Change your PSN name through your account settings on any device with internet access

You can change your PlayStation Network (PSN) name by going to your account settings, selecting "Profile," then "Online ID," and choosing a new name. The process takes about five minutes. You'll need to know your current password, and Sony charges a one-time fee for the first name change — subsequent changes cost more. Your new name takes effect immediately, though some games may take a few hours to show the updated name in their systems.

The name change works across all PlayStation devices linked to your account: PS5, PS4, and the PlayStation App on your phone or computer. Friends see your new name right away. However, some older games may not recognize the change for 24 hours or longer, and a small number of very old titles may not update at all.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PSN name change costs money; Sony charges a fee that varies by region, and you can change it again later for a higher fee.
  • The name change is immediate on your account but may take hours or days to appear in some games.
  • You can change your name on a PS5, PS4, or through the PlayStation App — the account setting syncs across all devices.
  • Some games made before 2018 may not show your new name at all, even after waiting.
  • Your old name becomes available for someone else to use after you change it.

Steps to change your name on PS5 or PS4

Start by signing into the PlayStation console or the PlayStation App with your account. On a PS5 or PS4, go to Settings, then select "Users and Accounts." Choose "Other" and then "Online ID." On the PlayStation App (available on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac), tap your profile icon, select "Profile Settings," then "Online ID."

When you select "Change Online ID," the system shows your current name and asks you to enter a new one. Type the name you want — it must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot contain spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods. The system tells you immediately if the name is already taken or violates PlayStation's naming rules. Once you confirm your choice and enter your password, you'll see the fee amount before you complete the purchase.

After payment processes, your new name is live. Check your email for a confirmation receipt from Sony. If you're changing your name on a console, sign out and back in to see the change reflected everywhere on that device.

What happens to your old name and friends list

Your friends see your new name immediately in their friends list and in any games you're playing together. The old name disappears from your account permanently and becomes available for another player to use after a short delay — usually within a few days. You cannot reclaim your old name later.

If you had a custom avatar or profile picture, it stays with your account. Your trophy list, game library, and all your saved games remain unchanged. The only thing that changes is the name displayed next to your account.

Why some games don't show your new name right away

Games store your PSN name in their own databases, separate from Sony's main account system. When you change your name, Sony updates its records immediately, but each game has to sync that change on its own schedule. Most modern games (made after 2018) update within a few hours. Some take up to 24 hours. A small number of older games never update at all because they were built before Sony added name-change support.

If a game still shows your old name after 24 hours, try signing out of that game completely and signing back in. If it persists after that, the game likely doesn't support name changes — you can contact the game's developer to confirm, but there's no workaround on your end.

The cost of changing your PSN name

Sony charges a fee for the first name change on your account. The amount varies by region: in the United States it's typically around $10, in Canada around $12, and in Europe around €10. You can see the exact price in your region before you confirm the change. Changing your name a second time costs more — usually double the first-change price. A third change and beyond cost even more.

The fee is a one-time charge per name change, not a subscription. You own the new name permanently unless you change it again. If you're unsure about a name, consider waiting a day or two before paying, since you can't undo the change once it's complete.

Restrictions on PSN names

PlayStation doesn't allow names that include profanity, slurs, or references to illegal activity. Names cannot start with a number, cannot be only numbers, and cannot include spaces or most special characters. The system rejects names that are too similar to existing ones — for example, if "JohnSmith123" exists, you probably can't use "JohnSmith124."

If you choose a name that violates these rules, the system tells you immediately and won't let you proceed. You can try a different name at no additional cost during that same session. However, if you change your name and Sony later determines it violates their policy, they can force you to change it again without refunding your fee.

Changing your name on the PlayStation App

The PlayStation App on your phone or computer offers the same name-change process as the console. Open the app, tap your profile icon in the top right, select "Profile Settings," then "Online ID," and choose "Change Online ID." Enter your new name, confirm your password, and pay the fee. The change syncs to all your devices within minutes.

Using the app is often faster than using a console if you don't have your PS5 or PS4 nearby. The fee is the same regardless of which device you use to make the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PSN name for free?

No. Sony charges a fee for every name change, including the first one. The fee varies by region but is typically $10 in the US. You cannot change your name without paying.

What if someone else takes the name I want?

If the name is already in use, the system tells you when you try to claim it. You'll need to choose a different name. You can try adding numbers or underscores to make a variation of the name you want.

Will my games and trophies disappear if I change my name?

No. Your game library, saved games, and trophy list stay with your account. Only the name displayed changes. Games may take time to show the new name, but your progress is never affected.

Can I change my name back to my old one?

Your old name becomes available for other players to use, so you cannot reclaim it. If you want to use it again, you'd have to pay the fee and hope no one else has taken it in the meantime.

How long does it take for my new name to show up in games?

Most games update within a few hours. Some take up to 24 hours. Very old games made before 2018 may never update. If a game hasn't changed your name after a full day, it likely doesn't support the feature.