PlayStation Network (PSN) Online ID or screen name is the unique identity that represents you in the PlayStation ecosystem. Whether you’re playing games, chatting with friends, or sharing content, your screen name is how others recognize you.
Many users wonder if they can change their PlayStation screen name after creating it. The short answer is yes, you can change your PSN Online ID, but there are important details, limitations, and potential consequences you should understand before proceeding.
What Is a PlayStation Screen Name?
Your PlayStation screen name, also known as your PSN Online ID, is the name displayed to other players when you are online. It appears in multiplayer games, friends lists, and social features on PlayStation consoles and apps.
This ID must be unique and adhere to Sony’s naming guidelines, meaning it cannot contain offensive language or violate their terms of service. When you first create your PlayStation account, this ID is permanent unless you choose to change it later.
Can You Change Your PlayStation Screen Name?
Yes, Sony allows you to change your PlayStation screen name. This feature was introduced in April 2019 to give users more flexibility in their online identity.
Prior to this update, the online ID was permanent and could not be altered.
However, changing your PSN Online ID is not entirely risk-free. Some games, especially older titles, may have compatibility issues with the new ID.
These issues can range from minor glitches to loss of progress or in-game content.
Key Points About Changing Your PSN Online ID
- You can change your online ID once for free.
- Subsequent changes cost a fee (varies by region and platform).
- Old ID remains visible to friends for a period after the change.
- Some games may experience errors or data loss after the change.
- You can revert to a previous ID free of charge if issues arise.
How to Change Your PlayStation Screen Name
Changing your PSN Online ID is straightforward and can be done via PlayStation consoles or the web. Below is a step-by-step guide for each method.
Changing Your PSN Online ID on a PlayStation Console
- Turn on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 and log in to your account.
- Navigate to Settings from the main menu.
- Select Account Management > Account Information > Profile.
- Choose Online ID and enter your desired new ID.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the change.
Changing Your PSN Online ID via Web Browser
- Open your preferred web browser and visit the PlayStation Account Management page.
- Log in to your PlayStation Network account.
- Click on PSN Profile from the sidebar.
- Click the Edit button beside your current Online ID.
- Enter a new Online ID and check its availability.
- Confirm the change following the prompts.
Cost of Changing Your PlayStation Online ID
The first change of your PSN Online ID is free. However, if you wish to change it again, Sony charges a fee.
| Change Number | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Change | $0.00 | Free for all users |
| Subsequent Changes | $9.99 | $4.99 for PlayStation Plus subscribers |
Prices may vary by country or currency. Always check the official PlayStation website for current information.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your PSN Online ID
Warning: Changing your PlayStation Online ID can cause problems with some games, especially older titles released before 2019.
Possible issues include:
- Loss of in-game progress, including saved data, leaderboard scores, and trophies.
- Problems accessing purchased content or DLCs linked to your old ID.
- Multiplayer issues or inability to connect to some game servers.
- Display errors where your new ID is not shown correctly.
Sony maintains a list of tested games that are confirmed to be compatible with Online ID changes. Many popular and recent titles support the change without any issues.
How to Minimize Risks
- Check the official PlayStation Online ID Change Support Page for game compatibility.
- Consider backing up your saved data before changing your ID.
- Try the new ID on a secondary account or test environment, if possible.
- If problems occur, revert to your old ID free of charge.
Reverting to a Previous Online ID
If you experience problems after changing your ID, Sony allows you to revert to any previously used Online ID for free. This option is available via the same settings menu where you changed your ID.
Reverting can restore lost data and fix compatibility issues, but it may take some time for all systems to update. It’s a helpful safety net if you encounter serious problems.
Best Practices for Choosing a New PlayStation Screen Name
Choosing a new Online ID is an opportunity to refresh your online identity. Here are some tips to help you pick a good one:
- Keep it simple and memorable. Complex or long names may be harder for friends to remember.
- Avoid offensive or inappropriate language. Violating Sony’s guidelines can result in penalties.
- Check availability early. Popular names might already be taken.
- Consider brand consistency. Use similar IDs across social media and gaming platforms if you want a cohesive personal brand.
FAQs About Changing PlayStation Screen Name
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my PSN ID on my mobile device? | Yes, you can change your online ID via the PlayStation App by accessing your profile settings. |
| Will my friends be notified when I change my Online ID? | No direct notification is sent, but your old ID remains visible to friends for 30 days after change. |
| Can I use any characters in my new online ID? | Online IDs must be between 3 and 16 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores only. |
| Is it possible to have multiple online IDs on one account? | No, each PlayStation account has a single unique online ID. |
| Will changing my online ID affect my PlayStation Plus subscription? | No, your subscription and benefits remain intact after changing your ID. |
Summary
Changing your PlayStation screen name is possible and often beneficial if you want a fresh identity or made a mistake initially. The process is relatively simple but comes with some important caveats related to game compatibility and potential data loss.
Always remember: Your first ID change is free, but subsequent changes require payment. Check game compatibility before proceeding, and back up your data.
If issues occur, you can always revert to your old ID.
By understanding these details and following best practices, you can confidently update your PlayStation online identity without unexpected problems.
