You can change your Animal Jam username once every 30 days through your account settings
Animal Jam lets you change the name on your account, but the process is limited to once per month. You make the change directly in your account settings on the Animal Jam website — not in the game itself. The new username takes effect when ready after you confirm it, though you'll need to log back in with your new name.
The username change feature is available to all players, including both free and paid members. If you've never changed your username before, you have a full 30 days from now before you can change it again. If you've changed it recently, the system will tell you exactly when you're allowed to change it next.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Animal Jam account on the website, then go to Account Settings to find the username change option.
- You can change your username once every 30 days, and the change takes effect right away.
- Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores.
- After you change your username, you must log out and log back in using your new name to continue playing.
- If you forget your new username, you can recover your account using the email address connected to it.
Steps to change your username in Animal Jam
Start by going to the Animal Jam website and logging into your account. Click on your username or avatar in the top right corner of the page — this opens a dropdown menu with account options.
From that menu, select "Account Settings." You'll see several tabs or sections on this page. Look for the section labeled "Username" or "Change Username" — this is where you enter your new name. Type your desired username into the text box, then click the button to confirm the change. The system will check whether the name is available and whether it follows Animal Jam's naming rules.
Once the change is confirmed, you'll see a message saying your username has been updated. Log out of your account completely, then log back in using your new username. Your old username will no longer work, so make sure you remember the new one before you close the page.
Rules for your new username
Animal Jam has specific requirements for usernames to keep the game safe and readable for all players. Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters long. You can use letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores, but you cannot use spaces or special characters like hyphens, periods, or symbols.
Your username cannot contain words that Animal Jam has flagged as inappropriate or offensive. The system will reject the name when ready if it violates this rule, and you'll be asked to choose a different one. If you're unsure whether a name will be accepted, try it — the system gives you when ready feedback without charging you a username change.
Keep in mind that usernames are permanent once they're taken by another player. If someone else has already chosen the name you want, you'll need to pick something different. The system will tell you "that username is not available" if this happens.
What happens if you forget your new username
If you change your username and then forget what you changed it to, you can recover your account using the email address you registered with. Go to the Animal Jam login page and click "Forgot your password?" or the account recovery option. Enter the email address connected to your account, and Animal Jam will send you a recovery link.
Follow the link in that email, and you'll be able to reset your password and see your current username. Once you're back in your account, you can write down your username or change it again if you'd like — as long as 30 days have passed since your last change.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
Animal Jam limits username changes to once every 30 days to prevent players from constantly switching names and confusing their friends or evading consequences for rule violations. The 30-day timer starts the moment you confirm a username change, not when you request it.
If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, the system will show you a message saying when you'll be allowed to change it next. This date is based on the exact time you made your last change, so if you changed your username on March 15 at 2 p.m., you can change it again on April 15 at 2 p.m. or later.
Troubleshooting common username change problems
If the system says your desired username is unavailable, it means another player has already taken it. Choose a different name — you can add numbers or underscores to a name you like to make it unique. For example, if "Tiger" is taken, you might try "Tiger_2024" or "Tiger42".
If you see an error message saying your username contains inappropriate content, the name you chose includes a word or phrase Animal Jam doesn't allow. Try removing or replacing that part of the name. If you're not sure which part is the problem, try a completely different name to test whether the system accepts it.
If you're locked out of your account after changing your username, make sure you're using the exact new username you created — usernames are case-sensitive, so "Tiger" is different from "tiger". If you still can't log in, use the account recovery option with your email address to regain access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once in 30 days?
No. Animal Jam enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between each username change. If you try to change it before that time has passed, the system will show you the exact date and time when you'll be allowed to change it again. Plan your username changes carefully so you don't waste your monthly change on a name you don't want to keep.
Do my friends see my old username after I change it?
Yes. Your friends' friend lists and any messages or interactions will show your new username when ready. If your friends are in the game when you change your name, they may see you log out and log back in with the new name. Let them know about the change so they don't think you're a different player.
What if someone else takes my old username after I change it?
Once you change your username, your old name becomes available for any other player to take. Animal Jam does not reserve old usernames. If you think you might want to use that name again someday, you should wait before changing it, or ask a trusted friend to hold it for you (though this violates Animal Jam's terms of service).
Can I change my username if my account is banned or suspended?
No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot make any changes to it, including changing your username. You must resolve the issue with Animal Jam support first. Contact them through the Animal Jam website to find out why your account was restricted and what you need to do to restore it.
Is there a cost to change my username?
No. Changing your username is free for all players, whether you have a free account or a paid membership. Animal Jam does not charge Gems, Diamonds, or real money for this feature. The only limit is the 30-day waiting period between changes.