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.

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523 Comments

2 Author Replies

  • burnsdg
    April 11, 2019 at 6:04 am PDT

    I’m frustrated that the lists of “games with issues” do not say specifically what ARE the issues. How do you expect a user to make an informed decision if you don’t let us know what we would lose in specific games?

  • Anime-Kanye
    April 11, 2019 at 6:32 am PDT

    it’s nice to no longer have my name associated with Kanye West, since he’s revealed himself to be a gatdang lunatic.
    Anime Kanye is out
    Burger Goblin is IN

  • meshaal001414
    April 11, 2019 at 7:35 am PDT

    If the account has been stolen and someone has changed the email id can I recover the account

  • x--OttoDavila--x
    April 11, 2019 at 9:31 am PDT

    I can confirm the PS Vita is showing the new ID as well as the PS4. However, seems like some games doesn’t show you online when you start them. Terraria didn’t show me online (tested from another PS4 account) but Minecraft PS Vita did. But the new ID is being shown on trophies list, friends list and groups.

  • pscrs7
    April 11, 2019 at 10:58 am PDT

    They should specify what kind of problem occurs for each game with critical problems. Just Dance 2017 at least.

  • Superstone
    April 11, 2019 at 11:07 am PDT

    Great news. Now make ps4 backwards compatible …..and a new handheld

  • HarperWhite6644
    April 11, 2019 at 12:12 pm PDT

    Does anyone know if the name change affects H1Z1, because I have A LOT of time spent in it, and it would absolutely suck if ALL of my progress went away.

  • Frostelus
    April 11, 2019 at 1:49 pm PDT

    I know PS3 and PS Vita games won’t get affected by the name change, but what about the consoles themselves? If I log in to my PS3 or PS Vita and check my profile, trophies, friends list etc, will they still show my original username? And what if I were to start an online game I never played before with my new username, will they use my new or old one?

    • x--OttoDavila--x
      April 11, 2019 at 3:28 pm PDT

      My PS Vita shows the new Profile ID. I’ve checked friends list, trophies and confirmed the new ID is shown for the rest of players as well (from a PS4 & another PS Vita). I see my trophies and have tried downloading some digital games I already owned. Also, Minecraft & Terraria Multiplayer shows the new ID inside game so the same should happen on most of the other games as well. I think it is running pretty ok. You can go safe with it =)

  • Sceptre_Ghost
    April 11, 2019 at 1:52 pm PDT

    Just got out of chat with PlayStation support regarding changing my OID to GhostieWhostie, they told me to leave a comment here in order for further steps to be taken…

  • DanfiniteGaming
    April 11, 2019 at 2:13 pm PDT

    I have two accounts. one I made since I was a kid that has tons of trophies and last year created a new one for streaming. Would it be possible to erase this new account and change the name of my old account to my new name just to have all my progress??

  • Crazymanwalking1
    April 11, 2019 at 2:25 pm PDT

    Glad I put some thought into my name when I made it nearly 10 years ago, never had the desire to change it and never will :)

  • AlcaponeAlfa45
    April 11, 2019 at 6:03 pm PDT

    hello, I wanted to know, when you change your name, will all your game data be erased?

    for example: Fortnite, GtaV, red dead redemption …

  • BillytheDragonic
    April 11, 2019 at 6:05 pm PDT

    How about some games that aren’t in the list like Warriors orochi 4, Borderlands Handsome collection, Spyro reignited Trilogy, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Wildlands, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Division 2, Assassin Creed’s Origin, Assassin Creed’s Odyssey, etc….

  • PugInACup
    April 11, 2019 at 6:10 pm PDT

    This article, of course, doesn’t answer why “apocalypse” is a filtered, offensive word. I just want my Xbox Gamertag and PSN ID to match, but Sony’s filtering seems to be censoring way too much.

  • sevendollabill
    April 11, 2019 at 7:19 pm PDT

    If I change my gamer I’d will I risk losing preorders from ps store? Please I need to know

  • bigkurz
    April 11, 2019 at 8:26 pm PDT

    Just for clarification: When its said that PS3/Vita games don’t support the name change, does this mean:

    a) PS3 and Vita just continue to use your old PSN name without any issues

    or

    b) Expect a ton of problems with all your ps3 and vita games when you make a change

  • ElektroDragon
    April 11, 2019 at 9:59 pm PDT

    Does NOT work for my child’s online ID! Lame! Please allow me as the parent to change my kid’s online ID! With their permission of course.

  • Jedah_PR
    April 11, 2019 at 10:03 pm PDT

    PSA: DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE. I REPEAT DO NOT USE THIS SERVICE!!! I LOST ALL MY OVERWATCH DATA. SONY GAVE ME THE “CONTACT BLIZZARD TO SEE IF THEY CAN RESTORE YOUR DATA”. I CONTACTED BLIZZARD AND THEY SAID “WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER SONYS SERVERS”.

    I am beyond devastated on how I was treated by Sony during this whole debacle. I have been a loyal Playstation supporter since the beginning. I’ve owned PS1, 2, 3 and 4. I also own a PSP, Vita, VR and subscribe to Vue. I also have two Sony Bravia TV’s.

    To be treated as just another “number” and to be told “Welp, you should’ve read the disclaimer before changing your ID” is disheartening. Even though I did my due diligence and researched the subject before changing my ID. Even on their support website they listed Overwatch as a “SAFE” game and that there wouldn’t be any issue.

    I will never support another Sony Playstation product or service ever again.

    • SolidZone26
      April 15, 2019 at 5:11 am PDT

      Did you even bother reverting back? You’re suppose to do that if you have any problems. Don’t blame Sony because of your own failures.

    • macmom25
      April 17, 2019 at 7:03 pm PDT

      Thank you for the heads up, sorry that happened to you. But I hope you get those stats back.

  • GreatnessRD
    April 11, 2019 at 10:32 pm PDT

    Just wish for those that choose to upgrade and lose access to older games, the system should show that someone owned paid DLC and content. Sony should be able to reinstate the paid content without problem. That’s the only real gripe I have with this new system. I know you can’t do anything about the save data, that’s fine, but the content should be restored without hassle. Everything else looks solid.

  • HarperWhite6644
    April 12, 2019 at 12:57 am PDT

    Any problems yet?

  • Vossler_86
    April 12, 2019 at 1:56 am PDT

    So even if I change my ID on one account, I cant use it on my main account? Are you F^#%ing kidding me?!

    What about if I completely delete that account? Can I use the old ID on my main account THEN?!

  • fester420
    April 12, 2019 at 4:30 am PDT

    I’m confused, I know it says ps3 and vita aren’t supported but will they be affected by the name change? If I change my name does the old one stay on os3 and vita?

    • x--OttoDavila--x
      April 12, 2019 at 7:13 am PDT

      My PS Vita shows the new Profile ID. I’ve checked friends list, trophies and confirmed the new ID is shown for the rest of players as well (from a PS4 & another PS Vita). I see my trophies and have tried downloading some digital games I already owned. Also, Minecraft & Terraria Multiplayer shows the new ID inside game so the same should happen on most of the other games as well. I think it is running pretty ok.

  • SUPER_KILLER156
    April 12, 2019 at 3:35 pm PDT

    Can a parental account change the gamer tag of a sub account?

  • bgoodin
    April 12, 2019 at 5:18 pm PDT

    When will this be supported for child accounts? My daughter and I were anticipating this and spent time coming up with new names for her. We attempted to change hers and the feature is not available? I suspect children are a massive demographic on the PS4. When is this going to be available for child accounts?

    • jrehm2007
      April 13, 2019 at 6:27 pm PDT

      Agreed man. I’m 11 and I was really looking forward for this. I have a 2007 in my ID and I play a game where me and my friends look on websites to find people to play with and I can never get anybody because of that 2007

  • N_Arnone23
    April 12, 2019 at 5:35 pm PDT

    Will there ever be an option to change my ID on a child account, because currently it says it is unavailable because i am under 18

  • ACID-_-MeMeS
    April 13, 2019 at 7:05 am PDT

    Can someone tell me how to change back to my old one please

  • Fuhr31
    April 13, 2019 at 10:40 am PDT

    LOL. Playstation does everything the hard way. A symptom of short sighted thinking.

  • jrehm2007
    April 13, 2019 at 6:22 pm PDT

    Please PS4 I really want to change my name but My account is considered a ‘Child’ account. I don’t understand the purpose of restricting this feature from a child. Isn’t it only possible to make any profile changes on a ‘Child’ account through the master account? I’d love to change my PSN ID but I can’t do that without the help of you guys. I’d really appreciate it if you take consideration of my request and hopefully make this a privilege a ‘Child’ account can have. I’m an 11 year old child and I wish to change my PSN ID, please PlayStation make this possible for a child to do. Thank you for your time.

  • KnightRid
    April 14, 2019 at 3:10 am PDT

    ID change is needed but so is reverting this website back to usability. ugh, what a mess.

    It is a little strange that so many games have problems with it….I mean, our id’s are not being given to companies with all of our information attached so if we change our id on the Sony system, we may lose game saves, progress and simple things like that but the games should not be broken because of it, because our information is not being hand delivered to other companies to use for anything….right Sony?

  • Fuhr31
    April 14, 2019 at 11:35 am PDT

    Hmm,, wonder where my comment disappeared to….

  • SB75_
    April 14, 2019 at 12:10 pm PDT

    It would be great to clean up inactive accounts. I’ve been waiting for this feature to be implemented so I could change the ID to what I use on other platforms. Unfortunately, it’s since been taken by an inactive account with the only account activity ever was loading up Black Ops III, with no trophies earned, no other games played, no friends/followers.

    • ERGOPROXY-DECAY
      April 14, 2019 at 11:29 pm PDT

      I think they could had done that but because of losing content issue, cleaning actives inactive would be an issue when people come back and say wtf my content cant be played and they paid for it.

  • ERGOPROXY-DECAY
    April 14, 2019 at 11:28 pm PDT

    Yeah more importantly its purchases Im worrying about. I can understand some games not working because of leaderboards and old saves linked to old names and how there structure is and it may be hard to do, but purchases man. No matter what you got to get that right, peopled paid for those content. You gotta at least do that right.

  • SolidZone26
    April 15, 2019 at 4:57 am PDT

    Since I changed my Online ID, can I comment to this blog now?

    • SolidZone26
      April 18, 2019 at 1:45 am PDT

      Posting an update, just tested all the games that I currently own and my new Online ID showed correctly on every game I played and my saves are still there. No issues on my end, so I believe it’s safe.

      Also, I just noticed something after posting that last comment. If that went through, that means anyone who got banned from the blog can just simply change their Online ID and bypass it. I was unable to post comments for years, but now I’m able to again just by doing this. And since there’s no restriction of how many times it can be changed, it’s impossible to ban them completely as the system thinks it’s a different person even though it’s the same account. I hope people don’t use the Online ID change for this purpose.

  • Awebill
    April 15, 2019 at 5:09 pm PDT

    It’s live today.

  • macmom25
    April 17, 2019 at 6:54 pm PDT

    I’m thinking about changing my username but what happens to the Days Gone Digital Deluxe I’ve pre ordered ? ( Can I get some advice before I mess up please and thank you)

  • CrazyJnr_
    April 17, 2019 at 9:49 pm PDT

    I just have a quick question if somebody could help me out. So basically I have changed my PSN name to “CrazyJnr_” but I am having some issues every time I load up Rainbow six Seige. I’m pretty sure if I was to convert back to my original PSN name those problems would be resolved, but my question is; If I was to convert back to my original PSN name could someone take the one I am using now? And how difficult is it to change back to my old PSN Name?

  • KrakAttack
    April 21, 2019 at 6:13 pm PDT

    The fact that it took this long for such a basic online feature to be added, one which Xbox and even Nintendo seem to have no problem implementing, is flat-out ridiculous. But my 10-year-old who picked his name at 4 and my 14-year-old who picked her name at 8 years of age feel like they just had a cruel trick played on them. “Yay! New Feature! Change that screen name you’ve been stick with since kindergarten!” only to find out they’re still stuck with “MikeyTurtle” and “GirlyMiner” is just adding insult to injury.

    Catch up to your competition, Sony. If we wind up getting another console in the future, it probably won’t be a Playstation, and this will likely be the main reason why.

  • ICSig88
    April 22, 2019 at 1:37 pm PDT

    Any help? Thanks in advance! I created a user ID awhile ago to ensure that it wouldn’t get taken. It was after I had been playing COD WW2. So my questions is if there’s a way to switch to the new user ID and keep my COD WW2 online multiplayer progress. I was excited about the news of being able to change your ID but quickly realized that it wouldn’t help my case because the ID I want is, of course, “taken”. I’m one of the few left that enjoy WW2 and honestly, I’ll continue to play it until Sledgehammer’s 2020 release. (Hopefully Vietnam…)

  • Legolas-2404
    April 26, 2019 at 5:53 am PDT

    The information on PS3 “support” is very confusing (non-existent).

    Let’s assume I change my PSN ID, and reformat/reinstall my PS3 from scratch.
    Then, just login to the PS3 with the newly changed PSN user name and start from “zero” (i.e. without importing old save games).

    Will it work, or are there still issues??

  • HADES-R-US
    May 5, 2019 at 9:56 am PDT

    All the names I try, none is valid, I don’t like the options given, I’m not using a mean name, curse or something, what can I do?

  • CrazyJnr_
    May 6, 2019 at 8:10 pm PDT

    If someone could help me out with this, it would be greatly appreciated. So basically I changed my name to “CrazyJnr_” but with that came an issue on the main game I play (Rainbow Six Siege) every time I load up R6 all my classes are gone for my operators so I would do a few of my classes back up but when I close the application and open it up again all those classes are gone again. If anyone has a fix for this problem please let me know. I believe that the reason for this issue is the fact that I have changed my name so I was wondering how do I revert back to my old online id, and if I was to revert to my online id could someone take the online id I am currently using? Any help or response would be greatly appreciated, Thanks.

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