How to fix issues after changing your online ID

This guide will help you resolve common problems that can appear after you change your PlayStation Network (PSN) online ID, such as game issues, friend list errors, or trophy sync problems.

You'll learn how to restore functionality, check for known compatibility issues, and perform essential recovery steps to get your console and account back on track.

Note: Steps can vary by console generation, system software, and region. This guide focuses on safe, general methods.

Quick Answer

Restart your PlayStation console completely.
Check the official PlayStation compatibility list for your old games.
Restore your licenses via the Settings menu.
Sign out and back into your PSN account on your console.
Try reverting to your old online ID (you can do this once for free if you changed it recently).

If this doesn't work, run through the full Diagnostics section below.

What you need

Before you start

Access to the PlayStation console you use most.
Your PSN account password.
A stable internet connection.
Basic knowledge of navigating console Settings.
Your old online ID (for reference).
Patience—some fixes require restarting or re-downloading.

Good to know

You can revert to your old online ID once for free after the initial change.
Some PS4 games may have known issues; a list is published by PlayStation.
Issues often affect game progress, in-game currency, or DLC licenses.
Friends usually update automatically, but might need a refresh.
Trophy data is tied to your account, but sync might be needed.
Restoring licenses does not delete your games or saves.

Diagnose the issue in 2 minutes

Answer these quick questions to pinpoint the problem area.

1. Is the issue with a specific game (crashes, lost progress, lockouts)?

What you should see: The game should launch and recognize your account. If it doesn't, check the compatibility list.

2. Are you seeing error codes like WS-37368-7, CE-34878-0, or NP-32091-5?

What you should see: No persistent errors after a console restart. Specific codes point to licenses or connectivity.

3. Are friends not seeing your new ID, or is your friends list empty?

What you should see: Your new ID visible to friends within a few hours. A quick sign-out/sign-in often fixes this.

4. Are your trophies not showing up or syncing?

What you should see: Trophy list populates after manually triggering a sync in the Trophies menu.

5. Is purchased DLC or in-game currency missing?

What you should see: All owned content accessible after restoring licenses. Check the PlayStation Store purchase history.

Step-by-step guide

Step 1 — Check the official compatibility list

PlayStation maintains a list of games with known issues after an online ID change. This is your first stop.

On a phone or computer, search for "PlayStation online ID change compatibility list".
Find your game(s) on the list to see reported problems (e.g., lost progress).

What you should see: Clarity on whether your issue is a known limitation or something you can fix.

Step 2 — Perform a full console restart

A full power cycle clears temporary system glitches and refreshes your connection to PSN.

Fully power down your console (do not use Rest Mode).
Unplug the power cord from the back for 60 seconds.
Plug it back in and power the console on.

What you should see: A clean boot-up. Some minor issues may resolve immediately.

Step 3 — Restore your licenses

This re-links your purchased content to your account, fixing lockouts and missing DLC.

Go to Settings > Account Management (or Users and Accounts on PS5).
Select Restore Licenses.
Confirm and wait for the process to complete.

What you should see: A confirmation message. Your games and add-ons should now be accessible.

Step 4 — Sign out and back into PSN

Refreshes your account session locally, which can fix friend list and social feature issues.

PS5: Go to Settings > Users and Accounts > Sign Out. Then sign back in.

PS4: Go to Settings > Account Management > Sign Out. Then sign back in.

What you should see: Your new online ID displayed correctly in the top-right corner after signing in.

Step 5 — Manually sync your trophies

Forces a refresh of your trophy data with PSN servers.

Navigate to your Trophies from the main menu.
Press the Options button and select Sync with PlayStation Network.
Wait for the sync to complete.

What you should see: A progress indicator, then your complete trophy list reappearing.

Step 6 — Check for game updates and console firmware

Developers may release patches for online ID compatibility. An outdated system can also cause conflicts.

Highlight the problematic game, press Options, and select Check for Update.
Go to Settings > System Software Update to check for console updates.

What you should see: Either "You have the latest version" or an update installing.

Step 7 — Consider reverting to your old online ID

If issues are severe and game-breaking, you can switch back. The first revert is free if done soon after the initial change.

Go to the online ID change page in Account Management.
Select the option to revert to your previous online ID.
Follow the on-screen instructions.

What you should see: Your old ID restored. Note: Some issues may require you to restart games or the console after reverting.

Issue Type	Primary Fix	Fallback Action
Game Crashes/Lockouts	Check compatibility list; Update game	Revert online ID
Missing DLC/Licenses	Restore Licenses	Set console as Primary again
Social/Friends Issues	Sign out & back into PSN	Wait 24-48 hours for propagation
Trophy Sync Problems	Manual Trophy Sync	Rebuild Database (Safe Mode)
Persistent Error Codes	Full console restart	Contact PlayStation Support with error code

Setting Category	Safe Default After ID Change
Account	Ensure console is activated as your Primary PS4/PS5.
System	Enable automatic system software updates.
Power Saving	Ensure Rest Mode is set to keep connected to the internet.
Privacy	Review "Who can see your online status" after the change.
Security	Two-step verification (2SV) remains enabled; no action needed.

Mind map summary

After Online ID Change Issue
|
├── Game-Specific Problem?
│   ├── YES → Check Official Compatibility List
│   │   ├── Listed? → Consider Reverting ID or waiting for patch.
│   │   └── Not Listed? → Update Game & Restore Licenses.
│   └── NO → Move to Account Issue.
|
├── Account/Content Issue? (Locked DLC, Errors)
│   ├── YES → 1. Restore Licenses. 2. Sign Out/In. 3. Set Primary Console.
│   └── NO → Move to Social Issue.
|
├── Social Issue? (Friends, Trophies)
│   ├── YES → 1. Manually Sync Trophies. 2. Ask friends to restart/search.
│   └── NO → Move to Persistent Errors.
|
└── Persistent System Errors?
    ├── YES → 1. Full Console Restart. 2. Rebuild Database (Safe Mode).
    └── If unresolved → Contact PlayStation Support with error codes.

Troubleshooting checklist

Console

Full power cycle (unplug for 60 seconds).
Check for system software updates.
Restore Licenses.
Rebuild Database (via Safe Mode if issues are widespread).

Account/PSN

Sign out and back into PSN.
Verify console is set as Primary.
Manually sync Trophies.
Check purchase history for content ownership.
Review the online ID compatibility list.

When to escalate

Contact PlayStation Support if:

You cannot revert your online ID despite it being your first free revert.
Critical purchases are permanently missing after multiple license restores.
You receive a persistent, specific error code not resolved by restarting.
Your account appears locked or suspended after the change.

What to collect before contacting support:

Exact error code(s) and when they occur.
Your old and new online IDs.
Console model (e.g., PS5, PS4 Slim).
Game names and specific DLC/item names affected.
Rough timestamp of when you changed your ID.

FAQ

Will I lose my game saves if I change back to my old ID?

No, your game saves are tied to your local user profile and account, not the ID string itself. They should remain accessible.

How long does it take for friends to see my new ID?

Usually within a few hours. If it takes longer, ask them to restart their console or sign out and back into PSN.

Can I change my online ID more than once?

Yes, but subsequent changes incur a fee (unless a promotional offer applies). The first revert back to your old ID is often free.

Are PS5 games affected by online ID changes?

Most PS5 games are designed to handle the change without issue, but it's always wise to check the official list.

What does "Restore Licenses" actually do?

It refreshes the digital rights between your PSN account and your console, unlocking any purchased content that appears locked.

Will my PS Plus subscription be affected?

No, your subscription is tied to your account, not your online ID. Benefits should continue uninterrupted.

Should I rebuild the database for online ID issues?

It's a later-step fix if widespread system glitches occur. It can resolve trophy list corruption or general system sluggishness.

Can I prevent these issues before changing my ID?

Check the compatibility list for your most-played games beforehand. Also, ensure your console is updated and you have a cloud backup of saves.

Sources and references

Official PlayStation support documentation on changing your online ID.
Official PlayStation list of games tested after an online ID change.
General account management and security best practices from PlayStation.
General troubleshooting guides for PlayStation console system software.
Community knowledge base articles on license restoration and error codes.

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How to fix issues after changing your online ID

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