Changing your display name in League of Legends doesn't cost Riot Points or Blue Essence anymore. Since Riot Games replaced the old summoner name system with the Riot ID framework, you can update your handle completely free through your browser or directly inside the client.
This guide walks you through the exact steps to update your identity, explains the current cooldown rules, and covers common errors you might run into along the way.
Understanding the Riot ID System
Your in-game identity is split into two parts: a Game Name and a Tagline, separated by a hashtag. For example, if your name is AhriMain#NA1, your Game Name is AhriMain and your Tagline is NA1.
This single identifier carries across every game in the ecosystem, including League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, and Valorant. Changing your Riot ID updates your name everywhere at once.
It's helpful to understand the three distinct identifier types on your account:
- Riot ID (Game Name): The primary display name visible to other players in lobbies, loading screens, and chat.
- Tagline: A 3 to 5 character alphanumeric suffix (like
#NA1,#EUW, or#0001) that allows multiple players to share the same Game Name. - Login Username: The private handle or email address you type into the client to log in. This cannot be changed under any circumstances.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Change Your Riot ID
You can update your display name in less than a minute using either the official account management website or the game client.
Method 1: Using the Riot Account Website
- Navigate to the official Riot Games Account Management page and log in with your credentials.
- Locate the Riot ID tab near the top of your account dashboard.
- Type your new Game Name, your new Tagline, or both into the respective text boxes.
- Click Save Changes to instantly update your profile across all supported games.
Method 2: Using the In-Client Settings
- Launch the Riot client and open League of Legends.
- Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select Settings.
- Navigate to the Riot ID section and enter your new details.
- Save your changes and restart your client if the name doesn't update immediately.
Costs, Cooldowns, and Rules
Riot Games updated the economy around player identity to make modifications more accessible, but strict rules remain in place to prevent abuse.
- Cost: Changing your Riot ID is 100% free. You don't need to spend RP or grind Blue Essence.
- Cooldown: You can change your Riot ID once every 90 days. The timer starts the exact moment you confirm your new name.
- Character Limits: Game Names must be between 3 and 16 characters long. Taglines must be 3 to 5 characters.
- Availability: Because Taglines differentiate identical names, you can often keep your preferred Game Name by simply choosing a unique tag.
Troubleshooting Common Name Change Errors
If your update fails, you'll usually encounter a specific error message. Here is what they mean and how to fix them.
- "That Riot ID is unavailable": Someone else already holds that exact Game Name and Tagline combination. Try altering your tagline or tweaking the spelling of your Game Name.
- "This name contains a restricted word": Riot blocks profanity, slurs, and trademarked terms, including the word "Riot". You'll need to pick a different moniker.
- "You must wait before changing your name again": The 90-day cooldown timer is active. There is no paid bypass to reset this early unless you contact Riot Support to report targeted harassment or impersonation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my Riot ID reset my rank or level?
No. Your display name is purely cosmetic. Your Summoner Level, competitive rank, match history, and friend list remain completely untouched.
Can I change my tagline without changing my game name?
Yes. You can edit your Game Name and Tagline independently. However, modifying either one triggers the 90-day cooldown for both fields.
What happens to my old name when I switch?
The moment you save a new Riot ID, your old Game Name and Tagline combination is immediately released back into the pool. Anyone else can claim it, and you won't be able to reclaim it until your cooldown expires and nobody else has taken it.
Can I pay Riot to bypass the 90-day cooldown?
No. Riot does not offer a paid service to reset the name change timer. If you made a typo or desperately need an emergency change due to safety concerns, you must submit a ticket to player support for manual review.
