Change Your Steam Username Through Your Account Settings

You change your Steam username by logging into your account on Steam's website, opening your profile settings, and editing the name field directly. The change takes effect when ready, and you can change it again whenever you want — there is no waiting period between changes and no limit on how many times you can do it. Your old username becomes available for other players to use.

The username you see in your friends list and on your profile is separate from your account name (the email address you use to log in). Changing your display name does not affect your login credentials, your games, your friends, or anything else tied to your account. Only the name other players see changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into Steam on the website, click your profile picture in the top right, and select "Profile" to reach your settings.
  • Click the pencil icon next to your current name to edit it, type your new username, and click the checkmark to save.
  • The change appears when ready in your profile and friends list, and you can change it again at any time with no restrictions.
  • Your login email, game library, friends list, and account history remain unchanged when you update your display name.

Step 1: Log Into Steam and Open Your Profile

Go to steampowered.com and log in with your email address and password. Once you are logged in, look at the top right corner of the page. You will see your current profile picture or a default avatar. Click on it.

A dropdown menu will appear with several options. Click on "Profile" to open your public profile page. This is the page other players see when they visit your profile.

Step 2: Find and Click the Edit Button Next to Your Name

On your profile page, look at the top left area where your username appears. You will see your current display name in large text. To the right of your name, there is a small pencil icon (it looks like a pencil tip). Click on that icon to enter edit mode.

A text box will appear with your current username highlighted and ready to be changed. The box is active and waiting for you to type. Delete the old name and type your new username.

Step 3: Save Your New Username

After you type your new username, look for a checkmark icon to the right of the text box. Click it to save your change. The page will refresh, and your new username will appear when ready on your profile and in your friends list.

If you change your mind before clicking the checkmark, you can click the X icon instead to cancel the edit and keep your old name. Once you click the checkmark, the change is final, but you can edit it again at any time by repeating these steps.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your username, the old one is released back into the pool of available names. Another player can claim it when ready, so if you are worried about someone impersonating you, do not change to a name that is very similar to your old one and then leave your account inactive.

Your friends will see your new name in their friends list right away. Any messages or comments you left before the change will still show your old name on them, because Steam does not retroactively update old posts. Only your current profile and active conversations show the new name.

Usernames You Cannot Use

Steam blocks certain usernames that are offensive, impersonate Valve employees, or contain specific words the system flags. If you try to save a name and it does not work, the checkmark will not respond or an error message will appear. Try a different name instead.

You also cannot use a name that another player is currently using. If the name you want is taken, Steam will tell you so when you try to save. Pick a different variation or wait to see if that player changes their name later.

Changing Your Username on Mobile or Console

If you play Steam games on a handheld device like the Steam Deck, you can still change your username through the website using the same steps above. Log into steampowered.com in your device's web browser, follow the steps to edit your profile, and the change will sync to your device.

If you play games through Steam on a console like PlayStation or Xbox, those platforms have their own separate usernames. Changing your Steam username does not affect your console account name. You would need to change your console username through that platform's own settings if you want to match them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often can I change my Steam username?

You can change your username as many times as you want with no waiting period between changes. There is no limit, so you can update it daily if you choose. The only restriction is that you cannot use a name another player is currently using or a name Steam has blocked.

Will my friends lose me if I change my username?

No. Your friends list stays the same, and your friends will see your new name in their list automatically. You remain friends with everyone, and they can still message you and invite you to games. Your account itself does not change — only the display name does.

Can I get my old username back if I change my mind?

If you change your mind when ready, you can change it back right away by repeating the steps above. If someone else has claimed your old name in the meantime, you cannot use it again unless that player changes their name later and releases it.

Does changing my username affect my game saves or achievements?

No. Your game library, save files, achievements, and playtime all stay exactly the same. Your account number (which is different from your username) never changes, so all your game data remains tied to your account no matter what name you display.

What if Steam says my new username is unavailable?

Either another player is using that name, or Steam has blocked it for containing offensive content or impersonation. Try a different name instead. If you think the name should be allowed, you can contact Steam Support, but they rarely override the system's blocks.