You can change your Steam account name through the account settings page, and the process takes a few minutes
Your Steam account name — also called your account login name — is what you use to sign into Steam. This is different from your in-game display name, which other players see. To change your account name, you log into Steam on a web browser, go to your account details, and use the rename option there. Steam allows you to change your account name, though the process has some limits you should know about before you start.
The account name change is permanent once you confirm it. You cannot revert to your old name, and you cannot use a name that was previously attached to another account. If you change your mind after completing the change, you would need to contact Steam Support to discuss options, though they typically do not restore old account names.
Key Takeaways
- Your Steam account name is your login credential and is separate from your profile display name that other players see.
- You change your account name through the Steam website account settings, not through the Steam client on your computer.
- The change takes effect immediately, and you will use your new name the next time you log in.
- Steam does not allow you to change back to a previous account name or use a name that belonged to another account in the past.
- Your profile display name, friends list, and game library remain unchanged when you change your account name.
Steps to change your account name on the Steam website
Go to the Steam website and sign in with your current account name and password. Once you are logged in, click on your account name in the upper right corner of the page and select "Account details" from the dropdown menu.
On the Account Details page, look for the section labeled "Account name" near the top. Click the "Change" button next to your current account name. A text box will appear where you can type your new account name. Steam will show you whether the name is available as you type — if the name is taken, you will see a message saying so, and you will need to choose a different one.
Type your new account name and review it carefully. Once you confirm the change, Steam will ask you to enter your password again to verify the action. After you enter your password and click the final confirmation button, your account name changes immediately. You do not need to restart Steam or wait for anything to process — the next time you log out and log back in, you will use your new account name.
What happens to your profile, friends, and games when you change your account name
Changing your account name does not affect your profile display name, which is the name other players see in-game and on your profile page. If you want to change how you appear to other players, you would change your profile display name separately through your profile settings, not through account details.
Your friends list, game library, achievements, playtime, and all other account data remain exactly as they were. The change only affects the login credential you use to access Steam. People who have you added as a friend will still see you in their friends list under your profile display name, not your account name.
Account name requirements and restrictions
Steam account names must be between 3 and 32 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like @, #, $, or %. Steam will tell you immediately if your chosen name breaks these rules.
You cannot change your account name to a name that was previously used by another account, even if that account no longer exists. This means if someone else had the name you want years ago, you cannot use it now. You also cannot change your account name more than once every 30 days — if you changed it recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again.
If you cannot remember your current account name
If you do not know your account name but you remember the email address attached to your account, you can recover it. Go to the Steam login page and click "Forgot your login name?" Enter the email address associated with your account, and Steam will send you an email with your account name.
If you do not have access to the email address anymore, you will need to contact Steam Support. They can verify your identity through other information — such as your phone number, past purchases, or security questions — and help you regain access to your account. This process can take several days.
Changing your profile display name instead of your account name
Many people want to change the name other players see, not their login name. If that is what you want, you are changing your profile display name, which is different. To change your profile display name, log into Steam, click on your profile picture, select "Profile," and look for the "Edit Profile" button. You can change your display name as often as you want with no restrictions.
Your account name is private and only you see it when you log in. Your profile display name is public and appears on your profile page, in-game, and in your friends' friend lists. Most people never need to change their account name — they change their display name instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account name on the Steam app or Steam client?
No. You must change your account name through the Steam website using a web browser. The Steam client does not have an option to change your account name. Log into steampowered.com, go to Account Details, and make the change there.
What if the account name I want is already taken?
You will need to choose a different name. Steam shows you in real time whether a name is available as you type. You cannot reserve a name or join a waitlist for one. Try variations with numbers or underscores if your first choice is taken.
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my account name?
Yes. Your friends list and profile remain the same. Your friends will see you under your profile display name, not your account name. Your account name is only used for logging in and is not visible to other players.
How long does it take for my new account name to work?
The change takes effect immediately. You can log out and log back in right away using your new account name. You do not need to wait or restart Steam.
Can I change my account name back if I regret it?
No. Once you change your account name, you cannot change it back to the old one. Steam does not restore previous account names. You can change to a different new name after 30 days, but the old name is gone permanently.