You can change your Steam username, but the process depends on what you want to change
Steam has two separate names attached to your account: your account name (what you use to log in) and your display name (what other players see). You can change your display name as often as you want for free. Your account name — the one you type into the login box — can only be changed once, and only under specific circumstances. Understanding which one you need to change will save you time.
Your account name is permanent by design. Steam created this rule to prevent account theft and confusion. If you want a different login name, you will need to create a new Steam account. Your display name, by contrast, is flexible and changes when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Your display name (what friends see) can be changed unlimited times for free by going to your profile and clicking "Edit Profile".
- Your account name (what you type to log in) can only be changed once, and only if you have never used it to log in or if Steam support approves an exception.
- If you have already logged in with your account name, you cannot change it — you would need to create a new account.
- Steam support can sometimes override the one-change rule if your account name contains offensive content or was created under false information.
Changing your display name (what friends see)
Open Steam and go to your profile by clicking your username in the top right corner, then select "Profile". On your profile page, click the "Edit Profile" button. You will see a field labeled "Profile Name" — this is your display name. Type in whatever name you want other players to see, then click "Save".
The change takes effect when ready. You can change this name as many times as you want, and there is no cooldown period between changes. This is the name that appears on your friends list, in game lobbies, and on your public profile page.
Changing your account name (what you log in with)
Your account name is the username you enter into the login box when you start Steam. This name is tied to your account permanently in almost all cases. Steam allows you to change it only once, and only if you have never logged in with that account name before. If you created the account but never actually used it to log in, you can change the account name one time through your account settings.
To check whether you can change your account name, go to your account details page while logged in. Look for a section labeled "Account Name" or "Change Account Name". If a button or link appears, you have not yet used that account name to log in, and you can change it once. If no option appears, you have already logged in with this account name, and Steam will not allow you to change it.
When Steam support might change your account name
Steam support can override the one-change rule in limited situations. If your account name contains offensive language, slurs, or impersonates a real person or company, you can contact Steam support and request a change. Support will review your request and may grant you an exception.
You cannot request a name change straightforward because you want a different login name or because you forgot your current one. Steam support will not change your account name for convenience or preference. To contact Steam support, log into your Steam account, go to the Help section, and select "Contact Steam Support". Describe your situation clearly and include your account name.
What to do if you want a completely different login name
If you have already logged in with your account name and you want a different one, your only option is to create a new Steam account with a different account name. You can then transfer your games to the new account by using Steam's account recovery or family sharing features, though some games have restrictions on account transfers.
Before you create a new account, understand that you will lose your playtime history, achievements, and some cosmetic items tied to your old account. Games purchased through Steam can usually be accessed on a new account through family sharing, but this requires setting up the feature correctly. If you have spent money on in-game items or cosmetics, those will stay on your original account.
Recovering a forgotten account name
If you cannot remember your account name, you can still log in using the email address associated with your account. On the Steam login screen, enter your email address instead of your account name, then enter your password. Steam will log you in and you can then view your account name in your account settings.
If you cannot remember your password either, click "Forgot your password?" on the login screen. Steam will send a password reset link to your email address. Once you reset your password, you can log in with your email and then locate your account name in your settings.
Changing your password and recovery email
Your password and the email address tied to your account are separate from your account name and display name. To change your password, log into Steam, go to Account, then select "Change Password". Steam will ask you to enter your current password and then your new password twice. The change takes effect when ready.
To change the email address on your account, go to Account and select "Contact Email". Enter a new email address and Steam will send a confirmation link to both your old and new email addresses. You must confirm the change from both emails before the switch is complete. This protects your account from unauthorized changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my account name more than once?
No. Steam allows you to change your account name only once, and only if you have never logged in with it. After you log in even once, the account name becomes permanent. If you want a different login name after that point, you must create a new Steam account.
What is the difference between my account name and my display name?
Your account name is what you type into the login box — it is permanent and private. Your display name is what other players see on your profile and in games — it can be changed unlimited times. Most people change their display name but keep their account name the same.
Will changing my display name affect my games or friends list?
No. Changing your display name does not affect your games, achievements, or friends list. Your friends will straightforward see your new name the next time they look at their friends list. All your game progress and purchases stay exactly the same.
What happens if I create a new Steam account with a different name?
Your new account will be separate from your old one. Games you purchased on your old account will not automatically appear on the new account. You can use Steam's family sharing feature to play games from your old account on your new account, but this requires setup and has some restrictions depending on the game.
Can Steam support help me if I forgot my account name?
You do not need to contact support. You can log in using the email address tied to your account instead of your account name. Once logged in, you can find your account name in your account settings under "Account Name".