You can change your League of Legends username through the Riot Games website, but the process depends on whether you have changed it before

To change your username, log into your Riot Games account at account.riotgames.com, go to the "Username" section, and enter your new name. The system will check whether it is available. If you have never changed your username before, the change takes effect when ready and costs nothing. If you have changed it before, you will need to wait 30 days from your last change before you can change it again, and the second and all future changes cost 1,300 Riot Points (the premium currency in League of Legends).

The username you choose must be between 3 and 16 characters, can include letters, numbers, spaces, and certain symbols, and cannot contain profanity or impersonate Riot staff. Once you confirm the change, your old username becomes available for other players to claim after a waiting period.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free and takes effect when ready; all changes after that cost 1,300 Riot Points and require a 30-day wait from your previous change.
  • You change your username through your Riot Games account at account.riotgames.com, not through the League of Legends client itself.
  • Usernames must be 3 to 16 characters and cannot contain profanity, impersonate staff, or use certain restricted words.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to use after you change it, so choose a name you want to keep long-term if you want to avoid paying for future changes.

Step-by-step process to change your username

Start by opening a web browser and going to account.riotgames.com. Log in with your Riot Games email and password — this is the same account you use to play League of Legends. Once you are logged in, look for the "Username" option in the left sidebar menu. Click on it.

You will see your current username displayed. Next to it is a button to change it. Click that button, then type your new username into the text field. As you type, the system will show you whether the name is available. If it is taken, you will see a red message saying so, and you will need to try a different name. Once you find an available name you like, click the "Change" or "Confirm" button to save the change.

If this is your first username change, it will go through when ready. If you have changed your username before, the system will tell you how many days you must wait before you can change it again. You cannot skip this waiting period.

Understanding the 30-day cooldown and Riot Points cost

Riot Games enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes to prevent abuse and account instability. This timer starts from the moment your previous change took effect, not from when you initiated it. You can check how many days remain by going back to the Username section of your account — the system will display the exact date you become may be able to access to change again.

The first change you ever make is free. Every change after that costs 1,300 Riot Points. Riot Points are purchased with real money through the League of Legends client or the Riot Games website. A single 1,300 Riot Point purchase typically costs between $10 and $15 depending on your region and current promotions, though you may need to buy a larger bundle if smaller denominations are not available in your area.

If you want to avoid paying for future changes, choose a username you are comfortable keeping for a long time. Once you change your name, your old username enters a holding period during which no one else can claim it. After that period ends, it becomes available to other players.

Username rules and what names are not allowed

Your new username must follow specific rules. It must be between 3 and 16 characters long. It can contain letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, spaces, hyphens, underscores, and periods. It cannot start or end with a space or special character.

Riot Games blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language. The system also blocks names that impersonate Riot staff members or other official accounts, names that are identical to famous public figures or brands, and names that reference illegal activities. If you try to use a blocked word or phrase, the system will reject it and tell you the name is unavailable.

The username filter is automated, so some common words may be blocked even if they seem harmless. If you encounter this, try adding a number, space, or different spelling. For example, if "Warrior" is blocked, "Warrior1" or "War Rior" might be available.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your username, your old name does not disappear when ready. It enters a holding period during which it is reserved under your account and cannot be claimed by other players. This prevents someone else from impersonating you by taking your former name right away.

After the holding period ends (the exact length varies by region but is typically 30 days), your old username becomes available for any other player to claim. This means if you had a well-known name or a name you want to keep, you should think carefully before changing it. Once another player claims your old name, you cannot get it back unless they change theirs later.

Troubleshooting common username change problems

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username, check whether you are within the 30-day cooldown period from your last change. The system will show you the exact date you become may be able to access again. You cannot bypass this waiting period, even if you purchase Riot Points.

If a name you want is showing as unavailable but does not appear to be in use, it may be reserved by Riot Games, blocked by the profanity filter, or claimed by another player. Try a slight variation — add a number, use a different spelling, or insert a space. If the system rejects every variation you try, the word or phrase itself may be on the blocked list.

If you are having trouble logging into your Riot Games account to access the username change page, make sure you are using the correct email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password" link on the login page to reset it. You will receive a reset link at your registered email address.

How your username appears in League of Legends and other Riot games

Your League of Legends username is the name that appears above your character in the game client, in the champion select screen, and in the post-game lobby. It is also the name other players see when they play against you or add you as a friend. This same username is shared across all Riot Games titles you play, including Valorant, Teamfight Tactics, and League of Legends: Wild Rift.

Changing your username does not affect your rank, your match history, your friends list, or any cosmetic items you own. Your account remains the same — only the display name changes. Players who had you added as a friend will still see you on their friends list under your new name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after I change it?

Yes, but only after the 30-day cooldown has passed and you pay the Riot Points cost (unless it is your first change). Your old username becomes available for others to claim after its holding period ends, so if you want to reclaim it, you would need to do so before another player takes it. Once someone else claims your old name, you cannot get it back.

What if someone else took my old username after I changed mine?

Once another player claims your old username, Riot Games does not force them to give it up or swap it back to you. You would need to choose a different username. This is why it is important to think carefully about changing your name if you have a username you want to keep long-term.

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

No. Changing your username does not affect your password or account security. Your password remains the same, and you do not need to update it unless you suspect your account has been compromised or you straightforward want to change it for security reasons.

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

Yes. Players who have you added as a friend will see your new username on their friends list automatically. Your account ID remains the same even though your display name changes, so the friend connection does not break.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my username?

You can use hyphens, underscores, periods, and spaces, but you cannot use emojis or most other special characters. The system will reject any character that is not in the allowed list, and the error message will tell you the name is unavailable.