Change Your Username Through Account Settings

You change your Twitch username by going to your account settings, finding the username field, and entering a new name. The process takes about two minutes. Twitch lets you change your username once every 60 days, and the new name takes effect when ready across your channel, chat history, and all your followers' lists.

Start by signing into your Twitch account on any browser. Click your profile icon in the top right corner — it's a small circle with your current avatar. A dropdown menu appears. Select Settings from that menu. You'll land on your account page.

On the left side of the settings page, click Account. Scroll down until you see the Username field. Your current username appears there. Click the pencil icon next to it to edit. Type your new username into the box that opens.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 60 days through your account settings, and the change takes effect when ready.
  • Your new username 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, follower count, or broadcast history — those stay the same.
  • If your desired username is already taken, Twitch will tell you when ready and you'll need to choose a different one.

Username Rules and Restrictions

Twitch has specific rules about what characters and length your new username can have. Your username must be between 4 and 25 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores only. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, or $.

Your username cannot start with a number — it must begin with a letter or underscore. Twitch also reserves certain usernames that are tied to the platform itself, so you won't be able to claim those even if they appear unclaimed. If you try to enter a username that breaks any of these rules, Twitch shows an error message telling you what went wrong.

What Happens to Your Channel When You Change Your Name

Your channel URL stays the same when you change your username. If your old URL was twitch.tv/oldname, it remains twitch.tv/oldname even after you pick a new username. This means anyone who bookmarked your channel or has a link to your old URL can still find you — Twitch redirects them automatically.

Your follower count, subscriber list, and all past broadcasts remain attached to your account. People who follow you will see your new username in their followed channels list, but they don't have to re-follow you. Chat messages you sent before the change still show your old username in the chat history, but your profile and channel page display your new name.

The 60-Day Waiting Period Between Changes

Once you change your username, you must wait 60 days before changing it again. This timer starts the moment you confirm your new username. If you change your mind when ready after, you cannot revert to your old name until the 60 days have passed — you'll have to wait and then change it back manually.

Twitch enforces this rule to prevent username squatting and to keep the platform stable. The 60-day window gives other users time to update any links or references to your old username, and it prevents rapid cycling through names that could confuse your audience.

Choosing a Username That Works for Your Stream

Pick a username that's straightforward to spell and remember. If you stream to an audience, they'll type your name into search bars and tell friends about your channel — a straightforward name makes that easier. Avoid usernames that are very similar to popular streamers, because viewers searching for them might find you by accident and leave disappointed.

Consider whether your username will still fit your content in a year or two. If you pick a name tied to a specific game or trend, you might want to change it later when your interests shift. Since you can only change once every 60 days, picking something flexible saves you from hitting the waiting period repeatedly.

If Your Desired Username Is Already Taken

When you type a new username into the field, Twitch checks when ready whether it's available. If someone else already has that name, you'll see a message saying the username is unavailable. You cannot reserve a username or join a waitlist — you have to pick a different one.

If the username you want belongs to an inactive account, you cannot claim it. Twitch does not recycle old usernames from dormant accounts. Your only option is to choose a variation — adding a number, an underscore, or a short word to make it unique. Once you enter a username that's available, click Save to confirm the change.

Changing Your Display Name Instead of Your Username

Twitch has two separate name fields: your username and your display name. Your username is what you log in with and what appears in your channel URL. Your display name is what viewers see on your channel page and in chat — and you can change it whenever you want without waiting 60 days.

If you want to change how your name appears to viewers but don't want to wait for the 60-day cooldown, edit your display name instead. Go to Settings, click Account, and scroll to the Display Name field. You can change this as often as you like. Your username stays the same behind the scenes, but your channel looks different to everyone watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one after 60 days?

Yes. After 60 days have passed since your last change, you can change your username to anything available — including your old username, if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. If someone took your old name, you'll need to pick something different.

What if I change my username and then want to undo it right away?

You cannot undo a username change when ready. You must wait 60 days before making another change. If you want to revert to your old name, wait the full 60 days, then change your username back to what it was before.

Does changing my username affect my Twitch Partner status or monetization?

No. Your Partner status, subscriptions, bits, and all monetization features stay attached to your account. Changing your username does not reset or interrupt any of those.

Can I use special characters like hyphens or periods in my username?

No. Twitch only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Hyphens, periods, spaces, and other special characters are not permitted in usernames.

If I change my username, will my followers see the change?

Yes. Your followers will see your new username in their followed channels list and on your channel page. They do not have to re-follow you — the change happens automatically on their end.