How to Change Your PS4 Online ID: A Complete Guide (2024)
Changing your PlayStation Network Online ID (PSN ID) on your PS4 or PS5 is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to understand the potential implications before you make the switch. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps, explain the risks and benefits, and answer frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth and informed experience.
Why Change Your PS4 Online ID?
There are several reasons why you might want to change your PSN ID:
* **Embarrassing Username:** Maybe you chose a goofy username when you were younger, and it no longer reflects who you are.
* **Privacy Concerns:** You might want to distance yourself from your old online persona or remove any personally identifiable information from your username.
* **Starting Fresh:** A new username can represent a fresh start in your gaming life.
* **Branding:** If you’re a content creator or streamer, a consistent and professional username across all platforms is essential.
Important Considerations Before Changing Your PSN ID
Before diving into the process, keep these factors in mind:
* **Game Compatibility:** While Sony has tested a large number of PS4 games, there’s a small chance that changing your Online ID could cause issues with some games. These issues could range from minor glitches to loss of progress or virtual currency.
* **First Change is Free:** Your first Online ID change is free. Subsequent changes will cost $9.99 USD / $14.99 CAD. PlayStation Plus members receive a discount and pay $4.99 USD / $7.49 CAD.
* **Old ID Visibility:** You can choose to display your old Online ID alongside your new one for 30 days. This can help your friends recognize you.
* **Impact on Friends List:** Your friends list should automatically update with your new Online ID, but it’s always a good idea to inform your close friends beforehand.
* **Trophies and Achievements:** Your trophies and achievements are tied to your account and will not be affected by changing your Online ID.
Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Your PSN ID on PS4
Here’s how to change your PSN ID directly from your PS4 console:
1. **Sign In:** Turn on your PS4 and sign in to the PlayStation Network with the account you want to change the Online ID for.
2. **Go to Settings:** From the PS4 home screen, navigate to the top menu and select **Settings** (it’s the toolbox icon).
3. **Account Management:** Scroll down in the Settings menu and select **Account Management**.
4. **Account Information:** In the Account Management menu, select **Account Information**.
5. **Profile:** You may be prompted to enter your password at this point. If so, enter your password to continue. Then, in the Account Information menu, select **Profile**.
6. **Online ID:** In the Profile menu, you will see several options. Select **Online ID**.
7. **Accept the Disclaimer:** A warning screen will appear, explaining the potential risks associated with changing your Online ID. Read the disclaimer carefully. If you understand and accept the risks, select **I Accept**.
8. **Enter Your New Online ID:** You’ll be prompted to enter your desired new Online ID.
* **Availability Check:** The system will check if the Online ID is available. If it’s taken, you’ll need to try a different one.
* **Online ID Requirements:** Keep in mind that your Online ID must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores (_), and hyphens (-). It must start with a letter and cannot contain profanity or copyrighted material.
9. **Choose Display Options:**
* **Display Old ID:** You’ll be given the option to display your old Online ID next to your new one for 30 days. This is helpful for friends to recognize you. Choose whether you want to display your old ID or not.
* **New ID Only:** Choose this option to display only your new Online ID. Your old ID will not be visible to other players.
10. **Confirm and Pay (If Applicable):** If this is not your first Online ID change, you’ll be prompted to pay the fee. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment.
11. **Confirm Your Change:** Review your new Online ID and the display options you’ve selected. If everything is correct, confirm the change.
12. **Sign Out and Sign Back In:** Your PS4 will likely sign you out automatically. Sign back in with your new Online ID.
Changing Your PSN ID Online (Via Web Browser)
You can also change your PSN ID through a web browser on your computer or mobile device:
1. **Go to PlayStation Website:** Open your web browser and go to the official PlayStation website: [https://www.playstation.com/](https://www.playstation.com/)
2. **Sign In:** Click the “Sign In” button in the upper right corner of the page and sign in to your PlayStation Network account.
3. **Access Account Management:** Once you’re signed in, click on your profile icon (usually in the upper right corner) and select **Account Management** from the dropdown menu. Or, you can directly go to this address: [https://my.playstation.com/](https://my.playstation.com/)
4. **Profile:** In the Account Management dashboard, navigate to the **PSN Profile** section and click on the **Edit** button next to your current Online ID.
5. **Accept the Disclaimer:** A warning screen will appear, explaining the potential risks associated with changing your Online ID. Read the disclaimer carefully. If you understand and accept the risks, select **I Accept**.
6. **Enter Your New Online ID:** You’ll be prompted to enter your desired new Online ID.
* **Availability Check:** The system will check if the Online ID is available. If it’s taken, you’ll need to try a different one.
* **Online ID Requirements:** Keep in mind that your Online ID must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores (_), and hyphens (-). It must start with a letter and cannot contain profanity or copyrighted material.
7. **Choose Display Options:**
* **Display Old ID:** You’ll be given the option to display your old Online ID next to your new one for 30 days. This is helpful for friends to recognize you. Choose whether you want to display your old ID or not.
* **New ID Only:** Choose this option to display only your new Online ID. Your old ID will not be visible to other players.
8. **Confirm and Pay (If Applicable):** If this is not your first Online ID change, you’ll be prompted to pay the fee. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the payment.
9. **Confirm Your Change:** Review your new Online ID and the display options you’ve selected. If everything is correct, confirm the change.
10. **Sign Out and Sign Back In (on PS4):** The change will take effect once you sign out and sign back in on your PS4 console.
Checking Game Compatibility
Sony provides a list of tested PS4 games that may have issues with Online ID changes. Before changing your ID, it’s highly recommended to check this list to see if any of the games you frequently play are affected:
* **Official List:** While Sony no longer actively updates the official list, you can search online for archived versions or community-maintained lists. Search terms like “PS4 Online ID Change Compatibility List” should help you find relevant resources.
* **Community Forums:** Check gaming forums like Reddit, GameFAQs, and PlayStation Community forums to see if other players have reported issues with specific games after changing their Online ID.
Potential Issues and Troubleshooting
Even if a game isn’t listed as having known issues, there’s still a small chance you might encounter problems after changing your Online ID. Here are some potential issues and troubleshooting tips:
* **Loss of Progress:** In rare cases, you might experience a loss of game progress. This is more likely to happen with older games or games that haven’t been properly updated. To minimize the risk, back up your game saves to the PlayStation Cloud (if you have PlayStation Plus) or to a USB drive before changing your ID.
* **Loss of Virtual Currency:** Similarly, you might lose access to in-game virtual currency. Again, this is more likely to happen with older games. Contact PlayStation Support or the game developer’s support if you experience this issue.
* **Game Glitches:** You might encounter minor graphical glitches or other unexpected behavior in some games. Restarting the game or your PS4 console may resolve these issues.
* **Friend List Issues:** Although your friend list should automatically update, sometimes there might be delays or inconsistencies. If you’re having trouble connecting with friends, try restarting your PS4 or manually adding them back to your friend list.
* **Trouble Signing In:** If you’re having trouble signing in after changing your Online ID, double-check that you’re using the correct username and password. You can also try resetting your password if you’ve forgotten it.
* **Contacting PlayStation Support:** If you encounter any serious issues that you can’t resolve on your own, contact PlayStation Support for assistance. Be prepared to provide them with your account information and details about the problems you’re experiencing.
Reverting to Your Old Online ID
If you experience significant issues after changing your Online ID, you can revert back to your old ID for free. However, keep in mind that this may not resolve all problems, and there’s no guarantee that your game progress or virtual currency will be fully restored.
To revert to your old Online ID:
1. **Contact PlayStation Support:** The only way to revert to your old Online ID is by contacting PlayStation Support. You cannot do this through the console or website.
2. **Explain the Situation:** Explain to the support representative that you’re experiencing issues after changing your Online ID and would like to revert to your old ID.
3. **Provide Account Information:** They will likely ask you for your account information to verify your identity.
4. **Follow Their Instructions:** The support representative will guide you through the process of reverting to your old Online ID.
Tips for Choosing a New Online ID
Choosing a new Online ID is an opportunity to create a username that reflects your personality and interests. Here are some tips to help you choose a great ID:
* **Be Creative:** Think outside the box and come up with something unique and memorable.
* **Reflect Your Interests:** Consider incorporating elements from your favorite games, movies, books, or hobbies.
* **Keep it Clean:** Avoid using profanity, offensive language, or anything that could be considered inappropriate.
* **Check Availability:** Before settling on an ID, make sure it’s available on PlayStation Network.
* **Consider Branding:** If you’re a content creator or streamer, choose a username that’s consistent with your branding across all platforms.
* **Think Long-Term:** Choose an ID that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: How much does it cost to change my PSN ID?**
A: Your first change is free. Subsequent changes cost $9.99 USD / $14.99 CAD. PlayStation Plus members pay $4.99 USD / $7.49 CAD.
**Q: Will I lose my trophies or game progress if I change my PSN ID?**
A: Your trophies and achievements are tied to your account and will not be affected. However, there’s a small chance you might experience a loss of game progress with some games.
**Q: Can I change my PSN ID back to my old one?**
A: Yes, you can revert to your old Online ID by contacting PlayStation Support.
**Q: How often can I change my PSN ID?**
A: You can change your PSN ID as many times as you want, but you’ll have to pay a fee for each change after the first one.
**Q: What happens to my friends list when I change my PSN ID?**
A: Your friends list should automatically update with your new Online ID, but it’s always a good idea to inform your close friends beforehand.
**Q: Can I use special characters in my PSN ID?**
A: No, your Online ID can only contain letters, numbers, underscores (_), and hyphens (-). It must start with a letter.
**Q: Is it safe to change my PSN ID?**
A: While Sony has tested a large number of PS4 games, there’s a small chance that changing your Online ID could cause issues with some games. It’s recommended to check the game compatibility list and back up your game saves before changing your ID.
**Q: What if my desired Online ID is already taken?**
A: You’ll need to choose a different Online ID that is available.
**Q: How long does it take for the changes to take effect?**
A: The changes should take effect immediately after you sign out and sign back in on your PS4 console.
Conclusion
Changing your PS4 Online ID is a relatively simple process, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and implications before you make the switch. By following the steps outlined in this guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can change your Online ID with confidence and enjoy a fresh start in your gaming life. Remember to check the game compatibility list, back up your game saves, and inform your friends of your new username. Happy gaming!