Introduction
Because your PlayStation account is a treasure trove of your personal information, such as your personal address, credit card information, friends, and more, it’s a rich target for hackers. One way you can keep your PSN account safe is by regularly changing your password. Thankfully, Sony makes updating the password associated with your PlayStation account easy. To be clear you can’t use these steps to reset a forgotten PSN password, and if you need to do that I’ll link to my article here that will show you how.
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Steps to Change PlayStation Account Password
- Open a web browser and navigate to PlayStation.com. You’ll land on the PlayStation website.
- Click “Sign In” and then sign in to the PlayStation account you want to change the password for.
- Click your profile icon at the top of the screen to open a menu, and then click “Account Settings.” You’ll be routed to your Sony Account Settings screen.
- Click “Security” in the menu. A prompt appears letting you know that you’ll be routed to another page. Click “Continue.” You’ll land on the Security screen for your PlayStation account.
- Make sure the “Security” tab is selected in the menu on the left side of the screen, and then locate the Password section on the right side of the screen.
- Click “Edit” next to Password. The Password screen is shown.
- Enter your current PlayStation Network password in the Current Password field, and then enter what you want to be your new PSN password in the two fields below New Password. Click “Save.” A window is displayed asking you to re-enter the password associated with your PlayStation account.
- Enter your new password, and then click “Continue.” The next window confirms that your password is now changed. Tap “OK.”
Guidelines to Create a Strong Password
- Use a long password: The longer your password, the harder it is to crack. Aim for a minimum of 12 characters.
- Use a mix of characters: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. This makes your password more complex and harder to guess.
- Avoid personal information: Avoid using personal information such as your name, birthdate, or address. This information can be easily guessed or found through social media.
- Avoid common phrases and patterns: Avoid using common phrases or patterns such as “password,” “1234,” or “qwerty.” These are easy for hackers to guess.
- Use a unique password for each account: Use a different password for each account. This way, if one password is compromised, your other accounts are still protected.
- Consider using a passphrase: A passphrase is a sequence of words or a sentence. This can make a strong and memorable password.
- Use a password manager: A password manager can generate and store strong passwords for you. This way, you don’t have to remember all of your unique passwords.
Reasons to Change Your PlayStation Account Password
1. Security Concerns
If you suspect that your PlayStation account has been compromised, changing your password is an essential step to secure your account. Hackers may use your login credentials to steal your personal information or make unauthorized purchases using your account. Changing your password will prevent unauthorized access to your account and protect your personal information.
2. Password Strength
Weak passwords are a common cause of security breaches. If your password is easy to guess or contains common phrases, it’s more likely to be cracked by hackers. By changing your password to a more complex one, you can improve the security of your account. A strong password should be long and contain a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Additionally, it’s best to avoid using the same password across multiple accounts.
3. Account Recovery
Forgetting your password can be frustrating, but changing it is an effective way to recover your account. By resetting your password, you can regain access to your account and resume gaming. It’s important to make sure your new password is secure and not easily guessable to prevent future lockouts.
4. Personal Preference
Some people like to change their passwords periodically as a security measure. By changing your password regularly, you can ensure that your account remains secure, even if your password has been compromised. Additionally, changing your password can be a personal preference, providing a sense of security and control over your account.
5. Device Upgrade
When you get a new PlayStation console or device, it’s a good idea to change your password to prevent unauthorized access to your account on your old device. Changing your password can also prevent any saved login information from being used on your old device, protecting your account from unauthorized access. It’s always better to err on the side of caution and change your password when you upgrade your device.
Will Changing My PlayStation Account Password Log Me Out of All Devices?
Yes, changing your PlayStation account password will log you out of all devices where you were previously logged in. This is an important security feature as it prevents unauthorized access to your account on devices that you no longer use or have lost. Once you have changed your password, you will need to log in to each device using the new password to regain access.
How Often Should I Change My PlayStation Account Password?
It’s a good idea to change your PlayStation account password periodically to maintain the security of your account. Experts recommend changing your password every three to six months. However, if you suspect that your password has been compromised, you should change it immediately.
How Do I Know If My PlayStation Account Password Has Been Compromised?
If you notice unauthorized purchases or changes to your account information, it’s likely that your PlayStation account password has been compromised. Other signs of a compromised account include receiving emails from Sony confirming changes you didn’t make, or seeing logins from unfamiliar devices in your account history.
Do I Need to Update My PlayStation Account Password After a Data Breach?
If there has been a data breach at Sony or any other service you use, it’s a good idea to change your PlayStation account password as a precautionary measure. Hackers often sell login credentials obtained from data breaches on the dark web, so changing your password will help to prevent unauthorized access to your account.
What Should I Do If I Suspect Someone Has Unauthorized Access to My PlayStation Account?
If you suspect that someone has unauthorized access to your PlayStation account, the first thing you should do is change your password. You should also enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security to your account. Additionally, you should check your account history to ensure that no unauthorized purchases or changes have been made. If you’re still concerned, you should contact Sony customer support for further assistance.