Battle.net is Blizzard Entertainment’s official platform for their games and services. Many users wonder if they can change their Battle.net name, also known as their BattleTag, and what the process involves.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on whether you can change your Battle.net name, how to do it, any limitations, and frequently asked questions.
What Is a Battle.net Name or BattleTag?
Your Battle.net name, commonly called a BattleTag, is the unique identifier that represents you on Blizzard’s platform. It appears when you play games like World of Warcraft, Overwatch, Diablo, and Hearthstone.
Your friends and other players use this name to find and interact with you.
The BattleTag consists of two parts: a chosen name and a 4-digit number (e.g., ExampleName#1234). This combination ensures uniqueness across the platform, allowing multiple people to have the same name but different numbers.
“Your BattleTag is a core part of your Blizzard identity, so choosing and managing it carefully is important.”
Can You Change Your Battle.net Name?
Yes, you can change your Battle.net name, but it depends on what exactly you want to change. The two main components are your BattleTag and your Real ID name.
- BattleTag: This is the public name displayed to other players.
- Real ID Name: This is your actual full name used to connect with friends who have added you via Real ID.
Changing either name has different rules and procedures. Most players want to change their BattleTag, so this guide focuses primarily on BattleTag changes.
Changing Your BattleTag
You are allowed to change your BattleTag once for free. After that, any additional changes will cost a small fee.
Blizzard introduced this policy to prevent abuse and to maintain community integrity.
The fee for additional BattleTag changes is usually around $10 USD or the local currency equivalent. This fee is charged per name change after the first free change.
Changing Your Real ID Name
Your Real ID name is tied to your actual full name on your Blizzard account. You can update this at any time for free by editing your account information.
However, Real ID names are visible only to people on your Real ID friends list, not to everyone.
How to Change Your BattleTag
Follow these steps to change your BattleTag on Battle.net:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log in to your Battle.net account at https://www.battle.net. |
| 2 | Click your profile name in the top right corner and select Account Settings. |
| 3 | Navigate to the BattleTag section. |
| 4 | Click on Change BattleTag. |
| 5 | Enter your desired new BattleTag and check its availability. |
| 6 | Confirm the change. If this is your first time, it will be free. Otherwise, complete the payment process. |
| 7 | Your BattleTag will be updated immediately. |
Important Notes on Changing Your BattleTag
BattleTag uniqueness: While multiple users can have the same BattleTag name, the 4-digit tag number differentiates them. When you change your BattleTag, you only change the name portion; the tag number remains the same unless you choose a name that forces a new tag number.
Limitations: You cannot change your BattleTag more than once for free. Each additional change costs money.
Also, Blizzard may restrict certain names due to profanity, trademark issues, or inappropriate content.
Effect on games: Your BattleTag change will be reflected across all Blizzard games and services. However, some games may cache your old name for a short period, so it might take a little while to update everywhere.
“Changing your BattleTag does not affect your Blizzard account login email or password.”
How to Change Your Real ID Name
If you want to change your Real ID name, follow these steps:
- Log in to your Battle.net account.
- Go to Account Settings.
- Under Personal Information, find the Real ID name field.
- Edit your first and last name as desired.
- Save changes. This update is immediate and free.
Remember, your Real ID name is only visible to friends who have accepted your Real ID connection. It is not the name displayed publicly in games.
BattleTag vs Real ID: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | BattleTag | Real ID |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Public to all players | Visible only to Real ID friends |
| Name Format | Custom name + 4-digit tag (e.g., Gamer#1234) | Real first and last name |
| Change Policy | One free change, then paid | Free and unlimited changes |
| Purpose | General gaming identity | Trusted friends and community |
Tips for Choosing a Good BattleTag
When you change your BattleTag or create a new one, consider the following tips to ensure you pick a name you’ll be happy with:
- Keep it simple: Choose a name that is easy to spell and remember.
- Avoid offensive words: Blizzard has filters that will block inappropriate names.
- Be unique: Aim for a name that reflects your personality or gaming style.
- Consider longevity: Try to pick a name that you won’t want to change frequently to avoid fees.
- Check availability: Use the Battle.net system to see if your preferred name is available.
Common Questions About Changing Battle.net Names
How often can I change my BattleTag?
You get one free BattleTag change. After that, you can change it as often as you like for a fee each time.
Will my friends see my new BattleTag immediately?
Most friends and games will see your new BattleTag immediately, but some caching may delay updates for a few hours.
Can I change my BattleTag if I have a banned account?
No, if your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your BattleTag until the account is reinstated.
Can I use special characters or spaces in my BattleTag?
BattleTag names can include letters, numbers, and some special characters like underscores. Spaces are not allowed.
Is it possible to change only the 4-digit number?
No, the 4-digit number is assigned automatically to ensure uniqueness and cannot be changed separately from the name.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is changing my BattleTag safe? | Yes, changing your BattleTag is safe and officially supported by Blizzard. |
| Will I lose my friends or game progress? | No, your friends list and game progress are tied to your account, not the BattleTag. |
| Can I revert to my old BattleTag? | Only if it is still available. You would have to pay for the change if it is not your free change. |
| Why can’t I pick the BattleTag I want? | The name might be taken, violate Blizzard’s naming policies, or include restricted words. |
| Are there any regional restrictions? | No, BattleTag changes are available worldwide where Blizzard services operate. |
Conclusion
Changing your Battle.net name, or BattleTag, is a straightforward process but comes with some rules and limitations. You get one free change to correct or personalize your identity on Blizzard’s platform.
Subsequent changes require a fee, so it’s wise to pick a name you truly like the first time.
Remember, your BattleTag is your public gaming identity that friends and competitors see. Take the time to choose a name that represents you well and complies with Blizzard’s policies.
If you want to update your Real ID name, you can do so anytime for free, but it is only visible to your trusted friends on the platform.
For the most accurate and current information, always check Blizzard’s official Battle.net support pages.
