The PlayStation 4 (PS4) is one of the most popular gaming consoles worldwide. Many users often wonder if it is possible to change their PS4 name, whether referring to the console’s name visible on a network or their PlayStation Network (PSN) online ID.
This article will cover every aspect related to changing your PS4 name, including the differences between the console name and PSN ID, the steps involved, restrictions, and important considerations.
Understanding the Different Types of PS4 Names
When people refer to “PS4 name,” they can mean different things, and these need to be clarified first:
- Console Name: The name assigned to your PS4 system itself. It identifies your console on local networks and when connecting via Remote Play or other services.
- PSN Online ID: Your public username used on the PlayStation Network. This is the name other players see in games, friends lists, and online profiles.
Each of these names can be changed, but through different methods and with different limitations. Let’s explore them one by one.
Changing Your PS4 Console Name
The console name is the friendly name assigned to your PS4. It is displayed when connecting on the same Wi-Fi network or via Remote Play apps.
By default, it uses something generic like “PS4-1234.”
Changing this name is relatively straightforward and does not affect your online identity or account.
Steps to Change PS4 Console Name
- Turn on your PS4 and log into your user profile.
- From the main menu, navigate to Settings.
- Select System.
- Choose System Information.
- At the top, you will see your current console name. Select it to edit.
- Enter your preferred name and confirm.
After confirmation, your PS4 will display the new name whenever it is detected on networks or through Remote Play.
Note: Changing your console name will not affect your PlayStation Network online ID or any saved data.
Changing Your PSN Online ID
Your PSN online ID is your unique username displayed to other players and friends. It is the name that shows in multiplayer games, leaderboards, and social features on PlayStation Network.
For a long time, Sony did not allow users to change their PSN ID at all, which was a common complaint. However, since April 2019, Sony introduced the option to change your PSN online ID.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your PSN Online ID
- First Change is Free: Your first PSN ID change is free of charge. Subsequent changes require a fee.
- Fee for Additional Changes: After the first time, each change costs $9.99 (or $4.99 for PlayStation Plus members).
- Game Compatibility: Some older games may experience issues with your new ID, such as loss of saved data, trophies, or inability to access purchased content.
- Profile Visibility: Your old online ID will still appear on your profile for 30 days to allow friends to recognize you.
- Display of Old ID: After 30 days, only the new online ID will be visible.
How to Change Your PSN Online ID
You can change your PSN ID either on the PS4 console or through a web browser.
- Go to Settings from the main menu.
- Select Account Management.
- Choose Account Information.
- Select Profile, then Online ID.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to enter a new online ID.
- If the ID is available, confirm the change.
- Go to the official PlayStation website and sign into your account.
- Navigate to PSN Profile settings.
- Select Edit next to your Online ID.
- Enter a new ID and check availability.
- Confirm the change and accept any warnings about compatibility.
PSN Online ID Change Fees and Plans
| Change Attempt | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First ID Change | Free | Available to all users |
| Subsequent Changes | $9.99 | Standard fee for each additional change |
| Subsequent Changes (PS Plus Members) | $4.99 | Discounted fee for active subscribers |
Compatibility Issues and How to Avoid Them
Changing your PSN online ID is generally safe for most modern games, but some older titles may not support the change properly. This can lead to issues such as:
- Loss of access to game content purchased under the old ID.
- Problems with online multiplayer or friend lists.
- Loss of save data or trophies linked to the old ID.
Sony provides a list of tested games that are known to have issues with ID changes. It is highly recommended to check this list before proceeding.
“If you experience issues after changing your online ID, you can revert to your old ID for free at any time.” — Sony Interactive Entertainment
Steps to Minimize Problems
- Backup your saved game data to a USB drive or cloud storage.
- Research whether your favorite games support online ID changes.
- Test the new ID with a few games before committing fully.
- Keep your old ID available to revert if needed.
How to Revert to Your Old PSN Online ID
If you find that your new ID causes issues, Sony allows you to revert to your previous online ID for free. This option is available indefinitely and can be done as many times as needed.
The process to revert is similar to changing your ID:
- Sign in to your PlayStation account.
- Navigate to the online ID change section.
- Enter your old online ID and confirm reverting.
Reverting will restore access to game content and functionality linked to your original ID.
Changing the Name of Other PS4 User Profiles
Your PS4 console can have multiple user profiles, each with a local username. This is different from the PSN online ID and can be changed anytime without any fees or restrictions.
How to Change a PS4 Local User Name
- From the PS4 home screen, log into the user profile you want to rename.
- Go to Settings > Login Settings > User Management.
- Select Change User’s Name.
- Enter the new name and confirm.
This change is local to the console and does not affect the PSN online ID or other online features.
Summary: What Names Can You Change on PS4?
| Name Type | What It Is | How to Change | Cost | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Console Name | Name shown on local network and Remote Play | Settings > System > System Information | Free | None |
| PSN Online ID | Your public username on PlayStation Network | Settings > Account Management > Profile > Online ID (PS4 or Web) | First time free, then $9.99/$4.99 | May cause game compatibility issues |
| Local User Profile Name | Name of user profile on PS4 console | Settings > Login Settings > User Management | Free | Local only, no effect on PSN ID |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I change my PSN Online ID more than once?
Yes, you can change it as many times as you want, but only the first change is free. Subsequent changes require a fee.
Will changing my PSN ID delete my friends or messages?
No, your friends list and messages will remain intact. Your old ID will be displayed on your profile for 30 days for recognition.
Can I change the console name remotely?
No, changing the console name must be done directly on the PS4 system itself.
Is there a way to avoid the fee for changing PSN ID multiple times?
Currently, no. PlayStation Plus members get a discount on additional changes, but the fee applies after the first free change.
What happens if I choose an ID that is already taken?
The system will notify you that the ID is unavailable, and you will need to choose a different one.
Conclusion
Changing the name associated with your PS4 can mean different things depending on what name you want to modify. The console name and local user profile names are easy to change and free of charge, affecting only your local system experience.
Your PSN online ID, however, is a more significant change with potential impacts on your online gaming experience. While Sony has made it possible to change your online ID, it is wise to consider compatibility and potential fees before doing so.
With this knowledge, you can confidently decide which PS4 name you want to change and follow the appropriate steps to make the change smoothly.
