The PlayStation Network (PSN) is home to millions of gamers worldwide, each identified by a unique screen name or Online ID. Your PSN screen name is your identity during online gameplay, chats, and community interactions.
Naturally, you might want to update or change this name to better reflect your personality or for privacy reasons.
a comprehensive guide on whether you can change your PSN screen name, how to do it, the rules surrounding the change, and important considerations you should keep in mind before making the switch.
What Is a PlayStation Network Screen Name?
Your PSN screen name, officially called your Online ID, is the unique username that represents you in the PlayStation ecosystem. It appears to friends, other players, and developers when you participate in multiplayer games, chat rooms, or any social features on PlayStation consoles.
This Online ID is created when you register your PlayStation Network account. For a long time, Sony did not allow changes to this ID, but that has evolved.
Understanding what an Online ID is and how it functions helps clarify if and how you can change it.
Can You Change Your PSN Screen Name?
Yes, you can change your PSN screen name (Online ID), but there are some important details and restrictions. Sony introduced the ability to change your Online ID in April 2019.
This was a highly requested feature from the community, giving players more flexibility to personalize their online identity.
However, the process is not completely free, and there are some risks and limitations to consider. We will explore these in detail further down.
Key Points About Changing Your PSN Online ID
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Changes | First change is free; subsequent changes cost a fee. |
| Cost | First change: Free; After that, $9.99 per change ($4.99 for PlayStation Plus members). |
| Compatibility | Older games may have issues displaying or recognizing new Online IDs. |
| Visibility | Your previous Online IDs are visible to friends for 30 days. |
| Restrictions | Cannot use offensive or restricted terms; must follow Sony’s community guidelines. |
How to Change Your PlayStation Network Screen Name
Changing your PSN Online ID is straightforward but must be done carefully. You can change it via your PlayStation console or through a web browser.
Change Your PSN Online ID on PS5 or PS4
- Go to Settings on your PlayStation console.
- Select Account Management > Account Information > Profile > Online ID.
- Enter your new desired Online ID.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to check availability and confirm your choice.
- If it’s your first change, it will be free; otherwise, you will be prompted to pay.
Change Your PSN Online ID via Web Browser
- Visit the official PlayStation website: www.playstation.com.
- Log into your PlayStation Network account.
- Go to your profile, then select Edit Online ID.
- Enter the new Online ID and confirm availability.
- Review any warnings or compatibility notes, then confirm the change.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your PSN Online ID
Changing your PSN screen name sounds simple, but there are several important factors to understand so you don’t face unexpected problems.
Compatibility with Older Games
While most modern games and apps support Online ID changes without issues, some older PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation 4 games may experience problems. These can include:
- Loss of game progress or saved data.
- Inability to access certain content or features.
- Friends seeing your old Online ID instead of the new one.
Sony provides a list of tested games with known issues, so it’s important to consult this before making a change:
| Game | Issue Type | Compatibility Status |
|---|---|---|
| Final Fantasy XIV | Login issues | Known Problematic |
| Street Fighter V | Online ID display errors | Known Problematic |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops III | Progress loss | Known Problematic |
| Most New PS4/PS5 Titles | None | Fully Compatible |
For a full list, visit the official PlayStation support page on Online ID change compatibility.
Fees Associated with Changing Online ID
The first Online ID change is free for all users. After that, Sony charges a fee:
- $9.99 USD for each additional Online ID change.
- $4.99 USD if you have an active PlayStation Plus membership.
This pricing model encourages users to be thoughtful before changing their ID multiple times.
Visibility of Your Previous Online IDs
After changing your Online ID, your previous IDs are visible to your friends for 30 days. This helps them recognize you if they still know you by your old name.
Changing your Online ID does not erase your previous identity immediately — friends can see past names temporarily to prevent confusion.
Guidelines and Restrictions
Your new Online ID must follow Sony’s community standards to avoid restrictions or suspension. Prohibited content includes:
- Offensive or vulgar language.
- Hate speech or discriminatory terms.
- Impersonation of others or misleading names.
- Personal information like phone numbers or addresses.
Failure to comply can result in your ID being reverted or your account receiving penalties.
Potential Risks of Changing Your PSN Screen Name
While changing your Online ID offers flexibility, it is important to be aware of potential risks and downsides:
Data Loss or Access Issues
Some games might not correctly recognize your new ID and could lock you out of in-game content, saved data, or purchased DLC. This is especially true for older titles that were not designed with Online ID changes in mind.
Friends List and Social Features
Your friends will see your new ID, but some social features may temporarily malfunction. Additionally, if you use your Online ID for third-party services, those might not sync properly after the change.
Game-Specific Accounts
Games that require separate account linking (like Ubisoft or EA titles) may not sync automatically with your new ID. You might need to update your username manually on those platforms.
How to Prepare for a Smooth Online ID Change
To minimize issues, follow these best practices before changing your PSN screen name:
- Backup your game saves and data. Use cloud storage or external drives.
- Check the compatibility list for your favorite games on Sony’s support site.
- Inform your friends about your upcoming change to avoid confusion.
- Review Sony’s Online ID guidelines to ensure your new name is compliant.
- Consider the cost if you plan to change your ID multiple times.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About PSN Online ID Changes
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I revert back to my old PSN Online ID? | Yes, you can revert to any previous Online ID you have used for free at any time. |
| Will I lose my trophies after changing my Online ID? | No, trophies are linked to your account, not your Online ID, so they remain unaffected. |
| Does changing my PSN name affect my friends list? | No, your friends list remains intact, but friends will see your new Online ID. |
| Are there any limitations on how often I can change my Online ID? | There is no strict limit, but each change after the first costs money. |
| Can I change my Online ID on the PlayStation mobile app? | Currently, changing your Online ID is not supported through the PlayStation mobile app. |
Summary
Changing your PlayStation Network screen name is a valuable feature that allows greater personal expression and privacy. Sony’s introduction of this feature in 2019 marked a significant shift in account flexibility.
While the first change is free and easy to execute, understanding the compatibility issues, fees, and risks involved is critical to avoid negative experiences. Always check the official PlayStation support pages for the latest information and compatibility lists to ensure your games and services continue to function smoothly after your Online ID update.
In conclusion, yes — you can change your PSN screen name, but do so wisely and be prepared for potential complications.
