You change your Overwatch username by editing your Battle.net account name, not through the game itself

Your Overwatch username is tied to your Battle.net account name. Unlike some games where you can change your in-game display name freely, Overwatch pulls directly from Battle.net, so any change you make to your Battle.net name shows up in Overwatch automatically. You cannot change it from within the Overwatch client — you have to go to the Battle.net website.

The process takes about five minutes and costs nothing. The only catch is that Battle.net limits how often you can change your name: you get one free change, and after that each change costs $9.99 USD (or the equivalent in your region's currency). Some regions may have different pricing.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Battle.net account on the website, not in the game, to change your name.
  • Your first name change is free; subsequent changes cost $9.99 each.
  • The new name appears in Overwatch within a few minutes, though you may need to restart the game to see it.
  • Battle.net enforces naming rules: no offensive language, no impersonation of Blizzard staff, and names must be between 3 and 12 characters.
  • If you change your name and then want to change it back within 30 days, you can do so for free as a one-time reversal.

Steps to change your name on Battle.net

Go to account.battle.net and sign in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for the account menu — this is usually in the top right corner of the page. Click on your account name or profile icon.

Select Account Settings from the dropdown menu. On the left side of the page, you will see a menu with options like "Summary," "Connections," and "Preferences." Look for Battle Tag or Account Name (the exact label varies slightly by region). Click on it.

You will see your current Battle.net name displayed. Next to it is an Edit button or pencil icon. Click that. Type your new name into the field that appears. Remember: names must be 3 to 12 characters long, contain only letters and numbers, and cannot include spaces or special characters.

Click Save or Confirm. If this is your first name change, the system will process it when ready at no cost. If you have already used your free change, you will be prompted to pay $9.99 before the change goes through. Once confirmed, your new name is active in Battle.net and will appear in Overwatch within a few minutes.

What names Battle.net will reject

Battle.net has automated filters that block names containing profanity, slurs, or references to real-world violence or hate groups. The system also rejects names that impersonate Blizzard employees or famous public figures, though the enforcement on the latter is inconsistent.

Names that reference sexual content, drug use, or other adult material are typically flagged. If your chosen name is rejected, the website will tell you it violates the Naming Policy but usually will not specify which rule. Try removing numbers, shortening the name, or choosing a completely different word.

How to reverse a name change within 30 days

Battle.net allows you to revert to your previous name once per account, but only within 30 days of the change. This reversion is free, even if you paid for the original change.

Go back to the Battle Tag section on account.battle.net and look for a link or button that says Revert Name or Undo Change. This option only appears if you changed your name within the last 30 days. Click it, confirm, and your old name is restored. After 30 days, this option disappears and you cannot get that name back without paying for another change.

What happens to your old name after you change it

When you change your Battle.net name, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim when ready. There is no grace period or hold. If you change from "Soldier76" to "Tracer42," someone else can register "Soldier76" right away.

This matters if you have a name you are known for in your friend group or on social media. Before you change, consider whether you want to keep that name reserved. If you do, you can create a second Battle.net account and claim the old name on that account to prevent someone else from taking it, though this requires a separate email address and Blizzard account.

Why your Overwatch name might not update when ready

After you change your Battle.net name, it usually appears in Overwatch within a few minutes. However, sometimes the game client does not refresh right away. If you still see your old name in Overwatch after 10 minutes, close the game completely and restart it. This forces the client to sync with Battle.net.

If you are in the middle of a match when you change your name, you will keep your old name for that match. The new name takes effect the next time you log in. Your friends will see the name change reflected in their friend list within a few minutes, though there can be a slight delay on their end.

Regional pricing and currency differences

The $9.99 USD price applies in North America. In Europe, the cost is typically €9.99 EUR. In other regions, Battle.net converts the price to the local currency. The exact amount you pay depends on your account region, which is set when you first create your Battle.net account.

If you are unsure of your region or want to check the exact price before you pay, the Battle.net website will show you the cost in your local currency before you confirm the purchase. You can also contact Blizzard Support if you believe you were charged incorrectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Overwatch username without changing my Battle.net name?

No. Overwatch displays your Battle.net account name, and there is no separate in-game display name setting. If you want a different name in Overwatch, you must change your Battle.net name.

What if someone else took my old name after I changed it?

Once your old name is released, it belongs to whoever claims it first. Battle.net does not reserve old names or allow you to reclaim them. If the name is important to you, create a second account and claim it there to keep it unavailable to others.

Do I have to pay $9.99 every time I change my name?

Your first change is free. Every change after that costs $9.99. You can reverse one change for free within 30 days, but after that window closes, all future changes cost money.

How long does it take for my new name to show up in Overwatch?

Usually a few minutes. If it does not appear after 10 minutes, close Overwatch completely and restart it. The game client will sync with Battle.net and display your new name.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my new name?

No. Battle.net names can only contain letters (A–Z) and numbers (0–9). Spaces, hyphens, underscores, and other special characters are not allowed. Names must also be between 3 and 12 characters long.