Edit Names PSN: Online ID, Real name and Account

How many times do you find yourself regretting choices made in youth, especially those related to our digital identity? If you also spent hours entertaining playing online with friends, but an old and embarrassing username continues to persecute you, it's time to clean up. That nickname you picked quickly and furiously when you were little more than a kid, maybe in front of your PlayStation's first screen, now it only makes you want to disappear from the sight of all the players. Fortunately, the Sony platform offers the possibility to update your virtual identity. In this in-depth guide, we will explain how to navigate between the different options available to change the names associated with your PlayStation Network (PSN) account, from internal communications to your public pseudonym.

Understand Your PlayStation Identity: The Three Names

Before proceeding with any change, it is essential to understand that your PlayStation Network account is associated with three distinct types of names, each with a specific function and visibility. Knowing the differences will help you identify exactly which element you want to update.

1. The “Name” of Your Account (Sony Communications)

This is the most basic name, consisting of your name and surname. It is mainly used by Sony Entertainment Network for all official communications via email and for internal management of your account. Its main feature is its total confidentiality: never shared with other players on the PlayStation Network. It is a personal data that serves to identify you as an account holder in the eyes of Sony and its partners.

2. The “Royal Name” (Visible to Friends)

The Royal Name consists of Name, Second Name (optional) and Surname. Unlike the “Name” for communications, the Royal Name is designed to be visible publicly on the PlayStation Network, especially to friends and members of your game group. Despite its public nature, you have full control over who can view it: through the privacy settings of the PSN, you can configure who between your contacts or the wider community can access this information.

3. The Online ID: Your Public Identity for Excellence

This is undoubtedly the most important and visible name for all users and players on PlayStation Network. The Online ID is your pseudonym, the name that represents you in every game session, charts and social interactions. It's your digital signature in the PlayStation world. Precisely because of its centrality, the modification of the Online ID requires special attention due to some significant implications:

• Cost: The first modification of the Online ID is free of charge. However, each subsequent change entails a cost of € 9.99.
• Compatibility and Data Loss: This is the most critical aspect. The change of the Online ID is officially supported only by the titles published since April 2018. For the most dated games, the operation can result in the loss of purchased content (including virtual currencies), the progress of the game, and even the trophies. It is an extremely delicate data, to be changed only in case of real necessity and after having carefully assessed the risks.

Change Guide: Step After Step

Now that you have clear what are the different names and their functions, let's see how to proceed to modify them, using different platforms.

How to Change the “Name” of Your Account (Sorry Communications)

The modification of this name is a simple process and is carried out exclusively through web browsers.

1. Login to PlayStation Network: Open your favorite web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, etc.) and go to the official PlayStation Network page.
2. Login: Look for the “Run the Access” button (usually on the top right) and enter your credentials (email address and password) to access your account.
3. Go to Account Settings: Once logged in, click on the top right pane showing your profile image or avatar, then select “Account Settings”.
4. Edit Basic Information: You will find yourself on the “Basic Information” page of your account. The first field in the list will be “Name”. Click on the “Edit” button at the right of your current name.
5. Enter New Data: A small window will open with the fields “Name” and “Cognome”. Enter the new information, remembering that the use of spaces or symbols is not allowed. These changes will reflect on all Sony services and its partners linked to your account.
6. Confirmation: Click on “Save” and then on “OK” to confirm. Right now, email communications from Sony will use your new name.

How to Update Your “Real Name” (Visible to Friends)

The Royal Name can be modified by consoles, computers or mobile devices, offering flexibility depending on what you have at hand.

From PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5

1. Turn on the Console: Select your user profile.
2. Access Settings: In the main PlayStation menu, go to “Settings” (the case icon, visible by pressing “on” to reveal the top menu).
3. Account Management: Select “account management” > “account information” > “Profile” > “Name”.
4. Type the New Name: Enter the Name, Second Name and Last Name for your account.
5. Confirmation: Click on the “Confirm” button (usually at the bottom right) to save the changes.

From Computer (Browser)

1. Login to PlayStation Network: As with your account name, go to the PlayStation Network website and sign in with your credentials.
2. Account settings: Click on your avatar or profile image at the top right and select “Account Settings”.
3. PSN profile: In the left sidebar, under the heading “PlayStation Network”, click on “PSN profile”.
4. Edit Royal Name: Locate the “Real Name” field and click on the “Edit” button on your right.
5. Fill in the fields: A new window will open where you can enter Name, Second Name and Surname. Letters, spaces, hyphens and apostrophes are allowed here.
6. Save and Confirm: Press “Save” and then “OK” to finalize.
7. Privacy Policy (Optional): To check who can see your Real Name, go back to the left sidebar and click on “PSN Privacy Settings” > “Personal Information | Messaging”. Here you can change those who have access to your Royal Name in search, friend list and games.

From Smartphone and Tablet (PlayStation App)

1. Start the App: Open the official PlayStation app on your Android or iOS device and sign in to your PSN account.
2. Login to the Profile: Click on the omino icon (your profile) at the bottom right.
3. Edit Profile: Press the “Edit Profile” button, then select “Additional Profile Settings”.
4. Re-access and Edit: You may be asked to re-enter the PSN. Once inside, press the “Edit” button next to your Royal Name.
5. Fill and Save: Enter the Name, Second Name and Last Name and press “Save” to the bottom right to immediately apply the changes.

How to Change Your “Online ID” (Your Public Pseudonimus)

As mentioned, the change of the Online ID is an operation that, although feasible since 2019, requires special caution. Remember that the first change is free, the next ones cost 9.99 euros, and that there may be compatibility issues with less recent games, including loss of progress and purchases. Proceed only if you are fully aware of the risks.

From PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5

1. Turn on the Console: Select your user profile.
2. Access Settings: Refer to the “Settings” menu (case icon).
3. Account Management: Select “Account Management” > “Account Information” > “Profile” > “Online ID”.
4. Accept Terms: Press the buttons “I accept” and “Continue”. You will be prompted to access your PSN account again.
5. Choose the New ID: Type the new desired online ID in the text field. You can help from the tips on the right to find a name available.
6. Confirmation and Visibility Option: Once you find an ID not yet in use, press “Confirm”. You will be asked if you want to continue showing your old ID in brackets within the PSN or if you want only the new one to appear. Make your choice and give a further confirmation.
7. Re-login: At this point, you will need to press “Accept”, type the password of your PSN account and press “Get in” to login again to your profile with the new ID.

From Computer (Browser)

1. Login to PlayStation Site: Connect to PlayStation's official website and sign in to your PSN account.
2. Account settings: Bring the mouse cursor to your name (top right) and select “Account Settings” from the drop-down menu. Further access may be required.
3. PSN profile: In the left sidebar, select the item “PSN profile”.
4. Edit ID Online: Click on the “Edit” button corresponding to the “Online ID” option.
5. Accept and Enter: Click on “I accept” and “Continue”. Enter the new Online ID you want.
6. Check Availability: Press the “Check availability” entry to ensure that the name is free and, if it is, you can confirm its adoption.

From Smartphone and Tablet (PlayStation App)

1. Open the App: Launch the official PlayStation app and, if necessary, log in to your PSN account.
2. Go to Your Profile: Press the omino icon on the bottom right to access your profile page.
3. Edit Advanced Profile: Click on “Edit Profile”, then select “Additional Profile Settings”. It may be required to access the PSN again.
4. Edit ID Online: Press the “Edit” button at your online ID.
5. Accept and Choose: On the page that opens, press “Accept” and “Continue”. Type the new online ID you want to use on PS4.
6. Check and Confirm: Press the “Check availability” button to ensure that the name is available and, if so, proceed with the confirmation of the adoption.

Final considerations

Updating your identity on PlayStation is an excellent way to further customize your gaming experience, freeing you of old names that no longer represent you. While changes to the “Name” of the account and the “Royal Name” are simple and risk-free operations, the decision to change your “Online ID” deserves careful consideration due to the potential consequences on your gaming data. Carefully evaluate pros and cons, choose your new pseudonym with care and prepare to enjoy your virtual adventures with a renewed identity and more suitable for you!