You cannot change your username in Genshin Impact once you create it

Genshin Impact does not offer a built-in feature to change your username after account creation. The name you choose when you first set up your account is permanent. This applies whether you play on PC, mobile, PlayStation, or any other platform — the restriction is the same across all versions of the game.

If you want a different username, your only option is to create a new account. This means starting the game over from the beginning, losing all progress, characters, weapons, and items on your current account. HoYoverse, the company that makes Genshin Impact, has not announced plans to add a username-change feature.

Key Takeaways

  • Genshin Impact usernames cannot be changed after you create your account, on any platform.
  • Creating a new account is the only way to get a different username, and you will lose all game progress on your current account.
  • Your username is different from your display name — you can change your display name in settings, but not the account username itself.
  • Before creating an account, test your chosen username on the HoYoverse website to make sure it meets the rules and is available.

The difference between username and display name

Genshin Impact has two separate name fields, and this confusion trips up many players. Your username is what you use to log in to your account on the HoYoverse website. Your display name is what other players see in the game when you join their world or they join yours.

You can change your display name whenever you want through the game settings. Open the Paimon menu (the floating icon in the top left), go to Settings, then Account, and look for "Nickname." You can change this as often as you like. But this does not change your login username — that stays the same forever.

If you dislike how your username looks to other players, changing your display name solves that problem. Other players will see your new display name in-game, even though your login username remains unchanged behind the scenes.

What happens if you create a new account

Starting over means losing everything on your current account. Your characters, weapons, artifacts, Primogems (the premium currency), Mora (in-game money), and all progress through the story and domains will be gone. You cannot transfer progress between accounts or merge them.

The new account will start you at Adventure Rank 1 in Mondstadt, the first region. You will need to replay the tutorial, complete the early story quests, and rebuild your team from scratch. If you have spent money on your current account, that money is not refunded and does not carry over.

Many players who regret their username choice decide the cost is too high and straightforward change their display name instead. This is usually the more practical solution unless you created the account very recently and have not invested much time.

How to pick a username before you create an account

When you sign up for a HoYoverse account, you choose your username during registration. Before you commit, you can test whether a username is available and follows the rules. Go to the HoYoverse website, start the registration process, and type your chosen username into the field. The system will tell you when ready if it is taken or if it violates the naming policy.

Usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters long. They can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters like hyphens, periods, or symbols. Usernames are case-insensitive, so "MyName" and "myname" are treated as the same account.

Take time to choose something you will not regret, because you are stuck with it. Avoid usernames tied to temporary interests, inside jokes that will not make sense later, or anything you might find embarrassing in a few years. Once the account is created, that username is yours for the life of the account.

Why HoYoverse does not allow username changes

Most online games that lock usernames do so for security and account-recovery reasons. Your username is part of how HoYoverse identifies your account. If usernames could be changed, it would create confusion during account recovery — support staff would have a harder time confirming you own the account if the name you provide does not match their records.

Locked usernames also prevent impersonation. If someone could change their username to match a famous player or streamer, it would be straightforward to trick other players. Keeping usernames permanent makes it harder to fake an identity.

HoYoverse has chosen to solve the "I do not like my username" problem by letting players change their display name instead. This gives you control over how you appear in-game without the security complications of allowing username changes.

Alternatives if you want a fresh start

If you are thinking about creating a new account just for the username, consider whether a display name change would actually solve your problem. Most players will never see your username — they only see your display name. If your current display name is fine, changing it is free and when ready.

If you genuinely want to start over for other reasons — to replay the story, try a different team composition, or experience the early game again — then a new account makes sense. But do this knowing you are starting from zero. You will not have access to your old characters or resources.

Some players maintain multiple accounts for different purposes. If you want to do this, create the new account with a username you are happy with from the start. You can link multiple accounts to the same email address by using HoYoverse's account management system, though you will need to log out and back in to switch between them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username if I link my account to a third-party platform?

No. Linking your Genshin Impact account to PlayStation, Google, Apple, or another platform does not unlock the ability to change your username. The username restriction applies regardless of which platforms your account is connected to.

Will changing my display name show up as a username change to other players?

Yes, other players will see your new display name when ready in-game. They will not see your actual username — that is only visible to you and HoYoverse support. So from other players' perspective, you have effectively changed how you appear in the game.

What if I forgot my username and need to log back in?

You can log in using your email address instead of your username. On the HoYoverse login page, enter the email you registered with, and you will be able to access your account. If you forget your email, contact HoYoverse support with proof of account ownership.

Can HoYoverse support change my username for me?

No. HoYoverse support has stated that username changes are not possible under any circumstances, even if you contact them directly. This is a hard limit on the account system, not a policy they can make exceptions for.