How to Change a Username on an App or Website

Changing a username replaces the name people see or use to find your account, and on some services it also changes the name used to sign in. It usually does not delete your account, posts, contacts, or files, but the effects vary by app or website. Before you begin, make sure you can access the account and its recovery email or phone number. Menu names and buttons can differ slightly between versions.

What You’ll Need

Access to the account: Sign in using your current username, email address, or another method the service supports.
Recovery access: Have access to the email address or phone number linked to the account in case the service asks you to verify the change.
A possible new username: Choose a name that follows the service’s rules. It can help to have a second choice ready in case your first one is taken.
The official app or website: Use the service’s own settings rather than a link in an unexpected message. For a work, school, or family-managed account, you may need an administrator.

Step-by-Step

Confirm which name you want to change. Services may show a display name, username, handle, profile URL, and sign-in name as separate fields. A display name is often the text shown on your profile; a username or handle may be unique and appear in links or mentions. Read the field labels and help text so you change the intended one.
Sign in to the right account. Open the official app or type the service’s address into your browser, then check the profile picture or account details. If you have several accounts, confirm you are editing the correct one before saving.
Open account settings. Select your profile icon, account menu, or settings control. Look for a section named something like “Account,” “Profile,” “Personal information,” or “Username.” These paths are examples, not universal instructions; menus may differ by service and version. If you cannot locate the option, search the service’s own help center for “change username.”
Find the username field. Check whether the service distinguishes a username from a display name or email address. Some services allow users to change only the display name, while others let you change a unique username. If the field is locked or missing, the service may not permit changes or may require an administrator.
Check the naming rules. Review any limits shown beside the field. Services may restrict length, spaces, punctuation, or names already in use. Avoid putting sensitive details, such as your full birth date or phone number, in a public username. Do not assume a name is available until the service accepts it.
Enter the new name and check it carefully. Type your preferred username exactly as you want it to appear. Look for accidental spaces, misspellings, or characters that are easy to confuse. If the service offers an availability check, use it; if the name is unavailable, try your backup rather than making a rushed change.
Review the confirmation message. Before you save, read any notice about sign-in, profile links, mentions, visibility, or limits on changing the name again. If the change could affect a public profile or shared account, make sure you understand what others will see. Cancel if the service’s explanation is unclear and check its help information first.
Save and complete verification. Select the service’s save, update, or confirm control. If asked, enter your password or a code sent through the account’s verified recovery method. Do not share a verification code with another person or enter it on a page you did not open through the official app or site.
Confirm the update. Return to your profile or account settings and check that the new username appears correctly. If the service uses a public profile link, see whether it has changed and whether the old link still works. Test sign-in using the new name only if the service says usernames are used for login; some accounts continue to use an email address.
Update places that refer to the old name. If you use the username on a business card, website, shared document, or another profile, update those references where appropriate. Tell relevant contacts if they may search for you by the old name. Do not assume old mentions, links, or saved contacts will update automatically.

Common Mistakes

Changing the display name instead: A display name may not change your unique handle, profile URL, or sign-in details. Check the field label and the service’s explanation.
Assuming every service works the same way: Some services let you rename an account freely, some restrict how often you can do it, and some require support or an administrator. Follow the rules shown for that particular account.
Ignoring what happens to links: A new username can change the address of your public profile. Old links may redirect, stop working, or remain unchanged depending on the service.
Choosing a name that reveals too much: Public usernames can be visible beyond your contacts. Avoid information you would not want displayed publicly, and review the service’s privacy controls separately.
Using an unofficial change page: Search results or messages can lead to imitation login pages. Navigate through the official app or website, and never give someone else your password or verification code.

Tips

Pick a username you can say, spell, and remember, especially if people need to find or tag you.
Check the service’s character and availability rules before settling on a name. A simple backup can prevent last-minute guesswork.
Save or update important profile links after the change. If you use the account for work or a group, check whether other people rely on the current name.
Keep your recovery email and phone number current. A username change does not replace account recovery details.
If privacy is your reason for changing names, also review profile visibility, search settings, and connected accounts. A new username alone may not hide older posts or identifying information.

Troubleshooting

The username is unavailable: It may already belong to another account or be reserved by the service. Try a different variation that still follows the rules. Avoid adding personal information just to make a name unique.

The save button is missing or disabled: Check that the field is complete and meets the displayed requirements. The service may restrict changes, require verification, or reserve the option for an account administrator. Consult its official help center rather than repeatedly submitting the form.

You cannot sign in after changing it: Try the email address or other sign-in method you used before, since the username may not be the login ID. Use the service’s official account-recovery process if you are locked out. Do not create a second account until you know whether the original can be recovered.

The profile still shows the old name: Refresh the page, sign out and back in, or check the profile from another browser or device. Some pages take time to display updated details. If the setting shows the new name but your profile does not update, contact the service through its official support channel.

You changed the wrong field: Return to settings and check whether the service lets you change it again. If it does not, or the change has important account consequences, contact official support or the organization that manages the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username delete my account?

Usually, changing a username is separate from deleting an account, but the exact effect depends on the service. Read its confirmation message before saving, especially if it mentions profile links or account access.

Will my old username still work for signing in?

It depends. Some services use the username as a login name, while others use your email address or phone number. Check the service’s sign-in guidance before relying on either name.

Can I change my username back?

Some services let you switch back if the name is still available; others restrict repeat changes or keep a name unavailable for a period. Review the rules before confirming your new username.

Will people still be able to find me?

They may find you through your display name, contacts, or existing links, but a changed handle can affect searches and mentions. Let people who need to find you know about the change, and share your updated profile link.

What if I cannot find the username setting?

Search the service’s official help center for its username-change instructions. If it is a managed work, school, or family account, ask the administrator; if it is a personal account, contact official support.

Is a username the same as a display name?

No. A display name is often the name shown on a profile and may not be unique. A username or handle is commonly unique and may appear in account links, tags, or sign-in details.

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