How to Change Your Name in Clash of Clans (CoC)
Changing your in-game name in Clash of Clans (CoC) sounds simple, but there are a few rules, limits, and account-specific factors that can make the process feel less straightforward than expected. Here's everything you need to know about how the name change system works — and what shapes the experience for different players.
How the Name Change System Works in CoC
Supercell built a name change feature directly into Clash of Clans, accessible through the game's settings menu. You don't need to contact support or use a third-party tool. The process is intentionally self-contained.
To change your name:
- Open Clash of Clans on your device
- Tap the Settings icon (gear icon) in the bottom-right corner of the village screen
- Scroll down and tap "Change Name"
- Enter your desired new name in the text field
- Confirm the change
The game will warn you about the limitations before you finalize — pay attention to these prompts, because they're tied to rules that vary based on your account history.
The Free First Change vs. Paid Subsequent Changes
This is the most important distinction most players miss. 🎮
Your first name change is free. Supercell allows every player one complimentary rename at no cost. Once you've used that free change, subsequent name changes require spending gems — the in-game premium currency.
The gem cost for additional name changes is not trivial. It's designed as a soft deterrent against frequent renaming, which helps keep the community environment stable and reduces impersonation or confusion in clan settings.
What this means practically:
- New accounts or players who've never changed their name can rename for free
- Players who already used their free change will see a gem cost displayed before confirming
- Gem cost scales — the more times you've changed your name, the more expensive subsequent changes become
If you're running low on gems, consider whether a rename is worth the cost compared to other in-game uses like builder upgrades or speeding up construction.
Character Rules and Name Restrictions
Not every name you type will be accepted. CoC enforces several character-level rules:
- Minimum and maximum character limits apply (names that are too short or too long won't be accepted)
- Special characters are restricted — the game only accepts a limited set of letters, numbers, and certain symbols
- Profanity filters are active and will block names that violate community guidelines
- Duplicate names are allowed — unlike some games, CoC does not require unique names across all players, so two players can share the same name
If your desired name gets rejected, the error message usually indicates whether it's a character issue or a content filter issue.
Platform and Account Considerations
Your experience with the name change process can also vary based on how your account is set up.
Supercell ID vs. Guest Accounts
Players connected to a Supercell ID (Supercell's account system) have a persistent identity tied across devices. Name changes on these accounts are straightforward through the in-game settings.
Guest accounts — those not linked to a Supercell ID — carry a risk that's separate from naming: if the device is lost, reset, or the app is deleted, the account may not be recoverable. While this doesn't block name changes, it's worth understanding before making any account-related changes.
Device Doesn't Affect the Process
Whether you're playing on iOS or Android, the name change steps are identical. The feature isn't platform-exclusive or tied to operating system version. The in-game UI may look slightly different between devices, but the menu path and functionality are the same.
What Happens After You Change Your Name
Once confirmed, the name change is immediate and visible to your clan members, opponents in war, and anyone who views your profile. There's no delay or propagation window.
Key things that don't change:
- Your player tag (the unique # identifier) remains the same
- Your clan membership, trophies, and progress are unaffected
- Friends or clan members who knew your old name won't receive a notification — they'll simply see the new name
This last point matters in active clans. It's common courtesy to announce a name change in clan chat so members aren't confused by an unfamiliar name appearing in their roster.
Factors That Vary by Player Situation
Whether a name change is quick and free — or gem-costly and a bigger decision — depends on a combination of factors:
| Factor | What It Affects |
|---|---|
| Account age / history | Whether free change has already been used |
| Current gem balance | Whether the gem cost is a meaningful trade-off |
| Clan role | Social impact of the name change on members |
| Supercell ID status | Account security context around making changes |
| Desired name content | Whether it passes character and filter restrictions |
Some players changing their name for the first time will complete the process in under a minute with zero cost. Others who've already used their free rename — especially those in competitive clans where name recognition matters — face a more considered decision about timing and gem spend.
The right moment and the right name depends on where you are in the game, what your gem reserves look like, and how your clan community is likely to respond to the change.