You can change your Steam username through your account settings, but the process has limits you should know about

Your Steam username is what you use to log in to Steam. You can change it once every 30 days through the account settings on your computer. The change takes effect when ready, and you'll use the new username the next time you log in. However, Steam limits how often you can change it, and some usernames may already be taken by other players.

The steps below walk you through the change on Windows or Mac. If you're on a mobile device, you'll need to use a web browser to access your account settings, since the Steam mobile app doesn't have this option.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Steam username once every 30 days by going to Account Details in your Steam client settings.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready, and you'll log in with it the next time you start Steam.
  • If the username you want is already taken, Steam will tell you and you'll need to choose a different one.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game library, friends list, or any other account data.
  • If you've already changed your username recently, Steam will show you when you can change it again.

Steps to change your username in the Steam client

Open the Steam client on your computer and log in if you're not already. In the top-left corner, click your username or profile picture to open a dropdown menu. Select Account from the list.

On the Account Details page, look for the field labeled Account name near the top. Click the text box next to it and delete your current username. Type your new username — it can be up to 32 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Click Change Account Name to save your change.

Steam will check whether the username is available. If it is, the change happens right away and you'll see a confirmation message. If the username is already taken, Steam will tell you and you can try a different one. Log out and log back in to confirm your new username works.

What happens if you've changed your username recently

Steam enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. If you've changed your username in the last month, the Account Details page will show you the date when you can change it again. You cannot change your username before that date, even if you try a different one.

If you need to change your username urgently and you've hit the 30-day limit, you have no way around it — Steam does not offer exceptions to this rule. Plan ahead if you know you'll want to change your username soon.

Choosing a username that won't be taken

Before you try to change your username, think about what you want it to be. Popular short usernames, common words, and names of well-known games or characters are usually already taken. The more specific or unusual your choice, the more likely it is to be available.

You can test whether a username is taken without committing to it. In the Account Details page, type the username you want into the text box and click Change Account Name. If Steam says it's taken, you'll see that message before any change happens. You can then try a different username without penalty.

What does not change when you change your username

Your Steam username is separate from your profile name, which is the display name other players see. Changing your login username does not change your profile name, your game library, your friends list, your achievements, or any other account data. Everything stays exactly as it was.

If you also want to change the name that appears on your profile to other players, you can do that separately in your profile settings. That change has no waiting period and can be done as often as you like.

Changing your username on mobile or web

If you don't have access to the Steam client, you can change your username through the Steam website. Go to steampowered.com, log in, and click your profile picture in the top-right corner. Select Account details from the menu. The Account name field works the same way as it does in the client — type your new username and click Change Account Name.

The Steam mobile app does not have an account settings option, so you'll need to use a web browser on your phone or tablet if you want to change your username that way. The process is identical to the website version.

Troubleshooting username changes that don't work

If you click Change Account Name and nothing happens, check that you've typed a valid username. Steam usernames cannot contain spaces, special characters other than hyphens and underscores, or characters from non-English alphabets. If your username has any of these, Steam will reject it silently — try removing the problematic characters and try again.

If you see an error message saying the username is taken, that username belongs to another account and you cannot use it. If you see a message about the 30-day waiting period, you'll need to wait until that date passes. Log out of Steam completely and log back in to make sure you're seeing the current status of your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you'll have to wait 30 days after your last change. If you changed your username and want to go back, you can do so once the waiting period is over. You can change it back to any username that isn't taken, including your old one if no one else has claimed it.

Will my friends see my old username after I change it?

No. Your friends will see your new username when ready in their friends list and in chat. The change is when ready across all of Steam. Your old username will no longer appear anywhere on your account.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change mine?

Once you change your username, it becomes available for other players to use. If you change it and then want it back later, another account may have claimed it. You cannot reserve a username or prevent others from using it once you've given it up.

Does changing my username affect my Steam profile URL?

Your profile URL is based on your profile name, not your login username. Changing your login username does not change your profile URL. If you want to change your profile URL, you'll need to change your profile name in your profile settings instead.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?

No. Steam usernames can only contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like periods, commas, or symbols are not allowed. If you try to use them, Steam will reject the username.