You can change your PSN name through your account settings on any device connected to your PlayStation account

To change your PSN name, go to your account settings, select Profile, then Online ID, and choose Change. You can change it once for free; after that, each change costs $9.99. The new name takes effect when ready across all your games and friends list. Some games may not recognize the change right away — you might see your old name in older titles for a few hours or days.

You have 30 days to change your mind after the first change. If you do, you can revert to your original name at no cost. After that window closes, reverting costs the same as any other change.

A few things to know before you change: your original PSN name is reserved for you alone for 30 days after you change away from it. If you want it back later, you can claim it again during that window. After 30 days, anyone else can take it. Also, some older games — mostly PS3 titles and some early PS4 releases — may not work properly with a changed name, though this is rare.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first PSN name change is free; all changes after that cost $9.99 each.
  • You have 30 days to change back to your original name at no cost if you change your mind.
  • The new name shows up when ready in your profile and friends list, but some games may take hours or days to update.
  • A small number of older games may have issues recognizing your new name, though most modern titles work without problems.
  • Your original name is held for you for 30 days; after that, someone else can claim it.

How to change your name on PlayStation 4 or 5

Start from your home screen and go to your profile icon in the top left corner. Select Profile, then Account, then Other, then Change Online ID. You will see your current name and a field to enter a new one. Type the name you want, then select Next. The system will check whether the name is available. If it is taken, you will see a list of similar names you can choose from instead.

After you confirm your choice, you will see the cost (free for the first change, $9.99 after that). Select Change to complete it. Your new name will be live within seconds. You do not need to restart your console or log out and back in.

How to change your name on the PlayStation app or website

You can also change your name through the PlayStation app on your phone or through the web browser at account.playstation.com. Log in, go to Profile, then Account Settings, then Online ID. The process is the same: enter your new name, check availability, and confirm the change. The cost and timing are identical to changing on your console.

Some people find the app or website easier if they want to browse available names without sitting at their console. The change syncs to your console and all connected devices within seconds.

What happens to your old name and your games

Your original PSN name is yours to reclaim for 30 days after you change it. During that window, no one else can take it, and you can switch back to it for free. After 30 days, your original name enters a general pool and anyone can claim it. If you want it back after that point, you have to pay $9.99 like any other change, and only if no one has already taken it.

Your game library, trophies, and save files stay with your account no matter what name you use. Friends will see your new name in their friends list, and you will appear under the new name in any game you play. Older games — mostly PS3 titles and a few early PS4 games — may occasionally display your old name for a while or show it in certain menus, but this usually clears within a day or two.

Restrictions on PSN names

PlayStation does not allow names that are offensive, contain hate speech, or impersonate real people or brands. The system will reject these during the availability check. Names must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed.

You cannot use your email address as your PSN name, and you cannot use a name that is already taken by another account. If you see a name you want but it is unavailable, you can add numbers or underscores to create a variation — for example, if "Player" is taken, you might try "Player_1" or "Player1".

Reverting to your original name

If you change your mind within 30 days, you can change back to your original name at no cost. Go through the same process (Profile > Account > Other > Change Online ID), search for your original name, and select it. The system will recognize it as your original name and will not charge you.

After 30 days, your original name is no longer reserved. If someone else has claimed it, you cannot get it back. If no one has taken it yet, you can reclaim it, but it will cost $9.99 like any other change.

Troubleshooting name changes that do not show up

In rare cases, a game may continue to show your old name even after you have changed it. This usually happens in older PS3 games or early PS4 titles that do not fully support name changes. The fix is straightforward: restart the game or restart your console. Most of the time, the new name will appear after a restart.

If a game still shows your old name after a restart, it is likely a compatibility issue with that specific game, not a problem with your account. Your name is correct everywhere else — in your profile, in your friends list, and in newer games. You do not need to change your name again or contact support unless the issue affects your ability to play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my PSN name more than once?

Yes. Your first change is free, and every change after that costs $9.99. You can change your name as many times as you want, as long as you are willing to pay for each change after the first one.

What if the name I want is already taken?

The system will show you a list of similar names that are available. You can add numbers or underscores to create a variation of the name you want — for example, adding "1" or "_" to the end. You can also try a completely different name.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list updates when ready, and your friends will see your new name. You will also appear under your new name in any game you play together. Your account ID stays the same, so your friends can always find you by that if needed.

Do I lose my games or trophies if I change my name?

No. Your game library, save files, and trophies are tied to your account, not your name. Everything stays with you when you change your name.

Can I change my name on PS3 or PS Vita?

No. Name changes are only available on PS4, PS5, and through the PlayStation app or website. If you own a PS3, you can change your name through the web browser at account.playstation.com, but the PS3 console itself does not have a built-in option.