You can change your Battle.net username once every 30 days through your account settings

To change your Battle.net username, log into your account at battle.net, go to Account Settings, select the Profile tab, and click Edit next to your username. Type your new name, check that it meets Blizzard's naming rules, and click Save Changes. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to show up across all Blizzard games.

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you changed it recently and want to change it again, you will see a countdown timer showing when you can make the next change. Some usernames are reserved by Blizzard or unavailable because another player is using them — if your choice is rejected, you will need to pick a different name.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into battle.net, go to Account Settings, find the Profile tab, and click Edit next to your username to make the change.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 12 characters, contain only letters and numbers, and cannot start with a number.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change shows up in your games within a few minutes.
  • If a name is taken or reserved, Blizzard will tell you when ready and you can try a different one.

Username rules Blizzard enforces

Blizzard has specific rules for what a username can contain. Your username must be between 3 and 12 characters long, use only letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9), and cannot start with a number. Spaces and special characters like hyphens, underscores, or periods are not allowed.

Blizzard also blocks usernames that contain profanity, impersonate Blizzard staff, or reference real people's names without permission. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, the system will reject it and ask you to choose something else. The rejection happens when ready, so you will know right away whether your choice works.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for other players to use after a short delay. Blizzard does not hold your old username in reserve — if someone else wants it, they can claim it once the system releases it. This usually happens within a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases.

Your game progress, achievements, and account history stay with your account no matter what username you use. Friends will see your new name in their friends list, and your old name will not appear anywhere in your account. If you change your mind about the new name, you can change it again after 30 days have passed.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Blizzard limits username changes to once every 30 days to prevent account instability and reduce confusion in the community. If you just changed your username and want to change it again, you will see a timer in your Account Settings showing exactly when you can make the next change. The timer counts down in real time, and you can make the change as soon as it reaches zero.

This limit applies to your entire Battle.net account, not to individual games. If you play World of Warcraft, Overwatch 2, Diablo IV, or any other Blizzard game on the same account, changing your username affects all of them at once. You cannot change it for one game and keep the old name in another.

Troubleshooting when your username change does not work

If you see an error message when trying to change your username, the most common cause is that the name you chose is already taken or does not meet Blizzard's rules. Try a different name — add a number at the end, use a different spelling, or pick something completely new. If the system rejects every name you try, your account may have a restriction that prevents changes, which usually happens if there is a dispute or security issue.

If you cannot access your Account Settings or the Profile tab does not load, try logging out completely, clearing your browser cache, and logging back in. If that does not work, try a different browser or device. If the problem persists, contact Blizzard Support through their website — they can check whether your account has a restriction or technical issue preventing the change.

How your new username appears in games

In most Blizzard games, your Battle.net username is what other players see when you play. In World of Warcraft, your character name stays the same, but your account name (the one that appears in chat and on your profile) changes to your new Battle.net username. In Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV, your new username shows up when ready in matches and on leaderboards.

The change may take a few minutes to show up everywhere — you might see your old name in some places briefly while the system updates. If you are in the middle of a game when you change your username, you may need to restart the game for the new name to appear. Friends and other players will see your new name the next time they refresh their friends list or encounter you in a game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have an active game session?

You can change your username while a game is running, but you will need to restart the game for the new name to show up. It is easier to change your username when you are not in a match or raid, since restarting mid-game can cause problems.

What if someone took my old username after I changed it?

Your old username becomes available to other players after a delay, and you cannot claim it back. If you want to use that name again, you would need to wait for the other player to change their username first, which you cannot control. Plan your username changes carefully if you think you might want to go back.

Does changing my username affect my rank or progress in competitive games?

No. Your rank, MMR, and all competitive progress stay attached to your account regardless of what username you use. Changing your name does not reset anything — it only changes how your name appears to other players.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Blizzard only allows letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9) in usernames. Spaces, hyphens, underscores, periods, and other special characters are not permitted. If you want to separate words, use numbers or different letter combinations instead.

What if I forgot my current username?

Log into battle.net and go to Account Settings — your current username is displayed at the top of the page. If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot your username?" option on the Battle.net login page and follow the recovery steps using your email address.