PS3 Explained

Although signing up to PSN and creating an account is fairly straightforward, there are numerous steps in the process. Here’s our step-by-step overview guide to creating your first account (a Master Account).

Note: Before you can sign up you may be required to update your system software.

Also the process below may vary depending on your country.

Account sign-up

1. To begin, go to the “Playstation Network” menu and choose Sign up for Playstation Network
2. Now the account creation begins. Since this is our first time signing up, choose Create a new account
3. This screen explains what information you will need to provide during the process. Choose Continue
4. Select your country, language and date of birth
• Date of birth determines what account type will be created. If you are 18+, you will get a Master Account. Otherwise you will get a Sub-account. Learn more about accounts.
• See also: countries supported by PSN)
5. The terms of service and user agreement / privacy policy will now be shown. Choose Accept
6. Enter sign-in information: a valid email address (sign-in ID), password, and security question.
• Sign-in ID help screen
• Password help screen
7. Enter your desired Online ID
• The online ID will be your publicly viewable username.
• It is not possible to change your online ID once your account is created.
• If you continually get the message “The online ID you entered cannot be used” then it may already be in use. Also, there are keywords that are not allowed – for example having “PS3″ anywhere in the online ID. For more help, see common problems.
8. Enter your full name. Choose your gender if you wish (optional)
9. Enter your street address (residential address). Country/region is pre-filled by your selection earlier
10. Notification preferences. Tick any of the boxes if you’d like to receive marketing from Sony and/or affiliates
11. Review the details you’ve entered, then select Confirm
12. Account has been created!
13. You may be asked to answer a questionare/survey. Choose Yes or No
14. Choose an avatar (picture) for your account if you wish. It is easy to change it later at any time.
15. Welcome to Playstation Network. You can Proceed to Playstation Store if you want. This will prompt you to Sign In. Exit the Store to return to the XMB menu.
16. Now that you have signed up, the Friends menu will have new options like Message Box. You will also be shown here!

Start using your account

• Play online games (e.g. multiplayer modes in LittleBigPlanet or MotorStorm)
• Use Playstation Store (under Network menu) to download demos and videos and purchase games
• Experience Sixaxis motion control

Related articles

• Users, Accounts and Sub Accounts
• Create a sub-account for a child
• Common problems with PSN