Yes, you can change your Riot username, but only once every 90 days

Riot Games lets you change the username on your account through the Riot client or website. The change takes effect when ready, but you cannot change it again for 90 days after you do. If you have played Valorant, League of Legends, or any other Riot game, your new username will explore to all of them at once — there is no way to use different names across different games on the same account.

The process itself takes about five minutes. You do not need to contact support or wait for approval. However, some usernames are blocked (usually because they contain slurs or impersonate Riot staff), and you will find that out only when you try to claim the name.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 90 days through your Riot account settings, and the change applies to all Riot games on that account when ready.
  • Riot blocks certain usernames that contain slurs, hateful language, or impersonation of staff, and you will see an error message if the name you want is unavailable.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so you cannot reserve it or switch back to it later.
  • If you have not changed your username in the past, your first change may take up to 24 hours to show up in-game, though it usually appears within minutes.

Where to change your username

Log into your Riot account at account.riotgames.com. On the left side, click Username. You will see your current name and a field to enter a new one. Type the username you want, then click Change Username.

If the name is available, the change happens right away. If it is taken or blocked, Riot will tell you why and you can try a different name. You do not need to restart the game or log out and back in — the new name will appear the next time you launch the client, though it sometimes shows up within minutes.

What usernames Riot will not allow

Riot blocks usernames that contain slurs, hate speech, or references to real-world violence. They also block names that look like they are impersonating Riot staff, professional players, or streamers — for example, you cannot use a name that is identical to a known pro player's username.

Names that are too short (fewer than three characters) or too long (more than 16 characters) are also rejected. Spaces and most special characters are not allowed; you can use hyphens and underscores, but that is it. If you see an error message when you try to claim a name, the message will usually tell you which rule it breaks.

The 90-day waiting period between changes

After you change your username, you must wait 90 days before you can change it again. This timer starts the moment you make the change, not when it appears in-game. If you change your name on a Monday, you cannot change it again until the Monday 90 days later.

There is no way to reset this timer or change it faster. If you made a mistake or chose a name you regret, you are stuck with it for three months. For that reason, it is worth taking a moment to make sure you like the name before you click the button.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. You cannot ask Riot to hold it for you or reserve it. If someone else takes it within hours or days, you will not be able to switch back to it later, even after the 90-day waiting period ends.

This matters if you have built a reputation under your old name — in ranked matches, on stream, or in a community. Before you change, think about whether people know you by that name and whether losing it is worth it.

Changing your username does not reset your rank or stats

Your rank, match history, and all your stats stay exactly the same when you change your username. In Valorant, your rank in competitive mode does not reset. In League of Legends, your solo queue rank does not reset. The only thing that changes is the name that appears above your character.

Other players will see your new name in future matches, but your old name will still appear in past match histories and replays. If someone looks up your old username on a stats website, they will not find you — but if they search your new username, they will see all your history under that new name.

If your username change is not showing up

Most of the time, your new username appears within minutes. If it has been more than an hour and you still see your old name in the client, try closing the Riot client completely and opening it again. Log out and log back in if restarting does not work.

If your new name still does not appear after 24 hours, contact Riot support through the Help section of your account page. Have your account email and the date you made the change ready. Support can confirm the change went through and troubleshoot why it is not displaying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I have been banned or suspended?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your username until the suspension ends or the ban is lifted. If your account is permanently banned, you cannot change the username at all.

Will my friends still see me in their friends list after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list connection is tied to your account, not your username. Your friends will see your new name the next time they log in, but you will still be on their list and they will still be on yours.

Can I change my username on mobile or through the game client?

You must change your username through the Riot website at account.riotgames.com. You cannot do it from inside the Valorant or League of Legends client, and there is no mobile app for account settings.

What if someone else took the username I wanted?

Usernames are first-come, first-served. If someone else claimed it before you, you cannot have it. You will need to choose a different name. There is no waitlist or way to request a username from another player.

Does changing my username affect my email or password?

No. Your username and your email address are separate. Changing your username does not change your email, password, or any other account security settings.