Change your Activision username through your account settings

You change your Activision username by logging into your account on Activision's website, going to your account settings, and using the username change tool there. The process takes about five minutes and you can do it from any device with a web browser. Your new username appears in Call of Duty and other Activision games within a few minutes, though sometimes it takes up to an hour.

You get one free username change. After that, each change costs money — the exact price varies by region and can change, so check the cost before you confirm. You cannot change your username more than once every 30 days, even if you pay for it.

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. If you want to keep it reserved, do not change your username.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your Activision account at activision.com, not through the game itself, to reach the username change tool.
  • You get one free username change; additional changes cost money and are limited to once per 30 days.
  • Your new username shows up in Call of Duty within minutes, though it can take up to an hour in rare cases.
  • Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for other players to use.

Step-by-step: logging in and finding the username tool

Go to activision.com in your web browser. In the top right corner, click the sign-in button. Enter the email address and password for your Activision account — this is the same account you use to play Call of Duty.

After you sign in, look for your account menu. On most browsers this appears as your profile picture or username in the top right corner. Click it. From the dropdown menu, select "Account" or "Account Settings" — the exact wording depends on which Activision game you play, but it will be clearly labeled.

Once you are in your account settings, look for a section called "Profile" or "General." Inside that section, you should see a field showing your current username. Next to it or below it, there will be a button or link that says "Change" or "Edit Username." Click that button to open the username change tool.

Entering your new username and checking availability

When the username change tool opens, you will see a text box where you can type your new username. Activision usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some special characters like hyphens and underscores. Spaces are not allowed.

Type the username you want. As you type, the tool will tell you whether that username is already taken. If it is, you will see a message saying the name is unavailable. If it is available, you will see a checkmark or a message saying the name is available. Keep trying different names until you find one that is not taken.

Some words are blocked by Activision's filter — usually profanity or slurs. If you see a message that your username violates the code of conduct, try a different name.

Confirming the change and paying if needed

Once you have found an available username you want, the tool will show you whether this is your free change or a paid change. If it is your free change, you will see a button that says "Confirm" or "Change Username" with no cost listed. If you have already used your free change, the tool will show you the price in your region's currency.

Read the confirmation screen carefully. It will show your old username and your new username side by side. Make sure the new username is spelled correctly — you cannot undo this when ready if you make a typo. Once you confirm, the change is final.

If there is a cost, you will be asked to choose a payment method. Activision accepts credit cards, debit cards, and sometimes PayPal, depending on your region. Enter your payment information and complete the purchase. Your username changes as soon as the payment goes through.

What happens after you change your username

Your new username will show up in Call of Duty and in your Activision account within a few minutes. If you are already logged into the game, you may need to restart it to see the change. Friends will see your new username the next time they look at their friends list.

Your old username becomes available when ready for other players to claim. If someone else takes it, you cannot get it back. If you think you might want to use your old username again in the future, do not change it.

Changing your username does not affect your rank, your weapons, your cosmetics, or anything else in your Call of Duty account. Everything stays exactly as it was.

If you cannot find the username change tool

If you log into your Activision account and do not see the username change option, it may be because your account is restricted. Accounts that have been banned or suspended cannot change their username. If your account was recently banned, you will see a message explaining that when you try to access account settings.

If your account is not banned but you still cannot find the tool, try logging out completely and logging back in. Sometimes the page needs to refresh. If that does not work, try a different web browser — occasionally the tool does not load properly in older versions of Chrome or Firefox.

If you have tried these steps and the tool still does not appear, you can contact Activision Support through their website. Go to support.activision.com, click "Contact Us," and describe the problem. Support can tell you whether your account has a restriction or whether there is a technical issue preventing the tool from loading.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This applies whether your first change was free or paid. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, the tool will show you a message with the exact date when you can change it again.

The 30-day timer starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you first opened the tool. If you change your username on March 15th, you can change it again on April 14th at the earliest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have been banned?

No. Accounts that are suspended or banned cannot change their username. If you try to access the username change tool on a restricted account, you will see a message explaining the restriction. You would need to contact Activision Support to discuss your account status.

What if I change my username and then want my old name back?

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. If someone takes it, you cannot get it back. You can change your username again after 30 days, but you would have to pay for it and you cannot may provide the old name is still available.

Does changing my username affect my friends list or my stats?

No. Your rank, your kill-death ratio, your weapons, your cosmetics, and your entire friends list stay exactly the same. Only the name displayed changes. Friends will see your new username the next time they look at their friends list.

How much does it cost to change my username after the free change?

The price varies by region and can change over time. When you open the username change tool, it will show you the exact cost before you confirm. You can see the cost without paying — just enter a new username and look at the confirmation screen.

Why does my new username take so long to show up in the game?

Usually your new username appears within a few minutes. If it has been more than an hour, try restarting Call of Duty completely — close the game and open it again. If your new username still does not appear after restarting, contact Activision Support.