Yes, you can change your Apex Legends username, but the process and limits depend on which platform you play on

Apex Legends usernames are tied to your platform account — PC, PlayStation, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch — not to the game itself. This means you cannot change your name inside Apex. Instead, you change your platform username, and Apex picks up that change automatically. Each platform has different rules about how often you can change, whether it costs money, and how long the change takes to show up in-game.

The fastest route is usually to change your username directly through your platform's account settings. On most platforms this takes effect within minutes. Some platforms charge a small fee for the first change or for changes after the first one, while others let you change once for free and charge after that.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Apex username is your platform username — you change it through PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, or Nintendo, not through Apex itself.
  • PlayStation and Xbox allow one free name change, then charge for additional changes; Steam and Nintendo Switch have different policies.
  • The change shows up in Apex within minutes on most platforms, though PlayStation can take up to a few hours.
  • You cannot reserve a username in advance — the name must be available at the moment you attempt the change.
  • If your new name is already taken, you will need to choose a different one; the system will tell you when ready.

Changing your username on PlayStation

On PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, go to your profile settings, select Account, then Profile, and choose Change Your Online ID. You get one free name change. After that, each additional change costs $4.99 USD (prices vary by region). The new name appears in Apex within a few hours, though it usually shows up much faster.

When you change your name on PlayStation, your old username becomes available for someone else to use when ready. Your Apex friends list will still show you, but under your new name. If you change your mind within 30 days, PlayStation lets you change back to your previous name for free — after 30 days, reverting costs the same as any other change.

Changing your username on Xbox

On Xbox One or Xbox Series X|S, go to your profile, select Customize Profile, then choose Gamertag. You get one free gamertag change. Additional changes cost $9.99 USD. The change appears in Apex within minutes.

Xbox also gives you 30 days to change back to your old gamertag for free. After 30 days, changing back costs the same as any other change. Unlike PlayStation, Xbox does not when ready release your old gamertag — it stays reserved under your account for 30 days in case you want to revert.

Changing your username on Steam

On Steam, your username is called your Profile Name, and you can change it as often as you want at no cost. Go to your Steam profile, click Edit Profile, and change the name in the Profile Name field. The change appears in Apex within minutes.

Steam usernames are not unique — multiple people can have the same profile name. This means your new name does not have to be available or unclaimed. However, your Steam ID number (a permanent number assigned to your account) never changes, so Apex and other games always know who you are.

Changing your username on Nintendo Switch

On Nintendo Switch, your username is part of your Nintendo Account. Go to your account settings, select Profile, then choose Nickname. You can change your nickname as often as you want at no cost. The change appears in Apex within minutes.

Like Steam, Nintendo Switch nicknames are not unique — multiple accounts can have the same nickname. Your permanent Nintendo Account ID stays the same, so the game always recognizes you even if someone else picks the same nickname later.

What happens to your progress and friends list when you change

Your Apex rank, battle pass progress, cosmetics, and all unlocked items stay with your account. Changing your username does not reset anything. Your friends will still see you on their friends list, though your name will update to the new one.

If friends search for your old username, they will not find you — the old name is either released to the public or held by your platform for 30 days. Give your friends your new username so they can find you if they need to re-add you. Your account ID or friend code (which varies by platform) stays the same, so you can always share that instead.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your new username does not appear in Apex after an hour, restart the game. Close Apex completely, wait 30 seconds, and reopen it. The platform change is usually when ready, but Apex sometimes needs a restart to display it.

If the name you want is already taken, you will see that message when ready when you try to change it on your platform. You cannot reserve a name or put yourself on a waiting list — you have to choose a different name right then. If you want a specific name, check periodically to see if it becomes available, but there is no way to know when or if that will happen.

If you are charged for a change but the name did not go through, contact your platform's support — PlayStation Support, Xbox Support, Steam Support, or Nintendo Support — with your receipt. They can refund the charge or complete the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have an active ban or suspension?

Yes. Apex bans and suspensions are tied to your account, not your username. Changing your name does not lift a ban, and a ban does not prevent you from changing your name. Your account status stays the same regardless of what username you use.

Will my Apex rank reset if I change my username?

No. Your rank, RP, battle pass progress, and all cosmetics are tied to your account ID, not your username. Everything stays exactly where it was. Only your display name changes.

How long does it take for my new username to show up in Apex?

Usually within minutes. PlayStation can take up to a few hours. If it has been more than an hour, restart Apex completely and it should appear. If it still has not appeared after restarting, wait another hour and try again.

Can I change my username back to my old one?

On PlayStation and Xbox, you have 30 days to change back for free. After 30 days, reverting costs the same as any other name change. On Steam and Nintendo Switch, you can change back anytime for free, but someone else may have claimed your old name in the meantime.

What if someone else takes my old username?

On PlayStation and Xbox, your old name is held for 30 days, so this cannot happen during that window. After 30 days, it becomes available. On Steam and Nintendo Switch, your old name is available when ready, so someone else can take it right away. If you want to keep using a specific name, change back within 30 days on console or when ready on PC and Switch.