Your PlayStation Online ID, also known as your PSN (PlayStation Network) online ID, is the unique identifier that represents you in the PlayStation community. It appears in multiplayer games, leaderboards, friend lists, and more.
Many users wonder if it’s possible to change this ID after creating their account. The good news is, yes — you can change your PlayStation Online ID, but there are some important details and considerations to keep in mind.
What Is a PlayStation Online ID?
The PlayStation Online ID is your public username visible to other players. It is your digital identity on the PlayStation Network and is used across all PlayStation devices such as PS4, PS5, and even on PC through certain games and services.
When you first create your PSN account, you pick a unique ID. This ID becomes your primary way of interacting with friends and other players online.
Because it is so visible, many players seek to change it to something more personal or current.
Can You Change Your PSN Online ID?
Yes, Sony allows users to change their PlayStation Online ID. This feature was introduced in April 2019 after many years of requests from the community.
Previously, your online ID was permanent and could not be altered once set.
Since this update, you can change your online ID through the PlayStation console itself, or via a web browser. However, there are some rules, limitations, and potential issues you should be aware of before making the change.
Changing your PSN online ID is a great way to refresh your gaming identity, but it’s essential to understand how it works and what risks are involved.
How to Change Your PlayStation Online ID
Changing your online ID is a straightforward process. Here are the basic steps you can follow either on your PlayStation console or through the web:
On PS4 or PS5 Console
- Go to Settings from the home screen.
- Select Account Management.
- Choose Account Information, then Profile.
- Click on Online ID.
- Enter your new desired online ID and check its availability.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the change.
Using a Web Browser
- Visit the official PlayStation Network website and sign in to your account.
- Go to your Profile page.
- Click the pencil icon next to your current online ID.
- Enter your new online ID and check availability.
- Confirm the change by following the prompts.
Important: When you change your online ID, your previous ID will still be visible to you and your friends for a limited time, but others will only see your new ID.
Cost of Changing Your PSN Online ID
The first online ID change is free for all users. This is a one-time free change to encourage players to update or fix their usernames.
Subsequent changes will cost a fee unless you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription, which offers discounted rates. Here is a summary of the pricing:
| Change Number | Cost Without PlayStation Plus | Cost With PlayStation Plus |
|---|---|---|
| First Change | Free | Free |
| Second Change | $9.99 USD | $4.99 USD |
| Third and Subsequent Changes | $9.99 USD each | $4.99 USD each |
Prices may vary by region and currency. Be sure to check the latest official information before making a change.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your Online ID
Changing your online ID can affect your gaming experience in several ways. Understanding these can help you avoid potential issues.
Here are the main points to consider:
- Game Compatibility: Some older games might not support the new online ID fully. This could result in loss of saved data, leaderboards, or trophies in certain titles.
- Display Name: Your friends will see your new ID, but your old ID may appear in some places temporarily.
- Third-Party Services: Games or services that use your PSN ID for login or tracking may require you to update your information.
- Profile Links: If you share your ID publicly (e.g., on social media), the old links may no longer work.
- Potential Name Abuse: Be cautious when picking a new ID to avoid violating PlayStation’s terms of service.
“Sony advises users to review the list of games tested for online ID change compatibility before committing to a new name.” – PlayStation Official Support
What Happens to Your Old Online ID?
When you change your PSN Online ID, your old ID is not deleted immediately. Sony keeps it available for you to revert back to if you experience issues.
This rollback option is available at no extra cost.
However, your old ID may become available for other users if you do not revert within a certain period. It’s recommended to keep this in mind if your old ID has brand value or is recognized by your friends.
Potential Risks and Problems with Changing Your PSN Online ID
While the process is simple, some users have reported issues after changing their online ID. These may include:
| Issue | Description | Possible Workarounds |
|---|---|---|
| Game Errors | Older games may crash, freeze, or show errors after the name change. | Check compatibility list and revert to old ID if problems persist. |
| Lost Game Progress | Some saved data or trophies may not link to your new ID. | Contact game developers or revert ID if critical. |
| Friends Not Recognizing New ID | Friends may have trouble finding you or messaging you initially. | Notify friends of your new ID or use friend codes. |
| Third-Party Account Sync Issues | Linking with other services may require reauthorization. | Update linked accounts with your new ID. |
Which Games Are Compatible with Online ID Changes?
Sony maintains a list of tested games to help you understand which titles support online ID changes without issues. Newer games generally offer better support, while some older games might have incomplete compatibility.
Below is a sample of popular games with confirmed compatibility status:
| Game Title | Compatibility Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | Fully Compatible | No issues reported |
| The Last of Us Part II | Fully Compatible | Supports Online ID changes |
| Bloodborne | Compatible with Possible Minor Issues | Some multiplayer features may be affected |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) | Partially Compatible | Some data loss possible |
| Dark Souls III | Not Compatible | May experience crashes or errors |
You can find the full and updated compatibility list on the official PlayStation Support website.
Tips for Choosing a New PlayStation Online ID
Picking a new online ID can be exciting but also challenging because the name must be unique and adhere to Sony’s guidelines. Here are some tips to help you choose a great new ID:
- Keep it simple and memorable: Avoid complex or hard-to-type names.
- Avoid inappropriate content: Sony enforces strict rules against offensive or explicit language.
- Use a combination of letters and numbers: This increases the chance your desired name is available.
- Consider future-proofing: Pick a name you will be happy with over the long term.
- Check availability across platforms: If you game on multiple systems, try to keep consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my online ID multiple times? | Yes, but the first change is free and subsequent changes cost a fee. |
| Will my friends see my new online ID immediately? | Yes, but your old ID might still appear for a short time in some places. |
| Is changing my online ID reversible? | Yes, you can revert to your old ID at no cost if you encounter issues. |
| Will changing my ID affect my saved games? | Some games may lose saved data or trophies; newer games are usually unaffected. |
| Can I use any name I want? | Names must comply with PlayStation’s terms of service and community guidelines. |
Conclusion
Changing your PlayStation Online ID is now a flexible option offered by Sony, allowing players to update their gaming identity without creating a new account. It is easy to do, with the first change free of charge.
However, it is important to be aware of the possible technical issues, compatibility challenges, and costs associated with additional changes.
Before making your change, review the compatibility list for your favorite games and consider the impact on your friends and third-party services. Choose your new ID wisely to ensure a smooth transition and continued enjoyment of your PlayStation experience.
Remember: If you experience any problems, you can always revert to your previous online ID without penalty.
