In 2006, Sony launched the PlayStation Network (PSN). People signed up in droves, and everyone chose a PSN name as their online ID. However, many people didn't realize that this would be permanent, as Sony refused to let you change your PSN name.

In October 2018, Sony announced that it was finally going to let you change your PSN name. The option was initially launched in beta as part of the PlayStation Preview Program, but now everyone can change their PSN name, either on a PS4 or the web.

How to Change Your PSN Name

To change your PSN name on your PS4:

  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Select Account Management > Account Information > Profile > Online ID.
  3. Enter a new PSN name of your choosing (or one of the suggestions).
  4. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the change.

To change your PSN name on a web browser:

  1. Sign into your PlayStation Network account and select PSN Profile.
  2. Select the Edit button next to your Online ID.
  3. Enter a new PSN name of your choosing.
  4. Follow the onscreen prompts to complete the change.

Changing your PSN name doesn't mean you lose your old one. And you can revert back to an old PSN name by contacting PlayStation Support. You can also display your old PSN name next to your new PSN name for 30 days to help your friends notice the change.

Unfortunately, changing your PSN name comes with some risks. While games released after April 1, 2018 support the feature, older titles do not. And some may cause critical issues. Sony recommends checking this list of tested games before changing your PSN name.

Be Sure to Choose Your New PSN Name Wisely

You can change your PSN name once for free, but after that, all subsequent name changes will cost you money. PlayStation Plus subscribers will pay $4.99, while everyone else will pay $9.99. So it would be a good idea to get your PSN name change right the first time.

While you're at it, you should also set up two-step verification for PSN.

This is long overdue, as Xbox owners have been able to change their gamertags for a while now. Still, it gives all of you PS4 owners who chose terrible PSN names when you were young a chance to start over. And you can then play the best PS4 exclusives.