How to Change Your PlayStation Network Name
By Fred, Editor
PlayStation lets you change your online ID, and your first change is free. Here is the exact path, plus the older-game caveat to check before you switch.
Why Change Your PlayStation Network Name?
Your online ID is what other players see in lobbies, friend lists and trophies. Changing it can help you:
- Drop the auto-generated name from your first PSN account
- Match the handle you use on Xbox, Steam and Twitch
- Pick something shorter and easier to read
- Rebrand for streaming or a new squad
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Change Your PSN Online ID
- 1
Open your account settings
On PS5 or PS4, go to Settings → Users and Accounts → Account → Account Information → Profile → Online ID. You can also change it from the PlayStation website.
- 2
Choose "Online ID"
Select Online ID to start the change. PlayStation shows your current ID first.
- 3
Enter your new ID
Type the online ID you want: 5 to 16 characters, starting with a letter, using letters, numbers, hyphens and underscores.
- 4
Review the compatibility warning
PlayStation lists older games that may have issues. Read it if you play PS3, PS4 or PS Vita titles.
- 5
Confirm the change
Your first change is free. Later changes cost a fee. Confirm to apply the new name.
Claim your handle before someone else does
Enter a username and get alerted the moment it becomes available on any platform.
⚠️ Important Things to Know Before Changing
💰 First change free
PlayStation gives you one free online ID change. Later changes carry a fee, so choose carefully.
⚠️ Older games may not show it
Some PS3, PS4 and PS Vita games may not display your new ID, and a few can lose progress or saves. The change screen lists the affected titles.
🔒 3-4 character IDs reserved
Online IDs must be 5 to 16 characters; Sony permanently reserves 3 and 4 character IDs.
⚡ Your old ID is released
Once you change, your old online ID can be claimed by someone else.
🎮 True availability
PlayStation uses Sony's own availability check, so a free result is a genuine one.
✅ Best Practices for Choosing Your New PSN Name
🎯 Want a PSN Name That's Already Taken?
Names free up when accounts change or are deleted. Set up 24/7 monitoring and get an instant email the moment the ID you want becomes available.
Claim your handle before someone else does
Enter a username and get alerted the moment it becomes available on any platform.
⚡ Free monitoring • Hourly checks available • Track across PSN, Xbox and 38 more