Online ID Change on PSN: Your Questions Answered

523 2
Online ID Change on PSN: Your Questions Answered

The long-requested feature officially launches today.

Sid Shuman Senior Director, SIE Content Communications
2 Author Replies

We’re excited to announce that the online ID change feature on PSN is officially launching to all PlayStation 4 owners later today. You’ll also be able to change your online ID via a web browser, and that feature will also be available starting today. Thanks to all of you who participated in the beta preview program back in October/November and who gave us your feedback!

We do want to take this opportunity to clarify one point – as a result of the preview program, we’ve found an instance where a game did not fully support the feature, even though it was originally published after April 1, 2018, contrary to what we mentioned in our . All PS4 games originally published on or after April 1, 2018 have been developed to support the online ID change feature. However, since they have not all been specifically tested with the feature, we cannot guarantee that they will support it. For more details and information, we encourage you to refer to the before making a change to your online ID. Do keep in mind that the large majority of most actively played PS4 games support the feature.

We’re sure you have questions about this long-awaited feature and how it all works. This FAQ should have the answers you seek, but if not, just leave us a note in the comments below. We’ll do our best to update this document or respond in the comments section.

There’s also a section on our PlayStation support page that may help answer additional questions, which you can check out .

Now without further ado, on to the FAQ!

Q: Where and how can I change my online ID?

You can either change your online ID on your PS4 or web browser.

PlayStation 4:

  • Step 1: From your PS4 go to [Settings].
  • Step 2: Select [Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Profile] > [Online ID].
  • Step 3: Enter an Online ID of your choice or choose from one of the suggestions.
  • Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the change.

Web browser:

  • Step 1: Sign in to your and select PSN Profile in the menu.
  • Step 2: Select the Edit button that’s next to your Online ID.
  • Step 3: Enter an Online ID of your choice or choose from one of the suggestions.
  • Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the change.

Q. Can I change my online ID on my PS3 or PS Vita?

No. The change can only be made through a PS4 system or web browser.

Q: Do I have to pay to change my ID? How much will it cost?

The first change is free, and changes after that will cost $9.99 USD / CAD. For PlayStation Plus members, it will cost $4.99 USD/ CAD for each change after the first one.

Q: Will my friends be able to find me with my new online ID?

When changing your online ID, you’ll have the option to display your old ID next to your new ID in your Profile for 30 days. This will make it easier for your friends to notice your ID change. You can only select this option at the time you are changing your online ID.

Q: How many times can I change my ID?

In general, there are no restrictions to the number of times you can change your online ID.

Q: Can I revert back to my old ID?

You can as long as the old ID doesn’t violate the . You can revert back to any of your previous IDs by contacting PlayStation Support.

Q. Do I have to pay to revert back to an old ID?

No, reverting back is free.

Q: What happens to my old online ID? Can someone else take it?

No, your old online ID is only available to you.

Q: If I change my online ID multiple times, can I revert back to any of my past IDs?

Yes, you can revert back to any of your previous online IDs, as long as those IDs do not violate the .

Q: How many times can I revert back to an old ID?

In general, there are no restrictions to the number of times you can revert your online ID.

Q: Can any account change their online ID?

Child accounts cannot change their online ID.

Q: Do all games support online ID change?

A large majority of the most-played PS4 games that we tested support the feature. We recommend that you before you make the actual change. PS3 and PS Vita games are not supported.

Q. What do you mean by a game supports the online ID change if it was ‘originally published’ on or after April 1, 2018?

The game must have launched for the first time on or after April 1, 2018, to support the online ID change feature. For example, a game that first launched back in 2013 that has since been re-mastered or re-sold as a ‘complete edition’ in 2018 does not apply.

Q: Why is it that only games published after April 1, 2018 were developed to support online ID change?

Games published after this date were developed using tools that support online ID change at a system level.

Q: Will all PS4 games released in the future support the feature?

All PS4 games originally published on or after April 1, 2018 have been developed to support the online ID change feature, but we do not guarantee that all games will fully support the feature.

Q: I saw that there are a lot of potential issues and risks associated with changing my online ID. How do I know that I won’t run into these?

We recommend that you before you make the actual change. A large majority of the most-played PS4 games that we tested support the feature, and we expect major issues to occur only in a small number of games.

Q: What kind of issues could I potentially run into?

Below are some of the issues you may encounter. We expect major issues to occur only in a small number of games.

  • Your previous Online ID may remain visible to you and other players in some areas.
  • You may lose progress within games, including game saved data, leaderboard data, and progress towards Trophies.
  • Parts of your game and applications may not function properly both online and offline.
  • You may lose access to content (including paid-for content) that you may have acquired for your games including content like add-ons and virtual currency.

Q: What should I do if I encounter an issue by changing my online ID?

If you experience any issues while playing a game that is not on the , we recommend that you revert back to your previous online ID that did not have those issues. Reverting back should resolve most issues.

playstation network

Comments are closed.

523 Comments

2 Author Replies

  • SlyCooperFan100
    April 10, 2019 at 5:07 am PDT

    Will you guys be freeing up online IDs currently tied to accounts that have not been used in over a decade?

    • ZanFear
      April 10, 2019 at 6:05 am PDT

      Why? Is there one that you’re eyeing?

    • XJustGameGuyX
      April 10, 2019 at 6:37 am PDT

      Sadly they won’t so in my opinion this sucks cause there is a online ID I want that has not been used since PS3 what’s the point in name changes if inactive accounts or new accounts get to keep there old IDs

    • BadFlounder
      April 10, 2019 at 8:18 am PDT

      @xjustgameguyx So the system “sucks” because it doesn’t give you access to an ID you wanted that someone else used? That’s a very selfish viewpoint IMO. I might say something like “The system is a welcome addition overall, but I’d like to see them free up the old IDs for use.”

    • EurekaPictures64
      April 10, 2019 at 8:38 am PDT

      That wouldn’t make sense. Those people should have the ability to come back to their accounts whenever even after 15 years of inactivity. However I hope the ones people change their names from become fair game after 30 days or something like that.

    • LstInSpce
      April 10, 2019 at 10:00 am PDT

      We should take the inactive name that have been inactive for a year

    • damnscout69
      April 10, 2019 at 10:02 am PDT

      I have both damnscout and damnscout69. One was made when I was living in Canada, and when I couldn’t transfer and get my name on my US account, I added 69 at the end in a minor rebellion because Sony wouldn’t let me use my original name. Now I see name changes, but it seems like I can’t release my old name and recover it on my current account.

      All I’d want is to have my damnscout name back on my current account. It’s sitting their gathering dust. This name change doesn’t solve the problem. Would love it if Sony would allow for this to happen in some capacity.

    • damnscout
      April 10, 2019 at 10:12 am PDT

      I agree with damnscout69. It would be nice to be able to give myself my original handle. At the very least, the team who worked on this should know that while you might have delivered part of the feature, you still haven’t delivered it to everyone asking for it.

    • damnscout69
      April 10, 2019 at 10:15 am PDT

      I’d like to thank me on my Canadian account that is no longer used for agreeing with me on my US account I now use.

      *sigh*

      One day, maybe we’ll be able to change our handles so I can get mine back.

    • TSG194
      April 10, 2019 at 10:20 am PDT

      Make sense to do this Microsoft did. People who don’t use thier account for a decade they not coming back

    • reefspaul
      April 10, 2019 at 10:40 am PDT

      When will this update take place ?

    • AlbinoMidget69
      April 10, 2019 at 10:59 am PDT

      To the person saying if you’re inactive for a year, it should be fair game: I’ve been deployed longer than that before. That’s not fair at all.

    • AlbinoMidget69
      April 10, 2019 at 11:00 am PDT

      Excited to get this damned “69” out of my name!

    • j05braxghost
      April 10, 2019 at 12:00 pm PDT

      I tried to do what the step by step instructions were both PS4 and browser but it didn’t have the edit or change. Is it that some people have it before others?

    • lady76bird
      April 10, 2019 at 12:34 pm PDT

      My option for a online I’d change is not there so it is impossible to change it

    • Superboygamer030
      April 10, 2019 at 1:29 pm PDT

      Look at my name.and when is this gonna launch?

    • BouseJB
      April 10, 2019 at 1:34 pm PDT

      It apparently says that if u are not regularly active but they dint mention anything so far. When dos this update take place?

    • uhEclipZ-
      April 10, 2019 at 1:56 pm PDT

      I dont even see the option to change my online id

    • IceNinja115
      April 10, 2019 at 2:11 pm PDT

      Mine won’t give me the option to change kt. Not on the Website or my PS4

    • RyanBrowne420
      April 10, 2019 at 2:29 pm PDT

      It’s 11:28 pm in South Africa, & still unable to change my online ID

    • svachu
      April 10, 2019 at 2:36 pm PDT

      I’m with you, @damnscout69. I moved from EU to US back in 2008, and like you, I couldn’t take my account with me or change it so I could use that name here. I’d love to give up that account only to get my name back, but sadly still can’t :(

    • Heartless_Jay_
      April 10, 2019 at 2:43 pm PDT

      Need help option to change user ID no popping up, do I need to update? Also wouldn’t let me drop a regular comment sorry for the disturbance

    • sylviashanee
      April 10, 2019 at 2:53 pm PDT

      I do that have the option and I am in the United States pls fix

    • mozilon
      April 10, 2019 at 3:45 pm PDT

      It dont work for my phone to changr my id is there a glitch orr??

    • E1IT35N1P3R0006
      April 10, 2019 at 3:50 pm PDT

      No it wont

    • JaylaBear
      April 10, 2019 at 3:53 pm PDT

      really would like to see that considering the handle i want is from an account that was made in like 2006 but i doubt they’ll end up doing that. i’m just glad i can change my name for once.

    • GucciGang_Qua24
      April 10, 2019 at 3:59 pm PDT

      When will this update take place

    • Therealgamer123
      April 10, 2019 at 4:48 pm PDT

      It’s an April fool’s joke

    • dreamXXwalker
      April 10, 2019 at 5:57 pm PDT

      What I being told the option won’t be available till October

    • cusman
      April 11, 2019 at 5:57 am PDT

      Xbox Live didn’t use to free up old unused / archived gamertags but then at some point they did start making gamertags used by someone else originally that either changed off it or used it too long ago available for other people.

      I think over time, the PSN solution related to essentially gamertag name changes will adopt similar policies.

      I think ultimately it should go direction of Steam and Nintendo Network where it allows multiple people to use the same gamertag if they want.

    • LuccaZueira
      April 11, 2019 at 9:04 am PDT

      Can you answer me if the fortnite and rainbow six games were affected by this online id change?

    • Band_Guy_2477
      April 11, 2019 at 12:45 pm PDT

      Does anyone know when this feature will be available for child accounts, because my account on my PS4 is registered as a child account but I’m not a child so I can’t use the feature right now.

    • AnotherGreatApe
      April 11, 2019 at 12:54 pm PDT

      Great question. My guess is that since changing your ID doesn’t remove your access to reverting back, old accounts most likely will go untouched.

    • Phonnzi
      April 11, 2019 at 2:11 pm PDT

      They answered that question. Since people will be able to revert back, all usernames changes will be tied to the account for good.

    • Abood1052002415
      April 12, 2019 at 4:09 am PDT

      Will I loose my gta 5 progress if I change my username

    • teentekken
      April 12, 2019 at 4:30 pm PDT

      Will the PSN username change affects PS3 and Vita games like Freedom Wars, Killzone: Mercenaries, etc? I am getting worried of losing stuff like game data, DLCs, trophies, etc.

    • RadicalAwesome12
      April 12, 2019 at 6:43 pm PDT

      My problem is this. I wanna change my name to another name. And that name I want to change to is taken by an account that I made which can’t be logged into anymore because I forgot the credentials for that account. Any advice?, will I be able to take than name from that account and use it as my own? Because without a doubt it’s my account, but it’s not an option to do what I need to do yet.

    • ThoughtsinChaosX
      April 14, 2019 at 3:44 pm PDT

      Why is “chapstick” not allowed as an id?

    • Bombblitz112
      April 14, 2019 at 5:27 pm PDT

      Hey ps4 u better listen child accounts should be able to change their ids too !!!!

    • crisnhbmos
      May 8, 2019 at 3:29 pm PDT

      Please Get it for child Accounts

  • Dias_Leko
    April 10, 2019 at 5:12 am PDT

    Então se eu mudar a minha ID online e depois disso verificar que o número de platinas diminuiu por n ter suporte ao novo recurso, quando eu retornar ao meu ID antigo as platinas vão estar lá novamente tudo certinho?

    • bercoelho
      April 10, 2019 at 9:33 am PDT

      Se der uma olhada na lista de jogos, esse problema de trofeu se encontra apenas na lista de jogos com problemas criticos, e a lista não é muito extensa.

  • Rockstar2-4
    April 10, 2019 at 5:13 am PDT

    Will you guys be freeing up old accounts that haven’t been used in years?

    • Fire-_-TiGeRz_16
      April 10, 2019 at 5:17 am PDT

      If I change my IDs name will I lose my current PlayStation plus membership as well as all the games I’ve gotten from PlayStation plus and will I lose any game I’ve bought digitally?

    • SlyCooperFan100
      April 10, 2019 at 5:23 am PDT

      Fire-_-TiGeRz_16, no you will not lose any of that. You may lose progress in some games.

    • Spankiroth
      April 10, 2019 at 5:31 am PDT

      That would be awesome. All of the names I want are taken by accounts that don’t have a single trophy to their name or even an avatar.

    • Tinye310
      April 10, 2019 at 8:25 am PDT

      It would suck to come back knowing your ID is gone.

    • ItzViles
      April 10, 2019 at 9:32 am PDT

      Able to take away Inactive accounts?

    • raraaaxx
      April 10, 2019 at 9:35 am PDT

      I just made another account a month ago and I really like the name can I switch account names?

    • Spankiroth
      April 10, 2019 at 7:46 pm PDT

      @Tiny If they haven’t used it since 2008
      why’s it matter? A good bit of services actually do delete inactive accounts. I had some of mine deleted. You usually get sent an email before they delete it and you get to decide if you want to relogin to keep it. PlayStation just wants to show off it’s e-pene by throwing “We have so many users”.

    • CaptainAlbator
      April 12, 2019 at 9:27 am PDT

      You can not “switch account names”. That was never going to be a feature, as it would make it possible to sell accounts more easily.

  • kjubus_PL
    April 10, 2019 at 5:13 am PDT

    Great! too bad I can’t do it! Not available worldwide?

  • Ragnar__1__
    April 10, 2019 at 5:13 am PDT

    My 7 old account got banned because someone found my username offensive, can I have the opportunity to change my name and have my account unbanned

    • Spankiroth
      April 10, 2019 at 5:37 am PDT

      Just curious what was your name? But, you should email or call support about this they don’t really respond to people on the blog much these days.

    • DarkendLight123
      April 10, 2019 at 6:20 am PDT

      No once your account is banned it is permanently banned can’t log back in

    • Sam_G_4682
      April 10, 2019 at 7:29 am PDT

      I’m wondering the same thing, when my username was deemed “offensive” they had me call Playstation and I got a name change. My older username was “SmoothCreamPie” lmao

    • BadFlounder
      April 10, 2019 at 8:22 am PDT

      @sam_g_4682 I’ll never understand why people “lmao” at such childish absurd usernames like the one you used. What an embarrassment. I saw some idiot on PSN just the other night that had “GargleMyDong” or something close to it. Reported him. I’m far from a prude, but in a forum like PSN there is simply no place for that kind of garbage.

    • IrosoMeyi
      April 10, 2019 at 10:01 am PDT

      Take your meds and get a sense of humor.

    • Jdog8144
      April 10, 2019 at 10:58 am PDT

      @BadFlounder bro you’re really gonna report someone for a name they have? Usually it’s a smurf account they do it anyway so there’s no point in you reporting them, that’s pretty sad that you do that though, it really is.

    • kxssonga
      April 10, 2019 at 12:29 pm PDT

      @BadFlounder Funny how you bash other people for their usernames and yet here you are, spewing ichthyophobic agenda around message boards like it’s a joke. Not only is your name offensive to the flounder community, but the fish culture as a whole. Please reconsider engaging in conversation if this is the kind of garbage you aim to corrupt the youth with. Good day to you sir, you filthy animal.

    • Godx0fxGore666
      April 10, 2019 at 3:13 pm PDT

      @kxssonga thank you for that.

    • CC4L-420
      April 10, 2019 at 3:42 pm PDT

      Hey guys, I was in the same situation about 3 years ago. My name on PS was Bo0tyPl3as3r until I got banned for an “offensive” username. I just had to call support and verify it was my account and then they helped me change it over the phone. This all happened over the course of about 2 days so it’s definitely something they can do. Just give them a call and ask.

    • Phonnzi
      April 11, 2019 at 2:15 pm PDT

      @DarkendLight depends on if it’s a hard or soft ban. My friend has been soft banned a few times due to minor things

  • capitolc
    April 10, 2019 at 5:14 am PDT

    Since this feature is only for the ps4, I’m reading that when playing ps3/vita games, my name would be the original ID while showing changed ID on ps4.

    Do i got this right?

    • DarkendLight123
      April 10, 2019 at 6:21 am PDT

      you can change it on browser Via Web when it updates latter today read article.

    • vfr_800_rider
      April 10, 2019 at 7:54 am PDT

      PS3 and Vita games do not support the change feature, it’s in the FAQ. Only PS4 games published after April 1, 2018

    • fellucio
      April 10, 2019 at 3:49 pm PDT

      As far as I understand (I could be wrong) if you change your ID on PS4 or Web browser the PS3 and Vita will change your name to your new name but those older platforms and games will consider you as a new user so you’ll probably lose any trophies etc. associated with your old I. D.
      To be honest I didn’t read the entire FAQ because I have no interest in changing mine!

    • Therealgamer123
      April 10, 2019 at 4:49 pm PDT

      It’s an April fool’s joke

  • LordGwyn93
    April 10, 2019 at 5:15 am PDT

    Hey, I followed the instruction for web browser and there is not Edit button next to my id. The question mark says that id cant be changed once it was created – so old stuff. Is there a reason why I can’t access the new feature?

    • dziehme
      April 10, 2019 at 5:22 am PDT

      same….

    • RiGaming9
      April 10, 2019 at 5:23 am PDT

      Don’t worry! The online ID feature will be rolling out later today, like it says in the article!

    • SlyCooperFan100
      April 10, 2019 at 5:23 am PDT

      It won’t be available until later today, probably when the Store updates like it does every Tuesday.

    • beasting_24_7__
      April 10, 2019 at 5:24 am PDT

      I can’t change my Online ID either I’m the US California

    • RisEBeyonDAll
      April 10, 2019 at 5:26 am PDT

      It will be later today. It likely just hasn’t been pushed out yet. Give it time. We’ve waited years what’s a few more hours?

    • jbeasley1202
      April 10, 2019 at 7:30 am PDT

      Same here. And I’m in South Carolina. Lol. Gonna try it on ps4 when I get home though after work this afternoon. Anyone know if this is gonna be part of an update or something for it?

    • jbeasley1202
      April 10, 2019 at 7:31 am PDT

      Kinda worried and curious about what the “minor” issues with Warframe is though, as I am “slightly” addicted to it and would favor barely any major issues tbh.

    • farjam2396
      April 10, 2019 at 7:31 am PDT

      A lot of websites are saying that it will be released later today 10/4 for North America and tomorrow 11/4 for Europe

    • BadFlounder
      April 10, 2019 at 8:24 am PDT

      Do you guys read the actual article? “Available today…” It did not say available now.

  • KingOfGaming2065
    April 10, 2019 at 5:19 am PDT

    Thank you, been waiting for this feature since 2011 :D

  • garutachi
    April 10, 2019 at 5:27 am PDT

    Quick question i just want to change the lowercase g to and uppercase G on my ID could i run into said problems within games?

    • tragic
      April 10, 2019 at 5:30 am PDT

      This ^^^^^

    • BuR-
      April 10, 2019 at 5:35 am PDT

      Same

    • vfr_800_rider
      April 10, 2019 at 7:55 am PDT

      A change is a change. Upper to lower case, lower case to upper case, it’s still an ID change and subject to any issues outlined in the FAQ.

    • bercoelho
      April 10, 2019 at 9:30 am PDT

      It really depends on how they verify if two IDs are the same or not.
      If they implemented this in a case insensitive way, the system will say Garutachi is already in use, even though there’s no one else with the name, and you will not be able to change it.

      If this is really the case, then the initial case will be locked forever that way…ugh

    • junebug356
      April 10, 2019 at 10:24 am PDT

      Still have this account junebug356 since I was 8 years old but technically didn’t made this account myself.. but I CAN’T WAIT to change it

    • DrFoka
      April 10, 2019 at 12:33 pm PDT

      bercoelho is right,

      For PlayStation Network the usernames “garutachi” and “Garutachi” are basically the same.

      Online IDs are not case-sensitive, I have asked for help with my account without capitalizing and they were still able to look me up correctly

    • Bassunison
      April 10, 2019 at 11:20 pm PDT

      Exactly. I’ve wanted a capital U for as long as I’ve had the account and have no idea why it’s not just a simple change. It’s my email and everything for over 20 years. I tried a few names tonight and one worked but my wife would much rather me just fix my name and then I tried and it wouldn’t let me. That’s so stupid that you can’t capitalize one letter on the exact same name. It won’t allow it as a name change because it’s already taken. Makes no sense at all. lol

    • fane1024
      April 11, 2019 at 11:54 pm PDT

      Same here. I rushed to grab the ID I wanted and forgot to capitalize, now I’m blocking myself from being able to change.

    • woodyinahoodie
      April 14, 2019 at 5:32 am PDT

      I just finished talking to a PlayStation rep in chat about capitalizing the first letter in my online ID. Its amazing to think there isn’t one person at PlayStation who can make this happen. I am more than willing to pay for this feature but they insist they cant do it. So frustrating! Seems like a very basic change. I even asked if I could change it to something completely different and then change it back with the Capital letter and they still said no, which makes no sense.

  • sackboy206
    April 10, 2019 at 5:30 am PDT

    When *exactly* is the feature releasing? Is there an exact time?

  • mrslimee
    April 10, 2019 at 5:31 am PDT

    Honestly I think if you are still playing the PS3 on a regular basis or Vita, I’d consider just waiting until you are into the PS5 at a later date. All of the good ID’s will be taken anyway so I would not use this feature unless I had my real name in ID.

  • juggalotu6
    April 10, 2019 at 5:33 am PDT

    I dont have an edit option beside my name via web browser!

  • TremorChrist19
    April 10, 2019 at 5:33 am PDT

    And yet we still can’t change our region even if we legitimately move to another country. No cool points from me, Sony.

    • NordogYT
      April 10, 2019 at 8:34 am PDT

      Or you could be a civil person and not try to get games for a fraction of the price, ud get banned anyway so thats why they made it like so

    • fellucio
      April 10, 2019 at 3:54 pm PDT

      At first I was annoyed with the fact that any subsequent I. D. CHANGES after the first would be at an expense but thinking about it it’s probably a good idea. You’d end up with loads of those a-holes that send random messages like “Hey handsome!” etc. from constantly changing their name and spamming even more.

    • fellucio
      April 10, 2019 at 3:55 pm PDT

      Oops misplaced comment. Not meant as a reply!

  • chikorsx
    April 10, 2019 at 5:37 am PDT

    I have a good question: the change in capital letter can also affect some games?

    For example if my PSN ID is denvercubs and I change it to DenverCubs it will make any difference?

  • ItaYaBoi
    April 10, 2019 at 5:38 am PDT

    What about Xenoverse 2? I do not see it in any list. I really like this game and have bought a lot of content!

    • DarkendLight123
      April 10, 2019 at 6:22 am PDT

      I suggest Don’t change your online I’d If your favorite game doesn’t support it or if you don’t play the game no You can change it as long as you like

    • Ps_sP_07
      April 10, 2019 at 2:21 pm PDT

      If a game on PS4 isn’t on any of the lists, the best course of action would be to hold off on the name change until other players (preferably with less content to lose over) have taken the plunge and reported any possible issues. Judging by how massive this change is, it shouldn’t take long for people to report issues ID changes bring.

  • ReefRaider
    April 10, 2019 at 5:38 am PDT

    Why can’t child sub accounts use this feature? They are the ones who need it the most!

    • gg242590
      April 10, 2019 at 5:32 pm PDT

      Yup

    • hola_mau
      April 11, 2019 at 7:31 am PDT

      Blows my mind… I have hope this will get ironed out to work at some point since the language on the error you get says something along the lines of: not currently supported. So, maybe they are working on this?

      The way Sony and their changes come into effect, this feature will be released by the time my kid has turned 18. :D

  • GaMeR_bOi_83
    April 10, 2019 at 5:44 am PDT

    Great!!!! Now can we have the ability to gift our friends games or season passes via the PS Store? Would really love this feature.

    • ZanFear
      April 10, 2019 at 6:07 am PDT

      Tell them to buy it and you pay/send them money. Simple.

    • pedrofmbs
      April 10, 2019 at 6:16 am PDT

      Hear, hear.

    • GaMeR_bOi_83
      April 10, 2019 at 8:53 am PDT

      @ZanFear you didn’t read my comment did you? I said gift a game meaning it’s a gift. They don’t have to pay me back because it was a gift. If they had the money they would just buy the game themselves.

      Example: it’s ZanFear’s birthday! Well I’m gonna buy him the game he hates with all the DLC to make his day extra special. And hopefully he has automatic download on so he can’t get a refund!!! Yay!!!

    • bunnay-lacez
      April 10, 2019 at 10:08 am PDT

      Looks like you’re the one that didn’t read ZanFear’s comment.

    • KssMyShinyMtlAss
      April 10, 2019 at 10:16 am PDT

      Really?? Wow. Talk about reading the comments and not getting the message. Wow. Just wow. The ignorance.

    • KssMyShinyMtlAss
      April 10, 2019 at 10:17 am PDT

      Btw ever heard of gift cards smh

  • FFS_JUST_KYS
    April 10, 2019 at 5:45 am PDT

    You guys have tested Attack on titan but i dont know if it refers to both games … just attack on titan 1 or attack on titan 2

  • tragic
    April 10, 2019 at 5:48 am PDT

    Make it so you can change caps please, thankyou

  • SKUZii
    April 10, 2019 at 5:49 am PDT

    I’m wondering if I could begin the new name with a number

    • BuR-
      April 10, 2019 at 5:53 am PDT

      Can I change the uppercase B and R in my name?

    • strikethetrip
      April 10, 2019 at 10:55 am PDT

      I saw documentation somewhere where it said you cannot begin with a number or symbol, but I can’t seem to find that anymore. Here’s hoping they lifted that restriction!

  • pluto_thy_planet
    April 10, 2019 at 5:56 am PDT

    Can games add patches to support the feature in older titles?

  • ZombieScientist
    April 10, 2019 at 5:57 am PDT

    If I want to play games on my PS3, am I playing with my old account name?

    And are my PS3 trophies linked to my new account or to my old account name?

    • ToastaFace
      April 10, 2019 at 11:41 pm PDT

      I, too wish to know this. I haven’t been able to find ANY information regarding how the PS3 might be impacted by this.

  • a3lazobbbbbi
    April 10, 2019 at 5:58 am PDT

    The list of testes games doesn’t mention Call of Duty Black ops 4. It’s true that it was released after April 1, 2018 but i want to make sure that i won’t loose anything before i change my ID. Why isn’t it on the list?

  • Mando44646
    April 10, 2019 at 6:00 am PDT

    I don’t understand why this is so risky or why all games ever don’t support it. Why is this so much more convoluted and complex than changing a Steam name or Xbox Live name?

    • ZanFear
      April 10, 2019 at 6:09 am PDT

      Sony gotta be Sony about it LOL. Easiest thing they ever did was demonstrating how to share used games on PS4.

    • Dionysus-Jones
      April 10, 2019 at 6:11 am PDT

      When originally designing the PSN, they didn’t anticipate name changes at the system level, so adding it after the fact has proven to be a challenge. It seems like a pretty obvious oversight in retrospect, but changing user handles wasn’t really commonplace at the time, and the idea really didn’t become common until social media platforms popularized it.

    • DrTran64
      April 10, 2019 at 3:14 pm PDT

      @Dionysus-Jones

      And then there’s the poor b4st4rds like me, who has their Playstation Underground account automatically converted to a shiny new PSN ID, when the PSN was created….with no way to change it. gee thanks, sony.

      And now, unless i want to risk screwing up games, i STILL cant change it. i think i’ma wait and see, for now..

  • kconrad37
    April 10, 2019 at 6:02 am PDT

    For someone like me who first created an account 9 years ago and recently created an entirely new Playstation account to replace an embarrassing username, does a system like this mean that I would have the possibility of getting old save files and trophies moved from the old account to the new?

    I know this isn’t entirely on topic, but to me the idea of changing a username lends to the credibility that I would also be able to transfer game information to a different account (as I find it akin to renaming that account)

    • ReptileHand
      April 10, 2019 at 6:04 am PDT

      Looks like nothing will transfer. If you want, you could change your currently used account to a name similar to your first account.

  • ReptileHand
    April 10, 2019 at 6:02 am PDT

    I’m gonna look at all the funny names in the comments! Man, what a historic update. I can’t believe we made it here.

  • H3Revenge
    April 10, 2019 at 6:03 am PDT

    What if I want to interchange the online IDs between 2 of my accounts.

    How will I go about it

  • Dionysus-Jones
    April 10, 2019 at 6:03 am PDT

    It seems odd that there is hardly any mention in the FAQ of how this impacts trophies earned… might affect “some games” isn’t very reassuring. And as others have mentioned, how does the change affect PS Plus memberships/libraries?

  • hhiggygyyf
    April 10, 2019 at 6:08 am PDT

    if im ganna change me ID!! will I lose my Games and the Trophy on my primary account or the Secondary account?

  • Vegitosnca
    April 10, 2019 at 6:14 am PDT

    Will it be available for people in Canada specifically Quebec?

  • BadBoy-Wolfie-93
    April 10, 2019 at 6:14 am PDT

    I have PS3 trophies on my PS4. What happens to them if I change my ID, do I keep them since they’re PS3 trophies on this account, or will I lose them?

    And games that are not effected by risks, do I keep all progress & trophies for them too?

    • xSemaatje2012x
      April 10, 2019 at 12:31 pm PDT

      It’s better to stay. Create a account on PS3 in PSN and play PS3 any game and sync trophies then login to your own PS4 console and test change username for one-time free, if happens PS3 trophies is gone or still there. You can test that safe more than main account.

  • StarWallace
    April 10, 2019 at 6:20 am PDT

    What exactly is the expected behavior for unsupported games? You mention in the FAQ some of the negative side effects that can happen in rare cases, but what should we expect the normal behavior to be?

    Like if the game doesn’t support the ID switching feature should we expect it to fall back to our very first ID? Should it mostly display the new ID anyway? Or would the game just crash outright?

  • HornzDaJuggalete
    April 10, 2019 at 6:20 am PDT

    I literally… cannot… wait…. I’m hitting refresh every hour or so. Hahaha

  • Jdurr94
    April 10, 2019 at 6:22 am PDT

    I’ve been waiting for this for so long I already know what I’m going to change it to: My YouTube channel name.

  • Urb2nSoldi3r
    April 10, 2019 at 6:23 am PDT

    Q: What happens to my old online ID? Can someone else take it?

    No, your old online ID is only available to you.

    Hi Sony,

    It should only be available for a limited time and than you release it back to the public. Can you guys also do a sweeping change annually or every so often and free up canceled or non-active accounts? I ask as the name change feature works on my Xbox flawlessly and immediately across all games and I am having a hard understanding why it won’t on PSN.

    So these known critical issues, can they be fixed or patched at some point? Also would that need to be done on the back end by game developers or is it the way your system is set up on your end around the PSN ID? I just want to know if these issues will be fixed in the future, left as is or case by case.

  • TheNiceMan11
    April 10, 2019 at 6:24 am PDT

    I’ve seen there is a problem with GTA 5, what will actually get affected if you would change your ID?

    • ToastyyyToast
      April 10, 2019 at 9:17 pm PDT

      I changed my name and now can no longer access GTA Online. Hopefully Rockstar can release a fix for this.

  • EIicaR
    April 10, 2019 at 6:25 am PDT

    Hurry up and launch it, can’t wait… i hit refresh every 2 seconds!

  • Ninja6408
    April 10, 2019 at 6:28 am PDT

    I had saved a name I wanted to switch to on another account. Is there any way to free that name so I could use it?

  • TheNiceMan11
    April 10, 2019 at 6:34 am PDT

    Are games like FIFA 19 and Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 not on the list because they are 100% good and have 0 problems?

  • XSupermanX504
    April 10, 2019 at 6:34 am PDT

    Is this legit cause if so I’m changing my name to my stream name… I had my original name for quite some time now and recently started streaming… Follow me Facebook com/sergeantsupegaming

  • tr3V0rmn
    April 10, 2019 at 6:39 am PDT

    Will this work for call of duty???

    • davy3678
      April 10, 2019 at 8:11 am PDT

      Check the supported game list. And use the April 2018 rule. If it doesn’t fall under one or the other I’d assume not.

  • nathanuc1988
    April 10, 2019 at 6:42 am PDT

    I understand Vita/PS3 isn’t supported, but is it AFFECTED? Will all my purchased stuff still work for Vita? My guess is it will, but I don’t want to assume given how large my VIta’s digital library is…

    • x--OttoDavila--x
      April 11, 2019 at 11:01 am PDT

      I just checked the results on my PS Vita and can see everything I purchased. I’ve also downloaded a few games (formatted the PS Vita to go back to my update PSN account) and it seems to be working fine. The new PSN ID is shown on the friends list and also what I’m playing.

  • cmd-cmd
    April 10, 2019 at 6:43 am PDT

    Why is Battlefield 4 , 1 , and Hardline on the list but Battlefield 5 isn’t on any of the lists?

    • FullerxspectruM
      April 10, 2019 at 4:59 pm PDT

      5 came out late last year, it doesn’t need to be on the lists.

      “All PS4 games originally published on or after April 1, 2018 have been developed to support the online ID change feature.”

  • yoelhien
    April 10, 2019 at 6:52 am PDT

    I dont really get it.
    so if I change my username, will my already obtained ps3 and vita trophies “gone” and makes my new name exclusively for ps4 games or what?
    or do you mean that if I change my name, I couldn’t resume the ps3/ vita trophies progress under my old username? bcz I read the article like 2 times already and apparently you guys didn’t mention about what will happen to ps3 and vita trophies.

    • fortnite
      April 10, 2019 at 7:50 am PDT

      does this mean we are able to change the capitalization in our psn name? Really wanna make the lowercase “f” in my name to a capital “F” can anyone confirm this?

  • gazzagoo2
    April 10, 2019 at 6:53 am PDT

    Sony. Will you fix the issued games in near future? GTA V is the only game stopping me for changing my username and I’ve been waiting for years to be able to change the username..

    • gazzagoo2
      April 10, 2019 at 6:57 am PDT

      Adding to this comment. I’ve put a lot of progress into my online account, but I’m assuming I’m going to lose my online progression in GTA Online. if I were to happen to change my PSN ID.. will that progress be completely reset?

    • ToastyyyToast
      April 10, 2019 at 9:16 pm PDT

      What I have experienced is that as soon as I changed my online ID I can no longer access GTA V online

    • gazzagoo2
      April 10, 2019 at 9:40 pm PDT

      Oh okay. I’ll wait until they fix the issue then. Thank you.

    • X_Sushi_X
      April 12, 2019 at 11:48 am PDT

      GTA V is listed as having minor issues. Did you look into relinking the GTA Online content with the new ID? It sure would be nice to know exactly what the issues are for the short list of games on there, and if there are remediation steps for the “minor” issues.

  • DmitryVegas
    April 10, 2019 at 6:57 am PDT

    Currently unavailable in Russia :(

  • xXMakiManPRXx
    April 10, 2019 at 6:57 am PDT

    It doesnt show for me the option in both PS4 or Browser.

  • JPuss93
    April 10, 2019 at 6:57 am PDT

    The feature is now available here in Montreal Canada! Just switched from xX.UgotR3kt.Xx to JPuss93. Neat !!

  • Erich9001
    April 10, 2019 at 7:08 am PDT

    I just moved from Australia to the US. Can I change my old Australian account name from “Rich8606” to “Rich8606_AU”, and then create a new US account with the name “Rich8606”? Or is the name off limit because I’ve used it before?

  • iExcellence
    April 10, 2019 at 7:18 am PDT

    Dear Sony, actually there is NO value added with this feature, and the risks are too much, we can just create a new account for FREE and the results will be even better, if we cant keep our content just as it is what’s the purpose?

    • musibat
      April 10, 2019 at 9:01 am PDT

      I agree. atm we all are contemplating if changing our ID is even worth it with all of the negative risk attached to it.

      Poor show SONY.

    • Jisatsu_Kiddo
      April 10, 2019 at 12:57 pm PDT

      poor show KIDS who chose names on a whim.

    • xNATASx_ReDRuM
      April 10, 2019 at 4:06 pm PDT

      I tried to change mine followed directions its not showing up on my ps4 to even change it

    • fellucio
      April 10, 2019 at 4:06 pm PDT

      @Jisatsu_Kiddo.
      You’re right but just accept that many people who wanted this feature (but for it to work right) were actually “KIDS” at the time they created their I.D.
      A 23 year old can’t help it if what they thought was cool name has changed since they were 13.
      My 23 year old son had wanted this feature for about 5 years ago but now thinks “I’m not going to change it, I don’t care” which is the best attitude to have!
      What does it matter? It’s not going to save any starving children! It’s just a name!

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 4:27 pm PDT

      Then…don’t use it? lol

      This feature is clearly for those who want to make that choice.

      If you don’t want to change your name, or prefer to create a new account….then go ahead and do that!

    • hatchetman12988
      April 10, 2019 at 4:59 pm PDT

      Ya you can make a new account for free but your games that you bought off the ps store won’t transfer and neither will your ps plus subscription so you will have to buy a new subscription with that new account so it’s not really free in the end. I really don’t see the big deal about trophies they hold no value even with the whole trade them in for money thing. It all boils down to this if you were ignorant enough to make a dumb name like jpuss69 etc then ya your going to live with the consequences of those actions like losing saved data or trophies which trophies are meaningless. The psn is very difficult and they are reworking the psn for the PS5 so we should see better results in the next console.

    • DrTran64
      April 10, 2019 at 5:35 pm PDT

      @hatchetman12988

      “The psn is very difficult and they are reworking the psn for the PS5 so we should see better results in the next console.”

      It wouldn’t have been difficult, if they’d done it right, in the first place.

      PSN was thrown together in a rush, to compete with XBL. It looks to me like, when you create an account, your chosen username is your account identifier, instead of a numerical string, like the way every other database does it. THIS is why it’s so hard.. your account identifier should be a numerical string, that the system uses to identify you, and your actual username shouldn’t have anything to do with it, as your account has a permanently-assigned, never-visible identification number.

      They screwed this up from the word go, and stuck people like me with user ID’s, that we would never have selected as permanent identifiers.

      very disappointing.

    • Jisatsu_Kiddo
      April 11, 2019 at 1:39 am PDT

      @fellucio
      Is it Sony’s fault your “son” and other people lacked foresight in something that would be permanent?

    • musibat
      April 11, 2019 at 7:22 am PDT

      well all those defending sony and saying “then dont change name” changing name is not rocket science you can do that on multiple platforms and applications.
      Its just that sony went for robust route and didn’t keep up with the time. And now we end up with a complicated alternative where it should have been a simple one.

    • DrTran64
      April 12, 2019 at 2:00 pm PDT

      @Jisatsu_Kiddo

      “lacked foresight in something that would be permanent?”

      Dude, what part of “some of us did not have a choice” do you not understand?

      Yes, some people picked silly names, not thinking about down the road, when they no longer like the name….

      But some other were stuck with the names we have.. Sony converted PSU accounts into PSN accounts, sticking us with whatever name we had…would have been nice to know they were gonna do that, so we could change them, before they became permanent.

      And now, 12 years later, they give us this…a system that can change our name, but at risk to our progress, trophies, and purchased content….you hafta admit, this is really lousy on sony’s part.

    • Jisatsu_Kiddo
      April 15, 2019 at 8:45 am PDT

      @DrTran64

      You had plenty of choice. Nobody put a knife or gun to someones head and said choose xXXbluntgod420XXx . Why is the current generation so full of excuses?

    • iExcellence
      April 21, 2019 at 4:49 pm PDT

      Oh and btw, I just wanted to speak up for the “XxxKIDSxx” is not like i wanted to change this master ID. Good luck to everyone, dont waste your money on this, wait until they fix it or dont go for it, just create a new account.

    • iExcellence
      April 21, 2019 at 5:45 pm PDT

      @hatchetman12988 no bro, didnt you read? No content will be transfered, no trophies, no games, no DLC. You would have to buy all again and just to keep what? Only your subscription and friend list? You can wait until your subscription ends, then change and you can always give your new ID to your friends later, no big deal, that is why I wanted to express my feeling to Sony for the level of company they are we expected something REASONABLE not just an excuse to make more money $$$.

Trending Stories

Please enter your date of birth.