Change your Overwatch username through Battle.net account settings

Your Overwatch username is separate from your Battle.net account name. To change it, log into your Battle.net account, go to Account Settings, select the Overwatch game profile, and click Edit next to your current name. Type your new username, confirm it meets Blizzard's naming rules, and save. The change takes effect when ready in Overwatch 2.

You can change your username once every 30 days at no cost. If you want to change it again before 30 days have passed, Battle.net will tell you the exact date you become may be able to access. Some usernames are reserved by Blizzard or already taken by another player — if you see an error message, try a different name.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into Battle.net, go to Account Settings, find your Overwatch profile, and click Edit next to your current username to change it.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 12 characters, contain only letters, numbers, and hyphens, and cannot start or end with a hyphen.
  • Changes take effect when ready in Overwatch 2, and you can change your username once every 30 days without paying.
  • If your chosen name is taken or reserved, Battle.net will reject it — you will need to pick a different one.

Step-by-step process on a computer

Start by opening a web browser and going to account.battle.net. Sign in with your Battle.net email and password. Once you are logged in, look for Account Settings in the left menu or at the top of the page.

Find Overwatch 2 in your game list and click on it. You will see your current username displayed. Next to it, click the Edit button. Type your new username into the text field. Before you click Save, check that your name follows Blizzard's rules: it must be 3 to 12 characters long, use only letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens, and cannot start or end with a hyphen. Once you confirm the name is available and meets the rules, click Save. The change is when ready.

What happens if your chosen name is already taken

When you try to save a username that another player already has, Battle.net shows an error message saying the name is unavailable. You cannot use it, even if that player has not logged in for months. You will need to choose a different name and try again.

If you see a message that the name is "reserved," it means Blizzard has blocked it from player use — usually because it violates naming rules, contains offensive language, or is tied to Blizzard itself. Reserved names cannot be used under any circumstances. Try a completely different username.

Naming rules and what to avoid

Your username must be between 3 and 12 characters. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and hyphens. Hyphens cannot be the first or last character. Spaces are not allowed, and special characters like underscores, periods, or symbols will not work.

Blizzard also blocks usernames that contain hate speech, slurs, or sexual content. Names that impersonate Blizzard staff, famous people, or other players may be rejected or removed later. If you are unsure whether a name will work, keep it straightforward and descriptive — something like "ShadowHunter42" or "Luna-Knight" will pass without issue.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before changing it again. This rule applies even if you want to change it back to your old name. If you try to change it before the 30 days are up, Battle.net will show you the exact date and time when you become may be able to access to change it again.

Plan your username change carefully, because you cannot undo it quickly. If you make a mistake or change your mind, you will have to wait the full 30 days. Write down the date you made the change so you know when you can change it next.

Changing your username on console or mobile

You cannot change your Overwatch username directly from a console or phone. You must use a web browser on a computer to access Battle.net account settings. Log in through account.battle.net, follow the steps above, and the change will sync to your console or mobile device within a few minutes.

If you are playing Overwatch 2 on PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch, your Battle.net account is linked to your console account. Changing your username on Battle.net updates your Overwatch name across all platforms where you play.

What your old username looks like to other players

When you change your username, other players see your new name when ready in matches, on your profile, and in chat. Your old username disappears — no one can see it unless they were in a match with you before the change and look at the match history.

Your rank, level, and all your cosmetics stay with your account. Changing your username does not reset your progress or lose any skins, emotes, or other items you own. Friends who had you added will still see you on their friends list with your new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. Battle.net enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, the system will show you the exact date when you become may be able to access again. You cannot pay to skip this waiting period.

Will my friends still see me if I change my username?

Yes. Friends who have you added will see your new username when ready. Your friends list connection does not break when you change your name. They will see your updated username in matches, on your profile, and in chat.

What if I change my username and then want to change it back?

You can change it back, but you must wait 30 days from your first change. If you change your username on day one, you cannot change it again until day 31. This applies even if you want to go back to your original name.

Does changing my username affect my rank or cosmetics?

No. Your rank, level, wins, losses, and all cosmetics like skins and emotes stay with your account. A username change is purely cosmetic and does not reset any progress or remove any items you own.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Your username can only contain letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and hyphens. Spaces, underscores, periods, and other special characters are not allowed. Hyphens also cannot be the first or last character.