Where to change your Nexus username
You change your Nexus username through the Nexus website itself, not through a game or app that uses Nexus. Log into your account at nexusmods.com, go to your account settings, and look for the profile or username section. The exact location depends on which Nexus site you use — Nexus Mods, Nexus Premium, or another Nexus service — but they all follow the same basic path through account settings.
Before you start, know that Nexus has rules about how often you can change your username. Most accounts can change once every 30 days, though this varies by account type. If you changed your username recently, you may have to wait before changing it again.
Key Takeaways
- You change your username by logging into nexusmods.com, navigating to account settings, and finding the profile or username option.
- Nexus typically allows one username change per 30 days, so you cannot change it back when ready if you make a mistake.
- Your new username takes effect right away across all Nexus services tied to that account.
- If you forget your password or cannot access your account, you will need to use the password reset or contact Nexus support before you can change your username.
Step-by-step: changing your username on Nexus Mods
Start by opening nexusmods.com in your browser and logging in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, look for your account menu — this is usually in the top right corner of the page, often shown as your current username or a profile icon. Click it to open a dropdown menu.
From the dropdown, select "Account Settings" or "Profile Settings" (the exact wording varies). You will land on a page with several options on the left side, including sections for profile, privacy, email, and notifications. Look for a section labeled "Profile" or "Username" — this is where you change your display name. Click into that section.
You will see a field with your current username. Click in the field, delete the old name, and type your new username. Nexus will tell you right away if the name is already taken or breaks their naming rules (for example, usernames cannot contain certain characters or be too short). Once you have entered a valid new username, look for a "Save" or "Update" button and click it. Your username changes when ready.
What happens after you change your username
Your new username shows up everywhere you use Nexus right away — in your profile, on any mods you have uploaded, in comments you have made, and in your account settings. Other users will see your new name when they visit your profile or see your activity. Your old username does not appear anywhere once the change is complete.
Your account itself does not change. You still log in with the same email address, your mods stay in your account, your downloads and favorites are still there, and your account history is preserved. Only the name that appears to other users changes.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule exists to prevent spam and account abuse. If you realize you made a typo or chose a name you do not like, you have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again. There is no way to speed this up or request an exception.
Because of this waiting period, it is worth taking a moment to make sure your new username is spelled correctly and is something you are comfortable with before you click save. Once you confirm the change, you are locked into that name for a month.
If you cannot access your account
If you have forgotten your password or cannot log into your Nexus account, you will not be able to change your username until you regain access. Go to the Nexus login page and look for a "Forgot Password" link. Click it and enter the email address associated with your account. Nexus will send you a password reset link to that email. Follow the link, create a new password, and log back in.
If you no longer have access to the email address tied to your account, you will need to contact Nexus support directly. Go to the Nexus website, look for a "Contact" or "Support" link (usually at the bottom of the page), and explain your situation. Support can help you regain access to your account, though this process may take several days.
Username rules and restrictions
Nexus has rules about what characters and words you can use in a username. Usernames cannot contain spaces, and they are limited to letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Usernames must be at least three characters long and cannot exceed a certain length (usually around 20 characters, though this varies). Nexus will not let you save a username that breaks these rules — the system will show an error message telling you what is wrong.
You also cannot use a username that is already taken by another account. If you try to use a name someone else has, Nexus will tell you the name is unavailable. Usernames that contain slurs, impersonate staff members, or violate Nexus community guidelines may be rejected or removed by moderators after you create them.
Changing your username on other Nexus sites
If you use Nexus Premium, Nexus Collections, or other Nexus services, they are all tied to the same account. Changing your username on nexusmods.com changes it everywhere. You do not need to change it separately on each service — one change affects your entire Nexus account across all platforms.
If you use mods from Nexus in a game or app, that game or app will show your new Nexus username once you have changed it. The change is automatic and does not require you to do anything in the game or app itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since your last change. If you changed your username today, you cannot change it again until 30 days from now — even if you want to go back to your old name. Plan your username change carefully because you are stuck with it for a month.
Will changing my username affect my mods or downloads?
No. Your mods, downloads, favorites, and account history all stay exactly the same. Only the name that appears next to them changes. Anyone who has downloaded your mods will still be able to find them under your new username.
What if the username I want is taken?
You cannot use a username that another account already has. Try a variation — add a number, a hyphen, or an underscore. If the name you want is taken and you really need it, there is no way to request that Nexus release it from another account. You will have to choose a different name.
Do I need to change my password when I change my username?
No. Your password stays the same. You log in with your email address and password, not your username, so changing your username does not affect how you log in. Your password only needs to change if you want it to or if you think your account has been compromised.
How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?
Your new username shows up when ready across all Nexus services and in any games or apps that pull your Nexus profile. You do not have to wait for anything to sync or update — the change is live as soon as you click save.