PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service that offers online multiplayer, free monthly games, exclusive discounts, and much more. Many users wonder if they can change their PlayStation Plus name, which is often confused with the PlayStation Network (PSN) Online ID or username.
This article will clarify the distinctions between your PlayStation Plus subscription and your PSN Online ID, explain the possibilities and limitations of changing your name, and provide detailed steps to guide you through the process.
Understanding the Difference: PlayStation Plus Name vs. PSN Online ID
First, it’s important to understand that your PlayStation Plus name is not a separate identity. It is tied directly to your PlayStation Network (PSN) account.
The name that other players see online, and the one associated with your PlayStation Plus subscription, is your PSN Online ID.
In other words, you cannot change a PlayStation Plus name independently. If you want to change the name seen by other players or associated with your subscription, you need to change your PSN Online ID.
“Your PlayStation Plus subscription is linked to your PSN account, not a separate PlayStation Plus name.”
Can You Change Your PSN Online ID?
Yes, Sony introduced the feature to change your PSN Online ID in April 2019, after years of demand from the community. This means you can change your username that appears when you play games, chat with friends, or participate in online activities, including PlayStation Plus benefits.
However, there are some important details, limitations, and risks associated with changing your PSN Online ID that you need to be aware of before proceeding.
Summary Table: PSN Online ID Change Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Free Changes | One free change per account; subsequent changes cost $9.99 (or $4.99 for PlayStation Plus subscribers) |
| Compatibility Check | PSN automatically checks game compatibility and may warn about issues |
| Display of Old ID | Option to display old ID in parentheses for 30 days |
| Supported Platforms | PS4, PS5, Web browsers, and mobile devices |
| Potential Issues | Some games may lose saved data, progress, or functionality |
How to Change Your PSN Online ID
Changing your PSN Online ID can be done via multiple devices. Below are the detailed steps for each method.
On PlayStation 5
- Go to Settings on your PS5 home screen.
- Select Users and Accounts.
- Choose Account, then Profile.
- Select Edit Profile and then Online ID.
- Enter your desired new Online ID and follow the on-screen instructions.
On PlayStation 4
- Navigate to Settings from the PS4 home screen.
- Select Account Management.
- Choose Account Information and then Profile.
- Select Online ID and enter your new desired ID.
- Follow the prompts to confirm the change.
On Web Browser
- Go to the official PlayStation website: https://www.playstation.com
- Log into your account.
- Click on your profile icon, then select PSN Profile.
- Click Edit next to your Online ID.
- Enter a new Online ID and check availability.
- Confirm and complete the process.
On PlayStation App
- Open the PlayStation App on your mobile device.
- Tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner.
- Select Edit Profile.
- Tap Online ID and enter your new ID.
- Follow the prompts to finalize the change.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your PSN Online ID
Changing your PSN Online ID sounds simple, but it comes with important consequences. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Compatibility Issues: Some games, especially older titles, might not support the new ID. This could result in loss of saved data, leaderboards, or game progress.
- Display of Old ID: You can choose to display your previous Online ID next to your new one for 30 days. This helps friends recognize you after the change.
- Fees for Multiple Changes: The first change is free, but subsequent changes cost $9.99. PlayStation Plus members get a discounted fee of $4.99.
- Online Presence: Some third-party games and services may not update your ID properly, leading to potential confusion.
Tip: Before changing your ID, research your favorite games’ compatibility on Sony’s official compatibility list to avoid issues.
What Happens to Your PlayStation Plus Subscription After Changing Your ID?
Your PlayStation Plus subscription remains intact and active after changing your PSN Online ID. All benefits, including online multiplayer access, free games, and discounts, continue without interruption.
Since the subscription is linked to your account and not just your username, changing your Online ID does not cancel or affect your membership status.
How to Check Game Compatibility
Sony provides an official list of games tested for compatibility with the Online ID change feature. This list shows which games are fully compatible, partially compatible, or incompatible.
Use the table below as a simplified example of compatibility categories:
| Compatibility Category | Description | Example Games |
|---|---|---|
| Compatible | No known issues with the Online ID change. | Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare |
| Partially Compatible | Some features may be affected; minor issues possible. | Destiny 2, Final Fantasy XIV |
| Incompatible | May cause loss of saved data or functionality. | Bloodborne, The Last of Us Remastered |
To view the full and updated list, visit Sony’s official page here: PlayStation Online ID Change Compatibility
How to Revert Your PSN Online ID
If you encounter issues after changing your Online ID, Sony allows you to revert to your old ID for free at any time.
This option can be accessed from the same location where you change your Online ID. Keep in mind that reverting does not guarantee restoration of any lost data or progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my PlayStation Plus subscription name without changing my PSN Online ID? | No. Your PlayStation Plus subscription is tied to your PSN account. Changing your subscription name means changing your PSN Online ID. |
| Is there a limit to how many times I can change my PSN Online ID? | You can change your ID multiple times, but only the first change is free. All subsequent changes require a fee. |
| Will changing my Online ID affect my friends list or trophies? | Your friends list and trophies remain intact. However, some games may not recognize your new ID properly, which could affect in-game progress. |
| Can I use any name as my new Online ID? | The new ID must follow PlayStation’s guidelines, avoid offensive language, and be unique (not taken by another user). |
Best Practices for Choosing a New PSN Online ID
Changing your Online ID is a big move, so it’s worth taking time to pick a name that you will be happy with long term. Here are some tips:
- Keep it simple: Choose a name that is easy to remember and pronounce.
- Avoid numbers and special characters: Unless necessary, as they can make your ID harder to recall.
- Be unique: A unique ID helps friends find you and reduces confusion.
- Check for availability: Use the PlayStation ID checker to ensure your preferred name is not taken.
- Avoid offensive or inappropriate language: Sony enforces strict guidelines on naming.
Conclusion
While you cannot change a “PlayStation Plus name” separately, you can change your PlayStation Network Online ID, which is the name associated with your PlayStation Plus subscription.
Sony’s Online ID change feature allows you to update your username with some precautions. Make sure to check game compatibility before making the switch to avoid any disruptions.
Remember that your PlayStation Plus subscription remains unaffected by the change, and you can revert your ID if needed.
Changing your PSN Online ID is a useful feature for players who want a fresh identity or need to fix a username they no longer like. Just take the time to prepare and understand the process to ensure a smooth transition.
