You can change your Animal Jam username, but only once every 30 days

Animal Jam lets you change the username on your account through your account settings. The process takes a few minutes and happens when ready — you do not have to wait for approval. However, the game enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes, so you cannot switch usernames back-to-back.

The username you choose must be between 3 and 20 characters long, use only letters and numbers (no spaces or special characters), and cannot already be taken by another player. If you try to change to a name that breaks these rules or is already in use, the game will reject it and ask you to pick something else.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username through the Settings menu in Animal Jam, not through a website or support form.
  • A 30-day cooldown starts after each change, so you cannot switch usernames more than once a month.
  • Your new username must be 3 to 20 characters, letters and numbers only, and not already claimed by another player.
  • If you forget your username or cannot access your account, you will need to contact Animal Jam support with proof of account ownership.

Steps to change your username in the game

Open Animal Jam and log into your account. Once you are in the game world, look for the Settings icon — it is usually a gear symbol in the top corner of your screen or in the main menu. Click on it to open your account settings.

Find the section labeled "Account" or "Username" (the exact wording varies slightly depending on which version of Animal Jam you play). You should see your current username displayed. Next to it, look for a button that says "Change Username" or "Edit Username." Click that button.

A text box will appear where you can type your new username. Enter the name you want, then click the button to confirm the change. The game will check whether the name is available and follows the rules. If it does, your username changes right away and you will see it updated in your account settings.

After you change your username, a timer starts. You will not be able to change it again for 30 days from that moment. The game will show you when you can change it next if you try to switch usernames before the 30 days are up.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for other players to claim. This means someone else could take it within hours or days. If you think you might want to use that name again in the future, you should know that you cannot reserve it or ask Animal Jam to hold it for you.

Your account history, items, and progress stay with your new username. Other players will see your new name when you play together, but your den, pets, and everything you own transfers over without any loss. Friends who had you on their buddy list will still see you, though your name in their list will update to your new username.

Usernames you cannot use

Animal Jam blocks certain usernames to keep the game safe for younger players. You cannot use a name that contains profanity, hate speech, or anything that impersonates a staff member or well-known player. The game also rejects names that are too similar to existing ones — for example, if someone already plays as "Tiger123," you probably cannot use "Tiger124" or "Tige123."

If you try to change to a blocked name, the game will tell you the change failed but may not explain exactly why. If you are unsure whether a name is allowed, try a different one. There is no penalty for trying — you just get an error message and can try again.

If you cannot remember your current username

If you forgot your username or cannot see it in your account settings, you will need to contact Animal Jam support. Go to the Animal Jam website and look for the "Contact Us" or "Support" link. You can usually find it at the bottom of the page or in the help section.

When you reach out to support, be ready to provide proof that the account belongs to you. This might include the email address linked to your account, the date you created it, or details about items or pets you own. Support staff will verify your identity and then tell you your current username so you can change it if you want.

Why the 30-day cooldown exists

The 30-day waiting period between username changes prevents players from impersonating others or evading consequences for rule-breaking behavior. If someone could change their name every day, they could pretend to be a popular player, scam others, and then switch to a new identity to avoid getting caught. The cooldown makes it harder to pull off that kind of deception.

It also reduces confusion in the community. If players could change names constantly, it would be hard for friends to keep track of who is who, and staff would have a much harder time investigating reports of bad behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the Animal Jam website instead of in the game?

No, you have to change it through the Settings menu inside the game itself. The website does not have a username change option. Log into Animal Jam, open Settings, and make the change from there.

What if someone else took my old username right after I changed it?

Once you change your username, the old one is fair game for any other player. Animal Jam does not hold usernames or let you reclaim one after you give it up. If you want to use a name again, you would have to wait for that player to change their username or stop playing.

Do I lose my items or progress if I change my username?

No, everything stays with your account. Your den, pets, inventory, and all your progress transfer to your new username when ready. Other players will see your new name, but you keep everything you owned under your old name.

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No, there is a hard 30-day cooldown between changes. You can only change your username once every 30 days. If you try to change it again before that time is up, the game will show you an error and tell you when you can change it next.

What if I want to change my username but it is already taken?

You will have to pick a different name. The game will not let you use a username that another player already has. Try adding numbers to the end, using a variation of the name, or choosing something completely different.