You cannot change your username directly in the Steam mobile app
The Steam mobile app does not have a username-change feature built in. To change your username, you must use a web browser on your phone or switch to a computer. The process takes about two minutes once you are in the right place, and Steam does not charge a fee or limit how often you change it.
Your username is different from your account name. Your account name is what you log in with — that cannot change. Your username is your display name, the one other players see in your friends list and on your profile. This is what you are actually changing.
Key Takeaways
- Open a web browser on your phone and go to steampowered.com, then log in to your account.
- Tap your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Profile" from the menu.
- Look for the "Edit Profile" button and tap it, then find the username field near the top.
- Type your new username, tap "Save Changes", and the new name appears when ready to other players.
- You can change your username as many times as you want with no waiting period between changes.
Step-by-step: changing your username in a mobile browser
Start by opening any web browser on your phone — Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or whatever you normally use. Go to steampowered.com and log in with your account name and password if you are not already signed in.
Once you are logged in, look for your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen. It is a small circular image with your avatar. Tap it and a menu will drop down. Select "Profile" from that menu. You are now on your public profile page.
On your profile page, look for a button that says "Edit Profile" — it usually appears near the top, often to the right of your current username. Tap that button. The page will change to show editable fields.
Find the field labeled "Username" or "Persona Name" — it is typically one of the first fields on the edit page. Tap inside that field and delete your current username. Type your new username. Steam usernames can be up to 32 characters and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and most punctuation marks.
After you type your new username, scroll down and look for a "Save Changes" button. Tap it. Steam will save your new username when ready. You do not need to wait or confirm anything else — the change is live right away.
What happens if your desired username is already taken
If you try to save a username that another player already has, Steam will show an error message saying the name is unavailable. You will need to choose a different name. Try adding a number, a symbol, or a word to make it unique.
Steam does not have a queue or reservation system for usernames. If someone else has the name you want, you cannot claim it. You can only use a username if it is currently available at the moment you save it.
Troubleshooting: the edit profile button is not appearing
If you cannot find an "Edit Profile" button, you may be viewing someone else's profile instead of your own. Go back and tap your profile icon again, making sure you select "Profile" and not "View Profile" or another option. You should only be able to edit your own profile.
If you are on your own profile and still do not see the edit button, try refreshing the page. Sometimes the mobile browser does not load all the page elements right away. Pull down to refresh, wait a few seconds, and look again.
If the page is not loading properly at all, try switching to a different browser or clearing your browser's cache. Mobile browsers sometimes cache old versions of pages, which can hide buttons and fields that should be visible.
Why you might want to change your username regularly
Some players change their username as a joke or to match a current game they are playing. Others change it to distance themselves from an old username they no longer like. There is no penalty for changing it — Steam allows unlimited changes with no cooldown period between them.
Keep in mind that your friends will see the new name when ready in their friends list. If you change your username frequently, they may get confused about who you are. A note in your profile bio can help: something like "formerly known as [old name]" lets people know it is still you.
The difference between username and account name
Your account name is the email address or username you created when you first set up Steam. This is what you type into the login screen. You cannot change your account name — it is permanent.
Your username (also called your persona name or display name) is what shows up on your profile and in games. This is the name your friends see. This is the one you can change anytime, and it is the one you just changed in the steps above.
If someone asks for your "Steam name" to add you as a friend, they usually mean your username. If they ask for your "Steam account name," they mean the login name, which you cannot change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to one I used before?
Yes. If you used a username in the past and then changed to something else, you can change back to the old name anytime — as long as no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If someone else took it, you cannot use it again unless they change their username first.
Does changing my username affect my games or achievements?
No. Your games, achievements, playtime, and all other account data stay exactly the same. Only the name that displays changes. Your friends will still see your entire history and all your games.
What if I change my username and then regret it?
You can change it again when ready. There is no waiting period. Just go back through the same steps and pick a new username. You can change it as many times as you want.
Will my old username be available for someone else to use?
Yes. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for any other Steam user to claim. If you think you might want it back, change to something temporary first, then change back before someone else takes it.
Can I use special characters or emoji in my username?
You can use most punctuation marks and symbols, but not emoji. Steam limits usernames to standard keyboard characters. If you try to paste an emoji, Steam will reject it and ask you to choose a different character.