The Mobile App Does Not Have a Username Change Feature
You cannot change your Twitch username directly in the mobile app on iOS or Android. Twitch removed this option from mobile several years ago, and it has not returned. If you try to find a username setting in the app's account menu, you will not find it — the feature straightforward does not exist there.
This means you have one path: use a web browser on your phone or tablet to access Twitch's full website, where the username change tool is located. The process takes about five minutes and works the same way on any phone or tablet.
Key Takeaways
- The Twitch mobile app does not include a username change option, so you must use a web browser instead.
- Open Twitch.tv in Safari, Chrome, or your phone's default browser and sign in to your account.
- Go to Settings, then Creator Dashboard, then Username to change it — the exact path depends on whether you are viewing the mobile site or desktop site.
- Usernames can be changed once every 60 days, and the change takes effect when ready after you confirm it.
- If you see an error saying the username is taken or invalid, try a different name — spaces and most special characters are not allowed.
Opening Twitch in a Mobile Browser
Start by opening any web browser on your phone — Safari on iPhone, Chrome on Android, or whatever browser you normally use. Type twitch.tv into the address bar and press Enter. You will land on the Twitch homepage.
If you are already signed in, you will see your profile icon in the top right corner. If you are not signed in, tap the Log In button, enter your email and password, and sign in. Two-factor authentication will appear if you have it enabled — use your authenticator app or check your email for the code.
Finding the Username Change Tool
Once you are signed in, tap your profile icon in the top right corner. A menu will drop down with several options. Look for Settings — this is usually near the bottom of the menu. Tap it.
In Settings, look for a section called Account and Privacy or straightforward Account. Tap that section. You should now see a field labeled Username with your current username displayed. This is where you make the change.
If the mobile site is showing you a simplified version and you cannot find the username field, try switching to the desktop version of the site. At the bottom of the page, look for a link that says Desktop or Full Site and tap it. The desktop version will have all the same settings in a clearer layout.
Entering Your New Username
Tap the username field to edit it. Delete your current username and type the new one you want. Twitch usernames must be between 4 and 25 characters long, can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot contain spaces or most special characters. The system will tell you when ready if the name is invalid or already taken by another user.
Once you have entered a username that works, look for a Save or Confirm button near the field and tap it. Twitch will ask you to confirm the change one more time — this is a safety step to prevent accidental changes. Tap the confirmation button.
The change takes effect when ready. Your new username will appear on your profile, in chat, and everywhere else on Twitch within seconds. You can now close the browser and use the mobile app normally — it will show your new username.
The 60-Day Waiting Period Between Changes
After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 60 days. This rule applies whether you change it on mobile, desktop, or anywhere else. If you try to change it before 60 days have passed, the button will be grayed out and you will see a message telling you when you can change it next.
Plan your username change carefully, because you are locked into it for two months. If you realize when ready after changing it that you made a typo or chose something you do not like, you will have to wait the full 60 days before you can fix it.
What Happens to Your Old Username
When you change your username, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim. You cannot get it back after 60 days have passed. If you think you might want to use your old username again in the future, do not change it — create a new account instead if you want a different name for a different purpose.
Your channel URL, followers, stream history, and all other account data stay with your account. Only the display name changes. Anyone who was following you will still be following you under your new username.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
If you see an error message saying the username is taken, that name is already in use by another account. Try a variation — add a number, use an underscore, or choose a different name entirely. If the system says the username is invalid, check that it does not contain spaces, special characters other than underscores, or fewer than 4 characters.
If the Settings page is not loading or the username field is not appearing, try refreshing the page or switching between the mobile and desktop versions of the site. Sometimes the mobile site has display issues, and the desktop version loads more reliably. If you are still stuck, sign out completely, close the browser, and sign back in.
If you are seeing your old username everywhere even though you changed it, wait a few minutes — the change sometimes takes a moment to sync across all of Twitch's servers. Refresh the page or close and reopen the app. If it has been more than 10 minutes and your old username is still showing, try signing out and signing back in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to my old one after 60 days?
Only if no one else has claimed it. Once you change your username, your old name becomes available when ready. If someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again. If it is still unclaimed after 60 days, you can change to it.
Does changing my username affect my followers or stream history?
No. Your followers stay with you, your past streams and VODs stay on your channel, and your subscriber list does not change. Only the name that appears on your profile and in chat changes. Everything else remains exactly the same.
What if the browser keeps logging me out when I try to change my username?
This usually means your session expired. Sign out completely, close the browser, and open it again. Sign back in and go straight to Settings. If it keeps happening, try a different browser — sometimes one browser has cookie or cache issues while another works fine.
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 will cause an invalid username error. If you want to separate words, use an underscore instead.