Of all the customizations you can make to your Overwatch profile, few are as immediately visible as your display name. Whether you’re looking for a fresh start with a new identity or just want to update your handle to something more current, changing your name in Overwatch is a straightforward process.
This guide will walk you through the steps to change your name on every platform Overwatch is available on, including PC (via Battle.net) and consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch). We’ll also cover what’s in a name, including character limits and what you can’t include.
How to Change Your Name in Overwatch
The method for changing your name depends entirely on the platform you play on, as your Overwatch identity is tied to your platform account.
For PC (Battle.net):
Changing your name on the PC version of Overwatch means changing your Battle.net Display Name. This is the name your friends see in their friends list and in-game.
- Log in to your Battle.net account on the official website.
- Click on your username in the top-right corner and select Account Settings from the dropdown menu.
- On the Account Settings page, find the "Update Your Display Name" section.
- Enter your desired new display name in the provided field.
- Click the Save button to confirm the change.
Important Note: Blizzard allows a limited number of free name changes. After that, each subsequent name change will cost you $10 USD. This cost is tied to the account, not the game, meaning if you play other Blizzard games like World of Warcraft, the same name change applies there as well.
For Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch):
On consoles, your in-game name is your platform’s account name. For PlayStation, that’s your PlayStation Network (PSN) ID. For Xbox, it’s your Xbox Live Gamertag. For Nintendo Switch, it’s your Nintendo Account username.
Therefore, to change your name in Overwatch on a console, you need to change the name on your respective platform account. Here’s how:
- PlayStation (PSN): You can change your PSN ID directly through your account settings on the PlayStation website or console. Sony allows one free change, but subsequent changes may have a cost. Be aware that changing your PSN name can have compatibility issues with some older games, though this is not a concern for Overwatch 2 itself.
- Xbox (Xbox Live): You change your Gamertag through your Microsoft account. Microsoft offers one free change, and then charges a fee for subsequent changes.
- Nintendo Switch (Nintendo Account): You change the username associated with your Nintendo Account.
The key takeaway is this: To change your name in Overwatch on console, change the name of the platform account you use to play the game.
Things to Consider Before Changing Your Name
While changing your name is simple, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Character Limits: Your name can’t be infinite. Battle.net names have a 32-character limit for the full title (including the numerical BattleTag#), but the system will automatically truncate very long names.
- Content Restrictions: Your name must adhere to the platform’s Code of Conduct. Offensive, impersonating, or otherwise inappropriate names can and will be changed by Blizzard or your platform holder, and may result in penalties or bans.
- Platform Friends: Remember, if you change your name on a platform like PlayStation Network, that change affects everything, not just Overwatch. All your PSN friends will see the new name.
Conclusion
Customizing your identity is a core part of the online gaming experience, and your name is the first thing people see. Whether you’re on PC or console, the process to change your Overwatch name is quick and easy.
For PC players, remember it’s a change to your Battle.net account’s display name. For console players, it’s a change to your platform’s online ID. Neither will affect your game progress, friend lists, or purchased content. It’s a safe way to refresh your profile.
So if you’re ready for a change, go for it! Head to your respective account settings and make the change. Then you can get back to what really matters: enjoying your time in the world of Overwatch.
FAQ
Q: Does it cost money to change my name?
A: It depends on the platform. On Battle.net (PC), you get one free change, and then subsequent changes cost $10 USD each. On Xbox Live, you get one free change, and then it’s a paid service. On PlayStation Network (PSN), your first change is free, but there may be a cost for further changes. Nintendo Switch does not charge for account name changes.
Q: Will changing my name affect my game progress or purchases?
A: No, not at all. Changing your name does not affect your account’s integrity. All your progress, friend lists, and purchased items (like skins or the game itself) will remain exactly as they were. It is a purely cosmetic change to your profile.
Q: Why can’t I use the name I want?
A: If you get an error that a name is unavailable, it simply means another user on that platform already has that name. You’ll have to choose something else. If your name was rejected for being inappropriate, you should review the platform’s Code of Conduct to see what’s not allowed.
Q: Can I change my name on console from the game itself?
A: No. Since your Overwatch name on console is your platform’s online ID, you must change it through your platform’s account management system (e.g., the Xbox website, PlayStation Account management, etc.), not from within the Overwatch game client.

