Change your username through Riot Client settings

Open Riot Client and log into your account. Click your account name or profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account. Look for the option labeled Riot ID — this is what appears in-game and in your profile. Click Edit next to your current Riot ID.

You'll see two fields: your game name (what other players see) and your tag number (a three or four-digit number that makes your name unique). You can change the game name as often as you want at no cost. The tag number can be changed once per month for free, or you can pay 490 Valorant Points to change it when ready.

Type your new game name into the field. Riot has restrictions: your name cannot contain profanity, impersonation of Riot staff, or certain offensive terms. If your name is rejected, you'll see an error message explaining why. Once you've entered a name that passes the filter, click Save. The change takes effect when ready in Valorant and all other Riot games on your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Your game name can be changed for free as many times as you want through Account settings in Riot Client.
  • Your tag number (the digits after your name) can be changed once per month for free, or when ready for 490 Valorant Points.
  • Riot blocks names containing profanity, impersonation, or offensive language, and you'll see a specific error if your choice is rejected.
  • Changes take effect when ready in Valorant and explore across all Riot games tied to your account.

What happens to your old username

When you change your game name, your old name becomes available for other players to use after a short delay. Your match history, rank, and all cosmetics stay with your account — nothing is lost. Other players who were on your friends list will see your new name the next time they log in.

If you change your tag number, the old tag becomes available for others to claim. This means someone else could eventually create a Riot ID that matches your old game name and tag combination, though this takes time and requires them to have the exact name available.

Changing your tag number without paying

Your tag number resets once per calendar month, meaning you get one free change between the first and last day of each month. If you've already used your free change this month, you'll need to wait until the next month begins or pay 490 Valorant Points to change it sooner.

The free reset happens on the first day of the month in your local time zone. If you change your tag on the 28th of a month, you'll have another free change available on the 1st of the next month. Plan ahead if you want to avoid paying Points.

Restrictions and rules for usernames

Riot blocks names that contain slurs, hate speech, or references to real-world violence. Names that impersonate Riot staff members or famous players are also rejected. The system also flags names that are too similar to existing ones, though you can usually add numbers or slight variations to get around this.

You cannot use spaces in your game name, but you can use underscores, hyphens, or numbers. Names are case-insensitive in Valorant — "Player" and "player" are treated as the same name. If you're unsure whether a name will be blocked, try entering it; the error message will tell you specifically what the problem is.

Changing your display name versus your game name

Valorant has two separate name fields that can confuse players. Your game name is your Riot ID — what shows up in-game and on your profile. Your display name is a separate field in your account settings that appears on the Riot website and in some social features, but not in Valorant itself.

If you want to change what other players see in Valorant matches, change your game name through the Riot ID section. If you only want to change how your name appears on the Riot website or in forums, you can edit your display name separately. Most players only need to change their game name.

Troubleshooting name change problems

If you see an error saying your name is unavailable, it usually means someone else has already claimed that exact game name and tag combination. Try adding numbers to the end or changing a letter slightly. If the error says your name violates content policy, Riot has flagged it as containing restricted language — choose a different name.

If the save button won't respond or you're stuck on the edit screen, try logging out of Riot Client completely and logging back in. Clear your browser cache if you're changing your name through the web version of your account settings. If the problem persists, restart your computer and try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Yes, but only if no one else has claimed it. If your old name is still available, you can change back to it for free (or for 490 Points if you've used your monthly tag change). If someone else has taken it, you'll need to choose a different name or wait to see if they stop using it.

Do I lose my rank or cosmetics when I change my name?

No. Your rank, match history, skins, and all account progress stay exactly the same. A username change is purely cosmetic and does not affect your account data or competitive standing.

How long does a username change take to show up?

Changes appear when ready in Valorant once you click save. Friends will see your new name the next time they log in. There is no waiting period.

Can I change my username if I'm banned or suspended?

You can change your game name, but Riot may restrict tag number changes on accounts under review or with active penalties. If you're unable to save changes, contact Riot support to ask about your account status.

What if someone is using a name similar to mine and I want to report it?

Riot does not reserve names or prevent similar usernames. If someone is impersonating you or using a name designed to confuse, you can report them in-game by right-clicking their name and selecting report, then choosing impersonation as the reason.