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Modern Warfare 2 - Can you Fix The Display Name Not Allowed Bug?

Here’s what you need to know about the Display Name not allowed bug in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 and if it can be fixed.
By Shane Moosa | 
First Published February 28, 2023, 12:00
Modern Warfare 2 - Can you Fix The Display Name Not Allowed Bug?

Although Modern Warfare 2 has received highly positive reviews since its recent release, the game still has a few bugs to iron out. One bug that has players a tad frustrated recently is the "Display Name not allowed" bug, and if you're unaware of this bug, then keep reading.

Below we will walk you through everything we know about this bug and its possible fixes if you have been facing it or if it appears at any point in the future. So without further delay, let's jump right in. 

Modern Warfare 2 - What Is the Display Name Not Allowed Bug

Some players have experienced the display name bug, where they log into the game for the first time only to be informed that their display name is not permitted. Their display names do not violate any of the restrictions on what a display name can be, yet this still occurs.

Modern Warfare 2 Can you Fix The Display Name Not Allowed Bug refuses players display names
This bug causes players to get locked out for having invalid display names even though the names do not violate any restrictions. (Picture: Activision)

It appears that random players are experiencing this error, so there's no discernable pattern as to who it affects from what we know. The bug may appear and prevent you from using your display name, even if you've used it in prior Call of Duty games for years.

Modern Warfare 2 - Can you Fix The Display Name Not Allowed Bug

While there is no definitive fix for the bug at this time, players are strongly advised not to change their display names. The majority of impacted usernames have not been found to violate Activision's terms of service, and the bug is likely to persist even if you attempt to change your name, resulting in you being stuck without your old username and the same problem.

Modern Warfare 2 Can you Fix The Display Name Not Allowed Bug No fix as of yet but try the restart and wait and see
For now, there is no official fix for this bug, but we advise that you do not change your display name and try restarting your system as we wait for Activision to rectify the issue. (Picture: Activision)

Right now, it may be safer to use the old-school method of turning it off and back on again. Try restarting the game or your system to see if that resolves the issue. However, for the time being, it is best to wait it out until Activision sorts the issue out on their end, as it is a server-side issue. 

For now, that's everything you need to know about the username not allowed bug in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. But be sure to check back here soon for more updates on this bug, as Activision addresses it and hopefully puts out a patch to resolve it soon. 

For more Call of Duty news, be sure to check out our dedicated section or some of our MW2 Guides & Tutorials below:

Modern Warfare 2 Guides - Jack Links Skin | Unlock All Operators | Check Server Status | Get Twitch Drops | Post-Credit Scene Explained | Unlock Gold Camo | Get Burger Town Operator | MGB Nuke | Unlock Every Weapon | All Killstreaks| Safe Code Locations | Check KD Ratio | XP Farm Trick | Chopper Gun Glitch | Weapon Tuning | Change Name Color | Hardcore Tier 1 Mode | Turn Off Crossplay | Steam Deck | Raid: Atomgrad | How To Play "Support A Team" | Unlock Orion Camo | Aim Assist Settings | 

Modern Warfare 2 Fixes & Issues- Best NVIDIA GeForce Drivers | Dev Error 6036 | MW2 Missing Items | Unlimited Tactical Sprint Bug | Stuck On Installing Bug | Display Name Not Allowed Bug | Gold Camo Not Unlocking | Voice Chat Not Working| Display FPS Counter | 

Best Modern Warfare 2 Loadouts -  Best Weapon Tier List | M4 Loadout |  PDSW 528 Loadout | TAQ-V Loadout | M4 Loadout | Fennec 45 | No Recoil M4 Loadout | SA-B 50 Loadout | Kastov-74U Loadout | 

Shane Moosa

Written by Shane Moosa

Shane started his career as a freelance writer for Gamezo while working full-time as a software developer. You can often find Shane trying his hand at no-hit runs of Souls Games such as Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3 (and being quite unsuccessful). To relax, Shane will often boot up sessions of Overwatch 2 or Hunt: Showdown, but his interests are spread across various games, from AAA titles (He loved the Dead Space Remake and RE4 Remake) to indies such as Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Hades. Shane is always willing to try new games though, so feel free to drop him an email with what you think he should check out next.