You can change your Twitter username anytime, and it takes about two minutes

Your Twitter username — the handle that starts with @ — is different from your display name. You can change your username whenever you want, and Twitter does not charge you or limit how many times you do it. The old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, usually within a few minutes. If you want to keep that handle, you will need to change it back before someone else takes it.

The process is the same whether you use Twitter on a phone, tablet, or computer. You go into your account settings, find the username field, type the new one, and save. Twitter will tell you right away if the name is already taken or if it breaks their rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username and display name are separate — you can change your username without changing how your name appears on your profile.
  • Changing your username takes effect when ready, and your old handle becomes available for others to claim within minutes.
  • Usernames must be between 4 and 15 characters, can include letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot contain spaces or most symbols.
  • People who follow you will still see your account after you change your username — the change does not affect your followers or your tweets.
  • If you change your username and then want the old one back, you need to reclaim it before someone else does.

How to change your username on the Twitter website

Open Twitter in your browser and log in. Click the three dots or menu icon in the top right corner of the screen (on some browsers this is in the top left). Select Settings and privacy from the menu.

Click Account in the left sidebar. You will see a section labeled Username with your current handle. Click on the username field and type your new one. Twitter will show you a checkmark if the name is available or a red X if it is taken or not allowed. Once you see the checkmark, click Save. Your new username is live when ready.

How to change your username on the Twitter mobile app

Open the Twitter app and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner. Tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account.

Scroll down to Username and tap it. Delete your current username and type the new one. You will see a checkmark or X as you type. Once the checkmark appears, tap Save or Done (the button name varies by phone). The change takes effect right away.

Rules for what your new username can be

Twitter usernames must be between 4 and 15 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, periods, hyphens, or most other symbols. Twitter will reject a username if it contains words or phrases they consider hateful or if it impersonates a real person or organization without clear parody intent.

If you try a username and Twitter says it is not available, it either belongs to someone else or violates their rules. You can try a variation — adding a number, using an underscore, or spelling it differently — to find something that works.

What happens to your old username and your followers

When you change your username, your old handle is released and becomes available for anyone to claim. This usually happens within a few minutes. If you want to keep your old username, you need to change back to it before someone else does. There is no way to reserve or lock a username you are not currently using.

Your followers do not go anywhere. People who followed you under your old username still follow you under your new one. Your tweets, likes, and direct messages all stay with your account. Links to your old profile (like twitter.com/@youroldname) will not work anymore, but anyone who searches for you by your new username will find you.

Why you might want to change your username

Some people change their username to match a new brand, business name, or personal identity. Others do it for privacy — if your username contains your real name or location, changing it can make your account slightly harder to find through a casual search. Some change it straightforward because they want something shorter, easier to remember, or more professional.

If you are worried about someone impersonating you, changing your username will not stop them — they can create a new account with any name they want. What matters more is making sure your account is find (a strong password and two-factor authentication) and reporting any fake accounts to Twitter.

What to do if the username you want is taken

If someone else has the username you want, you have a few options. You can try a slight variation: add a number at the end, use an underscore before or after the name, or add a descriptor (like your city or profession). Many people use underscores or numbers to get close to their ideal handle.

If the account holding your desired username appears to be inactive or abandoned, you can report it to Twitter. Go to the account, click the three dots, and select Report @username. Twitter may suspend or remove accounts that violate their rules or have been inactive for a very long time, but this is not may provide and can take weeks or months. The fastest solution is usually to pick a username that is available now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my direct messages?

No. Your direct messages stay with your account no matter what username you use. People who have messaged you will still see your conversation history, and they will see your new username in the chat.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed it. If you change your username and then want the old one back, you need to switch back to it before someone else does. Once another account takes it, you cannot get it back unless that person gives it up.

Does Twitter charge money to change my username?

No. Changing your username is free, and you can do it as many times as you want. Twitter does not limit how often you change it.

What is the difference between my username and my display name?

Your username is the @handle that appears in your profile URL and when people mention you. Your display name is what shows at the top of your profile and in tweets. You can change them separately — your display name is in the same Settings menu, just in a different section.

If I change my username, will old tweets still show up in searches?

Yes. Your tweets are tied to your account, not your username. Even if you change your username, your old tweets will still appear when people search for the content or look at your profile history.