League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular online multiplayer games in the world, boasting millions of active users each month. As players spend countless hours climbing the ranked ladder or enjoying casual matches with friends, their in-game identity becomes a crucial part of the overall experience.
For many, the display name is much more than just a label—it’s a reflection of their gaming persona.
Whether you want to freshen up your old moniker, hide from old friends, or align your name with a new online persona, the ability to change your display name in League of Legends is a popular topic.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, requirements, and implications of changing your display name, providing all the information you need in one place.
What is a Display Name in League of Legends?
In League of Legends, your display name—also known as your summoner name—is the primary way that other players identify you in the client and during matches. This name appears on friend lists, in-game lobbies, leaderboards, and match histories.
Your display name is separate from your Riot Account username and your Riot ID (the latter is mainly used in games like Valorant, but not in League). It’s important to understand this distinction, as each serves a different purpose within the Riot ecosystem.
Note: Changing your display name in League of Legends does not affect your Riot Account login credentials or your Riot ID for other games.
Why Change Your Display Name?
There are several reasons why you might want to change your display name in League of Legends. Some of the most common include:
- Desiring a fresh start or rebranding your in-game identity
- Wanting to avoid recognition from certain players or communities
- Aligning your name with your content creator or streamer persona
- Correcting typos or misspellings in your current name
- Personal preference or simply boredom with your old name
How to Change Your Display Name: Step-by-Step Guide
The process to change your display name is straightforward, but it does require following specific steps within the League of Legends client. Here’s how you can do it:
- Log in to the League of Legends client using your Riot Account credentials.
- Click on the Store icon (it looks like a stack of coins or a little shopping bag) on the top right of the client interface.
- In the store, click on the Account icon, usually located in the upper right corner (it looks like a little person silhouette).
- Under the account menu, look for the option labeled Summoner Name Change.
- Click on the Summoner Name Change option. A new window will appear, asking you to enter your desired new display name and confirm it.
- Check the availability of your new name. If the name is available, you’ll be able to proceed.
- Choose your payment method—either 650 Riot Points (RP) or 13,900 Blue Essence (BE).
- Confirm your purchase. Your summoner name will be changed immediately.
Table: Cost of Changing Display Name
| Payment Method | Cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Riot Points (RP) | 650 RP | Premium currency, usually purchased with real money |
| Blue Essence (BE) | 13,900 BE | Earned by playing games and disenchanting champion shards |
Important Considerations Before Changing Your Name
Before committing to a new display name, be aware of the following guidelines and restrictions:
- Name availability: Your chosen name must be unique and cannot be currently used by another active player.
- Inappropriate names: Riot Games enforces a policy against offensive, hateful, or inappropriate names. If the system detects a violation, your name may be changed automatically, and you may face additional penalties.
- Length and characters: Display names must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, spaces, and some special characters.
- Cooldowns: There is no cooldown for changing your name, but each change requires a new purchase.
- Friends and history: Your friends list and match history will update to reflect your new name, but some third-party sites may take time to update.
Tip: Consider searching your desired name on social media and other gaming platforms if you want a consistent online identity across multiple services.
Common Questions About Changing Your Display Name
Is changing your display name free?
No, changing your display name in League of Legends requires payment using either Riot Points (RP) or Blue Essence (BE). There are occasional exceptions, usually when Riot enforces a name change due to policy violations or technical updates, but voluntary changes always require payment.
Can I get a refund if I change my mind?
Name changes are considered final once processed. Riot Games does not offer refunds for display name changes, so choose your new name carefully and double-check for typos before confirming.
Can I use special characters or emojis in my name?
League of Legends supports some special characters in display names, but not all. Emojis and many non-standard Unicode characters are not accepted.
Stick to standard letters, numbers, spaces, and a few select symbols.
Will my old name become available for others?
When you change your display name, your old name does not become immediately available for others to claim. Riot Games often places a hold on recently used names to prevent impersonation and abuse, though the duration of this hold may vary.
Can I swap names between two of my own accounts?
Riot does not support direct name swaps between accounts. If you want a name from another account you own, you must first change the display name on that account to free it up.
However, there is no guarantee that the name will become available immediately.
Step-by-Step Example: Changing Your Display Name
To illustrate, let’s walk through an example of changing your display name:
- Current display name: ShadowBlade123
- Desired new name: ShadowPhoenix
- In the store, enter “ShadowPhoenix” in the Summoner Name Change window.
- The system checks and confirms that “ShadowPhoenix” is available.
- You select to pay with 13,900 BE.
- After confirmation, your summoner name instantly updates to “ShadowPhoenix.”
What Happens After Changing Your Display Name?
Once you change your display name, all in-game and client references to your old name are replaced with your new one. Your friends list, chat messages, and match history will update accordingly.
In rare cases, there may be a slight delay before the new name appears everywhere.
You do not lose any progress, champions, skins, or other account data when changing your display name. All your content remains tied to your Riot Account, not your display name.
Remember: Changing your display name does not affect your login username or your password.
Tips for Choosing a Great Display Name
- Be original: Pick a name that stands out and reflects your personality or playstyle.
- Avoid trends: While meme names can be fun, they may not age well. Choose something you’ll be happy with over time.
- Check for typos: Double-check spelling before confirming, as name changes are non-refundable.
- Stay appropriate: Ensure your name adheres to Riot’s Code of Conduct.
- Consider pronunciation: If you plan on joining voice chat or streaming, choose a name that’s easy to say and remember.
Display Name vs. Riot ID: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Display Name (Summoner Name) | Riot ID |
|---|---|---|
| Used In | League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics | Valorant, Legends of Runeterra, Wild Rift |
| Change Method | Via League client store | Via Riot Account settings on website |
| Cost | 650 RP or 13,900 BE | Usually free, but limited changes per time period |
| Visibility | Visible to all players in LoL | Visible in cross-game Riot ecosystem |
Understanding the difference between your display name and Riot ID is crucial, especially if you play multiple Riot Games titles. Changing your display name in League does not impact your Riot ID or your username for logging in.
What If My Name Was Changed by Riot?
Sometimes, Riot may forcibly change your display name due to a policy violation or to avoid confusion (for example, if two accounts have the same or a very similar name after a server merge). In these cases, you may be offered a free name change token, allowing you to choose a new name without paying.
Tip: Always pick an appropriate name to avoid forced changes and possible account penalties.
Can I Change My Display Name on Mobile (Wild Rift)?
League of Legends: Wild Rift, the mobile version of LoL, uses the Riot ID system rather than the traditional summoner name. To change your display name in Wild Rift, you must edit your Riot ID through the Riot Account website.
This is a free process, but you are limited to one change every 30 days.
Security Tips When Changing Your Name
- Log out on shared devices: After making account changes, always log out if you’re on a public or shared device.
- Set up two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your Riot Account.
- Beware of phishing: Only use the official League of Legends client or Riot Games website to change your name. Never share your account information with third parties.
What If I Can’t Change My Name?
In rare circumstances, you might encounter technical issues when trying to change your display name. Common causes include insufficient RP/BE, server maintenance, or problems with the client.
Solution: Ensure you have enough currency, check the League of Legends server status, and restart your client. If issues persist, contact Riot Support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How often can I change my display name? | As often as you like, provided you pay the required fee each time. |
| Can I revert to my old name? | Yes, if it’s still available, but you’ll have to pay the fee again. |
| Will my friends be notified? | Your new name will appear on their friends list, but they won’t receive a direct notification. |
| Does my summoner name affect my Riot Account username? | No, your display name is separate from your Riot Account login information. |
| Can I change my display name from the website? | No, display name changes must be made through the League of Legends client. |
Summary: Yes, You Can Change Your Display Name
Changing your display name in League of Legends is a straightforward process that can help you refresh your gaming identity or correct old mistakes. While it does require either Riot Points or Blue Essence, the process is quick and accessible directly within the client.
Always remember to choose a name you’ll be happy with, as the process is non-refundable and your old name may not be immediately reclaimable. Stick to Riot’s naming policies to avoid issues, and enjoy your new in-game persona!
“A name is the blueprint of your in-game legacy. Make it memorable.”
Further Resources
Final Thoughts
Your display name is more than just a way for others to recognize you—it’s an essential part of your League of Legends journey. Whether you’re rebranding for competitive play, content creation, or simply personal satisfaction, the process is accessible and designed to let you express yourself.
Take the time to pick a name that truly represents you, and enjoy every game under your new identity.
