Online ID Change on PSN: Your Questions Answered

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Online ID Change on PSN: Your Questions Answered

The long-requested feature officially launches today.

Sid Shuman (he/him) Senior Director, Sony Interactive Entertainment 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

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523 Comments

2 Author Replies

  • RISE_UP44
    April 10, 2019 at 12:04 pm PDT

    Hope I am picked.

  • SCAR-_-FACE007
    April 10, 2019 at 12:14 pm PDT

    Well that sucks I change my name thinking I go to use my new name on online with others players but not was like so I put my original name back I want change my online name my multiplayer name you know that what I want

  • MisterAxle
    April 10, 2019 at 12:23 pm PDT

    11:59 pm, Pacific Time

  • SCAR-_-FACE007
    April 10, 2019 at 12:26 pm PDT

    Why I go change my online id when I go to multiplayer that show my original id name … I want change my multiplayer id name that what I want please can do that I don’t want my multiplayer id name I wanted changes like artist name not mine

  • HipsIey03
    April 10, 2019 at 12:28 pm PDT

    I can’t change my name it doesn’t give me the option to on the webpage or my ps4 also will it affect anything with epic games Fortnite accounts if I change it?

  • Wpnz98
    April 10, 2019 at 12:30 pm PDT

    Great news! For people that are concerned about issues with their games, the impact is small.

    A list of games and issues is here: https://www.playstation.com/en-gb/get-help/help-library/my-account/access-and-details/change-online-id-games/

    The list even includes possible effects and how to remedy them. The number (and significance) of games with critical issues is small.

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

    I’m an idiot, ignore my ESO question… I was looking at the Es, not thinking it’s THE Elder Scrolls Online, which ESO works, so I’m cool :D

  • KIERROK
    April 10, 2019 at 12:32 pm PDT

    @HipsIey03

    Fortnite is safe. Look at games on here
    https://www.playstation.com/en-us/network/onlineid/games-list-home/no-known-tested-issues/#l

  • LTFU231
    April 10, 2019 at 12:33 pm PDT

    Anyone know if it affects Apex at all?

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 12:46 pm PDT

      This would have to be determined after the feature goes live.

      I am sure this information will be rapidly available on the internet shortly after live, given how popular Apex is.

  • WolfProdigy-Tez
    April 10, 2019 at 12:35 pm PDT

    When tomorrow is our PlayStation online ID is going to be available to change?

  • ChrisKreider20
    April 10, 2019 at 12:37 pm PDT

    It’s not showing up for me

  • WakeIsland
    April 10, 2019 at 12:43 pm PDT

    So I just tried the web browser option since I am at work and there is no edit option next to my Online ID? Same with the app? Fake News! LOL

  • ngminghim17
    April 10, 2019 at 12:46 pm PDT

    how about in Hong Kong?

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 12:50 pm PDT

      As far as my understanding of this goes, it is available to all PS4 users, although you might want to check Hong Kong’s regional PlayStation site.

      Still, the feature isn’t going live for several hours still.

  • Blazed801
    April 10, 2019 at 12:54 pm PDT

    I just can’t wait for this, I am refreshing my browser every second looking for that edit button. I haven’t been “blazed” since college and it is getting harder and harder to convince my 9year old that it just meant I was on fire.

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 1:06 pm PDT

      The feature isn’t going live until later today (roughly evening Pacific Time)

      You might want to take a breather haha. To be honest, I also think it’s worth not rushing into this, and seeing if any bugs crop up in more recent games. There are some risks associated in doing this.

    • Blazed801
      April 10, 2019 at 1:11 pm PDT

      Thank you sir

    • RadicalSpirit
      April 10, 2019 at 8:21 pm PDT

      Dont be so excited,

      It’s a disappointing feature, it only allows you to change to names that have never been created on PSN.

      So basically all the one word original IDs that were taken and never used over a decade ago, are still sat there on PSN being wasted because Sony were too lazy to do the job properly.

  • DJradar727
    April 10, 2019 at 12:55 pm PDT

    What time will the update drop in Australia region?

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 1:07 pm PDT

      No exact time, but still several hours from now (Sid later commented and said ~evening Pacific US time)

  • T0r1_x4uM
    April 10, 2019 at 12:57 pm PDT

    I can not change my Online ID. I was able to change only the email that I use in my PSN account. I tried here through the web browser (Firefoz, Chorme and Edge) … Not successful!

  • tofek2006
    April 10, 2019 at 1:11 pm PDT

    Fares

  • strikethetrip
    April 10, 2019 at 1:12 pm PDT

    This doesn’t appear to be functioning through the web browser profile settings you described. Any ETA for those of us away from our PS4s that are looking to reserve new IDs?

  • BlitzkriegHottie
    April 10, 2019 at 1:16 pm PDT

    Ok, what does it mean “ps3 games not supported”?
    I still play ps3 games from time to time, and I’m a trophy hunter.

    For instance, I have The Last of Us(ps3) with a handful of trophies lacking from achieving the platinum, will the trophy completion bug? I mean, if I complete the last 5 trophies I need, will I unlock the platinum or the trophies won’t count now since I’ve only gotten the last 5 with my new id?

    Also, another one: What about trophy completion?
    If there’s a trophy (this is just an example) that requires me to beat all chapters on the hardest difficulty, will I’ll get the trophy if I started with my old ID years ago?

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 1:21 pm PDT

      These are great questions and hopefully SIEA can clarify.

      Unfortunately until then, I don’t think we’ll know for sure until people start testing this themselves.

      While I’d love to believe PS3/VITA platforms are just completely immune to Online ID changes (meaning you don’t see the change on those platforms, and no games are affected)…I think it would be wise to expect the worst that any of those platform games could be subject to the same “worst case scenario” events of the “critical issue PS4 games”

  • progolfer81
    April 10, 2019 at 1:21 pm PDT

    I’ve followed all the steps you’ve provided and I’ve gone to the app and my console and the button for changing the online Id is isn’t there.

  • marauder8096
    April 10, 2019 at 1:35 pm PDT

    When does it come online , it’s 4:35pm and it’s not showing up on my PS4 or online

  • Orayu-
    April 10, 2019 at 1:36 pm PDT

    Too many risks to this, not worth it.

  • STOP-HUMPING-ME
    April 10, 2019 at 1:42 pm PDT

    Honestly don’t think anyone needs this more than me

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 1:44 pm PDT

      If this was Reddit I’d give you all of the upvotes and a silver. This is hilarious!

      Still, you may wish to weigh the risks of a change but, jeessh….not gonna lie you might have a LARGER risk NOT changing your ID haha.

      Cheers! Glad you’ll have the option soon.

    • Blazed801
      April 10, 2019 at 2:25 pm PDT

      Please never change your ID. It is amazing.

  • AimanEzzat95
    April 10, 2019 at 1:52 pm PDT

    This is a very good update. It’ll reduce the amount of bad and ugly ID’s. Thank you so much.

  • XxJoZmanZolxX
    April 10, 2019 at 1:53 pm PDT

    Not available yet?

  • KingGray391
    April 10, 2019 at 2:07 pm PDT

    It’s not showing the option for me to change my online ID. Please help. :) I’d really like to change my name.

  • lelandmapp
    April 10, 2019 at 2:09 pm PDT

    Well I for some reason I don’t have the option to change my name!! WTF!??

  • FreshBoy1829
    April 10, 2019 at 2:12 pm PDT

    It won’t let me have the choice to click “edit” next to my “online ID”

  • SarshelYam
    April 10, 2019 at 2:16 pm PDT

    Let me start off by saying, I’m perfectly content with being locked in to the ID I currently use. I had put a lot of thought into it, and it remains a relevant piece that I’m happy to have in perpetuity.

    That said, and to the concerns of the masses here, why couldn’t this feature simply implement a “Nickname” feature, similar to say, Steam, where users can define how their online presence is viewed. The old account name is still bound to the user, however, the nickname will be the visible name everyone sees, and ensures that any content would remain accessible. You could, similarly, keep the monetary charge for the additional nickname changes users may want as they grow out of names, or what have you. Would it be so different than making my visibility to people I know as my full name, with my own custom avatar? I wouldn’t think so, and it would seem to solve for plenty of the requests others have here.

  • justaname00
    April 10, 2019 at 2:17 pm PDT

    Hey why did u guys completely take off the tv and movies section in ps3, i hate streaming on ps4, downloading them had more features for playback and it really sucks. It was kinda why when my ps3 broke down, that i got another ps3 again.

  • justaname00
    April 10, 2019 at 2:19 pm PDT

    I cant even search for a tv or movie to buy, i havent found anything why its down.

  • SWITCH_00599
    April 10, 2019 at 2:22 pm PDT

    Ive been stuck with this id since ps2 playing MGO and call of duty 2 online lmao Dear God its been ages.

  • darksax18
    April 10, 2019 at 2:22 pm PDT

    When is later!? It’s 5pm lol what time is it going live? Why so vague?

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 2:30 pm PDT

      Sid later commented and said roughly evening Pacific Time.

      Keep in mind it’s only 2:30pm in Cali where PlayStation’s US HQ is.

  • jmann_4567
    April 10, 2019 at 2:32 pm PDT

    Still no option to change my online Id any where on my account. I’ve signed in and out tried an up date. There is still no option to change my online id in the browser, app, or PS4. Are you guys having issues?

  • Poorothy
    April 10, 2019 at 2:38 pm PDT

    What time is this rolling out? Later today is so vague

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 2:42 pm PDT

      I’m guessing no specific time was set due to potentially factors outside of their control, such as…how fast certain servers can update or something.

      Latest estimate we heard was “evening Pacific time”

  • elfnotdawg
    April 10, 2019 at 2:45 pm PDT

    For everyone who is saying “I’ve had this I.D. for 9 years, I can’t wait to change it”, y’all need to settle down.

    I’ve been elfnotdawg for 16 years, since Madden 04 on ps2. So just stop it.

    • DrTran64
      April 10, 2019 at 4:38 pm PDT

      Exactly. I’ve been waiting since the day PSN went live (my PSU account was automatically converted to a PSN account).

      I’ve been stuck with this terrible username since 2006, and i’ve been waiting for a feature like this since then….but i’m going to be patient, and hold off for now…see what kind of other unforeseen problems come up..

  • KIERROK
    April 10, 2019 at 2:45 pm PDT

    Will Red Dead Redemption 2 be effected? It came in Sept. didn’t it? So it should work, right?

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 3:01 pm PDT

      It means that RDR2 was developed with the toolset that supported the Online ID change feature, but they still made a clatification that it is possible there may still be some undiscovered bugs

      There was a case of 1 post-4/1/18 game that had some issues, which is why they said that.

      I would IMAGINE most games would be ok, but it’s worth double checking with the Rockstar forum or RDR2 subreddit first to see what people are saying.

  • YoungBlaise
    April 10, 2019 at 2:47 pm PDT

    Cool. Though if people change their Online IDs the old one should be up for grabs. (After some time of it not being reverted.)
    Also the whole no guarantee for all new games supporting the system is weird.

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 3:02 pm PDT

      I think the issue is that it’s ultimately always up to the developers, and mistakes can sometimes be made, or even unforeseen consequences.

      I think it will be worth researching games of importance to you and see what people are saying.

      I do agree that it would be nice if they eventually can recycle some CLEARLY unused IDs that go untouched for decades.

  • Blue_Terrier14
    April 10, 2019 at 3:17 pm PDT

    It is currently 6:16pm Eastern and I still do not have the option to change my Id. Anyone else have this issue?

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 3:23 pm PDT

      PlayStation’s US HQ is West Coast, only 3:16pm there.

      Latest estimate was evening Pacific Time, so still a few more hours to go at the very least

    • Blue_Terrier14
      April 10, 2019 at 3:26 pm PDT

      Dang that sucks, guess we’ll wait a bit longer. I also appreciate your patience and how many replies you’ve made

  • Zoki-chan
    April 10, 2019 at 3:20 pm PDT

    I was pretty young when I made my psn account… really regret my -chan at the end of the name. I get a lot of grief over the name. At this point, it is like a tattoo. I am stuck with it.

    Can’t wait to change(hopefully) to my current online handle.

  • GoochGoblin58
    April 10, 2019 at 3:21 pm PDT

    I can’t change mine on my PS4 or the web browser….

  • SharpshotCowboy
    April 10, 2019 at 3:35 pm PDT

    Still unavailable for Eastern time?

  • DasEichornchen
    April 10, 2019 at 3:35 pm PDT

    This doesn’t even work. I live in EST United States, i have checked browser, phone, ps4 and the option is not even there. I connect to ps4 chat to get support, i explain the issue in great detail, she confirms all my identity information, and then links me back to this terrible blog post i read already to find out that it was even an option. when i said i’ve read the article, its not working on my browser or ps4 the support agent replied “I’m trying to help you change it by using the browser instead of the system itself” followed by them disconnecting and timing me out from the chat (Because if you request a chat once you can’t again for a while). Terrible support that has no idea what they are talking about. They are basically a glorified unusable search engine that leads you to information found by yourself 30 minutes before entering chat. I hate to break it to you playstation, not all of us are 10 year olds.

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 3:37 pm PDT

      The feature isn’t live yet. As the blog post says, it’s going live later today. A few more hours at least I would imagine.

      Specifically, around the evening for Pacific Time. (PlayStation’s US HQ is in the west coast)

    • Blue_Terrier14
      April 10, 2019 at 3:37 pm PDT

      It hasn’t fully rolled out, EST US will have to wait as a result of Pacific being three hours behing

    • DrTran64
      April 10, 2019 at 4:33 pm PDT

      @DasEichornchen

      ” I hate to break it to you playstation, not all of us are 10 year olds.”

      lol….you say this, after having thrown a temper-tantrum, like a 10 year-old, because you can’t read.

      The post CLEARLY states “later today”. And then the Author of the post clarifies by stating that it will be live by the EVENING, PACIFIC TIME ZONE. At the time you wrote this, it was 12:35 PM PST….

      Try again after it’s actually evening in that time zone….like around 10 or 11 PM EST.

      Reading is important.

  • Bloodsoft
    April 10, 2019 at 3:42 pm PDT

    When you say “this evening, Pacific Time”, I don’t suppose you could be just a little more specific?

    That’s all we ask.

    (And also, that the username “Team Sora” is available when I get in there, so I can sync my usernames between all my systems)

    • Dead-Sync
      April 10, 2019 at 3:45 pm PDT

      They probably can’t be more specific…especially if it is contingent on servers rolling out an update or backend service.

      Since PSN has never undergone a change this big before, I don’t know how accurate they can get anyways with an estimate.

      As for the username you want, unfortunately you will need to put something between the two words. Same Online ID rules apply, spaces won’t be valid characters.

  • OFFIC3R_REYES_17
    April 10, 2019 at 3:42 pm PDT

    Honestly it doesn’t even give me the option to change it on PS4 or on web browser so idk

  • fellucio
    April 10, 2019 at 3:55 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.

  • Zangief_2000
    April 10, 2019 at 4:01 pm PDT

    I know that PS3 and PSVita are not compatibles with the change of ID- but what actually happens if you try to log in one of these systems after the change? Does your progress and trophies dissapear or your ID stays as the original one?

  • ElTriturador_PE
    April 10, 2019 at 4:02 pm PDT

    Still waiting for this to be live! I wanted to turn off the computer after finishing my work but can’t because I want to change this damn ID asap xD

  • BoLicious_054
    April 10, 2019 at 4:05 pm PDT

    As you can tell… I am in desperate need of changing my gamer tag. When will this be available? Because I’m not seeing an option to edit it. (Clearly it says today) but… When today?

    • Blue_Terrier14
      April 10, 2019 at 4:55 pm PDT

      No specific time, we just have to wait a few hours, since it’s based on Pacific I’d guess 9:00pm EST

  • Almighty--jay4
    April 10, 2019 at 4:08 pm PDT

    Do I have to have ps plus or nah

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