Change Your VRChat Username Through Account Settings

You change your VRChat username by logging into your account on the VRChat website, going to your account settings, and editing the username field directly. The process takes about two minutes and takes effect when ready in your VRChat profile — other players see the new name the next time they load their friends list or encounter you in a world.

Your username is different from your display name. The username is what appears in your account URL and is used for searching and adding friends. The display name is what shows above your avatar in VR and can be changed more frequently without restrictions. Most players change the username once and leave it, then use the display name for seasonal changes or roleplay.

VRChat does not charge money to change your username, and there is no limit on how many times you can change it. However, there is a waiting period between changes — you must wait a certain number of days after your last username change before you can change it again. This cooldown exists to prevent account takeovers and spam.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into your account at vrchat.com, click your profile icon, select Account, and edit the username field under Basic Info.
  • Your username change takes effect when ready and is visible to all other players the next time they refresh their friends list.
  • A cooldown period prevents you from changing your username again for several days after each change.
  • Your display name (shown above your avatar in VR) is separate from your username and can be changed without a cooldown.

Step-by-Step: Changing Your Username on the Website

Open a web browser and go to vrchat.com. Click the profile icon in the top right corner and select Account from the dropdown menu. You will land on your account dashboard.

On the left side of the page, click Basic Info. Scroll down until you see the Username field. Click inside the field, delete your current username, and type your new one. VRChat usernames can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and must be between 3 and 32 characters long.

Click the Save button below the username field. The page will confirm that your username has been changed. You do not need to log out and back in — the change is live when ready.

Understanding the Cooldown Period

After you change your username, VRChat locks you out of changing it again for a set period. This cooldown is a security measure: if someone gains unauthorized access to your account, they cannot rapidly cycle through usernames to hide their activity or lock you out of your own account name.

The exact length of the cooldown is not published by VRChat, but players report it is typically between 7 and 30 days depending on your account age and history. Newer accounts or accounts with previous security issues may have longer cooldowns. If you try to change your username before the cooldown expires, the website will show you a message stating when you can change it next.

If you change your username and when ready regret it, you cannot undo the change by changing it back right away — you will have to wait out the cooldown period. Choose your new username carefully before you save.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your username, your old username becomes available for other players to claim. VRChat does not hold old usernames in reserve, so if you change from "PlayerOne" to "PlayerTwo," another user can register "PlayerOne" as soon as your change goes through.

This matters if you have built a reputation under your old name. Friends and other players will need to search for your new username to find you. Your friends list does not automatically update with your new name — they see the change the next time they load the friends list or encounter you in a world.

If you think you might want your old username back, you should wait until you are certain. Once another player claims it, you cannot reclaim it unless that player changes their username or deletes their account.

Changing Your Display Name Instead

If you want to change how your name appears in VR without waiting for a cooldown, change your display name instead of your username. Your display name is what shows above your avatar when other players see you in a world, and it can be different from your username.

To change your display name, go to your account settings on the VRChat website, click Basic Info, and look for the Display Name field. Type your new display name and click Save. There is no cooldown on display name changes, so you can update it as often as you want.

Your display name can be up to 32 characters and can include spaces, which usernames cannot. Many players use their username for their permanent account identity and their display name for seasonal themes, roleplay characters, or temporary jokes.

Troubleshooting Username Changes

If you see an error message saying your username is unavailable, the name has already been claimed by another player. Try a variation — add a number, change the spelling slightly, or use a hyphen or underscore. VRChat does not reserve old usernames, so popular names get taken quickly.

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, you are still in the cooldown period from your last change. The message will tell you the exact date and time when you can change it again. You can change your display name in the meantime if you want to update how you appear to other players.

If your username change does not appear to take effect, try logging out of the VRChat website and logging back in. Clear your browser cache if the old username still appears. In the VRChat app itself, your new username may take a few minutes to sync across all servers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username in the VRChat app instead of on the website?

No, you must change your username through the VRChat website at vrchat.com. The VRChat app does not have a username-change option. You can change your display name in the app under your profile settings, but that is separate from your account username.

What if someone else took my old username after I changed mine?

Once another player claims your old username, you cannot reclaim it. VRChat does not hold usernames in reserve or allow you to take back a name you previously used. If you want that username back, you would have to contact the other player and ask them to change theirs, which they are under no obligation to do.

Does changing my username affect my friends list or my worlds?

No, your friends list and worlds remain attached to your account regardless of your username. Friends will still be able to find you and join your worlds, though they may need to search for your new username to locate you in the friends list. Your worlds, avatars, and all other account data stay exactly the same.

How long do I have to wait between username changes?

The cooldown period is typically between 7 and 30 days, though VRChat does not publish an exact number. Newer accounts may have longer cooldowns. When you try to change your username, the website will tell you the exact date and time when you can change it again if you are still in the cooldown period.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No, VRChat usernames can only contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces and other special characters are not allowed. Your display name, which is separate, can include spaces and other characters.