Many PlayStation 4 users wonder if they can change their gamer name, also known as their PSN Online ID. This is a common question since gamers may want to update their identity, refresh their online persona, or correct a typo made during account creation.
Fortunately, Sony allows users to change their PSN Online ID, but there are important details, guidelines, and potential risks to consider before doing so.
What is a PSN Online ID?
Your PSN Online ID is the unique gamer name that other players see when you play online, join multiplayer games, or interact on PlayStation Network. It is the main identifier for your account in the PlayStation community.
This name appears in leaderboards, friend lists, and game lobbies. Because of this, many players want a unique and memorable name that represents their gaming style or personality.
Can You Change Your PSN Online ID on PS4?
Yes, you can change your PSN Online ID on PS4. Sony introduced this feature in April 2019 after many years of PSN IDs being permanent.
This change gave users more flexibility to update their online identity.
Changing your gamer name is relatively straightforward but comes with some important warnings regarding game compatibility and possible display issues.
Important: The first PSN Online ID change is free. Subsequent changes require a fee, so choose your new ID carefully!
How to Change Your PSN Online ID on PS4
Follow these simple steps to change your PSN Online ID directly from your PS4:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go to Settings from the PS4 home screen. |
| 2 | Navigate to Account Management. |
| 3 | Select Account Information. |
| 4 | Choose Profile > Online ID. |
| 5 | Enter your new desired Online ID. |
| 6 | Follow the prompts to complete the change. |
You can also change your PSN Online ID via a web browser or the PlayStation App, which some find easier to navigate.
Cost of Changing Your PSN Online ID
The first time you change your PSN Online ID, it is completely free. This allows users to fix mistakes or update their name without any charge.
If you want to change your Online ID a second time or more, Sony charges a fee:
| Type of User | Cost for Additional Changes |
|---|---|
| Regular PSN User | $9.99 USD (or local currency equivalent) |
| PlayStation Plus Subscriber | $4.99 USD (or local currency equivalent) |
Keep in mind that these prices may vary depending on your region.
Things to Consider Before Changing Your PSN Online ID
Changing your gamer name has many benefits but also comes with some risks and limitations. It’s essential to understand these before proceeding.
- Game Compatibility: Some older games may not support the new Online ID properly, causing issues like loss of progress, inability to access paid content, or other glitches.
- Display Issues: Some games might continue to show your old ID or display errors.
- Friends and Friends Lists: Your friends will see your new ID, but some third-party games might not reflect the change immediately.
- Reverting Back: You can revert to your old Online ID for free within 30 days if you encounter problems.
- Online Services: Some online services outside of PlayStation Network may not recognize your new ID.
Tip: Before changing your ID, check Sony’s list of tested games to see if your favorite titles have any known issues.
How to Check Game Compatibility
Sony maintains an updated list of games that are tested for compatibility with the Online ID change feature. They categorize games into:
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Verified | Games that support the Online ID change with no known issues. |
| Playable | Games that support the change but may have minor issues. |
| Not Tested | Games that have not been tested yet; risks are unknown. |
| Unsupported | Games that do not support Online ID changes and may behave unpredictably. |
Visit the official PlayStation website to view the full compatibility list and check your games before making an ID change.
What Happens to Your Old PSN Online ID?
When you change your Online ID, your old ID becomes available for others to use after a grace period. Sony does not guarantee that the old ID will remain reserved for you.
If you want to keep your old ID, it’s recommended not to share it publicly or let others know about it.
Can You Go Back to Your Old ID?
Yes, if you experience issues after changing your ID, you can switch back to your previous Online ID free of charge within 30 days. After this window, reverting back may incur a fee.
This option acts as a safety net, allowing you to test the new ID without permanent consequences.
Common Questions About Changing PSN Online ID
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Will my PSN trophies be affected? | No, your trophies and progress remain intact regardless of the Online ID change. |
| Will my friends be notified? | Your friends see your new Online ID, but there is no automatic notification message sent. |
| Can I change my ID on PS5? | Yes, the process on PS5 is similar and also accessible via web and app. |
| Is there a character limit for the new Online ID? | Yes, IDs must be between 3 and 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. |
| Are special characters allowed? | Only certain special characters like hyphens (-) and underscores (_) are allowed; spaces and other symbols are not. |
Best Practices for Choosing a New PSN Online ID
Choosing a new gamer name requires some thought. Here are tips to pick a great, lasting PSN Online ID:
- Keep it simple and memorable. Avoid overly complex names that are hard to spell or remember.
- Check availability. Try variations if your desired name is taken.
- Avoid offensive or inappropriate terms. Sony may suspend or ban IDs violating community standards.
- Consider longevity. Choose a name that you’ll be happy with for a long time to reduce future changes.
- Test visibility. Make sure your ID looks good and is easily readable in-game and on profiles.
Summary: Is Changing Your PSN Online ID Worth It?
Changing your PSN Online ID on PS4 is a great way to personalize your gaming identity and fix mistakes made during account setup. The first change is free, which lowers the barrier to trying a new name.
However, there are risks such as game compatibility issues and potential confusion among friends. It’s essential to research your favorite games’ compatibility and understand the costs for future changes.
Overall, if you want a fresh start or a better name, changing your PSN Online ID can be a worthwhile option with careful planning.
Final Thought: Take advantage of the free first change to experiment, but always back up your data and check compatibility to avoid surprises.
