Change Overwatch Username: Full Guide
Yes, you can change your Overwatch username (BattleTag) for free. For Overwatch 2 on PC, you change it through your Battle.net account; on console, it’s tied to your platform account. This guide covers the exact steps for each platform, what happens to your old name, and how to pick a good one.
How Overwatch Usernames Work
Your Overwatch display name is your BattleTag on PC (e.g., “Shadow#12345”) and your platform name on console (e.g., PlayStation Network ID, Xbox Gamertag, or Nintendo account name). In Overwatch 2, Blizzard removed the level-based portrait and now shows your name and title in-game. Your BattleTag is unique and follows you across all Blizzard games, not just Overwatch.
On PC, the name you see in-game is your BattleTag, which includes a hashtag and a number (e.g., “Alex#1234”). This number is automatically added to keep names unique. On console, your name is whatever your platform account uses; Overwatch does not have a separate name for console players.
How to Change Your Overwatch Username on PC (Battle.net)
To change your BattleTag on PC, you must do it through the Battle.net account management website or the desktop app. You cannot change it inside the Overwatch game client itself.
- Go to the Battle.net website and log in to your account.
- Click on your profile icon (top right) and select Account Settings.
- In the left menu, choose Account Details.
- Next to BattleTag, click Change.
- Enter your new desired name in the field. It must be 3–12 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and some symbols (like underscores or spaces).
- Click Save Changes. You may be asked to confirm your password.
Your new name will appear in Overwatch 2 after you restart the game. Note that you can only change your BattleTag once for free; subsequent changes cost real money (see the cost section below).
How to Change Your Overwatch Username on Console
On PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch, your Overwatch name is your platform account name. To change it, you must go through the platform’s account settings, not Blizzard’s.
- PlayStation: Go to Settings → Account Management → Account Information → Profile → Online ID. You can change your PSN ID for free the first time; after that, it costs money unless you have PlayStation Plus (then it’s free).
- Xbox: Go to your profile on the console or the Xbox website, select Customize → Gamertag. The first change is free; subsequent changes cost $9.99 (or local equivalent).
- Nintendo Switch: Your Overwatch name is your Nintendo account nickname. To change it, go to your Nintendo Account profile page on the web, or on the console: System Settings → User → Profile → Nickname. This is free and unlimited.
After changing your platform name, Overwatch 2 will automatically pick up the new name the next time you launch the game. No extra steps are needed.
What Happens to Your Old Username?
When you change your BattleTag, your old name becomes available for others to claim. If you change it and then want it back, you may not be able to get it if someone else has taken it. Blizzard does not reserve old names for you.
Your friends list, groups, and game progress are tied to your account, not your name, so they will all remain intact. Your name change does not affect your rank, skins, or competitive stats. However, some third-party sites that track your stats might not update immediately, and your old name’s history may still be visible on those sites.
How to Choose a Good Overwatch Username
Your Overwatch name is what other players see before and during matches, so it’s worth picking something you’ll be happy with for a while. Here are some things to consider:
- Keep it short: Names under 10 characters are easier to read in kill feed.
- Use a theme: Pick a name that reflects your main hero, playstyle, or a funny pun (e.g., “Ana-conda” for an Ana main).
- Avoid personal info: Don’t include your real name, birth year, or location.
- Check for special characters: BattleTags allow letters, numbers, and spaces, but not all symbols (like @ or #).
- Think about cross-platform: If you play on multiple platforms, try to use the same name everywhere for consistency.
A common misconception is that you can change your name to anything without restrictions. In reality, Blizzard filters out offensive or inappropriate names, and names that impersonate Blizzard staff or other players are not allowed. If your name gets reported, it may be forcibly changed.
Common Problems and Fixes
Sometimes changing your name doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them:
- Name is already taken: If you see an error that the name is in use, try adding a different number or a slight variation. BattleTags are unique, so you can’t have exactly the same name as someone else.
- Error “Name not allowed”: This usually means your name contains a banned word or phrase. Try a different combination.
- Name doesn’t update in-game: Restart the Battle.net app and the game. If that doesn’t work, log out and back in.
- Can’t find the change option: On PC, make sure you’re on the account management page, not the game launcher. On console, go to your platform’s account settings directly.
- Name change is not free: If you’ve already changed your BattleTag once, you’ll be charged a fee. This is normal.
Cost of Changing Your Overwatch Username
Changing your BattleTag on PC is free the first time. After that, each change costs $10 USD (or your local equivalent). This fee is charged by Blizzard and is non-refundable. There is no way to get a free name change after the first one, even if you’ve had the account for years.
On console, the cost depends on the platform:
- PlayStation: First change free, then $9.99 (or free with PlayStation Plus).
- Xbox: First change free, then $9.99.
- Nintendo Switch: Always free.
If you’re thinking about changing your name, make sure you’re happy with your choice before paying.
Alternatives to Changing Your Username
If you don’t want to change your actual username, but want to display something different, you have a few options:
- In-game title: Overwatch 2 lets you equip titles (e.g., “Adventurer”, “Legend”) that appear next to your name. These are earned through challenges and don’t affect your username.
- Player icon and banner: Customize your profile with icons and banners to express yourself without changing your name.
- Create a new account: If you really want a fresh start, you can create a new Battle.net account and buy the game again. This is not recommended because you’ll lose all your skins and progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my Overwatch name for free after the first time?
No. On PC, the first BattleTag change is free, but any subsequent change costs $10. There is no way to get a free change, even if your name was reported or you made a typo.
Will my name change affect my rank or skins?
No. Your rank, skins, competitive points, and all other progress are tied to your account, not your name. Changing your name will not reset anything.
Can I use a name that’s already taken?
No. BattleTags are unique. If the name you want is taken, you’ll need to add a number or a slight variation. On console, platform names are also unique.
How long does it take for my new name to show up in Overwatch?
It usually appears immediately after you restart the game. If you don’t see it, try logging out and back in, or restarting the Battle.net app.
What if I change my name and then regret it?
You can change it again, but you’ll have to pay the fee (unless it’s your first change). There is no undo button, so choose carefully.
Can I change my name on console to something different from my platform name?
No. On console, your Overwatch name is exactly your platform name. To change it, you must change your platform account name.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.