ID Linking FAQ

  • What is the PLAYSTATION®Network?

    The free service from PlayStation® that allows you access to Online Gaming and the PLAYSTATION®Store. It also gives you a variety of ways to communicate with your friends.

  • What if I don't have a PLAYSTATION®Network ID?

    It's not a problem; register your online ID today!

  • Why would I link my PLAYSTATION®Network IDs?

    Once you've linked your IDs, you'll receive all these great features:

    • Identify yourself on the Web using your PLAYSTATION®Network portable ID
    • Display your PLAYSTATION®Network portable ID on social networking sites
    • Meet other PLAYSTATION®Network members
    • See who's who on the PlayStation message boards
    • Keep tabs on your PLAYSTATION®Network friends on the Web with the Friend List

  • How do I link my PLAYSTATION®Network ID?

    To link a PLAYSTATION®Network ID, choose a destination according to your current membership:
    I have a PLAYSTATION®Network ID and want to link it.
    or
    I need to get a PLAYSTATION®Network account.

  • Do I have to have a PlayStation® Underground™ account in order to proceed?

    Yes, you will need to have a PlayStation Underground account in order to access your PLAYSTATION®Network features on the Web.

  • What if I don't have a PLAYSTATION®3?

    It's not a problem; however, certain features of the PLAYSTATION®Network require a PLAYSTATION 3—specifically, choosing an Avatar, managing your Friend List and editing your "About Me" message are PLAYSTATION 3 specific.

  • What is my online ID?

    Your ID is your PLAYSTATION®Network name that you pick when you sign up.

    It's visible on your portable ID, on all PlayStation message boards (including any social networking sites where you post your portable ID), and on your buddies' Friend Lists (where others have you listed as their friend). It's your identity everywhere you go within the PlayStation online universe—and in some cases, outside that universe as well. Anyone who sees your portable ID or visits a website where you've used your online ID will know you by that name, which is why it's imperative you pick a good one! Remember, once your ID is set, you can't change it.

  • What is my "About Me" message?

    "About Me" is a snippet that tells other players a bit about yourself, your favorite game or what you like to do.

  • How do I change my PLAYSTATION®Network "About Me" message?
    • Go to the "PLAYSTATION®Network" icon in the XMB™ (XrossMediaBar)
    • Select "Sign-In" if not already signed in
    • Select "Account Management" under the PLAYSTATION®Network menu
    • Select "Account Management" in the account management menu
    • Select "Edit Online Profile"
    • Select a new Avatar or "Use Current"
    • Enter a new "About Me" message—up to 21 characters

  • How do I set my Avatar?
    • Go to the "PLAYSTATION®Network" icon in the XMB (XrossMediaBar)
    • Select "Sign-In" if not already signed in
    • Select "Account Management" under the PLAYSTATION®Network menu
    • Select "Account Management" in the account management menu
    • Select "Edit Online Profile"
    • Select a new Avatar

  • How does the Friend List work on the Web?

    You will be able to see your PLAYSTATION®Network friends and view their online status, but you will not be able to manage your Friend List. You can access the Friend List on your Account page within the PlayStation Underground.

  • What is my PLAYSTATION®Network portable ID?

    It is a visual summary of your PLAYSTATION®Network account, including your Avatar, "About Me" message and Online ID. You can get a link code to place your portable ID on message boards and other sites by clicking here.

  • If I've signed up for the PLAYSTATION®Network on the Web, can other PLAYSTATION®Network members add me as a "friend" via their consoles?

    Only accounts that have logged in on a PLAYSTATION 3 console can be added as a "friend" at this time.

  • What is my Online Status?

    Online Status shows if you or a buddy are currently online (blue), online but away (yellow), offline (red) or pending friend status (gray).

    If a user is online, their comment will be displayed (you can change your comment) on your PLAYSTATION 3 console:

    • Go to the "Friends" icon in XMB (XrossMediaBar)
    • Select your Avatar and press the triangle button on the controller
    • Select "Comment" from the menu
    • Enter a new comment
    • Select "OK"

    If a user is offline, the last time they were online will be displayed as "Last online XX hours XX minutes ago"

    If a friend is pending, then it will say, "Friend Request." If the user has sent you a Friend Request but you have not yet accepted, it will say "Pending Friend Request."

    To accept a "Friend Request," you will need to log in to the PLAYSTATION®Network on your PLAYSTATION 3 console:

    • Go to the "Friends" icon in XMB (XrossMediaBar)
    • Select "Message Box"
    • Select "Received"
    • Select "Request to Add a Friend" from the pending friend
    • Select "Add"