You can change your HoYoLab username through your account settings, and the change takes effect when ready across all HoYo games

HoYoLab is the account system that connects Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Zenless Zone Zero, and other HoYo games. Your HoYoLab username is separate from your in-game character name — changing it won't affect how other players see you in the game itself. The process takes about two minutes and requires only your current password.

The username you choose becomes your HoYoLab display name, visible on your profile and in community posts. You can change it as often as you want, though HoYo enforces a brief cooldown (usually 30 days) between changes on some accounts. If you're locked out of your account or can't remember your password, you'll need to recover your account before you can change the username.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into HoYoLab on the web, go to Settings, then Account, then change the username field and save.
  • Your new username appears when ready across all HoYo games and on your HoYoLab profile.
  • Your in-game character name stays the same — only your HoYoLab account name changes.
  • If you've changed your username recently, you may need to wait 30 days before changing it again.

Step 1: Log into HoYoLab and open your account settings

Go to hoyolab.com in your web browser and log in with your email, phone number, or linked social account (Google, Facebook, Apple, or Discord). Once you're logged in, look for your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner of the page and click it.

A dropdown menu will appear. Select Settings from this menu. You'll be taken to your account dashboard, where you can manage all your HoYoLab preferences.

Step 2: Navigate to the Account section

In Settings, look for the left sidebar menu. Click on Account — this is where all your login and profile information lives. You should see several fields listed, including your email, phone number, and username.

Scroll down or look for the field labeled Username. This is the name that displays on your HoYoLab profile and in community spaces. It is not the same as your in-game character name.

Step 3: Enter your new username and confirm your password

Click on the username field and clear the current text. Type in your new username. HoYoLab usernames can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, and must be between 3 and 16 characters long. Spaces and special characters (except underscores) are not allowed.

After you enter the new username, HoYoLab will ask you to enter your account password to confirm the change. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized changes. Type your password in the field that appears and click Confirm or Save.

Step 4: Wait for confirmation and verify the change

Once you click confirm, the page should show a success message. Your new username is now active across all HoYo games and on your HoYoLab profile. If you're logged into Genshin Impact or another HoYo game on your computer or phone, you may need to log out and back in to see the updated username on your profile.

If you see an error message saying the username is already taken or contains forbidden words, choose a different username and try again. HoYoLab blocks usernames that are offensive, impersonate staff, or match existing accounts.

What happens if you've changed your username recently

Some HoYoLab accounts have a 30-day cooldown between username changes. If you've changed your username in the past month, you may see a message saying you must wait until a specific date before changing it again. This cooldown is account-specific — not all accounts have it, and HoYo does not publicly explain which accounts are subject to it.

If you hit the cooldown, you'll need to wait until the date shown on the screen before you can change your username again. There is no way to bypass this restriction.

Troubleshooting common problems

You forgot your password: Click "Forgot Password" on the HoYoLab login page. HoYo will send a recovery link to the email or phone number attached to your account. Follow the link to reset your password, then return to Settings and change your username.

The username field won't let you type: Make sure you're logged in and viewing the Account section of Settings. If the field is still locked, try logging out completely, closing your browser, and logging back in. Clear your browser cache if the problem persists.

You see "username already in use": Another account has claimed that username. Choose a different one. Usernames are unique across all HoYo accounts worldwide.

Your in-game character name didn't change: That's correct. Your HoYoLab username and your in-game character name are separate. Changing one does not change the other. To change your character name in Genshin Impact, you need to use a Namecard in the game itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my HoYoLab username affect my game progress or friends list?

No. Your HoYoLab username is only your account display name. Your game progress, characters, items, and friends list are tied to your account ID, not your username. Friends will see your new HoYoLab name on your profile, but your in-game character name stays the same.

Can I change my username on mobile, or do I have to use a computer?

You can change it on mobile by visiting hoyolab.com in your phone's browser and following the same steps. The mobile version of the website has the same Settings and Account sections. You cannot change your username through the Genshin Impact app itself.

What if my username contains a word HoYoLab says is forbidden?

HoYoLab blocks usernames with profanity, slurs, or references to real people's names. If your chosen username is rejected, try removing or replacing the flagged word. If you believe your username was blocked by mistake, contact HoYo support through the in-game feedback system.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

Your new username appears on HoYoLab when ready after you save it. In Genshin Impact and other games, it may take a few minutes to update. If you're still seeing your old name after 10 minutes, try logging out of the game and logging back in.

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

Yes, as long as you're not within the 30-day cooldown period. You can change your username to any available name, including a previous one. If you're in the cooldown period, you'll need to wait until it expires.