Apex Legends is one of the most popular battle royale games, attracting millions of players worldwide. Many players wonder if they can change their in-game name or username after creating their account.
This article will provide a detailed guide on how to change your name in Apex Legends, what limitations exist, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Understanding Your Apex Legends Name
In Apex Legends, your name is tied to your gaming platform account rather than the game itself. This means your username is controlled by platforms such as Origin, Steam, PlayStation Network (PSN), or Xbox Live.
Apex Legends uses this platform username as your display name in the game.
Because of this integration, changing your Apex Legends name is not done inside the game but through your platform account settings. Each platform has its own process and sometimes associated fees for changing your username or gamertag.
Why Change Your Apex Legends Name?
There are several reasons why players want to change their Apex Legends name. Some common motivations include:
- Rebranding or adopting a new gaming identity
- Correcting typos or mistakes made during initial setup
- Privacy concerns or wanting to remain anonymous
- Matching your username across multiple platforms
How to Change Your Name in Apex Legends Based on Platform
Below is a comprehensive guide explaining how to change your Apex Legends name based on the platform you use to play the game.
| Platform | How to Change Name | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin (PC) |
|
Free | Name changes can be done once every 72 hours. |
| Steam (PC) |
|
Free | Name changes are instant and unlimited. |
| PlayStation Network (PS4/PS5) |
|
First change: Free Subsequent changes: $9.99 USD (may vary by region) |
Changing PSN ID may affect some game data or progression. |
| Xbox Live (Xbox One/Series X|S) |
|
First change: Free Subsequent changes: $9.99 USD (may vary by region) |
Gamertag changes are reflected in Apex Legends automatically. |
Important Considerations When Changing Your Apex Legends Name
Changing your Apex Legends name may seem straightforward, but there are important factors to keep in mind to avoid confusion or issues.
- Visibility: Your new name will be visible to friends, teammates, and opponents in-game.
- Restrictions: All platforms enforce rules regarding inappropriate or offensive names.
- Cooldown Periods: Some platforms limit how often you can change your name.
- Impact on Friends List: Changing your name may temporarily confuse friends trying to locate you.
- Third-Party Services: If you use third-party overlays or services, update your new name accordingly.
“Your Apex Legends display name is a reflection of your gaming identity. Choose wisely and respect the community guidelines.”
Step-by-Step Example: Changing Your Origin Name for Apex Legends
If you play Apex Legends on PC using the Origin client, follow these steps to change your name:
- Open your browser and go to https://www.origin.com.
- Log in with your EA account credentials.
- In the upper right corner, click your current username.
- Select “EA Account and Billing.”
- Under the “About Me” section, find the “Public ID” field.
- Enter your new desired name in “Public ID.”
- Click “Save” at the bottom.
- Launch Apex Legends and your new name will be visible to others.
Note: Origin restricts changing your Public ID to once every 72 hours, so plan accordingly.
Common Questions About Changing Apex Legends Name
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I change my name directly in Apex Legends? | No. Your in-game name is linked to your platform account, so changes must be made on Origin, Steam, PSN, or Xbox Live. |
| Is changing my name in Apex Legends free? | It depends on your platform. On Origin and Steam, it is free. On PlayStation and Xbox, the first change is free but subsequent changes cost money. |
| How often can I change my Apex Legends name? | Origin allows one change every 72 hours. Steam has no limit. Consoles have their own cooldown policies. |
| Will changing my name reset my stats or rank? | No. Your stats, progress, and rank remain tied to your account regardless of your display name. |
| Can I revert to my old name? | Yes, provided the name is still available and you comply with platform cooldowns and fees. |
| What if my new name is taken? | You will need to select a different name. Most platforms have a name availability checker during the change process. |
Tips for Choosing a New Apex Legends Name
Changing your name is a great opportunity to create a memorable identity within the Apex Legends community. Here are some tips:
- Keep it simple: A short, easy-to-remember name is more recognizable.
- Be unique: Avoid common names to reduce confusion.
- Avoid offensive words: Respect community guidelines to prevent bans or forced name changes.
- Check availability: Use the platform’s name checker before finalizing.
- Consider branding: If you stream or compete, make sure your name matches your brand.
What Happens After You Change Your Name?
Once you change your name on your gaming platform, the new name will automatically update in Apex Legends the next time you launch the game. Your friends and other players will see the new name in lobbies, matches, and leaderboards.
It’s important to note that your account’s unique identifier remains the same, so your stats, friends list, and in-game purchases remain intact.
Potential Issues and How to Resolve Them
Sometimes, players encounter issues after changing their names. Here are some common problems and solutions:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Name not updating in Apex Legends | Restart the game or your platform client. Make sure you have saved changes on your account settings. |
| New name is flagged as inappropriate | Choose a different name that complies with the platform’s code of conduct. |
| Cannot change name due to cooldown | Wait for the cooldown period to expire before trying again. |
| Name already taken | Try adding numbers, underscores, or variations to make it unique. |
Summary
Changing your name in Apex Legends is possible, but it depends on the platform you use. The game itself does not provide an in-game name change option.
Instead, you must update your username or gamertag on Origin, Steam, PlayStation Network, or Xbox Live.
Most PC platforms allow free and frequent changes, while consoles may charge a fee for multiple changes. Always check your platform’s specific rules and cooldown periods before proceeding.
Remember: Your new name will represent you in the Apex Legends community, so choose carefully and enjoy the game with your fresh identity!
