Yes, you can change your Valorant username, but only once every 30 days
Your Valorant username is tied to your Riot account, and Riot lets you change it through your account settings. The process takes a few minutes, but there is a waiting period: once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. If you pick a name you dislike when ready after changing it, you are stuck with it for a month.
The username you see in-game is separate from your Riot ID, which includes a tag number (the four digits after your name). You can change the display name as many times as you want, but that is not the same as changing your actual username. Most players mean the display name when they talk about their "username," but understanding the difference matters if you want to keep the same tag number or share your account details with friends.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Valorant username once every 30 days through your Riot account settings, not through the game itself.
- Your display name (what appears in-game) is different from your Riot ID username, and you can change the display name without waiting.
- Changing your username does not affect your rank, agent unlocks, skins, or any other game progress.
- If you change your username and then want to change it again, you must wait the full 30 days before the option becomes available.
- Usernames that are already taken, contain slurs, or violate Riot's terms of service will be rejected during the change process.
Where to change your username in account settings
Go to the Riot Games website and sign into your account. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Account". On the Account page, look for the section labeled "Riot ID" — this is where your username and tag appear together. Click the pencil icon or "Edit" button next to your Riot ID.
A window will open showing your current username and tag. You can only edit the username part (the text before the hashtag and numbers). Type your new username into the field. Riot will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or violates their naming policy. If it is available, click "Save" or "Confirm" to complete the change. The new username takes effect right away in-game.
The 30-day waiting period and what it means
After you change your username, a 30-day timer starts. During this time, the "Edit" button next to your Riot ID will be grayed out or will show a countdown. You cannot change your username again until those 30 days have passed. This applies even if you want to change it back to your old name — Riot does not make exceptions.
The waiting period exists to prevent account takeovers and to keep the username system stable. If someone gains temporary access to your account, they cannot rapidly cycle through usernames to hide their activity. For you as a player, it means you should think carefully before changing your name, because you are committed to it for at least a month.
What stays the same when you change your username
Your rank, rating points, agent unlocks, skin collection, and battle pass progress do not change when you update your username. Friends will see your new name the next time they log in, and your match history will show the new name going forward. Old screenshots and clips you shared will still show your old username, but that is a display issue only — the account itself is unchanged.
Your Riot ID tag (the four-digit number) also stays the same unless you specifically ask Riot to change it, which is a separate process and much less common. If you want to keep your tag but change your display name temporarily, you can do that through the in-game settings without touching your Riot account at all.
Display name versus Riot ID username: which one matters
Your Riot ID username is what you change in account settings. It is permanent for 30 days and appears in your profile and in match history. Your display name is a nickname you can set in-game that shows up on your player card and in the scoreboard. You can change your display name as often as you want without any waiting period.
If you want to experiment with a new name without committing to the 30-day lock, change your display name instead. Go to your in-game settings, find the "Personalization" or "Profile" section, and edit the display name field. This is purely cosmetic and does not affect how other players add you or how your account is identified. When you share your Riot ID with someone, you are sharing the username and tag, not the display name.
Usernames that will not be accepted
Riot rejects usernames that are already taken by another player. They also reject names that contain slurs, hate speech, or explicit sexual content. Names that impersonate Riot employees, professional players, or well-known streamers may be rejected as well, though Riot's enforcement of this rule varies.
Usernames that are too short (fewer than three characters) or too long (more than 16 characters) will be rejected. Names with only numbers or only special characters are also not allowed. If your chosen name is rejected, the system will tell you why and you can try a different one. There is no penalty for attempting a name that does not work — you can keep trying until you find one that is available and acceptable.
What to do if you cannot change your username
If the "Edit" button is grayed out and you have not changed your username recently, your account may have a restriction in place. This can happen if Riot detected suspicious activity or if your account was flagged for a policy violation. Check your email for any messages from Riot Games support about your account status.
If you believe the restriction is a mistake, or if you need to change your username for safety reasons (for example, if your old name contains personal information), you can contact Riot Games support directly through their support portal. Explain your situation and they may be able to override the 30-day waiting period. Response times vary, but Riot usually replies within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?
Yes. Your Riot ID tag (the four-digit number) stays the same, so anyone who has you added as a friend will see your new username automatically. If someone only knows your old username, they will need to search for you by your new name and tag, or you can send them a friend request.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Not for 30 days. Once that period ends, you can change your username to anything available, including your old name. If someone else has taken your old username in the meantime, you will have to pick something different.
Does changing my username affect my rank or my skins?
No. Your rank, rating, agent unlocks, skins, and all other progress stay exactly the same. The username is just a label on your account — it does not touch any of your game data or cosmetics.
What is the difference between changing my username and changing my display name?
Your Riot ID username is what you change in account settings and is locked for 30 days after each change. Your display name is a nickname you can change in-game settings as often as you want. The display name is purely cosmetic and does not affect how your account is identified.
Can I change my username if my account is restricted or banned?
If your account is temporarily restricted, you may still be able to change your username. If your account is permanently banned, you cannot. If you are unsure about your account status, check your email or contact Riot Games support to find out what restrictions explore.