Change your Overwatch username through Battle.net Account Settings

Your Overwatch username lives in your Battle.net account, not in the game itself. To change it, you log into Battle.net on a web browser, go to Account Settings, find the Profile section, and edit the name field. The change takes effect when ready in Overwatch and any other Blizzard game tied to that account.

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, Battle.net will show you when you can change it again. There is no cost to make the change.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into Battle.net at account.battle.net, click your account name in the top right, and select Account Settings.
  • Under the Profile section, click Edit next to your Battle Tag and type your new username.
  • The new name shows up in Overwatch within seconds, but you can only change it once per 30 days.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to use after you change it.
  • Changing your Battle.net username changes it across all Blizzard games on that account, not just Overwatch.

Step-by-step: Changing your username on a computer

Open a web browser and go to account.battle.net. Log in with your email and password. In the top right corner, click your account name, then select Account Settings from the dropdown menu.

On the Account Settings page, look for the Profile section on the left side. Click Edit next to your Battle Tag (the name that shows in Overwatch). Type your new username in the text field. Usernames can be 3 to 12 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens, but not spaces or special characters. Click Save when you are done.

The change takes effect when ready. Launch Overwatch or refresh the game if it is already open, and your new username will appear in your profile and above your character in matches.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, the old one is released back into the pool of available names. Another player can claim it right away. This means if you change your mind, you cannot straightforward change back to your previous name unless it happens to still be unclaimed — which is unlikely if any time has passed.

Your account history, rank, and cosmetics stay with you. Only the display name changes. Friends who had you added will still see you on their list, though your name will update to the new one.

Changing your username on console (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch)

You cannot change your username directly through the console version of Overwatch. You must use a web browser on any device — a computer, phone, or tablet — and follow the steps above through Battle.net. The change will sync to your console version automatically.

If you want to change the console account name itself (the name that appears on your PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo profile), that is a separate process handled by Sony, Microsoft, or Nintendo, not by Blizzard. Changing your console account name does not change your Overwatch username, and vice versa.

Restrictions and things to know

Battle.net blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people without permission. If you try to use a blocked name, the system will reject it and ask you to choose something else. You cannot see the full list of blocked words, but common sense applies — names meant to harass, impersonate, or demean will not go through.

If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your username until the suspension is lifted. The same applies if your account is locked for security reasons. You will need to restore access to your account first.

If you cannot find the Edit button

Make sure you are logged into the correct Battle.net account. If you have multiple accounts, you may be looking at the wrong one. Log out completely, clear your browser cookies, and log back in to the account you use for Overwatch.

If the Edit button still does not appear, your account may have a restriction on it. Check your Account Settings page for any security alerts or notifications. If you see a message about account recovery or verification, follow those steps first before trying to change your username.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. Battle.net enforces a 30-day cooldown between changes. If you just changed your username, you will see the date when you can change it again on your Account Settings page. Plan your next change for after that date.

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

Yes. Your friends list is tied to your account, not your username. When you change your name, it updates for everyone on your friends list automatically. They will see your new username the next time they log in.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Usernames are first-come, first-served. If the name you want is already taken, you cannot use it. Try a variation — add a number, a hyphen, or a different spelling. You can check if a name is available by trying to enter it during the change process; Battle.net will tell you if it is taken.

Does changing my username affect my rank or competitive history?

No. Your rank, wins, losses, and all game statistics stay exactly the same. Only the name displayed changes. Your account history is tied to your account ID, not your username.

Can I change my username on mobile?

Yes. Go to account.battle.net on your phone's web browser, log in, and follow the same steps as on a computer. The process is identical, though the layout may look different on a smaller screen.