You cannot change your PokerStars username after account creation

PokerStars does not allow you to change the username you chose when you registered your account. Once your account is created, your username is permanent and cannot be edited, renamed, or swapped for a different one through your account settings or by contacting support.

This is a fixed policy across all PokerStars platforms — the desktop client, mobile app, and web browser version all enforce the same restriction. The username you see on your account dashboard, in the lobby, and at the tables is the one you will have for as long as that account exists.

Key Takeaways

  • PokerStars usernames cannot be changed once your account is created, even by contacting customer support.
  • If you want a different username, your only option is to create a new account with a new email address and start fresh.
  • Creating a second account is allowed by PokerStars, but you cannot play at the same table as yourself or use multiple accounts to gain an unfair advantage.
  • Any money, tournament history, and rewards tied to your original account will remain on that account and will not transfer to a new one.

Why PokerStars locks usernames permanently

PokerStars treats usernames as a permanent part of your account identity for fraud prevention and record-keeping. Your username is linked to your account history, deposits, withdrawals, tournament results, and player statistics. Allowing username changes would create confusion in records and make it harder to track accounts for security and regulatory purposes.

The username is also how other players recognize and remember you at the tables. Changing it would break that continuity and could be used to evade player bans or hide account history. By keeping usernames fixed, PokerStars maintains a clear audit trail of who played what and when.

Creating a new account if you want a different username

If you want to play under a different username, you will need to create a brand new PokerStars account. You can do this by visiting the PokerStars registration page and signing up with a different email address. Use a new email that you do not have registered to any other PokerStars account — the site links accounts to email addresses and will not let you register the same email twice.

During registration, you will choose your new username. Take time with this choice, because you will not be able to change it later. Make sure the username is something you are comfortable using in front of other players and that you will want to keep for the long term.

Your new account will start with a zero balance and no history. Any money in your old account will stay there. Any tournament results, achievements, or rewards tied to your original account will not transfer to the new one. You will be starting completely fresh.

What happens to your old account

Your original account remains active and unchanged. You can still log in to it, see your balance, view your history, and play if you want to. PokerStars allows you to have multiple accounts as long as you follow their rules: you cannot play at the same table as yourself, you cannot use multiple accounts to collude with other players, and you cannot use them to gain an unfair advantage in any game or tournament.

If you abandon your old account without closing it, it will straightforward sit dormant. You can return to it at any time. If you want to close it permanently, you can contact PokerStars support and request account closure, though this is irreversible and you will lose access to any remaining balance.

Choosing a username you will keep

Since you cannot change your username later, spend a moment thinking about what you want it to be. Avoid usernames that include your real name, birth year, or other personal information that could be used to identify you offline. Do not use offensive language or slurs — PokerStars has community standards, and a username that violates them can result in account restrictions.

Keep in mind that other players will see your username at every table you sit at. Choose something you will not regret or feel embarrassed about months or years from now. A straightforward, neutral username is usually the safest choice if you are unsure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can PokerStars support change my username for me?

No. PokerStars customer support cannot change usernames under any circumstances. This is a hard technical and policy restriction, not something that requires a special request or escalation. If you want a different username, you must create a new account.

Will I lose my money if I create a new account?

Your money stays in your original account. It does not transfer to a new account. If you have a balance in your old account and want to use it on a new account, you would need to withdraw it from the old account first, then deposit it into the new one, which may involve fees depending on your payment method.

Can I play on both my old and new account at the same time?

You can own multiple accounts, but you cannot play at the same table on both accounts simultaneously. You also cannot use multiple accounts to collude, share information, or gain an unfair advantage. Playing both accounts in the same tournament or cash game is against PokerStars rules.

What if I forgot my username?

If you cannot remember your username, you can recover it by going to the PokerStars login page and clicking "Forgot your username?" You will be asked to enter the email address tied to your account, and PokerStars will send you a reminder of your username to that email.

Can I reserve a username before I create an account?

No. Usernames are only reserved once you complete account registration. You cannot claim a username in advance. If you want a specific username, you will need to register your account and choose it during the signup process.