What to Do After Buying a LoL Account: Complete Setup Guide (2026)
Updated December 10, 2025
Congratulations! You've just purchased a League of Legends account and you're ready to start playing ranked. But before you jump into your first game, there are critical steps you need to take to secure your account and set it up properly. This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to do after buying a LoL account, from immediate security steps to optimizing your account for ranked play.
Why Account Setup Matters
The First Hour Is Critical:
Most account recovery happens within the first 24 hours
Security changes prevent original owner from reclaiming
Proper setup ensures account longevity
Reduces risk of bans and issues
What Happens If You Skip Setup:
Account can be recovered by original owner
Higher risk of security breaches
Potential for account bans
Wasted money and time
The Good News: Following this guide takes only 15-30 minutes and dramatically reduces your risk. Let's get started.
Step 1: Receive and Verify Account Details (5 minutes)
Check Your Email
What to Look For:
Email from the seller with account details
Username and password
Any additional information (region, champions, etc.)
Check spam folder if you don't see it immediately
If You Don't Receive Email:
Wait 5-10 minutes (sometimes delayed)
Check spam/junk folder
Contact seller support immediately
Don't wait more than 30 minutes
Verify Account Information
What to Verify:
Username is correct
Password works
Region matches what you ordered
Account is level 30 (if that's what you bought)
How to Verify:
Try logging into the League client
Check account level and region
Verify any included features (Blue Essence, champions, etc.)
If Something's Wrong:
Contact seller immediately
Don't make any changes until issue is resolved
Take screenshots for evidence
Most reputable sellers fix issues within hours
Step 2: Change the Password Immediately (2 minutes)
Why This Is Critical
Security Reasons:
Seller still has original password
Prevents seller from accessing account
First line of defense against recovery
Makes account more secure
When to Do It:
Immediately after receiving account
Before playing any games
Within first 5 minutes if possible
Don't wait or delay
How to Change Password
Step-by-Step: 1. Log into League of Legends client 2. Click on your profile icon (top right) 3. Select "Settings" or "Account" 4. Go to "Security" tab 5. Click "Change Password" 6. Enter current password 7. Enter new strong password 8. Confirm new password 9. Save changes
Password Requirements:
At least 8 characters (12+ recommended)
Mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
Include numbers
Include special characters (!@#$%^&*)
Don't reuse passwords from other accounts
Password Best Practices:
Use a unique password (not used anywhere else)
Consider using a password manager
Make it memorable but secure
Don't share it with anyone
Step 3: Change the Email Address (3 minutes)
Why This Is the Most Important Step
Prevents Account Recovery:
Original email owner can recover account
Email is primary recovery method
Changing email makes account truly yours
Critical for account security
When to Do It:
Immediately after changing password
Before playing any games
Within first 10 minutes if possible
Don't skip this step
How to Change Email
Step-by-Step: 1. Log into League of Legends client 2. Go to account settings 3. Navigate to "Email" section 4. Click "Change Email" 5. Enter your personal email address 6. Verify email address (check for typo) 7. Confirm change 8. Check your email for verification link 9. Click verification link to confirm
Email Requirements:
Use an email you control completely
Use a personal email (not shared)
Make sure email is active and accessible
Don't use temporary or disposable emails
Email Best Practices:
Use a dedicated email for gaming accounts
Ensure email is secure (strong password, 2FA)
Check email regularly
Keep email account active
If Email Change Is Not Available
Some Accounts:
May have email change restrictions
Might require additional verification
Could need seller assistance
What to Do:
Contact seller immediately
Ask about email changeability
Request account with changeable email
Consider requesting refund if not possible
Red Flag: If seller says email can't be changed, this is a major security risk. Consider this a red flag and contact support.
Step-by-Step: 1. Log into League of Legends account settings 2. Navigate to "Security" section 3. Find "Two-Factor Authentication" option 4. Choose authentication method:
Authenticator App (recommended): Use Google Authenticator, Authy, etc.
SMS (less secure): Receive codes via text
5. Follow setup instructions 6. Scan QR code with authenticator app 7. Enter verification code 8. Save backup codes securely
Authenticator App Options:
Google Authenticator (free, reliable)
Authy (free, cloud backup)
Microsoft Authenticator (free, Microsoft ecosystem)
1Password (paid, password manager integration)
Backup Codes:
Save backup codes in secure location
Don't store in same place as password
Use password manager or secure note
You'll need these if you lose your phone
If 2FA Is Not Available
Some Accounts:
May not have 2FA enabled by Riot
Might require account age/verification
Could be region-specific
What to Do:
Check Riot's 2FA requirements
Enable when available
Use strong password in meantime
Consider this when evaluating account security
Step 5: Update Security Questions (2 minutes)
Why Security Questions Matter
Account Recovery:
Used for account recovery
Can be used to reset password
Important security layer
Prevents unauthorized access
When to Update:
After changing email
Before playing games
Within first 15 minutes
Don't skip this step
How to Update Security Questions
Step-by-Step: 1. Log into account settings 2. Navigate to "Security" section 3. Find "Security Questions" option 4. Update all security questions 5. Choose questions only you know answers to 6. Use answers that are:
Memorable to you
Not easily guessable
Not found on social media
Unique and personal
Security Question Best Practices:
Don't use obvious answers
Don't use information from social media
Make answers memorable but secure
Consider using "false" answers (remember them!)
Store answers securely if needed
Step 6: Verify Account Features (5 minutes)
Check What You Received
What to Verify:
Account level (should be 30 for ranked)
Blue Essence amount (if included)
Champions unlocked (if included)
Region (should match your order)
Any additional features promised
How to Verify:
Log into League client
Check account level in profile
Check Blue Essence in store
Check champions in collection
Verify region in settings
If Features Are Missing:
Contact seller immediately
Provide order details
Request missing features
Most reputable sellers fix quickly
Test Account Functionality
What to Test:
Can log into client
Can access store
Can view collection
Can queue for games (if level 30)
All features work properly
If Something Doesn't Work:
Contact seller support
Don't make changes until resolved
Take screenshots for evidence
Most issues are fixable
Step 7: Secure Your Account Information (2 minutes)
Store Details Securely
What to Store:
Username
Password (new one you set)
Email address (new one you set)
Security question answers
Backup codes (if 2FA enabled)
Where to Store:
Password manager (recommended)
Secure note app
Encrypted file
Physical secure location
Don't Store:
In plain text files
In email (unencrypted)
On shared devices
In browser (unless secure)
Password Manager Recommendations
Free Options:
Bitwarden (free, open source)
LastPass (free tier available)
1Password (paid, best features)
Why Use Password Manager:
Encrypted storage
Generates strong passwords
Syncs across devices
Secure and convenient
Step 8: First Game Preparation (5 minutes)
Before Your First Game
What to Do:
Familiarize yourself with account
Check available champions
Review account settings
Understand account features
What Not to Do:
Don't jump straight into ranked
Don't use account irresponsibly
Don't share account with others
Don't make drastic changes immediately
Recommended First Games
Start With:
Normal games (not ranked)
ARAM (quick, low pressure)
Bot games (practice, no pressure)
Get familiar with account
Why:
Lets account "settle" under your ownership
Establishes normal play patterns
Reduces suspicious activity flags
More natural transition
How Many Games:
Play 5-10 normal games first
Get comfortable with account
Establish play patterns
Then move to ranked
Step 9: Optimize Account Settings (5 minutes)
Client Settings
What to Configure:
Graphics settings (for your PC)
Audio settings
Key bindings (if needed)
Interface preferences
Chat settings
Why:
Better gaming experience
Optimal performance
Personal preferences
Comfortable setup
In-Game Settings
What to Configure:
Camera settings
HUD layout
Minimap settings
Ping settings
Quick cast preferences
Why:
Improves gameplay
Better performance
Personal comfort
Competitive advantage
Step 10: Understand Account Limitations
What You Can Do
Allowed:
Play ranked games
Unlock champions
Purchase skins and cosmetics
Play all game modes
Use account normally
Not Allowed:
Share account with others
Use scripts or cheats
Toxic behavior
Account trading/selling
Violating Terms of Service
Account Warranty
What's Covered:
Account bans due to seller issues
Account recovery by original owner
Botting-related bans
Issues outside your control
What's Not Covered:
Bans for toxic behavior
Bans for cheating/scripting
Account sharing violations
Your own misconduct
If Issues Arise:
Contact seller immediately
Provide ban message/details
Most reputable sellers honor warranties
Replacement accounts available
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Not Changing Email
The Problem:
Account can be recovered
Original owner can reclaim
Highest security risk
Wasted money
The Solution:
Always change email immediately
Use personal email you control
Verify email change worked
Don't skip this step
Mistake 2: Reusing Passwords
The Problem:
If one account is compromised, all are
Password breaches affect multiple accounts
Security risk
Common mistake
The Solution:
Use unique password for LoL account
Don't reuse from other accounts
Use password manager
Strong, unique passwords
Mistake 3: Skipping 2FA
The Problem:
Less secure account
Vulnerable to breaches
Missing security layer
Industry standard
The Solution:
Enable 2FA if available
Use authenticator app
Save backup codes
Extra security layer
Mistake 4: Not Storing Details Securely
The Problem:
Can't recover account if needed
Lost passwords/emails
Security risk
Inconvenience
The Solution:
Store details in password manager
Keep secure backups
Don't rely on memory
Organized and secure
Mistake 5: Jumping Straight to Ranked
The Problem:
Suspicious activity patterns
Account flags
Poor first impressions
Higher ban risk
The Solution:
Play normal games first
Establish play patterns
Get familiar with account
Then move to ranked
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: Can't Change Email
Possible Causes:
Account restrictions
Email change cooldown
Verification required
Seller issue
Solutions:
Contact seller support
Check Riot's requirements
Wait for cooldown period
Request account with changeable email
Issue: Password Not Working
Possible Causes:
Typo in password
Caps lock on
Wrong account
Account locked
Solutions:
Double-check password
Check caps lock
Verify username
Contact seller if locked
Issue: 2FA Not Available
Possible Causes:
Account age requirement
Region restrictions
Riot account limitations
Verification needed
Solutions:
Check Riot's 2FA requirements
Enable when available
Use strong password meantime
Contact Riot support if needed
The Bottom Line: Your Setup Checklist
Immediate (First 15 Minutes):
✅ Receive account details
✅ Change password
✅ Change email address
✅ Enable 2FA (if available)
✅ Update security questions
Within First Hour:
✅ Verify account features
✅ Store details securely
✅ Test account functionality
✅ Configure settings
Before Ranked:
✅ Play 5-10 normal games
✅ Familiarize with account
✅ Establish play patterns
✅ Understand account features
Ongoing:
✅ Use account responsibly
✅ Don't share with others
✅ Avoid toxic behavior
✅ Keep account secure
Final Recommendations
Security First:
Change email and password immediately
Enable 2FA if available
Store details securely
Don't skip security steps
Take Your Time:
Don't rush into ranked
Play normal games first
Get familiar with account
Establish normal patterns
Stay Responsible:
Use account normally
Avoid toxic behavior
Don't share account
Follow Terms of Service
If Issues Arise:
Contact seller immediately
Most reputable sellers help quickly
Warranties cover legitimate issues
Don't panic, most issues are fixable
Ready to secure your account? If you've purchased from us, our accounts come with instant delivery, lifetime warranty, and full email changeability. Browse our LoL smurf accounts to get started. Have questions about account setup? Check our FAQs or contact support.