The PlayStation Network (PSN) name, also known as your online ID, is the username you use to connect with friends, join multiplayer games, and showcase your gaming identity. Many PlayStation users wonder if it’s possible to change their PSN name after creating it.
The good news is yes, you can change your PSN name, but there are some important details, limitations, and potential risks involved.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to change your PSN name, the rules Sony enforces, the costs involved, and the impact this change can have on your gaming experience. By the end, you will have all the necessary information to make an informed decision about renaming your PSN ID.
What is a PSN Name?
Your PSN name is your unique identifier on the PlayStation Network. It’s what other players see when you play games online, send friend requests, or participate in the PlayStation community.
Initially, this name is chosen when you create your PlayStation account.
PSN names must follow certain rules:
- Must be between 3 and 16 characters long.
- Can include letters, numbers, hyphens (-), and underscores (_).
- Cannot contain inappropriate language or symbols.
Choosing a good PSN name is important since it represents your identity in the gaming world. However, tastes and preferences change, which is why Sony allows you to update it.
Can You Change Your PSN Name?
Yes, Sony allows users to change their PSN names. This feature was introduced in April 2019 after years of user requests.
Prior to this update, PSN names were permanent and could not be altered once set.
The ability to change your PSN ID provides flexibility, letting you rebrand yourself or correct mistakes without having to create a new account. However, keep in mind that this service has some conditions and potential consequences.
“Changing your PSN name is a great way to refresh your online identity, but it’s essential to understand the possible issues that can arise with older games or friend connections.” – Sony Support Team
How to Change Your PSN Name
The process for changing your PSN name is straightforward and can be done on various devices including PlayStation consoles, web browsers, and mobile apps. Below are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Changing PSN Name on PlayStation 5
- Go to Settings from the home screen.
- Select Users and Accounts.
- Choose Account, then Profile.
- Select Online ID.
- Enter your new desired PSN name and check availability.
- Follow the prompts to confirm the change.
Changing PSN Name on PlayStation 4
- Navigate to Settings on your PS4.
- Go to Account Management.
- Select Account Information and then Profile.
- Choose Online ID.
- Enter the new online ID and check if it’s available.
- Confirm the change and accept any warnings.
Changing PSN Name via Web Browser or Mobile App
- Visit the official Sony PlayStation website and log in to your account.
- Go to the PSN Profile section.
- Click on Edit next to your current Online ID.
- Type your new ID and verify its availability.
- Confirm the name change and accept the terms.
Cost of Changing Your PSN Name
- Navigate to Settings on your PS4.
- Go to Account Management.
- Select Account Information and then Profile.
- Choose Online ID.
- Enter the new online ID and check if it’s available.
- Confirm the change and accept any warnings.
Changing PSN Name via Web Browser or Mobile App
- Visit the official Sony PlayStation website and log in to your account.
- Go to the PSN Profile section.
- Click on Edit next to your current Online ID.
- Type your new ID and verify its availability.
- Confirm the name change and accept the terms.
Cost of Changing Your PSN Name
While the first PSN name change is free of charge, subsequent changes require a payment. This pricing structure encourages users to pick their new ID carefully.
| Number of Name Changes | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Change | $0.00 | Free for all users who registered before April 2019 |
| Subsequent Changes | $9.99 | Standard price for each additional name change |
| PlayStation Plus Subscribers | $4.99 | Discounted price for PS Plus members |
Important: If you created your account after April 2019, your first name change may not be free. Always check your account’s eligibility before proceeding.
Things to Consider Before Changing Your PSN Name
Changing your PSN name is exciting, but it’s important to understand the possible consequences. Some games and applications might not fully support the new ID immediately or may exhibit unexpected behavior.
- Compatibility Issues: Older games released before 2019 may have compatibility problems with new online IDs. This can result in lost in-game progress, leaderboards resets, or inability to access purchased content.
- Friends and Communities: Your friends will see your new name, but some third-party apps or websites might still display your old name.
- Profile and Trophies: Your trophies and profile information will remain intact and linked to your account despite the name change.
- Reverting to Old Names: Sony does not allow reverting to previous IDs after the change, so choose wisely.
“While we strive for a smooth transition when you change your PSN ID, some legacy games may not recognize the new ID correctly. We recommend checking the list of tested games before making any changes.” – PlayStation Official FAQ
List of Games Tested for PSN Name Change Compatibility
Sony regularly updates a list of games that have been tested for compatibility with the PSN name change feature. This can help you decide whether it’s safe to change your ID without losing game progress or access.
| Game Title | Compatibility Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fortnite | Compatible | No issues reported |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | Compatible | Progress retained |
| The Last of Us Remastered | Not Compatible | Possible trophy and progress loss |
| Bloodborne | Compatible | No known issues |
| Persona 5 Royal | Compatible | Safe to change ID |
For the most up-to-date and complete list, always visit the official PlayStation website.
How to Choose a Good New PSN Name
A new PSN name can reflect your personality, gaming style, or favorite themes. Here are some tips to pick a name you’ll be happy with:
- Keep it Simple: Choose something easy to remember and pronounce.
- Be Unique: Avoid generic names to stand out among millions of players.
- Avoid Personal Info: Do not include sensitive information like your real name or birth date.
- Check Availability: Many names are already taken; use Sony’s availability checker.
- Follow Community Guidelines: Avoid offensive or inappropriate words.
Once selected, stick with your new name for a while to avoid paying change fees repeatedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my PSN name multiple times? | Yes, but only the first change is free. Subsequent changes cost money. |
| Will my friends still see my new PSN name? | Yes, your new ID will be visible to friends and other players. |
| Will changing my PSN name delete my trophies? | No, trophies and game data remain linked to your account. |
| Can I revert to my old PSN name? | No, once changed, you cannot revert to previous IDs. |
| Are there any risks in changing my PSN name? | Yes, some older games may have issues with the new ID, including lost progress. |
Summary
Changing your PSN name is now possible and offers a great way to update your online gaming identity. The first change is free for many users, but additional changes come with fees.
Be sure to verify the compatibility of your favorite games to avoid any issues.
Remember: Choose wisely as you cannot revert to your old name, and some games may not fully support the new ID. Use the official PlayStation tools to check availability and compatibility before proceeding.
With this knowledge, you are ready to confidently change your PSN name and enjoy a fresh start on the PlayStation Network.
