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PS4 users can now change their PSN Online ID - here's how to do it

If you are a PlayStation 4 user and wish to change your PSN Online ID to something more modern, you are now able to do just that.

Sony announced back in October it would provide the option for you to change your ID name on PS4. The feature went into testing not long after the announcement, with an early-2019 rollout planned once testing was completed.

You can change your online ID for free, but it will cost money should you decide to change it again.

Changing your ID is a rather simple process, and you can do it from your PS4 or through the web. If you do not own a PS4, you cannot change your ID through PS3 or Vita. If that is the case, you will need to do it through your web browser.

We've outlined the steps you need to take below.

How to change your PSN Online ID on PS4

On 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.

Through a web browser

  • Step 1: Sign in to your PlayStation Network account 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

How much does it cost and how many times can I change it?

The first time is free. After that, it will cost you $9.99, €9.99, £7.99. PlayStation Plus subscribers will be charged $4.99, €4.99, £3.99.

Sony said there are no restrictions to the number of times you can change your online ID. If you have a child, Sony stated child accounts cannot change their online ID.

Things to know before changing your PSN Online ID

You can revert back to an old ID and friends can still find you with a new ID

You can revert back to your old user ID as long as the name doesn't violate the Terms of Service. To start using your old ID again, just contact PlayStation Support . It's a free service and there is no limit to the number of times you can revert.

Also, your old ID will remain available to you. In other words, no one else will be able to use that particular online ID even if you change your handle.

As far as your friends being able to find you, Sony has provided the option to display your old ID next to your new ID. This will remain in your Profile for 30 days. But, you can only select this option at the time you are changing your online ID.

Only games originally published after April 1, 2018 support online ID changes

The game must have released for the first time on or after April 1, 2018, to support the online ID change feature. This is because games published after April 1, 2018 were developed using tools supporting the change at a system level.  That said, Sony does not guarantee all games fully support the feature. PS3 and PS Vita games are not supported.

For example: a game released in 2015 has been re-mastered or re-sold as a complete edition in 2018 will not support the ID change feature.

Because not all games and applications for PS4, PS3 and Vita are guaranteed to support ID changes, it's possible you'll occasionally encounter issues or errors with particular games.

According to Sony, a large majority of the "most-played PS4 games" tested support the feature. Be sure to check the following lists of tested games before you make the actual change, otherwise, you may risk losing in-game currency (paid or earned), in-game progress, scores, trophy progress, and the game may not properly function both online and offline.

Sony said should you experience any issues playing not on the list of tested games, revert back to your previous online ID. Doing so should resolve most issues experienced. If reverting does not solve your issue, the company said to contact PlayStation Support.

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Stephany Nunneley-Jackson avatar

Stephany Nunneley-Jackson

News Editor

Stephany is VG247’s News Editor, with 22 years experience (with 15 of them at VG247). With a brain that lacks adhesive ducks, the ill-tempered, chaotic neutral fembot does her best to bring you the most interesting gaming news. She is also unofficially the site’s Lord of the Rings/Elder Scrolls Editor.

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