You can change your PUBG Mobile username through the in-game settings menu, and the process takes about two minutes
Open PUBG Mobile and tap the profile icon in the top-left corner of the main screen. From there, select "Edit Profile" or the pencil icon next to your current name. You'll see a text field with your existing username — tap it, clear the old name, type your new one, and tap "Confirm" or "Save". The change takes effect when ready.
You get one free username change when you first create your account. After that, each additional change costs 180 UC (PUBG's premium currency). If you've already used your free change and don't want to spend UC, you're stuck with your current name until you decide it's worth the cost.
Key Takeaways
- Your first username change is free; every change after that costs 180 UC, which is about $1.80 USD depending on your region and current pricing.
- The change happens when ready in-game, but other players may see your old name in their friends list or recent match history for a few hours while the system syncs.
- Usernames must be between 4 and 20 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters like @, #, or &.
- If your desired username is already taken, you'll get an error message and need to choose a different one — there's no waiting list or reservation system.
What happens to your old username after you change it
Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim when ready. This means if you change from "SniperKing" to "SniperKing2", another player can register "SniperKing" within minutes. There's no grace period or hold on the old name.
Your match history, rank, and all your stats stay attached to your account and your new username. Friends who had you added will still see you in their friends list, though their game may take a few hours to display your new name everywhere. In the meantime, they might see your old name in some places and your new name in others.
Username rules and what you can't use
PUBG Mobile enforces a few hard limits on what a username can contain. Your name must be 4 to 20 characters long, can only use letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores, and cannot start with a number. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and special characters like @, #, $, or % are not allowed.
The system also blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names (especially public figures). If you try to use a name that violates these rules, you'll see an error message saying the name is unavailable or invalid. The error message won't always tell you which rule you broke, so if you're unsure, try removing numbers, shortening it, or using an underscore instead of a space.
How to pick a username you won't regret
Think about whether your username will still feel right in six months or a year. Usernames tied to a specific game, meme, or trend can feel dated quickly. A name like "PUBG_Player_2024" will look odd in 2026, whereas something like "SilentHunter" or "NeonGhost" stays timeless.
Avoid usernames that are too similar to famous players or streamers unless you're genuinely trying to build your own brand. Other players may assume you're impersonating someone, and you could face reports or confusion in squad matches. Keep it short enough to remember and spell out loud to teammates without confusion — "XxProSniper420xX" is harder to call out than "ProSniper".
When you might want to wait before changing your name
If you're climbing the ranked ladder or building a reputation in your squad, changing your username can make you harder to recognize. Teammates and opponents who know you by your old name won't when ready connect your new name to your playstyle or rank. This doesn't affect your stats or matchmaking, but it does reset your social presence in the game.
If you're still deciding on a name, use your free change wisely. Many players waste it on a name they change again within a month. Spend a week or two thinking about what you want before you use that free change, since the second change will cost you UC.
Troubleshooting: Your desired username isn't available
If the name you want is taken, you have a few options. Try adding a number at the end (like "SniperKing_1" if "SniperKing" is taken), use an underscore in the middle ("Sniper_King"), or pick a different name altogether. There's no way to reserve a username or get on a waiting list — if it's taken, it's taken.
Some players hold inactive accounts with popular names. You can't claim those names, and PUBG doesn't have a system to free up names from dormant accounts. Your best bet is to be creative with numbers and underscores, or choose a name that's less common to begin with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does changing my username affect my rank or stats?
No. Your rank, level, matches played, win rate, and all other stats stay exactly the same. Only your display name changes. Your account history and everything you've earned remains tied to your account.
Can I change my username back to my old one?
Yes, but it costs UC just like any other change. If someone else has claimed your old username in the meantime, you won't be able to use it. You'd have to wait for them to change their name first, which could be never.
How long does it take for friends to see my new username?
The change is when ready on your end, but friends may see your old name in their friends list or recent match history for a few hours while the servers sync. By the next day, everyone should see your new name everywhere.
What if I see an error message when I try to save my new username?
The most common reasons are: the name is already taken, it contains forbidden characters or profanity, it's too short (under 4 characters) or too long (over 20), or it starts with a number. Try a different name or adjust the one you have by adding an underscore or number.
Can I change my username on console or PC versions of PUBG?
This guide covers PUBG Mobile only. Console and PC versions have different menus and may have different rules. Check the settings menu in your specific version to find the username change option.