Your PlayStation 5 (PS5) username, also known as your PSN Online ID, is your identity in the PlayStation Network community. Whether you want a fresh start, a more personalized name, or just want to correct a typo, changing your PS5 name is a straightforward process.
This guide will take you through all the necessary steps, tips, and important information to successfully update your PSN Online ID.
What is a PS5 Name (PSN Online ID)?
The PS5 name or PSN Online ID is the unique identifier other players see when you play games, chat, or interact online. It can be made up of letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
Your Online ID is tied to your PlayStation Network account, so changing it affects your entire PSN experience across PlayStation consoles and compatible games.
Note: Changing your PSN Online ID can cause compatibility issues with some older games. Always review the list of tested games before you make a change.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your PS5 Name
Before diving into the process, it is essential to understand the following points:
- First Change is Free: Sony allows you to change your PSN Online ID once without any charge.
- Subsequent Changes Cost: After the first change, each additional change costs a fee (usually $9.99 USD or regional equivalent).
- Visibility: Your new Online ID will be visible to all players immediately after the change.
- Game Compatibility: Some older games might not support the new ID and could experience issues like lost saved data or inability to access purchased content.
- Profile URL: Your profile URL will automatically update to reflect your new Online ID.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Your PS5 Name
Changing your PS5 name can be done directly on your console or through a web browser. The following sections explain both methods clearly.
Method 1: Changing Your PS5 Name via Console
Follow these steps to change your Online ID directly on your PS5 console:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Turn on your PS5 and log in to your account. |
| 2 | From the home screen, go to Settings (gear icon) in the top right corner. |
| 3 | Select Users and Accounts. |
| 4 | Go to Account > Profile > Online ID. |
| 5 | Enter your desired new Online ID. The system will check availability immediately. |
| 6 | If the name is available, confirm the change and accept any warnings about potential issues. |
| 7 | Complete the process and enjoy your new PS5 name! |
Method 2: Changing Your PS5 Name via Web Browser
You can also update your PSN Online ID from any device with internet access by following these steps:
- Navigate to the official PlayStation website: https://www.playstation.com
- Click the Sign In button at the top right corner and log into your PSN account.
- Once logged in, click on your profile avatar in the top right corner and select Account Settings.
- In the left navigation menu, click PSN Profile.
- Next to your Online ID, click the Edit button.
- Enter your new desired Online ID and check its availability.
- Confirm the change and accept any important notifications or warnings.
- Your Online ID will update immediately across all devices.
PSN Online ID Change Pricing and Restrictions
Understanding the cost and limitations involved with changing your PSN Online ID will help you make an informed decision.
| Number of Changes | Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First change | Free | One-time free change for all users. |
| Second and subsequent changes | $9.99 | Additional changes incur a fee; lower fee for PlayStation Plus subscribers ($4.99). |
Restrictions: You cannot change your Online ID more than once every 30 days. Also, certain legacy games or older PS3/PS Vita titles may not support new IDs properly.
Tips for Choosing a Great PS5 Name
Picking a new PS5 name is a chance to express yourself and make your gaming identity memorable. Here are some tips to help you choose wisely:
- Keep it simple: Choose a name that is easy to spell and remember.
- Avoid special characters: Some symbols may not be allowed or may cause display issues.
- Be unique: Try combining words, numbers, or abbreviations to create a distinctive ID.
- Consider longevity: Pick a name you will be happy with for a long time to avoid frequent changes.
- Check for availability: The system will notify you if your desired ID is already taken.
What Happens After You Change Your PS5 Name?
Once you successfully change your PSN Online ID, several things happen immediately:
- Your new ID becomes visible to friends, other players, and games.
- Your profile URL updates to reflect your new Online ID.
- Some games might display your old ID temporarily as a “previous ID” for your friends to recognize you.
- Any trophies, friends, and account details remain intact.
Warning: Certain games, especially titles released before April 2018, might not fully support the new Online ID system and could cause issues such as lost game progress or inability to access purchased content.
How to Check Game Compatibility
Before changing your PSN Online ID, it is wise to check if your favorite games are compatible with the new ID system. Sony maintains an official list of tested games that have been verified to work without problems after a name change.
You can view the list here: PSN Online ID Change – Games List
If a game is not on the list, proceed with caution and consider the risks involved.
How to Revert to Your Old PS5 Name
If you encounter issues or simply want to switch back to your previous Online ID, Sony offers a grace period during which you can revert your change at no cost.
- You can revert to any previous ID that you have used in the past.
- This option is available through the Account Management section on PlayStation’s website.
- Reverting keeps your current ID active until the old ID is restored.
- The revert option remains available indefinitely, but it’s best to act quickly to avoid confusion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my PS5 name more than once? | Yes, but only the first change is free. Subsequent changes require a fee and can only be made once every 30 days. |
| Will changing my PS5 name delete my friends or trophies? | No, your friends list, trophies, and account details remain intact after changing your Online ID. |
| Can I use any characters in my new Online ID? | You can use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Special characters and spaces are not allowed. |
| Is my old PS5 name available for others once I change it? | Yes, after you change your ID, your old Online ID becomes available for other users to claim. |
| What if I experience problems with games after changing my PS5 name? | You can revert to your old Online ID at no cost, or contact PlayStation Support for assistance. |
Summary
Changing your PS5 name, or PSN Online ID, is a great way to refresh your gaming identity. Whether using your console or a web browser, the process is simple and user-friendly.
Remember the first change is free, but subsequent changes cost money and come with some risks regarding older game compatibility.
Always check the official game compatibility list before making the switch, and consider your new ID carefully to avoid frequent changes. If any issues arise, reverting to your old ID is an easy fallback option.
Follow this guide to confidently update your PS5 name and enjoy your new gaming persona.
Last updated: June 2024
