Where to change your username depends on your platform

Your Call of Duty username is tied to your Activision account, not to your console or PC. That means you change it through Activision's website, not through your PlayStation, Xbox, or Steam settings. The steps are the same whether you play on console or PC, but you will need to know your current Activision account password before you start.

Activision allows you to change your username once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, you will see a countdown timer telling you when the next change becomes available. There is no way to speed this up, and it applies across all Activision games — Call of Duty, Overwatch, Diablo, and World of Warcraft all share the same account system.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Call of Duty username through your Activision account on the web, not through your console or game settings.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect when ready across all Activision games you play.
  • You will need your current Activision password to make the change, so have it ready before you start.
  • If you forget your Activision password, you can reset it using the email address attached to your account.
  • Changing your username does not affect your rank, unlocked weapons, or any other progress in Call of Duty.

Step-by-step: changing your username on the Activision website

Go to account.activision.com and sign in with your email address and password. If you do not remember your password, click "Forgot your password?" and follow the reset link sent to your email.

Once you are signed in, look for the account settings or profile section. Click on your username or profile name — the exact wording varies depending on when your account was created, but it will be near the top of the page. You should see an option that says "Change Battletag" or "Change Username." Click that option.

Type your new username into the text field. Usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and hyphens. Spaces and special characters like @ or ! are not allowed. Activision will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or breaks their naming rules.

Enter your password again to confirm the change. Click the button to save. The new username takes effect right away in Call of Duty and all other Activision games. You will see it the next time you launch the game or refresh your profile page.

What happens to your progress and stats when you change your username

Your rank, unlocked weapons, camos, operator skins, and all other progress stays exactly the same. Changing your username is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when they look at your profile or see you in a lobby. Your account ID, which is what the game actually uses to track your progress, does not change.

Friends who have you added will still see you on their friends list. You do not need to re-add anyone or send new friend requests. The change is when ready on their end too.

If your desired username is already taken

Activision will tell you when ready when you try to claim a name that someone else already has. You have a few options: try a variation of the name (adding a number or hyphen), wait to see if the other player stops playing and their name becomes available, or choose a different name altogether.

There is no way to reserve a username or put your name on a waiting list. If you see a name you want, you have to check back periodically to see if it has been released. Names are not automatically freed up after a certain amount of inactivity — Activision does not publish how long an account has to be inactive before its username becomes available.

Troubleshooting: common problems when changing your username

You see an error saying you cannot change your username yet. This means you changed it within the last 30 days. The website should show you a countdown timer with the exact date you can change it again. You have to wait until that date passes.

The name you want is rejected as invalid. Check that it is between 3 and 16 characters, contains only letters, numbers, and hyphens, and does not include spaces or special characters. If it still does not work, the name may contain a word Activision has blocked — try removing or replacing that part.

You cannot sign into your Activision account. Reset your password at account.activision.com by clicking "Forgot your password?" and following the email link. If you no longer have access to the email address on your account, you will need to contact Activision support through their website to regain access.

You changed your username but it is not showing up in Call of Duty. Close the game completely and restart it. The new name should appear when you log back in. If it still does not show up after restarting, sign out of your Activision account on the website and sign back in to refresh your session.

Changing your username on mobile or console apps

You cannot change your username through the Call of Duty mobile app or through your console's built-in settings. You must go to account.activision.com on a web browser — phone, tablet, or computer all work fine. Once you change it on the website, it updates everywhere automatically.

If you are on a console and do not have straightforward access to a web browser, you can use your phone or tablet to visit the Activision website, sign in, and make the change. The next time you launch Call of Duty on your console, your new username will be there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. Activision enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. The website shows you exactly when you can change it again. This limit applies to your entire Activision account, so changing your name in one game counts against the limit for all Activision games.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Friends who have you added will still see you on their friends list under your new name. You do not need to re-add anyone. The change is when ready on their end.

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

You can change it back, but you have to wait 30 days from your first change. Once that period passes, you can pick any available name, including your old one, as long as no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Does changing my username affect my rank or my unlocked weapons?

No. Your rank, all unlocked weapons, camos, operator skins, and every other piece of progress stays the same. Only your display name changes.

What if I forgot the email address or password for my Activision account?

Go to account.activision.com and click "Forgot your password?" You will be asked to enter the email address on your account. If you do not remember it, contact Activision support through their website — they can help you recover access to your account.