You can change your Steam username once every 30 days through your account settings

Your Steam username is the display name other players see when you're online or in a game. It's separate from your account name (the login you use to sign in) and can be changed whenever you want, with one limit: you must wait 30 days between changes. The process takes about two minutes and happens entirely within the Steam client or on the Steam website.

Unlike some other platforms, Steam doesn't charge money to change your username, and there's no approval process — the change takes effect when ready. You can revert to a previous username if you change your mind, though that still counts as a change and resets the 30-day timer.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Steam username once every 30 days by going to your account settings and editing your profile name.
  • Your Steam username is what other players see; your account name (login) cannot be changed and is different from your username.
  • Changes take effect when ready and are visible to your friends and in any games you're playing.
  • If you've changed your username recently, Steam will show you when you're may be able to access to change it again.

How to change your username through the Steam client

Open the Steam client on your computer and log in. Click your username in the top right corner of the window, then select "Profile" from the dropdown menu. On your profile page, look for the pencil icon next to your current username at the top of the page and click it.

A text field will appear with your current username highlighted. Delete it and type your new username, then click the checkmark to save. Steam will confirm the change when ready. If you see a message saying you must wait before changing again, you've already changed your username within the last 30 days and will need to wait until the timer expires.

How to change your username on the Steam website

Go to steampowered.com and log in to your account. Click your username in the top right corner and select "Profile" from the menu. On your profile page, click the pencil icon next to your username, type your new name, and click the checkmark to save.

The website method works identically to the client. Both update your username across all Steam services at the same time — your friends list, game lobbies, community pages, and anywhere else your name appears on Steam.

What happens when you change your username

The change is visible to everyone when ready. Your friends will see your new name in their friends list, in chat conversations, and in any games you're playing together. Your old username is released and can be claimed by another player, though Steam doesn't notify you if someone takes it.

Your account name (the one you use to log in) never changes. Only your display name changes. Any achievements, game library, playtime, or account history stays exactly the same — changing your username doesn't affect any of that data.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Steam enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes. This means if you change your username today, you cannot change it again for 30 days. The timer resets each time you make a change, even if you're changing back to a previous username.

If you try to change your username before the 30 days are up, Steam will show you the exact date and time when you'll be may be able to access to change again. There's no way to bypass this waiting period, and it applies to all accounts regardless of how long you've had your Steam account or what games you own.

Choosing a username that won't cause problems later

Steam allows most usernames, but avoid names that impersonate other players, contain slurs, or are designed to trick people into thinking you're someone you're not. Steam's moderation team can force a username change if your name violates the community guidelines, and repeated violations can result in account restrictions.

Keep in mind that your username is public. Anyone can see it in game lobbies, on your profile, and in community discussions. If you use a username you later regret, you can change it — just remember you'll have to wait 30 days between changes.

Resetting your username if you forget what it is

Your current username is displayed at the top of your profile page and in the top right corner of the Steam client whenever you're logged in. If you're logged out and can't remember your username, you don't need it to sign in — Steam accounts log in using either your account name or the email address associated with the account.

Your account name is what you created when you first set up your Steam account. If you can't remember that either, you can recover your account using the email address you registered with by going to steampowered.com/login and clicking "Forgot your login?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. Steam enforces a strict 30-day cooldown between changes. If you change your username and then try to change it again before 30 days have passed, Steam will show you the date when you're may be able to access to change it next. The timer resets with each change.

If I change my username, will my friends still be able to find me?

Yes. Your account itself doesn't change — only your display name does. Your friends can still see you in their friends list under your new name, and they can still message you and play games with you. Your account ID and profile URL stay the same.

What's the difference between my username and my account name?

Your account name is what you use to log in to Steam — it never changes. Your username is your display name that other players see. You can change your username every 30 days, but your account name is permanent and tied to your account recovery and login.

Can someone else take my old username after I change it?

Yes. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for any other Steam user to claim. Steam doesn't reserve old usernames or notify you if someone takes yours. If you think you might want to use an old username again, you'll need to change back to it before someone else does.

What happens if Steam forces me to change my username?

If your username violates Steam's community guidelines, Steam's moderation team can force a change. You'll receive a notification explaining why, and you'll be required to choose a new username. Forced changes don't count against your 30-day cooldown, so you can change again when ready after.