Where to find the username change option

Your username change button lives in the game's settings menu, not in your account settings on the website. Open Genshin Impact, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, then select Settings. From there, go to Account, and you'll see a field labeled "Nickname" — this is what other players see when they encounter you in the game world.

The nickname field shows your current username and has an edit button next to it. Tap that button to open the text box where you can type your new name. The game will let you know when ready if the name you want is already taken or contains characters that aren't allowed.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username (called "Nickname" in Genshin) is changed through the in-game Settings menu under Account, not through your Hoyoverse account page.
  • Usernames can be 1 to 16 characters long and cannot contain spaces, special characters, or certain words that violate the game's naming policy.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, so choose carefully before confirming the change.
  • The change takes effect when ready in-game, though it may take a few minutes to update in other players' friend lists and co-op menus.

What characters and words are allowed

Genshin Impact accepts letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and a few special characters like underscores and hyphens. The game does not allow spaces between words, so if you want a two-word name, use an underscore or hyphen to connect them — for example, "Traveler_123" instead of "Traveler 123".

The game blocks usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or references to real-world violence and hate groups. It also rejects names that impersonate Genshin staff members or famous players. If you try to use a blocked word or phrase, the game will show an error message telling you the name violates the naming policy, and you'll need to choose something different.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule exists to prevent players from constantly switching names to avoid consequences for bad behavior or to confuse other players. The 30-day timer starts the moment you confirm your new username in the settings menu.

If you make a typo or regret your choice when ready after changing your name, you're locked into it for a month. For this reason, it's worth double-checking your new username before you hit confirm — read it out loud, make sure the spelling is what you intended, and verify that it doesn't accidentally contain a word you didn't notice.

How the change appears to other players

Your new username shows up in the game world right away for other players to see. When you're in co-op dungeons, domains, or the overworld with other players, they'll see your new name above your character. However, if someone has you on their friends list, their friend list may take a few minutes to update with your new username.

Your old username does not appear anywhere after the change — the game does not keep a history of past usernames visible to other players. If you were known by a previous name in your server's community, you may want to let people know about the change so they recognize you.

Changing your username on different platforms

The process is the same whether you play on PC, mobile, or console — you change your nickname through the in-game Settings menu. The username is tied to your Hoyoverse account, not to your device or platform, so if you play on multiple devices, changing your username on one will change it everywhere you log in.

If you play on PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or another console, you may also have a console-specific username or display name, but that is separate from your Genshin nickname. Your Genshin nickname is what appears in the game itself, while your console name appears on your console's system menu.

What to do if your desired username is taken

If the name you want shows an error saying it's already in use, you'll need to choose a different one. Genshin does not have a queue system or a way to reserve a username — if someone else has it, it's unavailable. You can try adding numbers to the end of your preferred name, using underscores or hyphens to break it up, or choosing a completely different name.

There is no way to see who owns a particular username or to contact them about buying or trading it. If a username is important to you, your only option is to pick a variation that's still available.

Resetting your username if you forget what it is

Your current username is always visible in the Settings menu under Account. If you've forgotten what you changed it to, open the game, go to Settings, select Account, and look at the Nickname field — that's your current username. You can also see your username displayed above your character in the game world.

If you're logged out and can't remember your username, you can log into your Hoyoverse account on the website and check your profile there. Your Genshin nickname will be listed on your account page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. The game enforces a strict 30-day cooldown between username changes. Once you confirm a new username, you must wait a full month before you can change it again. There is no way to bypass this timer or pay to change it sooner.

Will my old username be available for someone else to use after I change mine?

Yes. Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for any other player to claim. If you think you might want to use that name again in the future, keep in mind that someone else may take it during the 30 days you're waiting to make your next change.

Does changing my Genshin username affect my Hoyoverse account name?

No. Your Genshin nickname and your Hoyoverse account username are separate. Changing one does not change the other. Your Hoyoverse username is what you use to log in, while your Genshin nickname is what appears in the game.

What happens to my username if I get banned?

If your account is suspended or banned, your username remains tied to that account and is not released for other players to use. You cannot change your username while your account is under suspension.

Can I use emoji or special symbols in my username?

No. Genshin only accepts letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Emoji, accented characters, and other special symbols will cause an error when you try to save the username.