Changing your name in Call of Duty (COD) is a common question among players who want to refresh their identity or simply try a new gamer tag. The process can vary depending on the platform you use, the specific Call of Duty title, and whether you want to change your Activision ID or your in-game name.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps required to change your name on COD, covering PC, consoles, and mobile platforms, as well as giving you useful tips and information about limitations and fees involved.
Understanding the Types of Names in Call of Duty
Before diving into the name changing process, it’s important to clarify the different types of names you may encounter in Call of Duty.
| Name Type | Description | Where It Appears | Change Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activision ID | The primary username linked to your Activision account. | Displayed in all Call of Duty games and on Activision services. | Via Activision website or account settings. |
| Platform Gamertag/Username | Your PSN, Xbox Live, or Battle.net username. | Displayed in games but managed by console or platform providers. | Change on the respective platform’s website or console settings. |
| In-Game Name | Sometimes customizable names inside specific COD titles (rare). | Displayed in-game, e.g., in menus or lobbies. | Usually tied to Activision ID or platform username. |
Because Activision ID is the most common name seen across all Call of Duty titles, this guide focuses primarily on changing your Activision ID. However, we also cover platform-specific name changes briefly.
How to Change Your Activision ID (Username)
Your Activision ID is your universal identity across all Call of Duty games. Changing this name is straightforward but includes some restrictions and potential costs.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Go to the Official Activision Website: Open your favorite browser and visit https://www.activision.com.
- Log In to Your Account: Click on the “Sign In” button at the top right corner and enter your account credentials.
- Access Profile Settings: After logging in, click on your username (top right) and select “Account” or “Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Go to the Profile Section: Inside your account settings, find the section labeled “Profile” or “Account Info.”
- Edit Your Activision ID: You will see your current Activision ID with an edit icon (usually a pencil). Click it to start changing your name.
- Choose a New Username: Enter your desired new Activision ID. Remember, it must be unique and comply with Activision’s naming policies.
- Confirm the Change: Submit your new username. You may be asked to verify your password or confirm the change via email.
Important Notes About Changing Your Activision ID
- You can only change your Activision ID once for free. Subsequent changes require a fee.
- The new ID must be unique and not violate Activision’s terms of service.
- Names are case sensitive and can include letters, numbers, and some special characters.
- After changing your Activision ID, it may take some time for the new name to propagate across all games and services.
“Once you’ve used your free Activision ID change, additional changes will cost $9.99 (USD) each.”
How to Change Your Platform Username (PSN, Xbox Live, Battle.net)
If you play Call of Duty on a console or PC using Battle.net and want to change your platform username, the process is different.
PlayStation Network (PSN)
- Visit the PlayStation Network Profile Page.
- Sign in with your PSN credentials.
- Click on the “Edit Profile” or “Online ID” section.
- Enter a new PSN Online ID and check availability.
- Follow the instructions to confirm and complete the change.
Note: The first PSN name change is free; subsequent changes cost a fee depending on your region.
Xbox Live Gamertag
- Go to the Xbox Profile Page.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Select “Customize Profile” then “Change Gamertag.”
- Enter your preferred new gamertag and check if it’s available.
- Confirm the change.
Note: Your first Xbox gamertag change is free. Additional changes require a fee.
Battle.net (for PC Call of Duty titles)
- Go to the Battle.net Account Management page.
- Log in with your Blizzard credentials.
- Under “Account Details,” find your BattleTag.
- Click the edit icon and enter a new BattleTag.
- Confirm your new BattleTag.
Note: BattleTag changes are free once every 30 days.
How Does Changing Your Name Affect Your COD Experience?
Changing your Activision ID or platform username will affect how other players see you in-game. Your new name will appear in multiplayer lobbies, leaderboards, and friends lists.
However, it does not affect your in-game progress, stats, or purchases. All your unlocked content and game history remain intact.
“Changing your name is purely cosmetic and does not reset any stats or achievements.”
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Changing Your COD Name
Sometimes players encounter problems when trying to update their name. Below is a table of common issues and solutions.
| Issue | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Name Not Available | The username is already taken or reserved. | Try a variation or add numbers/special characters. |
| Change Button Grayed Out | Free name change already used or account restrictions. | Check your account status or consider paying for additional changes. |
| Name Change Not Reflecting in Game | Propagation delay across servers. | Wait several hours and restart the game. |
| Error Messages During Change | Temporary server issues or connectivity problems. | Retry after some time or check Activision server status. |
Tips for Choosing a Good COD Name
Your name is your identity in the Call of Duty community. Here are some tips to choose a name that stands out and adheres to the rules:
- Keep it Unique: Avoid common names to ensure availability.
- Stay Appropriate: Activision enforces strict content guidelines.
- Use Memorable Elements: Numbers, underscores, or special characters can help.
- Check Length: Most platforms limit names to 12-16 characters.
- Avoid Frequent Changes: Each change after the first costs money and may confuse friends.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I change my name on COD for free more than once?
No. Activision allows only one free Activision ID change per account.
Additional changes require a payment.
Will my friends see my new name immediately?
Usually, changes propagate quickly but it can take a few hours for the new name to update everywhere.
Can I use special characters in my new Activision ID?
Yes, but only certain characters are allowed. Avoid symbols that are not supported by Activision’s naming policy.
Does changing my platform gamertag affect my Activision ID?
No. The platform username and Activision ID are separate.
Changing one does not change the other.
Is my progress lost if I change my name?
No. Your stats, unlocks, and purchases remain linked to your account regardless of your name.
Summary
Changing your name on Call of Duty is a simple process if you follow the correct steps. The most important name is your Activision ID, which can be changed once for free via the Activision website.
Platform usernames are changed on their respective services and usually come with similar free and paid change policies.
Always choose your new name carefully and be aware of the costs and restrictions involved. By managing your ID and platform usernames properly, you can maintain your identity and reputation in the COD community without hassle.
For quick reference, here’s a summary table of where and how to change your name:
| Platform | Change Method | Free Change Limits | Additional Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activision ID | Activision website account settings | One free change | $9.99 per additional change |
| PlayStation Network | PSN profile settings | One free change | Varies by region |
| Xbox Live | Xbox profile customization | One free change | Varies by region |
| Battle.net (PC) | Battle.net account management | One free change every 30 days | None |
