Where to change your Paradox username

You change your Paradox username through the Paradox Account website, not through individual games. Go to accounts.paradoxinteractive.com, sign in with your email and password, and look for "Profile" or "Account Settings" in the left menu. The username field is editable there — type your new name, save, and the change takes effect when ready across all Paradox games you own.

The username you set here is what appears to other players in multiplayer games, forums, and your public profile. It is separate from your email address, which stays the same for login purposes. You can change your username as often as you want, though Paradox may rate-limit very frequent changes to prevent abuse.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into accounts.paradoxinteractive.com with your email and password to reach the account settings where usernames are changed.
  • Your username is what other players see in games and on your profile, while your email address remains your login credential.
  • Changes to your username take effect when ready across all Paradox games tied to that account.
  • You can change your username multiple times, though very frequent changes may be restricted by Paradox.

What you need before you start

Have your email address and password ready. You must be signed into your Paradox account to edit your username — there is no way to change it without logging in first. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the Paradox login page to reset it via email before you proceed.

Check what username you want to use. Paradox usernames can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Some names may already be taken by other players, so if your first choice does not work, you will need an alternative ready.

Step-by-step: changing your username

Open a web browser and go to accounts.paradoxinteractive.com. Click "Sign In" at the top right. Enter your email address and password, then click "Sign In" again.

Once you are logged in, look for your account menu — usually a small icon or your current username in the top right corner. Click it and select "Profile" or "Account Settings" from the dropdown. On the profile page, find the "Username" field. Click in the field, delete your current username, and type your new one. Click "Save" or "Update" to confirm the change.

The page should show a confirmation message. Your new username is now active. If you are currently playing a Paradox game, you may need to restart it to see your new name appear in-game, but the change is live on the account when ready.

Usernames that Paradox will not allow

Paradox blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language. They also reject names that impersonate Paradox staff, moderators, or well-known players. If you try to save a name and it is rejected, the system usually tells you why — either the name is taken, contains forbidden words, or violates their naming policy.

Names that are too short (usually fewer than 3 characters) or too long (usually more than 20 characters) are also rejected. If your chosen name does not work, try a variation: add a number, use an underscore or hyphen, or pick a different name altogether.

What happens to your old username

Your old username becomes available for other players to use once you change it. If you change your mind within a few minutes, you can go back to account settings and switch back to your previous name — but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. After that, it is gone.

Your game progress, achievements, and friends list stay with your account regardless of what username you use. Changing your name does not affect your game saves or any purchases you have made.

If the change does not work

Clear your browser cache and cookies, then try again. Sometimes old data cached in your browser prevents the page from loading correctly. In most browsers, you can do this by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Windows) or Command+Shift+Delete (Mac), selecting "All time" or "Everything", and clicking "Clear".

If the username field is greyed out or will not let you type, you may not have the right permissions on your account. This can happen if your account is restricted or if you are logged in as a child account under parental controls. If you own the account and this is happening, contact Paradox support through their help portal at support.paradoxinteractive.com and describe the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if no one else has taken that name. Once you change your username, the old one goes back into the pool for other players. If you want to reclaim it, go back to account settings and type it in — if it is still available, you can use it again. If someone else has taken it, you cannot.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Your friends list is tied to your account, not your username. They will see your new name the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. In multiplayer games, they will see your new name appear in-game as well.

How long does it take for the new username to show up in games?

Usually when ready on the Paradox website and forums. In individual games, you may need to restart the game or log out and back in to see the change reflected. Some games cache your username locally, so a full restart of the game client is the most reliable way to force an update.

What if someone else already has the username I want?

Paradox does not have a queue or reservation system for usernames. If the name is taken, you cannot use it. Try adding a number at the end, using an underscore or hyphen in the middle, or choosing a different name. You can also check if the name is available before you commit to it — the system will tell you if it is taken when you try to save.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your password and username are separate. Changing one does not affect the other. Your email address remains your login credential no matter what username you choose.