How to Change Steam Account Name? (The Basic Guide)

Lindsay Hayes

If you want to change your Steam account name, you might be displeased to know that it isn't possible. This is because it is the unique ID tied to your Steam account. However, you can change your Steam profile name (or username). It is important to recognize the difference between these two.

I started using Steam when I was much younger, so naturally, I chose a juvenile Steam account name. When I got a bit older, I decided to figure out how to change it to something more appropriate, which led me to find out everything that I've put in this guide. Since then, I've helped a lot of friends change things with their Steam accounts.

If you're looking for how to change Steam account name, I've put this guide together to help people like you. Let's get right into the things you need to know.

Contents

What is the Difference Between a Steam Account Name and Username?

The first thing you need to understand if you want to change your Steam account name is that there's a difference between your account name and your username (also called a Steam profile name).

When you signed up for Steam, you were asked to enter a Steam account name. This is unique to your Steam profile, and no one else can choose it.

However, when you're in games or looking at your Steam profile page, you'll see a name, which is your Steam username. This is what other Steam users will see.

Person Playing FPS Games Using PC

Can You Change Your Steam Account Name?

If you're looking for how to change your Steam account name, it's important to know that it isn't possible.

Since this name is tied to your account when you make a new account, it needs to stay the same.

If you're worried about others seeing your embarrassing Steam account, don't fret. You're the only one who can see it.

Can You Change Your Steam Username?

While you can't change your Steam account name, you can change your Steam username.

Your Steam profile name is what other players see on the platform, and it is also what you see on your profile page in the Steam client.

The next section will tell you exactly what you need to do to change your Steam profile name.

How to Change Your Steam Username?

If you're looking to change your Steam username, you'll be glad to know that it's easy to do from the Steam client on your computer.

To use a new Steam profile name, simply follow the steps below:

  1. Launch the Steam application on your computer.
  2. Hover your mouse cursor over your profile name, which you'll see right beside the "Community" tab in the top bar.
  3. From the drop-down menu, click "Profile".
  4. Click the "Edit Profile" button, which is located near the top right of the page.
  5. Now, from the new page that pops up, the first item in the list is "Profile Name". Simply click the text box below it and enter your new custom profile name.
  6. Once you have a custom nickname you're fine with, scroll down and press "Save".

That's all you need to do to get a new profile name in Steam.

Also, keep in mind that you can pretty much use any profile name in Steam. It doesn't matter if other gamers have used it before as it doesn't need to be unique, unlike your Steam account name.

How to Change Your Steam Username on Mobile?

The Steam phone app provides a way for you to always have access to your account, even when you're on the go.

You can buy games and interact with the community using this app, among many other great features.

One of the ways that this app is able to show how useful it can be is by letting you edit profile settings, even if your computer is nowhere close to you.

To change your Steam profile name using the mobile app, follow these steps:

  1. Launch the "Steam" app on your smartphone.
  2. Click the profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen.
  3. Press the "View Profile" button.
  4. Tap the "Edit Profile" option.
  5. From here, you have access to your profile settings. Under the "Profile Name" entry, type in your new Steam name.
  6. Scroll to the bottom and save changes.
  7. Now, press the "Edit Profile" button
Person Playing Games Using Mobile

Are There Disadvantages to Changing Your Steam Username?

Now, you might wonder whether there are any downsides to changing to a new name on your Steam account.

To be honest, there aren't. The major concern you might have is that the people on your friends' list will no longer recognize your account with the new name.

That's understandable, but fortunately, Steam is way ahead of you. When messaging someone after you recently changed your profile name, they will get a notification telling them that.

Also, when you view a person's account, you can click the arrow beside their name to open a dropdown menu. This lets you see all the previous usernames that the account has gone by before.

So, it's pretty hard for people in your friends' list to lose track of you, unless you make a new account.

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Final Words

Your account name on Steam is unique to you, and no other user can choose it. While this name on your Steam account cannot be changed, you can always change your Steam username, and as many times as you want to.

All you need to do is access the profile page, whether you're using the Steam app on your PC or your smartphone, and click the "Edit Profile" button. Once you've done this, you will be able to set a custom name and save it.

Was this article able to show you what you need to do to change your Steam profile name? If so, take a look at our related articles to learn more handy tips and tricks.

Lindsay Hayes

Author
Hi, I’m Lindsay, a techie from Kansas City. That’s right; I’m a born and bred Midwesterner. I learned to take electronics apart at my dad’s GameStop way back when, and I haven’t stopped since. I spend most of my time checking out new gadgets.
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