Changing your PlayStation 4 (PS4) online ID or username is a feature that many users find useful for personalization or rebranding their gaming identity. However, questions often arise about whether you can revert or change your PS4 name back to a previous one after an update or a name change.
This comprehensive guide will explore the possibilities, limitations, and steps involved in changing your PS4 name back. It will also address potential risks, costs, and frequently asked questions surrounding PS4 username changes.
Understanding Your PS4 Name
When we talk about the “PS4 name,” we are generally referring to your PlayStation Network (PSN) Online ID. This ID is the primary identifier other players see when you play online, send friend requests, or participate in multiplayer games.
Your PSN online ID is not tied specifically to your console but to your PlayStation Network account, which can be used across PS4, PS5, and other PlayStation devices.
Note: Your real name and profile picture are separate from your online ID and can be edited independently.
Can You Change Your PS4 Name Back?
The short answer is: Yes, you can change your PSN online ID back to a previous one, provided that ID is still available and hasn’t been claimed by another user.
Sony allows users to change their online ID through the official PlayStation Network interface or website. When you change your online ID, the system retains a history of your past IDs.
This allows you to revert to a previous ID without extra cost for the first time.
However, there are some important conditions and limitations:
- You can only revert to a previous ID that you personally used before.
- The previous ID must not have been taken by another user since you changed it.
- Some older games might not recognize the new or reverted ID immediately, causing display or connectivity issues.
Summary Table: Changing PSN Online ID Back
| Action | Availability | Cost | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change to a new ID | Any available ID | Free (first change), then $9.99 / $4.99 for PS Plus | Must be unique and follow guidelines |
| Revert to previous ID | Only IDs you’ve used before | Free | Previous ID must be unclaimed by others |
How to Change Your PS4 Online ID Back to a Previous One
Reverting your PSN ID is a straightforward process via the PlayStation website or directly through your PS4 console. Here’s how you can do it in a few simple steps:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to the PlayStation Network website and sign in to your account.
- Navigate to your Account Settings.
- Select the PSN Profile section.
- Click on Edit next to your online ID.
- You will see the option to enter a new online ID or revert to a previous one.
- Select the previous ID from the dropdown list, if available.
- Confirm your choice and accept any warnings or terms.
Alternatively, you can perform the same steps on your PS4:
- Go to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > Profile > Online ID.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to change your ID back.
Important: The first time you change your online ID is free. Subsequent changes will incur a fee unless you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
Potential Issues When Changing Your PSN ID
While Sony has made great efforts to ensure seamless transitions when changing your online ID, some issues may arise, especially with older games or apps. Here are common problems users have reported:
- Loss of Game Progress or Saved Data: Some games may not recognize the new or reverted ID, leading to loss of progression or leaderboard data.
- Multiplayer or In-Game Communication Issues: Friends may have trouble finding you because of ID mismatches.
- Display Problems: Your ID may appear incorrectly or not update immediately.
Games Known to Have Issues
Sony maintains a list of games tested with the online ID change feature. While many modern titles are compatible, some legacy games still might not support the change fully.
| Game Title | Issue Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bloodborne | Lost progress | Progress may not transfer to new ID |
| Final Fantasy XIV | Account issues | Requires contacting Square Enix support |
| Skyrim | Display problems | ID may not show correctly in leaderboards |
| Knack | Lost trophies | Trophies may not unlock properly |
Pro Tip: Always back up your saved data before changing your online ID to avoid potential data loss.
Cost of Changing Your PS4 Online ID
Sony’s policy for online ID changes is as follows:
- First ID change: Free of charge.
- Subsequent changes: $9.99 USD per change.
- PlayStation Plus subscribers: $4.99 USD per change for subsequent changes.
This pricing applies whether you are changing to a new ID or reverting to an old one after the first change. Make sure you use the free change wisely.
Pricing Summary Table
| Change Number | Cost Without PS Plus | Cost With PS Plus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (First change) | Free | Free |
| 2 and onwards | $9.99 | $4.99 |
Things to Consider Before Changing Your PS4 Name Back
Prior to reverting your PSN online ID, consider the following points to avoid complications:
- Check Availability: The previous ID must not be taken by someone else. If it has been claimed, you cannot revert back.
- Impact on Friends and Communities: Your friends might see your old name as a “Former ID” or may be confused if you change back and forth frequently.
- Compatibility: Verify whether your favorite games and apps support online ID changes to avoid disruptions.
- Backup Data: Save your game progress, screenshots, and videos before changing your ID.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I change my PS4 name back multiple times?
Answer: You can change your PSN online ID as many times as you want, but only the first change is free. Reverting to previous IDs is allowed if those IDs are still available.
Keep in mind that fees apply for additional changes after the first.
Q2: Will my friends see my old PSN name after I change it back?
Answer: Yes, your friends may see a “Former ID” notification next to your current name for some time. This helps prevent confusion when someone changes their online ID.
Q3: What happens if my old PSN ID has been taken by another player?
Answer: If your previous online ID was claimed by someone else, you will not be able to revert to it. You will have to choose a new available ID.
Q4: Will changing my online ID affect my trophies or saved games?
Answer: Generally, your trophies and saved data remain intact. However, some older games might not recognize the new or reverted ID properly, which could cause issues with progress or leaderboards.
Q5: Can I change my PSN online ID on PS5 the same way as PS4?
Answer: Yes, the process is similar across PS4 and PS5 consoles, as well as the PlayStation website.
Conclusion
Changing your PS4 online ID back to a previous name is possible and often straightforward. Sony’s system allows for reversion as long as the old ID is still available and hasn’t been claimed by another user.
The first online ID change is free, making it easy to correct an accidental change or revert to a familiar name.
However, you should be aware of the potential issues with game compatibility, saved data, and friend visibility. Always back up your data and check the availability of your old ID before proceeding.
By understanding the process and limitations, you can manage your gaming identity with confidence.
For more information, visit the official PlayStation Online ID Change Support page.
