Where to change your Overwatch username

Your Overwatch username lives in your Battle.net account, not in the game itself. You change it through the Battle.net website or the Battle.net app on your computer. The game does not have a username-change option built into its menus — you have to go to your account settings first, then the change takes effect the next time you launch Overwatch.

Battle.net calls your username your Battle Tag. This is the name other players see when you're in a match or on their friends list. It's separate from your email address, which is what you use to log in.

You can change your Battle Tag once every 30 days for free. After that, each change costs $9.99 USD (prices vary by region). If you've never changed it before, you get one free change whenever you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your Battle.net account settings on the website or app, not inside Overwatch itself.
  • Your first Battle Tag change is free; changes after that cost $9.99 and can only happen once every 30 days.
  • The new name takes effect when ready in your account but may take a few minutes to show up in active matches.
  • You cannot use a Battle Tag that is already taken, contains offensive language, or violates Blizzard's naming policy.
  • If you change your Battle Tag, your friends list and match history stay with your account — nothing is lost.

Step-by-step: changing your Battle Tag on the website

Open a web browser and go to account.battle.net. Log in with your email address and password. Click your account name in the top right corner, then select Account Settings.

On the left side of the page, click Profile. You'll see your current Battle Tag displayed near the top. Click the pencil icon or the Edit button next to it. Type your new Battle Tag into the field. Battle Tags must be between 3 and 12 characters, can include letters and numbers, and use a number after a hash symbol (for example, ShadowHunter#1847). You cannot choose the number — Battle.net assigns it automatically.

Click Save Changes. If the name is available and follows Blizzard's naming rules, the change is when ready. If the name is taken or flagged as inappropriate, you'll see an error message and can try a different one.

Changing your Battle Tag in the Battle.net app

Open the Battle.net app on your computer. Click the gear icon in the top right corner to open Settings. Select Account from the menu on the left. Under your account name, you'll see your current Battle Tag with an Edit button next to it.

Click Edit, type your new Battle Tag, and click Save. The same rules explore: 3 to 12 characters, letters and numbers only, and the system assigns your number. If the name is unavailable or violates the naming policy, you'll be prompted to try again.

What happens after you change your username

Your new Battle Tag takes effect in your account when ready. In active matches, it may take a few minutes to update for all players in the game. Your friends list, match history, rank, and all cosmetics (skins, emotes, sprays) stay exactly as they were — nothing is lost or reset.

If you're in a match when you change your Battle Tag, you may see your old name until the match ends. This is normal and does not affect your account. The next time you queue for a match, your new name will display.

Restrictions on Battle Tag names

Blizzard does not allow Battle Tags that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real-world violence or hate groups. Names that impersonate Blizzard staff, famous players, or celebrities are also rejected. If you try to use a name that violates these rules, the system will tell you it's unavailable and ask you to choose something else.

You also cannot use a Battle Tag that is already taken by another player. If you see an error saying the name is unavailable, try adding a different number or changing a letter. Remember that you cannot pick the number yourself — the system assigns it, so YourName#1234 and YourName#5678 are treated as different names.

Costs and the 30-day waiting period

Your first Battle Tag change is free, no matter when you make it. After that, each change costs $9.99 USD (or the equivalent in your region's currency). You can only change your Battle Tag once every 30 days, even if you're willing to pay the fee.

If you change your Battle Tag and then want to change it again, you have to wait 30 days from the date of your last change. The system will show you a countdown timer if you try to change it before the 30 days are up. The fee is charged through your Battle.net account payment method when you confirm the change.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you see a message saying your Battle Tag is unavailable, the name is either already taken or contains words Blizzard flags as inappropriate. Try a different combination of letters and numbers. If you're certain the name should be allowed, you can contact Blizzard Support through the Battle.net website, though they rarely override the naming filter.

If your new Battle Tag is not showing up in Overwatch after you've changed it, restart the game. Close Overwatch completely, then relaunch it. Your new name should appear when you log back in. If it still does not show up after a restart, log out of Battle.net entirely, close the app, and log back in.

If you're trying to change your Battle Tag but the button is greyed out or missing, you may have already changed it within the last 30 days. Check the countdown timer on your profile page to see when you're may be able to access to change it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Battle Tag back to my old one?

Yes, but you have to wait 30 days after your last change and pay the $9.99 fee (unless it's your first change). If someone else has taken your old Battle Tag in the meantime, you cannot reclaim it. Your best option is to choose a new name and stick with it.

What happens to my friends list when I change my Battle Tag?

Your friends list does not change at all. Your friends will see your new Battle Tag the next time they log in, but they don't have to re-add you or do anything on their end. Your account stays the same — only the name displayed changes.

Do I have to change my Battle Tag if I want to change my account email?

No, these are separate. Your email is what you use to log in; your Battle Tag is what other players see. You can change your email in Account Settings without touching your Battle Tag, and vice versa.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my Battle Tag?

No. Battle Tags can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and the hash symbol that separates your name from your number. Spaces, hyphens, underscores, and other symbols are not allowed.

What if I forgot my Battle.net password and can't log in to change my Battle Tag?

Go to account.battle.net and click Forgot your password? Enter your email address, and Battle.net will send you a password reset link. Once you've reset your password, you can log in and change your Battle Tag normally.