Change your username from the Settings menu

You can change your Twitch username by going to your account settings on the Twitch website or mobile app. Log in, click your profile icon in the top right, select Settings, then choose the Username tab. Type your new username in the field and click Save. Twitch will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or breaks their naming rules.

The change takes effect right away. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after 60 days, so if you change your mind quickly, you can switch back before that window closes. Your channel URL, chat history, and follower list all stay the same — only the display name changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 60 days from the Settings menu on the Twitch website or app.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to claim 60 days after you change it, but you can reclaim it yourself within that window.
  • Usernames must be between 4 and 25 characters, contain only letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot start with a number.
  • Changing your username does not affect your channel URL, followers, or any of your content — only the name people see.
  • If your desired username is taken, you will see that message when ready and can try a different one.

Username rules and what Twitch will reject

Twitch has specific rules about what characters and formats are allowed. Your username must be between 4 and 25 characters long, use only letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores, and cannot start with a number. Twitch also rejects usernames that impersonate staff members, contain hate speech, or violate their community guidelines.

If you try to save a username and Twitch rejects it, the Settings page will show you why. Common reasons are that the name is already taken, too short or too long, starts with a number, or contains characters Twitch does not allow. You can try again when ready with a different name.

What stays the same when you change your username

Your channel URL does not change when you update your username. If someone follows you or bookmarks your channel, they will still find you at the same address. Your follower count, subscriber list, stream history, and all uploaded videos remain exactly as they were. Moderators and bots that reference your old username by name may need to be updated manually, but Twitch itself handles the transition automatically.

Chat messages you sent before the change will still show your old username in the message history, but your profile and channel will display the new name. This means people looking at old clips or VODs will see your old username in the chat, but your current profile shows the new one.

How often you can change your username

Twitch allows you to change your username once every 60 days. If you change it today, you cannot change it again until 60 days have passed. This limit applies whether you are changing to a completely new name or trying to reclaim an old one you used before.

If you made a mistake or want to go back to your previous username, you have 60 days to do so before that name becomes available to other users. After 60 days, your old username is open for anyone to claim, and you would need to wait another 60 days after reclaiming it before changing again.

Reclaiming your old username within 60 days

If you changed your username and want to switch back, you can do so within 60 days of the change. Go back to Settings, select the Username tab, and type your old username. Twitch will recognize it as your previous name and let you reclaim it without it counting as taken by someone else. This resets the 60-day timer, so you would then need to wait another 60 days before changing again.

After 60 days pass, your old username enters a pool of available names. If someone else has claimed it in the meantime, you cannot reclaim it — you would need to choose a different name instead. For this reason, if you think you might want to go back, reclaim it sooner rather than waiting until the last moment.

Mobile app versus website — both work the same way

You can change your username from the Twitch mobile app or the website, and the process is identical. On the app, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, select Username, and save your new name. On the website, use the same path: profile icon, Settings, Username tab, then Save. Either method takes effect when ready across all devices and platforms.

Some users find the website easier to navigate if they are making multiple changes or want to see the full list of naming rules at once. The mobile app is faster if you are already logged in and just need to make a quick update. Both are equally reliable.

What to do if your desired username is already taken

If the username you want is already in use, Twitch will show you a message saying it is unavailable. You cannot reserve a username or join a waitlist — you either need to choose a different name or wait to see if the current owner changes theirs. There is no way to contact the person using a username or request that they give it up.

Common workarounds are adding a number or underscore to your preferred name, using a slight variation, or choosing something entirely different. Some streamers use their real name plus a number, their game of choice, or a memorable phrase instead. The name you choose should be something you are comfortable with for the long term, since changing it frequently can confuse your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username affect my channel URL or followers?

No. Your channel URL stays the same, and all your followers remain on your channel. Only the display name changes. People who have bookmarked your channel or have you in their follows list will still find you without any trouble.

Can I change my username more than once every 60 days?

No. Twitch limits username changes to once per 60 days. This applies whether you are changing to a new name or reclaiming an old one. If you need to change again, you must wait until the 60-day period ends.

What happens to my old username after I change it?

Your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim after 60 days. If you want to keep it or reclaim it later, you must change back to it within that 60-day window. After 60 days, if someone else has taken it, you cannot get it back.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Twitch only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not permitted. Your username must also be between 4 and 25 characters and cannot start with a number.

Will my old messages in chat show my new username?

No. Messages you sent before the change will still display your old username in the chat history. Your profile and channel show the new name, but past chat messages keep the username that was active when you sent them.