You can change your Chess.com username once every 30 days through your account settings

Chess.com lets you change the username you use to log in and display to other players, but only once per month. The change takes effect when ready across the site — your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few days. You cannot revert to a previous username, so choose carefully before you confirm.

The process takes about two minutes and requires you to be logged into your account. You will need to enter your current password to verify the change. If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it before you can change your username.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change is permanent — you cannot switch back to an old username.
  • The change happens in your account settings under "Change Username" and takes effect when ready across all your games and profile.
  • Your old username becomes available for other players to use after a few days, so do not expect to reclaim it later.
  • You must enter your current password to confirm the change, so have that ready before you start.

Step 1: Log in and open your account settings

Go to Chess.com and log in with your current username and password. Once you are logged in, click the profile icon in the top right corner of the page — it usually shows your current username or a small avatar image.

From the dropdown menu, select "Settings". This opens your account dashboard where you can change email, password, privacy settings, and other account details.

Step 2: Find the "Change Username" option

In Settings, look for the section labeled "Account" or "Username". On the left side of the page you will see a menu with different categories. Click on "Change Username" — it is usually near the top of the account section, sometimes grouped with other security settings.

If you cannot find it in the main account area, scroll down or check under a "Privacy" or "Profile" subsection. Chess.com occasionally reorganizes these menus, but the option is always in Settings.

Step 3: Enter your new username and current password

Chess.com will show you a text field where you type your desired new username. The site will tell you when ready whether the username is available — if it is taken, you will see a red message and need to try a different one. Usernames can include letters, numbers, and underscores, and they are not case-sensitive (so "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" are treated as the same).

Below the username field, you will see a password field. Enter your current Chess.com password here. This confirms that you are the account owner and prevents someone else from changing your username if they gain temporary access to your computer.

Step 4: Confirm and wait for the change to take effect

Click the "Change Username" or "Confirm" button. The page will refresh and show a confirmation message that your username has been changed. You are now logged in under your new username.

Your old username will show as unavailable for a few days while Chess.com's system updates. After that period, another player can claim it. All your games, rating, and profile history stay with your account — only the display name changes.

What happens to your games and rating after you change your username

Your entire game history, rating, and statistics follow your account to the new username. When someone looks at your profile or views a game you played, they will see your new username, even for games you played under the old one. Your rating does not reset or change.

If you played in tournaments or matches under your old username, those records will also show your new username. There is no way to keep games under the old username separate from your new one.

The 30-day waiting period and what to do if you change your mind

After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This limit exists to prevent spam and account takeover attempts. If you realize you made a mistake within the first few minutes, contact Chess.com support through the "Help" or "Support" link at the bottom of the page — they may be able to reverse a very recent change, but this is not may provide.

If the 30 days have passed and you want a different username, you will have to wait until the timer resets. There is no way to speed up this process. Plan your new username carefully before you confirm the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Once you change your username, you cannot revert to a previous one. Your old username becomes available for other players to claim after a few days. If you want to use that username again, you would need to create a new account, which means losing all your games and rating history.

What if someone else takes my old username?

There is nothing you can do to reclaim it. Chess.com does not reserve old usernames for previous owners. If you want to keep a username in the Chess.com community, do not change it unless you are certain about the new one.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your password and username are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. You can keep the same password, or you can change your password separately through the Settings menu if you want to.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list and all your connections stay with your account. They will see your new username in their friends list and on your profile. You do not need to re-add anyone.

What if I forgot my password and cannot change my username?

Click "Forgot Password" on the Chess.com login page and follow the email instructions to reset it. Once you have set a new password, log back in and follow the username change steps. You will need your current password to confirm the username change.