Where to change your RuneScape username

You change your RuneScape username through the official RuneScape website, not in the game itself. Log in to your account at runescape.com, go to your Account Settings, and look for the "Change Display Name" option. This is different from your login email — your display name is what other players see in the game world.

RuneScape lets you change your display name once every 28 days. If you changed it recently, you will see a countdown timer showing when you can change it again. The name you choose must be between 1 and 12 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot contain spaces or special characters.

Key Takeaways

  • Log in at runescape.com and navigate to Account Settings to find the display name change option.
  • You can change your display name once every 28 days, and the system will show you when you are may be able to access again.
  • Your new name must be 1 to 12 characters and can only use letters and numbers — no spaces or symbols.
  • If your desired name is already taken, the system will reject it and ask you to choose a different one.
  • Your old display name becomes available for other players to claim after you change it.

Step-by-step process on the RuneScape website

Start by visiting runescape.com and signing in with your email address 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 display name or a profile icon.

Click on your account menu and select "Account Settings." Scroll down until you find the section labeled "Change Display Name" or "Display Name." Click the button to start the change. The system will show you your current name and a text box where you can type your new one. Type the name you want, check that it meets the character requirements, and click the confirmation button.

RuneScape will ask you to confirm the change one more time before it takes effect. Once you confirm, your new display name is live when ready in the game. Other players will see your new name the next time they log in or refresh their client.

What happens to your old username

When you change your display name, your old name does not stay reserved for you. After you change it, your previous display name enters a cooldown period and then becomes available for any other player to claim. This means someone else could potentially take your old name if they want it.

Your login email and account credentials do not change when you change your display name. You still log in with the same email address you have always used. Only what other players see in the game world changes.

Choosing a name that will not be rejected

The RuneScape name filter rejects names that contain profanity, references to real people, or names that are already taken by another player. If you try a name and it is rejected, the system will tell you why — usually because it is already in use or contains a word the filter blocks.

If your first choice is taken, try adding a number to the end, using a different spelling, or shortening it. Names like "Mage42" or "RuneWarrior" are usually available because they are more specific than common words. Avoid names that are too similar to famous players or streamers, as these are more likely to be taken already.

The 28-day waiting period explained

RuneScape enforces a 28-day cooldown between display name changes to prevent account takeover and impersonation. If someone gains temporary access to your account, they cannot when ready change your name and lock you out. The waiting period gives you time to recover your account before your display name is altered.

The 28 days is measured from the date you last changed your name, not from a calendar month. If you changed your name on March 15, you can change it again on April 12. The countdown timer on your Account Settings page shows you exactly how many days remain.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you cannot find the "Change Display Name" option, make sure you are logged into the correct account. Some accounts created very long ago may have different settings pages. Try logging out completely, clearing your browser cache, and logging back in.

If the name you want is rejected but you do not see a reason why, it may contain a word the filter blocks even if it does not seem offensive to you. The filter catches slang terms and abbreviations that reference profanity. Try a completely different name rather than minor variations.

If you see an error message saying you cannot change your name yet, you are still within your 28-day waiting period. The system will not let you bypass this, even if you contact RuneScape support. You must wait until the timer expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my RuneScape username more than once every 28 days?

No. RuneScape enforces a strict 28-day cooldown between display name changes. You cannot pay money to bypass this or change it more frequently. The timer resets each time you change your name.

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

Your old display name becomes available to other players once you change yours. If someone claims it, you cannot get it back. If your old name is important to you, do not change it unless you are certain you want something different permanently.

Does changing my display name affect my password or login email?

No. Your login email and password stay the same. Only your in-game display name changes. You will still sign in at runescape.com using the same email address you have always used.

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

No. RuneScape display names can only contain letters (A-Z) and numbers (0-9). Spaces, hyphens, underscores, and other symbols are not allowed. Your name must also be between 1 and 12 characters long.

What should I do if my desired name keeps getting rejected?

The name is either already taken by another player or contains a word the filter blocks. Try a different name entirely rather than variations of the same word. Adding numbers to the end or using less common spellings increases your chances of finding an available name.