Where to change your username

You change your VRChat username through the VRChat website, not inside the game itself. Go to vrchat.com, sign in with your account, and look for Account Settings in the menu. The username field is in the Profile section — it's the name other players see when you're in a world with them.

You cannot change your username from within the VRChat app or headset. The website is the only place the option appears. If you're signed in on the website but don't see a username field, make sure you're in Account Settings and not just your public profile page.

Key Takeaways

  • Username changes happen on the VRChat website in Account Settings, not in the game or app.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the new name takes effect when ready across all worlds.
  • Usernames must be between 3 and 32 characters and cannot contain certain symbols or spaces.
  • Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

VRChat enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes. Once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days from that date. If you try to change it before the cooldown expires, the website will show you the exact date you can make the next change.

This limit exists to prevent people from cycling through names rapidly or impersonating others. Plan your username change carefully, because you're locked into it for a month. If you made a typo or regret the choice when ready, you still have to wait the full 30 days.

What characters and lengths are allowed

Your username must be between 3 and 32 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces, periods, and most special characters are not allowed — the system will reject them when you try to save.

VRChat also blocks usernames that are already taken, offensive, or impersonating known people or brands. If you enter a name and the website says it's unavailable, try a variation with a number or underscore. The system checks availability in real time as you type, so you'll know when ready whether your choice is open.

How the change appears to other players

Your new username shows up when ready in all VRChat worlds and to all players. Anyone who was friends with you under your old name will still see you as a friend — the friend list updates automatically. Your old username does not appear anywhere after the change completes.

Players who knew you by your old name may not recognize you at first, especially if you were well-known in certain worlds or friend groups. There's no way to notify everyone at once, so if you want people to know it's still you, mention the change in Discord servers or worlds where you spend time.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for another player to claim. This happens when ready — there's no grace period where it's held for you. If you think you might want to use that name again someday, you cannot reserve it.

If your old username was memorable or tied to your reputation, someone else may take it. There's no way to reclaim it later unless that person changes their name and it becomes available again. This is one reason to think through a username change before you commit to it.

Troubleshooting if the change won't save

If you click Save and nothing happens, check that your username is between 3 and 32 characters and contains only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Remove any spaces or periods and try again. The website usually shows an error message explaining what's wrong, though sometimes it's vague.

If the error message says the name is unavailable, someone else has already claimed it — try a different variation. If you're certain the name should be allowed and the website still rejects it, sign out completely, clear your browser cache, and sign back in. Sometimes a browser glitch prevents the form from updating properly.

Changing your display name versus your username

VRChat has two separate name fields: your username (what other players see) and your display name (what appears on your profile page). The display name can be changed more often and has fewer restrictions. If you want to change how your name looks without waiting 30 days, you can update your display name instead, though other players won't see that change in-game.

The username is what matters for gameplay and friend lists. The display name is mostly decorative and visible only when someone visits your profile on the website. Most players focus on the username because that's what shows up during actual VRChat sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if no one else has claimed your old username in the meantime. Once you change your name, your old one becomes available when ready. If someone took it, you cannot use it again unless they change their name first. You'll have to wait for that to happen or choose a different name.

Do my friends lose me if I change my username?

No. Your friends list stays intact because VRChat tracks friendships by account ID, not by username. Everyone on your friends list will still see you as a friend after the change, and you'll still see them. Your username change doesn't break any social connections.

What if someone is impersonating me with a similar username?

Report the account through VRChat's reporting system in-game or on the website. Include details about where you encountered them and why you believe they're impersonating you. VRChat's moderation team reviews reports and can take action if the username violates their policies.

Can I change my username on mobile or in VR?

No. The username change option only appears on the VRChat website when you're signed in on a computer or phone browser. You cannot change it from the VRChat app, the Meta Quest app, or any VR headset. You must use a web browser and visit vrchat.com.

How long does it take for the username change to show up everywhere?

The change is when ready. As soon as you save the new username on the website, it appears in all VRChat worlds, on your profile, and in other players' friend lists. There's no delay or sync time — the update happens right away.