Change Your Username Through Steam Account Settings
You can change your Steam username by opening Steam, going to your account name in the top right corner, selecting "Account" from the dropdown menu, and clicking "Edit Profile" on the left side. Look for the "Profile Name" field — this is what other players see. Type your new name, then scroll down and click "Save Changes." The change takes effect when ready.
This is the only way to change what appears on your profile to other players. Steam does not charge a fee for username changes, and you can change it as often as you want. There is no waiting period between changes, though Steam's servers may take a few minutes to show the new name everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- Your profile name (what others see) is changed in Account Settings under "Edit Profile," not in your account name field.
- The change is free and takes effect when ready across all your games and your profile page.
- Your account name (used to log in) cannot be changed — only your display name can.
- If you cannot find the Edit Profile button, make sure you are logged into the correct account and have clicked "Account" from the top-right dropdown.
The Difference Between Account Name and Profile Name
Steam has two separate names, and this confusion stops most people. Your account name is what you type when you log in — this cannot be changed. Your profile name is what other players see on your profile and in games — this is what you change in Account Settings.
If you want a different login name, you cannot do that through Steam. Your account name is permanent. But your profile name can be anything, and you can change it whenever you want. Think of it like a username (permanent) versus a display name (changeable).
Step-by-Step: Where to Find the Edit Profile Button
Open the Steam client on your computer. In the top right corner, you will see your current profile name. Click on it to open a dropdown menu with several options. Select "Account" from this menu — not "Profile," which is a different page.
Once you are in Account Settings, look at the left sidebar. You will see several options including "Account Details," "Change Password," and others. Click "Edit Profile." This opens the page where you can change your profile name. Find the "Profile Name" field near the top, clear the current text, type your new name, and scroll down to click "Save Changes."
If the Edit Profile button does not appear, you may be looking at the wrong account. Log out and log back in with the account you want to change. Some accounts created very long ago may have different settings, but the Edit Profile option exists on all active accounts.
What Happens When You Change Your Name
Your new profile name appears on your profile page within seconds. In games you are currently playing, the change may take a few minutes to show up for other players. Your friends list will update your name when ready. Any messages you sent before the change still show your old name, but your profile and new messages show the new name.
Changing your name does not affect your games, achievements, or playtime — all of that stays attached to your account. Your Steam ID number, which is what the system actually uses to track you, never changes. Other players can still find you by your old name in some cases because Steam keeps a record, but your profile displays only the current name.
If Your New Name Does Not Appear Right Away
Wait five to ten minutes and refresh your profile page. If you are still seeing the old name, log out of Steam completely and log back in. This forces your client to pull the latest information from Steam's servers. If the name still has not changed after that, restart the Steam client entirely — close it completely and open it again.
In very rare cases, Steam's servers take longer to sync. If your new name has not appeared anywhere after 30 minutes, check that you actually clicked "Save Changes" at the bottom of the Edit Profile page. Many people type a new name but forget to save it. Go back to Account Settings and verify that the Profile Name field shows what you intended.
Names You Cannot Use
Steam blocks certain words and phrases from profile names. You cannot use slurs, hate speech, or content that violates Steam's Community Guidelines. You also cannot use names that impersonate Valve employees or famous people in a way designed to deceive. If you try to save a name Steam does not allow, you will see an error message telling you the name is not permitted.
If you see an error but believe your name should be allowed, you cannot appeal it through the profile settings. Your only option is to choose a different name. Steam's filter is automatic and does not have a review process for individual names.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account name (the one I log in with)?
No. Your account name is permanent and cannot be changed. You can only change your profile name, which is what appears on your profile and in games. If you want a completely different account, you would need to create a new Steam account.
How many times can I change my profile name?
You can change it as many times as you want with no limit. There is no waiting period between changes, and it costs nothing. Steam allows unlimited name changes to give players flexibility.
Will my friends still find me if I change my name?
Yes. Your friends list is tied to your account, not your name. They will see your new name when ready. Other players can also find you by searching your Steam ID number, which never changes.
Does changing my name affect my games or achievements?
No. Your games, playtime, achievements, and inventory all stay exactly the same. The name change only affects what appears on your profile and in-game — nothing about your account data changes.
What if I see "Edit Profile" is grayed out or missing?
Make sure you are logged into the correct account and that you clicked "Account" from the top-right dropdown, not "Profile." If it is still missing, try restarting the Steam client. Very old accounts or accounts with restrictions may have limited access, but this is rare.