You can change your Steam username directly from your account settings, and it takes about two minutes
Your Steam username is the name other players see when you're in a game or on your profile. Steam lets you change it as many times as you want, with no cooldown between changes and no cost. The process happens entirely within the Steam client or through the Steam website — you don't need to contact support or wait for approval.
The name you change is your display name, which is separate from your account name (the login credentials you use to sign in). Your account name cannot be changed once it's created. If you're looking to change what people call you in games and on your profile, a display name change is what you need.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Steam display name from your account settings on the Steam website or in the Steam client process.
- Steam allows unlimited username changes with no waiting period between them, and changing your name costs nothing.
- Your account name (what you log in with) is permanent and separate from your display name (what other players see).
- The change takes effect when ready across all your games and your profile page.
- If you forget what username you're currently using, you can find it on your profile page or in your account settings.
How to change your username through the Steam website
Open a web browser and go to steampowered.com. Log in with your account name and password. Once you're logged in, click on your profile picture or avatar in the top right corner of the page, then select "Account" from the dropdown menu.
On the Account page, look for the section labeled "Profile" on the left side. Click on "Profile" to expand it. You'll see a field that says "Current Profile Name" with your current username displayed. Click the "Edit" button next to it. Type your new username into the text box — Steam allows up to 32 characters, including spaces and most symbols. Click "Save Changes" when you're done. Your new username appears when ready on your profile and in all your games.
How to change your username in the Steam client
Open the Steam process on your computer. In the top left corner, click on "Steam" in the menu bar, then select "Settings" (on Windows) or "Preferences" (on Mac). A settings window will open.
Click on "Account" in the left sidebar. You'll see your current profile name displayed. Click the "Change" button next to it. Type your new username — again, up to 32 characters — and click "OK". The change takes effect when ready. The next time you launch a game or refresh your profile, other players will see your new name.
What happens to your old username after you change it
Your old username becomes available for other Steam users to claim. Steam does not reserve old usernames for previous owners, so if you change your name and later want to switch back, someone else may have already taken it. If you think you might want to use an old username again, write it down before you change it.
Your friends list, game library, achievements, and playtime all stay exactly the same. Changing your username does not affect your account in any other way — it's purely a display change. Games you own, items you've purchased, and your game progress remain untouched.
Usernames that Steam will not allow
Steam blocks usernames that contain hate speech, slurs, or explicit sexual content. The system also rejects names that impersonate Valve employees or Steam support staff. If you try to set a username and Steam rejects it, the site will tell you the name violates the Community Guidelines. You'll need to choose a different name and try again.
Names that are straightforward offensive but don't fall into those categories are usually allowed. Steam's moderation focuses on preventing impersonation and serious harassment rather than policing mild profanity or edgy humor. If you're unsure whether a name will be accepted, try it — you can always change it again if it's rejected.
If you can't remember your current username
Go to your Steam profile page by logging into steampowered.com and clicking your avatar. Your current display name appears at the top of your profile. You can also find it in the Steam client by clicking your avatar in the top left corner — your profile name shows in the dropdown menu.
If you've forgotten your account name (the one you use to log in), you can recover it by going to the Steam login page and clicking "Forgot your login name?" Steam will send a recovery email to the address associated with your account. Your account name is different from your display name and cannot be changed.
Changing your username on mobile or console
The Steam mobile app does not have a built-in option to change your username. You'll need to use the Steam website or the desktop client. Open a web browser on your phone, go to steampowered.com, log in, and follow the website steps above.
If you play Steam games on a Steam Deck, you can change your username through the Deck's built-in browser by visiting steampowered.com, or you can make the change on a computer and it will sync to your Deck automatically. Console versions of Steam games (like on PlayStation or Xbox) use those platforms' usernames instead, not your Steam username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Only if no one else has claimed it. Steam does not reserve old usernames, so if you change your name and want to switch back later, someone else may have already taken it. If you think you might want to reuse an old name, write it down before you change it so you can try to claim it again later.
How often can I change my Steam username?
As many times as you want, with no waiting period between changes. Steam places no limit on how frequently you can change your display name. You can change it every day if you choose to, and it costs nothing.
Will changing my username affect my games or achievements?
No. Your game library, playtime, achievements, items, and all account progress stay exactly the same. A username change is purely cosmetic — it only changes what other players see when they look at your profile or encounter you in a game.
What's the difference between my Steam account name and my display name?
Your account name is what you type to log in — it cannot be changed once created. Your display name is what other players see on your profile and in games, and you can change it anytime. Most people refer to the display name as their "username" because it's the one visible to others.
Why did Steam reject my username choice?
Steam blocks usernames containing hate speech, slurs, explicit sexual content, or attempts to impersonate Valve staff or support. If your name was rejected, try a different one. Steam will show you a message explaining why the name was not allowed.