Where to find the username setting in Steam

Your Steam username lives in your account settings, not in the game library or profile page. Open Steam on your computer, click your account name in the top right corner, and select "Account" from the dropdown menu. On the Account page, look for the section labeled "Account name" — this is what you see when you log in, and it's the one you can change.

Steam distinguishes between your account name (used to log in) and your profile name (the display name other players see). The account name is harder to change because it's tied to your login credentials. The profile name can be changed as often as you want with no restrictions.

Key Takeaways

  • Your account name (login name) can be changed once every 30 days through Account settings, but you cannot reuse old names or choose a name already taken by another account.
  • Your profile name (display name) can be changed unlimited times with no waiting period by clicking your profile picture and selecting "Edit Profile."
  • Changing your account name does not affect your games, friends list, or game progress — everything stays attached to your account.
  • If you forget your account name, you can recover it by entering your email address on the Steam login page.

Changing your account name (login name)

To change the name you use to log in, go to Account settings and find "Account name." Click the "Change" button next to it. Steam will show you a text field where you can enter a new name. The new name must be between 3 and 32 characters, contain only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and cannot start with a number.

Once you submit a new account name, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. You also cannot use a name that another Steam account already has, and you cannot reuse any of your previous account names. After the change takes effect, you log in with the new name instead of the old one.

If you change your mind within a short window, contact Steam Support through the Help menu in your account settings. They can sometimes revert a recent change, but only if you request it quickly.

Changing your profile name (display name)

Your profile name is what appears on your profile page and in chat — it's separate from your account name and much easier to change. Click your profile picture in the top right corner of Steam, then select "View Profile." On your profile page, click "Edit Profile" in the top right. Find the "Profile Name" field and type in whatever name you want other players to see.

You can change your profile name as many times as you want with no waiting period. The name can include spaces, special characters, and emoji. This is the setting most players change when they want a different appearance without affecting their login credentials.

What happens to your account after you change your username

Changing your account name does not affect your games, achievements, friends list, or any game progress. Your Steam ID — a unique number assigned to your account — stays the same. Friends who have you added will still see you in their friends list under your new name. Games you own remain in your library.

If you were in the middle of playing a game when you changed your name, you may need to restart the game for it to recognize the new name in-game. Some older games may not update your name immediately, but this is rare.

If you cannot remember your account name

Go to the Steam login page and click "Forgot your login name?" Enter the email address associated with your Steam account. Steam will send you an email with your account name and a link to reset your password if needed. Check your spam folder if you don't see the email within a few minutes.

If you no longer have access to the email address linked to your account, you will need to contact Steam Support. They can verify your identity through security questions or other methods and help you regain access.

Restrictions and things to know before you change

Steam enforces a 30-day waiting period between account name changes to prevent abuse. You cannot choose a name that is already in use by another account, even if that account is inactive. Names are case-insensitive, so "Player123" and "player123" are treated as the same name.

If you want to reserve a specific name but cannot change to it yet because another account has it, you can only wait for that account to become inactive or for its owner to change their name. There is no way to request a name or put yourself on a waiting list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on mobile or the Steam Deck?

You can change your profile name on mobile or Steam Deck through the same steps — tap your profile picture, select "View Profile," and tap "Edit Profile." Account name changes must be done on a computer through the web-based Account settings page, as the mobile app does not provide access to that setting.

What if the username I want is taken?

You cannot use a name that another Steam account currently has. If the account holding that name is inactive, you may be able to use it eventually, but Steam does not publish timelines for when inactive accounts release their names. Your only option is to choose a different name or wait to see if the other account becomes available.

Do my friends see my old username after I change it?

No. Your friends will see your new username immediately in their friends list and in chat. Old messages or screenshots showing your previous name will still display the old name, but your active profile and all current interactions show your new name.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

No. Steam does not allow you to reuse any previous account name you have had. Once you change away from a name, that name is permanently locked to your account and cannot be reassigned to you or anyone else.

Will changing my username affect my game saves or progress?

No. Your game saves, achievements, playtime, and all progress remain attached to your Steam account regardless of what username you use. The games are linked to your Steam ID, not your username.