The fastest way to change your username

Log into your Twitch account, click your profile icon in the top right corner, select Settings, then click Account on the left sidebar. Under the "Username" field, click Change username. Type your new name (it must be between 4 and 25 characters, letters and numbers only, no spaces), then click Confirm. The change takes effect when ready.

You can change your username once every 60 days. If you try to change it before 60 days have passed since your last change, Twitch will show you the exact date you can change it again. There is no cost to change your username.

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. If you want to keep that name reserved, you will need to create a separate account and hold it — Twitch does not offer username holds or reservations for inactive accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Twitch username from Settings > Account > Change username, and the change happens right away.
  • Usernames must be 4 to 25 characters long and can only contain letters and numbers, with no spaces or special characters.
  • You can change your username once every 60 days, and Twitch will tell you the exact date you are may be able to access to change it again.
  • Your old username becomes available for other users to claim as soon as you change it, so pick a new one you plan to keep.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, subscriptions, or channel history — everything stays attached to your account.

What happens to your channel when you change your username

Your channel URL changes to match your new username. If you had a custom URL (like twitch.tv/yourname), it updates automatically. Anyone who tries to visit your old URL will see an error page, so if you have shared your channel link anywhere — in Discord servers, on social media, or in video descriptions — you should update those links to point to your new URL.

Your followers, subscriber list, stream history, and all channel settings stay exactly the same. People who follow you will still see your streams in their feed. Subscribers keep their subscription status and do not need to resubscribe. Your stream VODs (video on demand recordings) remain on your channel under your new username.

Usernames Twitch will not let you use

Twitch blocks usernames that are already taken, even if the account has not streamed in years. You cannot use a username that belongs to another active or inactive account. If the name you want is taken, you will see a message saying "That username is not available" when you try to confirm the change.

Twitch also blocks usernames that contain profanity, impersonate staff members or well-known streamers, or violate their Community Guidelines. If you try to use a blocked name, Twitch will reject it without explaining which rule it breaks. If you are unsure whether a name violates the guidelines, try it — Twitch will tell you if it cannot be used, and you can try a different one without penalty.

Changing your display name instead of your username

Your username is what appears in your channel URL (twitch.tv/username) and what you use to log in. Your display name is what viewers see on screen when you chat or stream. You can change your display name as often as you want, and it does not have the 60-day waiting period.

To change your display name, go to Settings > Account and look for the "Display Name" field (it is separate from Username). Type the new name and click Confirm. Display names can include spaces, capital letters, and special characters, so you have more freedom here than with your username. If you want your on-screen name to look different from your login name, changing your display name is the way to do it.

If you cannot find the change username option

Make sure you are logged into the account you want to change. If you are logged in and still do not see the "Change username" button, your account may have restrictions. Twitch sometimes locks the username change feature on accounts that have been reported for harassment or that violated the Community Guidelines.

If your account is locked, you will not see the option to change your username at all. Contact Twitch Support through the Help Center at help.twitch.tv and explain that you want to change your username. They will review your account and let you know whether the restriction can be lifted. Response times vary, but Twitch typically replies within a few business days.

Changing your username on mobile

Open the Twitch app on your phone or tablet, tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap Settings (the gear icon). Tap Account, then scroll down to find Username. Tap Change username, enter your new name, and tap Confirm. The process is identical to the desktop version, and the change takes effect when ready across all devices.

If the Settings option does not appear in your profile menu, try logging out and logging back in. Sometimes the app needs to refresh to show all menu options. If you still cannot see Settings after logging back in, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Twitch app.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if no one else has claimed it. Since your old username becomes available when ready after you change it, someone else may have already taken it. If they have, you cannot use it again unless they change their username and release it. You can still change to a different username once every 60 days.

Will my followers see my old username anywhere?

No. Your followers will see your new username everywhere — in their follow list, in chat, and on your channel page. Old clips or VODs that show your username in the title or description will still show the old name, but your account itself displays only your new username.

Do I have to change my display name when I change my username?

No. Your username and display name are separate. You can change your username and keep your display name the same, or change your display name without touching your username. They do not have to match.

What if I change my username and then want to stream under my old name?

You would need to change your username back to your old name, but only if no one else has claimed it and only after 60 days have passed since your last change. If someone else took your old username, you cannot get it back. Plan your username changes carefully if your name is part of your brand.

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

No. Your Affiliate or Partner status stays active no matter how many times you change your username. Your earnings, payout information, and all partnership benefits remain attached to your account.