What happens if I change my PSN username?

Changing your PSN username can have several consequences, including the potential loss of game progress, in-game currency, and leaderboard data, although the impact varies depending on the game, with some games not being affected at all. When you change your PSN name, your previous online ID may still be visible to you and other players in certain areas, but it’s essential to note that your old online ID is only available to you, and no one else can take it.

Understanding the Implications of Changing Your PSN Username

Changing your PSN username is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to understand the potential implications before making the change. Here are some key points to consider:

Potential Loss of Game Progress

Some games may not function properly after a PSN name change, which could result in the loss of game progress, in-game currency, or leaderboard data. It’s essential to check the game’s compatibility with PSN name changes before making the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following FAQs provide more information about changing your PSN username and its potential consequences:

1. Q: Will I lose data if I change my PSN name? A: You may lose progress within games, including game saved data, leaderboard data, and progress toward Trophies.
2. Q: How long can you change your PSN name? A: You can change your PSN name as many times as you like, but only the first change is free; subsequent changes cost $10, or $5 for PlayStation Plus subscribers.
3. Q: Will changing my PSN name affect Genshin Impact? A: No, your game progress and characters will still be there after the name change.
4. Q: Can I transfer my Genshin account to another PSN account? A: Your Genshin account is tied to your PSN account, and you can access it on any system you sign into.
5. Q: Will I lose my progress if I change my online ID in PS5? A: You may lose progress or in-game currency in a handful of games; check the PlayStation website for details.
6. Q: How do I change my PSN name back to the original? A: You need to contact PlayStation Support and explain that you want to revert back to your original online ID.
7. Q: Can someone else use my old PSN name? A: No, your old online ID is only available to you.
8. Q: What words are not allowed in a PSN name? A: PSN names cannot start with a number, and only underscores and hyphens are allowed as special characters; offensive words are also not permitted.
9. Q: What are the rules for PlayStation usernames? A: PSN names must be 3 to 16 characters long and can consist of letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
10. Q: What are the consequences of changing online ID on PS4? A: You may lose in-game currency, game progress, or user-generated content, and some games may not function properly.
11. Q: Does PSN name change affect Apex Legends? A: There is no clear information on the impact of PSN name changes on Apex Legends, but it’s essential to check the game’s compatibility before making the change.
12. Q: How old do you have to be to change your online ID on PS4? A: You must be at least 18 years old to change your PSN name, as accounts for children do not allow name changes.
13. Q: Can you transfer PS5 games to another account? A: No, content and items purchased from the PlayStation Store can only be used with the Sony Entertainment Network account that made the purchase.
14. Q: Can I transfer my PSN account to another console? A: Yes, you can transfer data from one PS4 system to another by signing in to PSN with the same account.
15. Q: What happens if I unlink my PSN from Genshin? A: If you unlink your account, a completely new game progress will start if you log in to the game with the same PSN account.

Conclusion

Changing your PSN username can have significant consequences, and it’s essential to understand the potential implications before making the change. By considering the potential effects on your game progress, in-game currency, and leaderboard data, you can make an informed decision about whether to change your PSN name. Remember to check the game’s compatibility with PSN name changes and follow the necessary steps to revert back to your original online ID if needed.