You can change your IMVU username, but only once every 30 days
IMVU lets you change your username through your account settings. The process takes a few minutes, but the platform enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes — so you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed since your last change. This limit exists to prevent account takeovers and keep the username system stable.
The change takes effect when ready once you confirm it. Your old username becomes available for other users to claim after a short period, and your friends list, avatar, and credits all stay with your account under the new name.
Key Takeaways
- You change your username in Account Settings under the Profile section, not in your avatar customization menu.
- IMVU enforces a 30-day cooldown between username changes, so plan your new name carefully.
- Your friends, credits, and purchase history all transfer to your new username automatically.
- If your new username is already taken, the system will tell you when ready and you must choose a different one.
- You cannot undo a username change, so double-check the spelling before you confirm.
Where to find the username change option
Log into IMVU on the web or in the desktop app and go to your Account Settings. Look for the Profile section — this is separate from your avatar settings or chat preferences. Inside Profile, you will see a field labeled "Username" with your current name displayed.
Click the edit button or pencil icon next to your username. A text box will appear where you can type your new name. IMVU will check in real time whether the name is available; if it is taken, you will see a message telling you so, and you must choose something different.
What happens when you change your username
The change goes live when ready after you confirm it. Your friends will see your new username in their friend list, in chat, and on your profile. Any rooms or groups you created will still show as owned by you, but under your new name. Your avatar, inventory, and credits all stay exactly as they were.
Your old username becomes available for other users to claim, though IMVU typically holds it for a grace period before releasing it. If you change your mind within a few hours, contact IMVU support to see if they can reverse the change — but this is not may provide, and you should not count on it.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. This timer starts the moment you confirm the change. If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, the system will show you how many days remain and block the change.
The 30-day rule applies whether you changed your username intentionally or had it changed by support staff. Plan your username carefully, because you are stuck with it for at least a month.
Choosing a username that will not cause problems later
Think about whether your new username will still feel right in a few months. Usernames tied to trends, games, or shows can feel dated quickly. Avoid usernames with numbers that look like they were added as a last resort — Username123 is harder to remember than something more distinctive.
Check that the name does not contain spaces or special characters, because IMVU does not allow them. The platform accepts letters, numbers, and underscores only. If you are trying to create a two-word name, use an underscore between the words instead of a space.
What to do if you cannot change your username
If you see an error message when you try to change your username, the most common reasons are: the new name is already taken, you are still within the 30-day waiting period, or there is a temporary problem with IMVU's servers. Try again in a few minutes, or choose a different username and attempt the change again.
If the problem persists and you are certain the name is not taken and you are past the 30-day window, contact IMVU support through the Help section of your account. Provide your current username and the name you want to change to. Support can sometimes override the 30-day limit in unusual situations, but this is rare.
Protecting your account after a username change
After you change your username, update your password if you have not done so recently. This is especially important if someone else had access to your account or if you are changing your username because you want a fresh start. Go to Account Settings and select Change Password.
Make sure your email address on file is current and that you have two-factor authentication turned on if IMVU offers it. These steps prevent someone from changing your username again without your permission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to my old one?
Not when ready. Your old username becomes available for others to claim, so someone else may have taken it. If you want to reclaim it, you would need to wait for it to become available again, which is not may provide. Choose your new username with the understanding that going back may not be possible.
Do my friends have to re-add me after I change my username?
No. Your friends list stays intact, and your friends will see your new username automatically in their friend list. They do not need to do anything on their end.
What if I change my username and then regret it within an hour?
Contact IMVU support when ready and explain the situation. They may be able to reverse the change if you reach them quickly, but this is not may provide. Do not count on this as a safety net — think carefully before you confirm the change.
Can I use special characters or spaces in my new username?
No. IMVU only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. If you want a two-word username, connect them with an underscore instead of a space.
Will my purchase history and credits transfer to my new username?
Yes. Everything tied to your account — credits, purchases, avatar customizations, and friends — transfers automatically when you change your username. Your account itself stays the same; only the name changes.