Battle.net is Blizzard Entertainment’s online gaming platform, connecting millions of players worldwide. Whether you’re playing World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, or Hearthstone, your Battle.net name is your unique identifier in this vibrant community.
Many players ask, “Can I change my Battle.net name?” The answer depends on what exactly you mean by “Battle.net name” and which part of your account you want to change. This article will clarify the different types of Battle.net names, explain the official policies on changing them, and provide a detailed guide to managing your account identity.
Understanding Battle.net Names
Before diving into the change process, it is essential to understand the terminology Blizzard uses for account names. Generally, there are two main identifiers:
- BattleTag: This is your public display name that other players see in-game and on friends lists.
- Account Email and Login Name: This is used for logging into your Battle.net account and is private.
Each serves a different purpose, and Blizzard’s policies on changing them vary.
What Is a BattleTag?
Your BattleTag is a customizable username that appears to friends and in-game. When you first create your Battle.net account, you select a BattleTag, which looks like Gamer1234#5678.
The number after the hashtag ensures uniqueness across the service.
BattleTags are the main way you are identified publicly on the platform. Players use them to add friends, join games, and communicate.
“Your BattleTag is your identity in Blizzard’s gaming universe. It’s how you’re known and recognized by other players.”
Account Email and Login Name
The email address associated with your Battle.net account is your login credential and contact point for Blizzard. This email is private and cannot be seen by others in-game.
Changing your email or login name is possible but different from changing your BattleTag. This article will cover both aspects.
Can You Change Your BattleTag?
The simple answer is yes, you can change your BattleTag, but there are some conditions and limitations.
Battle.net allows players to change their BattleTag once for free, and after that, each additional change requires a fee (usually in Blizzard Balance or real money).
| Change Attempt | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First change | Free | Available to all accounts, one-time only |
| Subsequent changes | Approximately $10 USD (or equivalent in Blizzard Balance) | Paid changes, no limit on total changes |
Note: Prices and policies may vary depending on region and updates by Blizzard.
How to Change Your BattleTag
Follow these steps to change your BattleTag:
- Log in to your Battle.net account.
- Go to the Account Settings page.
- Click on the BattleTag section.
- Select Change BattleTag.
- Enter your desired new BattleTag. You can try different names until you find one available.
- Confirm the change.
If you are making your first change, it will be free. For subsequent changes, you will be prompted to pay the fee.
Important Considerations When Changing Your BattleTag
- Uniqueness: Your BattleTag must be unique across all Battle.net users.
- Content Guidelines: Blizzard enforces strict content policies. Offensive or inappropriate names will be rejected.
- Impact on Friends and Games: Changing your BattleTag does not affect your friends list or game progress. Your friends will see your new name automatically.
- Frequency: You can change your BattleTag multiple times, but only the first is free.
Can You Change Your Account Email or Login Name?
Yes, you can change your Battle.net account email, but your login name is essentially your email address. Changing your login means changing your email address.
To update your email address on file:
- Log in to your Battle.net account.
- Navigate to Account Settings > Security.
- Select Update Email Address.
- Enter your new email and follow the verification steps.
Security Tip: Always ensure you have access to the email associated with your account to receive important notifications and password reset links.
Can You Change Your Real Name or Personal Information?
Alongside your BattleTag and email, you can update some personal information on your Battle.net account, such as your real name or country.
Keep your personal information accurate for account recovery and customer support purposes. However, this information is not publicly displayed to other players.
What Happens to Your Account After Changing Your BattleTag?
Changing your BattleTag will update your public identity across all Blizzard games instantly. Your friends will see your new name in their friends list and chat windows.
However, your account data, game progress, achievements, purchases, and friends list remain unchanged. The BattleTag is only a display name, not an account identifier.
“Changing your BattleTag is like changing your nickname; it doesn’t affect your account history or data.”
FAQs About Changing Battle.net Names
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my BattleTag for free multiple times? | No. The first change is free, but each additional change costs Blizzard Balance or real money. |
| Will changing my BattleTag affect my friends list? | No. Your friends list and game progress remain intact. |
| How often can I change my BattleTag? | There is no official limit on how many times you can change it, but you will be charged after the first free change. |
| Can I revert to my old BattleTag? | Only if the old BattleTag is still available; otherwise, you must pick a new, unique name. |
| Can I change my login email? | Yes, via Account Settings. This changes the email used to log in. |
| Is my BattleTag case sensitive? | No. BattleTags are case-insensitive. |
| What if my desired BattleTag is taken? | You will need to try alternative names until you find one available. |
Tips for Choosing a New BattleTag
Selecting a new BattleTag is an opportunity to rebrand your gaming identity. Here are some tips to consider:
- Keep it simple and memorable: Shorter names are easier for friends to remember.
- Avoid offensive language: Blizzard will reject names violating their code of conduct.
- Mix letters and numbers carefully: Numbers can help if your preferred name is taken.
- Use a unique combination: Your BattleTag must be unique across all Battle.net users.
- Consider longevity: Choose a name you will be happy with for a long time, since changes after the first cost money.
What to Do If You Encounter Issues Changing Your BattleTag
Sometimes, you may face difficulties when attempting to change your BattleTag.
- Name Taken: Try different variations or add numbers to find an available name.
- Verification Problems: Ensure your account email is verified and your account is in good standing.
- Payment Issues: If you’re charged for changes, make sure your Blizzard Balance or payment method is valid.
- Technical Glitches: Contact Blizzard Support via their official support page for assistance.
Security and Privacy Considerations
Your BattleTag is public, so choose it thoughtfully.
Do not include sensitive personal information such as your real full name, address, or phone number in your BattleTag.
Keep your account secure by using a strong password and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) via the Blizzard Authenticator app.
Summary
| Aspect | Can You Change It? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| BattleTag | Yes | First change is free; subsequent changes cost money; must be unique |
| Account Email/Login | Yes | Can be changed in Account Settings; used for login and communications |
| Real Name / Personal Info | Yes | Can be updated but is private and not visible to other players |
| Friends List | No | Unaffected by BattleTag changes |
In conclusion, changing your Battle.net name is a straightforward process with some limits and costs. Your BattleTag is your public identity and can be changed once free of charge.
Further changes require payment. Your account email can also be updated anytime through your account settings.
Maintaining a secure and appropriate BattleTag helps you enjoy Blizzard’s games while connecting with friends and the gaming community.
