Yes, you can change your Twitch username, but only once every 60 days

Twitch allows you to change the username you log in with and that appears on your channel. The change takes effect when ready across your entire account — your chat name, profile page, and all past messages show the new name. However, Twitch enforces a 60-day waiting period between changes, so you cannot switch usernames back and forth.

The change is permanent in the sense that your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few months. If you rebrand or want to reclaim an old name later, you may not be able to get it back. This is why many streamers think carefully before changing, even though the process itself takes less than five minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Twitch username once every 60 days through your account settings, and the change shows everywhere on your account when ready.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to use after a waiting period, so you cannot straightforward swap back if you change your mind.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, channel points, or subscription history — people who follow you will still see your channel.
  • Your channel URL changes to match your new username, so any links to your old URL will no longer work.
  • If you have a Twitch Affiliate or Partner contract, check your agreement before changing, as some sponsorships or brand deals may be tied to your username.

How to change your username in Twitch settings

Log into your Twitch account and go to your account settings by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner, then selecting Settings. On the left sidebar, click Account. You will see a field labeled Username with your current name displayed.

Click the Change button next to your username. Twitch will show you a text box where you can type your new username. Usernames must be between 4 and 25 characters, can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot start with a number. Type your new name and click Change Username. Twitch will confirm the change, and your new username is live when ready.

If you see a message saying you must wait before changing again, you have already changed your username within the last 60 days. The system will tell you the exact date you can change next. There is no way to bypass this waiting period.

What stays the same when you change your username

Your followers do not disappear and do not need to re-follow you. Anyone who follows your channel will still see it under your new name. Your channel points, emotes, and any badges or achievements you earned remain on your account. Subscribers keep their subscription status, and you continue to receive their subscription revenue.

Your stream history, past broadcasts, and clips all stay attached to your account. People who watched your old streams can still find them and see that they were broadcast by your new username. Your channel description, panels, and all customizations you made to your channel page remain exactly as they were.

What changes when you change your username

Your channel URL changes from twitch.tv/oldusername to twitch.tv/newusername. Any direct links to your old URL will not work. If you have shared your channel link on social media, a website, or in Discord servers, those links will break. You will need to update them manually or let people know your new URL.

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after Twitch's holding period ends — typically a few months, though Twitch does not publish the exact timeline. If you want to reclaim your old name later, you cannot do so unless the new owner gives it up. This is why streamers with established brands often hesitate to change.

If you have a custom URL through Twitch (a shorter link like twitch.tv/yourname), that URL updates to your new username automatically. However, if you have a custom URL set up through a third-party service or your own domain, you will need to update those redirects yourself.

Before you change: things to consider

If you are a Twitch Affiliate or Partner, review your contract or agreement before changing your username. Some sponsorship deals, brand partnerships, or affiliate agreements may reference your username specifically. While most sponsors understand that streamers rebrand, it is worth checking whether your agreement requires notification or has any restrictions.

Think about whether your new username is something you will want to keep for years. Changing back requires waiting 60 days, and your old name may not be available. If you are changing because you want a more professional name or because your current name no longer fits your brand, that is a good reason. If you are changing on impulse, wait a few days and reconsider.

Let your community know about the change ahead of time if you have an established audience. Post in your Discord, mention it on social media, or tell viewers during a stream. This prevents confusion and makes sure people can find you under your new name. If you have a website or social media bio linking to your Twitch channel, update those links after you change.

If you cannot change your username

The most common reason you cannot change is that you have already changed within the last 60 days. Twitch will show you the exact date you can change next. There is no exception to this rule, even for Partners or Affiliates.

If you see an error message that is not about the 60-day waiting period, try logging out and logging back in. Clear your browser cache or try a different browser. If the problem persists, contact Twitch Support through your account settings by clicking Help and then Contact Support. Describe the error you are seeing and include a screenshot if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my followers disappear if I change my username?

No. Your followers stay on your account and will still see your channel under your new username. They do not need to re-follow you or do anything on their end. Your follower count remains exactly the same.

Can I change my username back to my old one later?

Only if no one else has claimed it. After you change your username, your old name becomes available for others to use after a few months. If someone else takes it, you cannot reclaim it unless they give it up. This is why it is important to think before you change.

Will my stream VODs and clips still be there after I change?

Yes. All your past broadcasts, clips, and stream history stay on your account and remain accessible. They will show as being broadcast by your new username, but the content itself does not change or disappear.

What if my new username is already taken?

Twitch will not let you use a username that is already claimed by another account. The system will tell you the name is unavailable when you try to change. You will need to choose a different name. You can check if a name is available by searching for it on Twitch before you try to change to it.

Do I lose my Twitch Partner or Affiliate status if I change my username?

No. Your Partner or Affiliate status stays with your account regardless of your username. However, you should check any contracts or sponsorship agreements you have, as they may reference your old username and might require you to notify the other party of the change.