The quickest way to change your Steam username

Open Steam on your computer and log in. Click your account name in the top right corner, then select "Account details". On the left side, you'll see "Profile name" — this is your username. Click the pencil icon next to it, type your new name, and click "Save changes". The change takes effect when ready.

Your Steam username is different from your account name (the email you use to log in). Changing your username does not affect your password, email, or any games you own. Friends will see your new name the next time they look at their friends list.

Steam usernames can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and some special characters. You cannot use a username that another player is currently using, but you can change yours as many times as you want.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Steam username is found under Account details in the top-right menu and can be changed by clicking the pencil icon next to "Profile name".
  • Changing your username does not change your password, email address, or access to your games and friends list.
  • Steam usernames can be up to 32 characters and include letters, numbers, spaces, and certain special characters.
  • You can change your username as many times as you want, but you cannot use a name another player is currently using.
  • The change takes effect when ready and your friends will see your new name on their next refresh.

Where to find your username in Steam settings

Log into Steam and look at the top right corner of the window. You'll see your current username displayed there. Click on it to open a dropdown menu with several options. Select "Account details" from that menu.

Once you're in Account details, look at the left sidebar. You'll see several sections including "Profile name", "Email address", and "Password". The "Profile name" section is where your username lives. If you don't see a pencil icon next to your current name, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in.

Entering and saving your new username

Click the pencil icon next to your current profile name. A text box will appear where you can type. Delete your old name and type your new one. As you type, Steam will tell you whether the name is available — if another player is using it, you'll see a message saying the name is taken.

Once you've entered a name that's available, click the "Save changes" button below the text box. Steam will confirm the change. You can now close the Account details page and your new username will be active across your profile, friends list, and game lobbies.

What happens to your profile and games after you change your username

Your games, achievements, playtime, and friends list all stay exactly the same. Nothing is lost or reset when you change your username. Your account name (the email address you use to log in) does not change, so you'll still use the same email and password to access Steam.

Your old username becomes available for other players to use after you change it. If you change your mind later, you can change it back to your old name as long as no one else has claimed it in the meantime.

Restrictions and rules for Steam usernames

Steam usernames must be between 1 and 32 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, spaces, and these special characters: dash, underscore, period, and parentheses. You cannot use characters like @, #, $, or %, and you cannot use offensive language or impersonate other players.

If you try to use a name that violates Steam's rules, you'll see an error message when you try to save. The most common reason a name won't save is that another player is already using it. Try adding a number, underscore, or period to make your desired name unique.

Changing your username on mobile or the Steam app

You cannot change your username through the Steam mobile app or the Steam Deck. You must use a computer with the full Steam client or the Steam website. Log into your account at steampowered.com, click your username in the top right, select "Account details", and follow the same steps as above.

If you're on a phone or tablet, open a web browser, go to steampowered.com, and log in. The website version of Account details works the same way as the desktop client, so you can change your username from there if you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, you can change your username back to your old name as long as no one else has claimed it. If someone else is using your old name, you'll have to pick something different. You can change your username as many times as you want.

Will my friends see my old username in chat history?

No. Old messages in chat will show your new username, not your old one. Your friends will see your new name everywhere on Steam once the change takes effect.

Does changing my username affect my Steam Guard or two-factor authentication?

No. Your security settings, passwords, and authentication methods stay the same. Changing your username is purely cosmetic and does not touch your account security.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try a variation: add a number at the end, use an underscore or period, or add a short word. For example, if "Player" is taken, try "Player1", "Player_", or "Player.Pro". You can also wait and check back later — if someone stops using a name, it may become available.

Can I use special characters or emojis in my username?

Steam allows dashes, underscores, periods, and parentheses, but not emojis or most other special characters. If you try to use a character that isn't allowed, Steam will show an error when you try to save.