You cannot change your username directly in the Twitch mobile app

The Twitch mobile app does not have a username-change option built into its settings. To change your username on any device, including phones and tablets, you must use a web browser — either on your mobile device or on a computer. The change itself takes about two minutes once you are in the right place, but Twitch limits how often you can make the change, and the new name takes effect when ready across all your streams, VODs, and chat history.

This limitation exists because Twitch treats username changes as account-level modifications rather than profile tweaks. The company handles these changes through its account settings page, which is not fully replicated in the mobile app interface. You will need to open a browser, log in to your Twitch account, and navigate to the settings page manually.

Key Takeaways

  • Open any web browser on your phone or computer and go to twitch.tv, then sign into your account to access the username change option.
  • Navigate to Settings, then Account, and look for the "Username" field to see your current name and the option to change it.
  • Twitch allows you to change your username once every 60 days, and the new name must be between 4 and 25 characters with no spaces or special characters except underscores.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready everywhere on Twitch, including your channel page, chat messages, and all past broadcasts.
  • If your desired username is already taken, Twitch will tell you when ready and you will need to choose a different one.

Steps to change your username in a mobile browser

Open Safari, Chrome, Firefox, or any web browser on your phone. Go to twitch.tv and tap the profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Sign in" if you are not already logged in, and enter your email address and password. Once you are signed in, tap the profile icon again and select "Settings" from the menu.

In Settings, tap "Account" in the left sidebar (or scroll down on mobile if there is no sidebar). Look for the "Username" field — this is where your current name appears. Tap the "Change" button or the username field itself. Type your new username into the text box. Twitch will show you whether the name is available as you type. Once you have chosen an available name, tap "Change Username" or "Save" to confirm. The change takes effect when ready.

Username rules and the 60-day waiting period

Your new username must be between 4 and 25 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and underscores, but no spaces, hyphens, or special characters. Twitch converts all usernames to lowercase, so "MyName" and "myname" are the same account. If you try to change to a name that is already taken, Twitch will show an error message and you will need to pick a different one.

You can only change your username once every 60 days. This means if you changed your name last month, you will have to wait until the 60-day window closes before you can change it again. Twitch displays the date when you will be may be able to access to change again if you have recently made a change. This limit applies to your entire account, not per device or per session.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it. This happens when ready — there is no grace period. If you think you might want to use your old name again, you should wait before changing, because once another person claims it, you cannot get it back. Twitch does not reserve old usernames for previous owners.

All of your existing content — streams, VODs, clips, and chat messages — will show your new username. Your followers and subscribers stay with your account, and your channel URL changes to reflect your new name. If you have shared your old channel URL anywhere, those links will redirect to your new URL for a period of time, but you should update any links you control directly.

Why the mobile app does not have this feature

Twitch designed its mobile app to handle the most common tasks: browsing streams, chatting, and managing your channel settings like panels and about sections. Username changes are rare — most people change their name once or twice a year at most — so Twitch did not prioritize building a mobile interface for this feature. The company instead routes all username changes through the web settings page to keep the mobile app smaller and faster.

This is common across many platforms. Instagram, YouTube, and Discord all require you to use a web browser or desktop app for certain account changes, even though their mobile apps handle most other settings. It is a trade-off between app size and feature completeness.

If you cannot remember your password

If you are locked out of your account and cannot sign in to change your username, go to twitch.tv and tap "Log in". Then tap "Forgot your password?" and enter the email address associated with your Twitch account. Twitch will send you a password reset link. Check your email (including spam folders) and tap the link to create a new password. Once you have reset your password, you can sign in and change your username using the steps above.

If you no longer have access to the email address on your account, you will need to contact Twitch Support through their help page. Go to support.twitch.tv, tap "Contact Us", and describe your situation. Twitch support can help you regain access to your account, though the process may take several days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the Twitch mobile app?

No. The Twitch mobile app does not have a built-in username change feature. You must use a web browser on your phone or computer to change your username through the Settings page on twitch.tv.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

Your new username takes effect when ready across all of Twitch — your channel page, chat, VODs, and follower lists all update right away. You do not need to wait or refresh anything.

What if someone takes my old username after I change it?

Old usernames become available when ready and cannot be reserved. If someone else claims it, you cannot get it back. If you think you might want your old name again, wait before changing.

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. Twitch enforces a 60-day waiting period between username changes. You can only change your name once every 60 days, and the timer resets each time you make a change.

Does changing my username affect my followers or subscribers?

No. Your followers and subscribers stay with your account when you change your username. Your channel URL changes to match your new name, but all your relationships and content remain the same.