Can I Ask Riot to Change My Name? Your Complete Guide to Riot IDs
Yes, you can change your Riot ID, which is your in-game display name across all Riot Games titles. However, it’s not as simple as submitting a request and having it instantly granted by Riot Support. There’s a specific process, limitations, and a few things you need to know before trying to alter your in-game identity. It’s important to understand the difference between your login username and your Riot ID. Your username is how you log into your account and cannot be changed through regular channels. Your Riot ID, on the other hand, is what everyone sees in-game and is flexible. Let’s delve into the specifics of changing your Riot ID.
Understanding Riot IDs vs. Usernames
Before we discuss how to change your Riot ID, let’s clarify what it is and how it differs from your login username. Your login username is what you use to access your Riot account—it’s tied to your email address and remains static. Your Riot ID is your display name, which consists of a nickname and a tag (e.g., PlayerName#NA1). This is what appears in-game, on friend lists, and across all Riot Games. The crucial difference is that your Riot ID can be changed, whereas your username cannot.
How to Change Your Riot ID
Changing your Riot ID is straightforward and can be done through the official Riot website. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Visit the official Riot Games website: Go to riotgames.com.
- Log in: Use your existing Riot account credentials to log in.
- Navigate to Account Management: Find and click on the “Riot Account Management” page. This is usually located in the profile section.
- Find the Riot ID Menu: Look for the “Riot ID” section on the account management page.
- Edit your Riot ID: You’ll see your current Riot ID, with an edit icon (usually a pencil symbol) next to it. Click this icon.
- Enter your new name and tag: In the provided fields, input your desired new nickname and tag. The tag is what comes after the “#”, usually a server code or region tag.
- Save Changes: Click the “Save Changes” button to finalize your new Riot ID.
It’s crucial to know that your Riot ID will change across all Riot games. If you have multiple Riot accounts, ensure you’re logged into the correct one before making changes.
Restrictions and Limitations on Riot ID Changes
While you can change your Riot ID, there are some limitations:
- 30-Day Cooldown: Riot Games enforces a 30-day cooldown period between name changes. If you’ve changed your Riot ID recently, you must wait for 30 days before changing it again. This restriction is in place to prevent frequent or abusive name changes.
- Name Availability: The new nickname you choose must be available and not already taken by another user. If your selected name is unavailable, you will be prompted to choose another one.
- Name Restrictions: Your Riot ID must follow specific rules: It should be between 3 and 16 characters and can only include letters, numbers, spaces, periods (.), underscores (_), and hyphens (-). Offensive or inappropriate names are not allowed and will be rejected.
Cost of Changing Your Riot ID
For the vast majority of players, changing your Riot ID is free when using the methods described above and adhereing to the 30 day restriction period. However, if you’ve changed your name recently and need to change it again before the 30 day cooldown has expired, you’ll need to purchase a name change with Riot Points (RP) or Legends of Runeterra Coins. This will cost the equivalent of approximately $10 USD in in-game currency.
Purchasing an Additional Name Change
If you require an additional name change before the 30-day cooldown expires, you can purchase one on the accounts page of the Riot website. Ensure you have the required in-game currency and follow the prompts to complete the purchase and name change.
Transition from Summoner Names to Riot IDs
Prior to November 20, 2023, League of Legends players used “Summoner Names.” Riot Games has transitioned all players to Riot IDs to create a unified system across all its titles. Therefore, any reference to changing your “Summoner Name” now refers to changing your Riot ID. This is the unified name used in League of Legends, Valorant, Legends of Runeterra, and all other Riot Games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about changing your Riot ID to provide further clarity:
1. Is my Riot ID the same as my username?
No, your Riot ID and username are different. Your username is used for logging into your account and cannot be changed. Your Riot ID is your display name in-game and is changeable.
2. How often can I change my Riot ID?
You can change your Riot ID once every 30 days. This is a standard restriction across all Riot Games titles.
3. What if I want to change my name sooner than 30 days?
If you want to change your name before 30 days have passed, you’ll need to purchase a name change using in-game currency (Riot Points or Legends of Runeterra Coins), typically around $10 USD.
4. Can my new Riot ID be the same as another player’s?
Yes, two players can have the same nickname as long as their tags (the part after the “#”) are different. This is because the Riot ID is uniquely identified with the tag as well as the name.
5. What if the Riot ID I want is already taken?
If the nickname you select is already in use, you will need to select an alternative. The tag, however, should be unique to you and can be a variety of options including server regions.
6. What characters are allowed in a Riot ID?
Your Riot ID can contain letters, numbers, spaces, periods (.), underscores (_), and hyphens (-). Other special characters are not permitted.
7. Why is my Riot ID unavailable?
Your Riot ID might be unavailable because it contains illegal characters, it’s already in use, isn’t between 3-16 characters or is deemed offensive.
8. Where do I go to change my Riot ID?
You can change your Riot ID on the official Riot Games website by navigating to your Riot Account Management page and then to the Riot ID section.
9. Will changing my Riot ID affect my username?
No, changing your Riot ID will not affect your login username. These are two separate pieces of account information.
10. If I change my Riot ID in one Riot game, will it change in others?
Yes, the Riot ID is universal across all Riot Games titles. Changing it on one platform will update it everywhere.
11. Can I use the same email to create multiple Riot accounts?
No, each Riot account requires a unique email address. You cannot directly associate multiple accounts with a single email address without workarounds.
12. Is there a way to change my Riot username?
No, you cannot change your login username. This is the unique identifier used to access your account. You can, however, change your Riot ID.
13. What happens if my Riot ID is offensive?
Riot Games reserves the right to ban or force a name change on accounts with offensive or inappropriate names.
14. Can I delete my Riot ID?
No, you cannot delete your Riot ID. If you wish to have your account removed, you would have to go through customer support to delete the account, not just the Riot ID.
15. Can I change the tag of my Riot ID?
Yes, when you change your Riot ID, you can also change the tag that appears after the hashtag. You can modify both the nickname and tag during the name-change process.
Conclusion
While you can’t just “ask” Riot to change your name directly, you have full control over changing your Riot ID through the official website. By understanding the process, the limitations, and the 30-day cooldown period, you can successfully manage your in-game identity across all Riot games. If you need to change your Riot ID before the cooldown expires, a name change purchase will be necessary. Remember to choose a name that adheres to Riot’s rules, and enjoy expressing yourself in the Riot universe!