longer. Your friends list, trophies, and game progress stay attached to your account; changing the ID does not affect any of that.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PlayStation Network ID change is free; every change after that costs $9.99 each.
  • You can change your ID once every 60 days, and you must wait that full period before making another change.
  • Some games may show your old ID for a few hours after you change it, but your account data and friends list remain unchanged.
  • You change your ID through your console's account settings or through the PlayStation website under your profile.

How to change your ID on a PlayStation console

Start on the console where your account is set up. Go to Settings, then select Users and Accounts. Choose your user profile, then select Account. From there, select Profile and then Online ID. You will see your current ID and a button to change it.

Enter your new ID. PlayStation will check whether it is available and whether it meets their naming rules—no offensive language, no impersonation of real people or brands, and no IDs that look too similar to existing ones. If your ID is accepted, you will see a confirmation screen showing the cost (free for the first change, $9.99 after that). Confirm the purchase, and your ID changes when ready.

How to change your ID on 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. Look for the Online ID section and click the option to edit it. Enter your new ID and follow the same confirmation steps as on the console.

The website method works the same way as the console method—the system checks availability and naming rules, shows you the cost, and applies the change when ready once you confirm. You do not need to be on a console to make the change this way.

What happens to your old ID and account data

Your old PlayStation Network ID becomes available for someone else to use after 30 days. During those 30 days, no one else can claim it. If you want to keep that old ID reserved, you would need to change back to it within the 30-day window, but that counts as another change and costs $9.99 (unless it is your first change overall).

Your account data—trophies, game saves, friends list, purchase history, and any games you own—stays with your account no matter what ID you use. Changing your ID does not delete anything or move your account. The ID is just the name people see when you play online.

Why some games show your old ID after you change it

Certain games and apps cache your old ID in their systems and do not update it when ready. This is especially common in older games or games that do not connect to PlayStation Network frequently. You may see your old username in-game for a few hours or even a day after you change it, even though your actual account ID has changed.

This is not a problem with your account—it is how those individual games store and display player information. Restarting the game, logging out and back in, or waiting a few hours usually fixes it. If a game still shows your old ID after 24 hours, restart your console and try again.

The 60-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your ID, you must wait 60 days before you can change it again. This applies even if you want to change back to a previous ID. The 60-day timer starts the moment your change goes through, not when you initiate the request.

If you change your ID and then realize you made a mistake, you cannot fix it when ready. You have to wait the full 60 days. For this reason, it is worth taking time to choose an ID you will be happy with before you make the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I lose my games or trophies if I change my PlayStation ID?

No. Your games, trophies, game saves, and all account data stay with your account. Changing your ID is just changing the name that appears online—it does not affect anything you own or have earned.

Can I change my ID back to my old one?

Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since you changed away from it, and only if no one else has claimed it. Changing back counts as another change and costs $9.99 unless it is your first change overall. You also have to wait 60 days from your last change before you can make any new change.

What if someone else takes my old ID before I change back?

Once your old ID is claimed by someone else, you cannot get it back. After 30 days, your old ID becomes available to anyone, and there is no way to reserve it or reclaim it later. If you think you might want it back, change back within the 30-day window.

Why does my new ID not show up in games right away?

Some games store your username locally and do not sync with PlayStation Network constantly. Restarting the game or your console usually fixes this within a few hours. If it persists after 24 hours, try signing out of your account and signing back in.

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

You can change your ID even if your account is suspended or banned. However, changing your ID does not lift a suspension or ban—those are tied to your account, not your username. The restrictions stay in place regardless of what ID you use.