What a legacy username is and why you might want to change it

A legacy username is the display name you created when you first set up your Ubisoft account, before the company switched to a newer account system. If you've had a Ubisoft account for several years, you almost certainly have one. Legacy usernames appear in your games, on your profile, and in any multiplayer lobbies — so if you picked something you now regret, or if it no longer matches how you want to present yourself, changing it is straightforward.

The process differs slightly depending on whether you've already linked your account to a newer Ubisoft Connect system or whether you're still using the older setup. Both paths are straightforward, but knowing which one applies to you saves a step.

Key Takeaways

  • You change a legacy username through your Ubisoft account settings on the web, not through a game or app.
  • The change takes effect when ready in most games, though some older titles may take a few hours to sync.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you're unsure about the new name.
  • Your legacy username is different from your email address — changing one does not change the other.
  • If you've migrated to Ubisoft+, your username change still happens in the same account settings page.

Finding your account settings and locating the username field

Go to www.ubisoft.com and sign in with the email address and password you use for your Ubisoft account. Once you're logged in, look for your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner of the page and click it. A dropdown menu will appear with several options.

Select Account from that menu. This takes you to your account dashboard. On the left side of the page, you'll see a navigation menu with options like "Profile," "Security," and "Connections." Click on Profile. Your username appears near the top of this page, usually labeled as "Username" or "Display Name," depending on when your account was created.

If you don't see a username field on the Profile page, scroll down — it may be further down the page below other information like your region or language settings. Some accounts also show it under a section called "Account Information."

The steps to change your username

Once you've found the username field, look for an Edit button or pencil icon next to it. Click that button. The field will become editable, and you'll see a text box where you can type your new username.

Clear the old username and type in the new one. Ubisoft usernames can be 3 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like hyphens or periods are not allowed. As you type, the system will tell you if the name is already taken or if it violates Ubisoft's naming rules — for instance, usernames cannot contain profanity or impersonate official accounts.

Once you've entered a name that the system accepts, look for a Save or Confirm button near the text box and click it. The page will refresh, and your new username should appear in the field. You'll often see a confirmation message saying the change was successful.

What happens when ready after you change your username

Your new username takes effect right away in most Ubisoft games and on your profile page. If you launch a game you were already playing, you may need to restart it or log out and back in to see the change reflected in the game itself. Multiplayer lobbies and friend lists update within minutes in most cases.

Some older Ubisoft titles — particularly games released before 2015 — may take a few hours to sync the change across their servers. If you're playing an older game and still see your old username, wait a few hours and restart the game. The change will catch up.

Your email address does not change when you update your username. You still log in with the same email and password you've always used. Only the display name that other players see is affected.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule exists to prevent account abuse and to keep friend lists and game records stable. If you realize when ready after changing it that you made a mistake, you'll have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again.

Because of this restriction, take a moment before you confirm the change to make sure the new name is one you're comfortable with for at least a month. If you're torn between two options, pick the one you're more confident about rather than treating the first change as a test run.

Troubleshooting if the change doesn't go through

If you click Save and the page shows an error message, the most common reasons are that the username is already taken, it contains forbidden characters or words, or it's too short (fewer than 3 characters) or too long (more than 16 characters). Read the error message carefully — it will tell you which rule the name broke.

If the page seems to hang or freeze after you click Save, wait 10 to 15 seconds before refreshing the page. Sometimes the change goes through but the page doesn't update visually. Refresh and check whether your new username now appears in the field.

If you're still logged in but the username field is grayed out or shows "Edit" as unavailable, you may have already changed your username within the last 30 days. Check the page for a message that says when you'll be able to change it again. If no message appears and you're certain you haven't changed it recently, try logging out completely, closing your browser, and logging back in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username affect my game progress or achievements?

No. Your game progress, achievements, and unlocked items stay exactly the same. Only the name that displays to other players changes. Your account data is tied to your email address and account ID, not to your username.

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

Yes. Your friends list doesn't break when you change your username. They'll see your new name the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. You can also still search for and add new friends using your new username.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

You can change it to anything you want, including a previous username, but only after the 30-day waiting period has passed. If someone else has claimed your old username in the meantime, you won't be able to use it again.

What if my username contains offensive content and I want to change it urgently?

Contact Ubisoft Support through their website and explain the situation. While they cannot bypass the 30-day rule for routine changes, they may be able to help if your username violates their code of conduct and you need it changed sooner for safety or account standing reasons.

Does my username have to match my real name?

No. Your username can be anything you want, as long as it follows Ubisoft's naming rules. Your real name is stored separately in your account settings and is not displayed publicly unless you choose to share it.