PlayStation Network (PSN) is the online gaming platform for PlayStation users worldwide. Your PSN online name, also known as your Online ID, is your identity in the PlayStation community.
It appears when you play games online, chat with friends, or access PlayStation services.
Many users wonder if it is possible to change their PSN online name after creating an account. The answer is yes, but there are important details and limitations you should know before proceeding.
What Is a PSN Online ID?
Your PSN Online ID is the unique username that represents you on PlayStation Network. It is visible to other players during multiplayer games, on leaderboards, and in friend lists.
When you first sign up for a PSN account, you must create an Online ID. This ID is the primary way other users recognize you, so choosing a good one is important.
Can I Change My PSN Online Name?
Yes, Sony allows users to change their PSN Online ID. This feature was introduced in April 2019.
Before that, the Online ID was permanent and could not be altered.
Changing your Online ID is a great way to refresh your identity, correct mistakes, or rebrand yourself in the PlayStation community.
Note: Your first change of PSN Online ID is free. After that, there is a fee for each subsequent change.
How To Change Your PSN Online ID
The process to change your Online ID is simple but must be done carefully to avoid issues in games or services.
- Go to the PlayStation Online ID Change page.
- Sign in with your PSN account credentials.
- Enter your new desired Online ID and check availability.
- Confirm the change and accept the terms.
You can also change your Online ID directly from a PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 console under the account settings menu.
Costs of Changing Your PSN Online ID
While the first change is free, Sony charges a fee for any additional changes. The fee varies depending on your region.
| Change Number | Fee (USD) | Fee (EUR) | Fee (GBP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Change | Free | Free | Free |
| 2nd Change and beyond | $9.99 | €8.99 | £6.99 |
Note: Fees are subject to change based on Sony’s policies and currency fluctuations.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your PSN Online ID
Changing your PSN Online ID is exciting, but there are some risks and limitations to keep in mind.
Game and Content Compatibility
Not all games and apps support Online ID changes perfectly. Some older titles may experience issues such as:
- Loss of saved game progress
- Loss of in-game currency or items
- Multiplayer functionality problems
- Leaderboards not updating correctly
PlayStation has a list of tested games and their compatibility status available online. It is highly recommended to check this list before changing your ID.
Visibility of Your Old Online ID
For 30 days after changing your Online ID, your previous ID will be shown next to your new ID in parentheses. This helps friends recognize you.
After 30 days, the old ID will no longer be displayed.
Example: If your old ID was GamerX123 and you change it to ProGamer2024, it will appear as ProGamer2024 (GamerX123) for 30 days.
Restrictions on Online IDs
There are guidelines for creating a new Online ID. Some of the restrictions include:
- Minimum 3 characters, maximum 16 characters
- Can include letters, numbers, hyphens (-), and underscores (_)
- Cannot include spaces or special characters
- Must not violate Sony’s community standards (e.g., offensive language)
How to Avoid Problems When Changing Your PSN Online ID
To minimize issues when changing your Online ID, consider the following tips:
- Check the compatibility of your favorite games before changing your ID.
- Back up any important saved data and game progress.
- Inform your friends about your new ID to avoid confusion.
- Review Sony’s guidelines for acceptable Online IDs.
Can I Revert to My Old Online ID?
Yes, you can revert to your previous Online ID for free at any time. This is useful if you encounter problems or simply miss your old identity.
However, keep in mind that reverting back will replace your current ID, and the old ID will again appear in parentheses for 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is changing my PSN Online ID permanent? | No, you can change it multiple times, but fees apply after the first change. |
| Will my friends still see me if I change my Online ID? | Yes, your new ID will be visible, and your old ID will be shown for 30 days to help recognition. |
| Will my trophies or friends list be affected? | No, trophies and friends list remain intact after an ID change. |
| Can I use spaces or special characters in my new ID? | No, spaces and most special characters are not allowed. |
| What happens if a game is not compatible with the new ID? | You may experience issues like lost progress or inability to access multiplayer features. |
Summary
Changing your PSN Online ID is now possible and can be a refreshing way to update your PlayStation identity. The first change is free, and additional changes incur a fee.
It is important to understand the risks, such as game compatibility issues, and to follow Sony’s guidelines for creating a new ID.
Always check your favorite games for compatibility and keep backups of any important data before proceeding. If you encounter problems, you can revert to your previous Online ID at no cost.
Proper planning will help ensure a smooth transition to your new PlayStation identity.
Remember: Your PSN Online ID represents you in the PlayStation community—choose it wisely and enjoy your gaming experience!
