Lichess does not let you change your username after you create it

Unlike Chess.com, Lichess has no built-in username change feature. Once you pick a username during account creation, that name is permanent. You cannot modify it through settings, contact support to request a change, or use any workaround within the platform itself.

This is a deliberate design choice by Lichess. The site's creators decided that permanent usernames reduce confusion in game records, tournament histories, and the public leaderboards. Every game you play, every rating you earn, and every puzzle you solve stays tied to that original username forever.

Key Takeaways

  • Lichess usernames cannot be changed once created, and the site offers no exception process or support request option.
  • Your username appears in all your game records, ratings, and tournament results, and changing it would break those historical links.
  • If you dislike your current username, your only option is to create a new account and start fresh with a different name.
  • Starting a new account means losing your rating history, puzzle streak, and any premium membership tied to the old account.

Why Lichess keeps usernames permanent

Lichess is a free, open-source chess platform run by volunteers. The decision to lock usernames in place reflects how the site prioritizes data integrity over user convenience. When a username is permanent, every game record, rating, and tournament placement remains accurate and traceable. If usernames could change, old games would show a different name than the player uses today, making it harder to follow someone's history or verify past results.

The permanence also prevents impersonation. If you could change your username to match someone else's old name, you could claim their rating or tournament wins. Keeping names fixed prevents that kind of fraud.

What happens to your account if you want a different name

If your current Lichess username no longer fits who you are or how you want to be known, you have one real option: create a new account with the username you want. You can do this when ready using a different email address. Your new account starts with a blank rating, no puzzle history, and no games.

Your old account remains active and visible. You can keep it, delete it, or straightforward stop using it. Lichess does not automatically close inactive accounts, so your old username and all your games stay on the site unless you request account deletion through the support contact form.

The cost of starting over with a new account

Creating a fresh account means losing your rating history. If you spent months building a 1600 rating or climbing the blitz leaderboard, that progress does not transfer. You start at an unrated status and must play new games to establish a rating on the new account.

You also lose your puzzle streak and any statistics tied to the old account. If you had a premium membership (Lichess Patron), that subscription does not move to the new account either. You would need to purchase a new membership if you want premium features on your new username.

How to create a new Lichess account with a different username

Go to the Lichess homepage and click the sign-up link in the top right. Enter a new email address (not the one tied to your current account), choose your desired username, and create a password. Lichess will send a confirmation email to verify the address.

Once confirmed, you can log in and start playing when ready. Your new account has no rating, no games, and no history. You build everything from scratch, but you own the username you wanted from the start.

Keeping your old account or requesting deletion

Your old Lichess account does not disappear when you create a new one. Both accounts coexist on the site. You can log into either one at any time using their respective email addresses and passwords.

If you want to remove your old account entirely, visit the Lichess account settings page, scroll to the bottom, and look for the account deletion option. Lichess will ask you to confirm and may request that you log in again. Once deleted, your username becomes available for someone else to claim, and all your games and data are removed from the site.

Choosing a username you will not regret

Because Lichess usernames are permanent, spend a moment thinking about what you want to be called. Avoid usernames tied to temporary interests, inside jokes that will not make sense in a year, or anything you might feel embarrassed about later. You cannot change it, so pick something you will be comfortable seeing in your game records for years to come.

Lichess allows usernames between 2 and 20 characters, using letters, numbers, and underscores. The site reserves certain names (like "admin" or "lichess") and blocks usernames that are offensive or impersonate real people. If your first choice is taken or blocked, you will see that message when ready during sign-up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I contact Lichess support to change my username?

No. Lichess does not offer username changes under any circumstance, and support cannot override this policy. The only way to get a different username is to create a new account.

Will my rating transfer to a new account?

No. Your rating is tied to your username and account. A new account starts unrated. You must play games on the new account to build a fresh rating.

Can I delete my old account and then use that username on a new account?

No. Even after you delete an account, Lichess reserves the username for a period of time to prevent impersonation. You cannot reclaim it when ready.

What if someone else took the username I want?

If the username is already in use, you cannot have it. You will need to choose a different name or wait to see if that account becomes inactive and is eventually deleted by its owner.

Do I lose my Lichess Patron membership if I create a new account?

Yes. Your Patron subscription is tied to your original account. A new account has no membership unless you purchase one separately.