The steps to change your IMVU username

You change your IMVU username through your account settings on the IMVU website or app. The process takes about two minutes and requires you to be logged in. IMVU allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so choose carefully — you cannot change it again when ready if you make a mistake.

Go to imvu.com and sign in with your current username and password. Click your avatar or profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Account Settings" from the dropdown menu. On the Account Settings page, find the section labeled "Username" and click the "Change" button next to it.

Type your new username in the text field. IMVU will check whether the name is available in real time — if it shows a green checkmark, the name is yours to claim. If it shows a red X, that username is already taken and you must choose a different one. Once you see the green checkmark, click "Save Changes" at the bottom of the page.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 30 days through Account Settings on the IMVU website or mobile app.
  • Your new username must be available — IMVU shows you in real time whether another user has already claimed it.
  • The change takes effect when ready, and your old username becomes available for other users to claim after a short delay.
  • Your avatar, friends list, and purchase history stay with your account; only the display name changes.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one does not disappear right away. IMVU holds it for a grace period — usually 30 days — before releasing it back into the pool of available names. During that time, other users cannot claim it, and your friends can still see your old name in their chat history and friend list until they refresh their view.

Your account itself does not change. Your avatar, credits, items, and friends all stay exactly as they were. The only thing that changes is the name that appears above your avatar when you chat or visit a room. If you change your mind within the grace period, you cannot switch back to your old username — you would have to wait for it to become available again and then claim it like any other user.

Usernames that IMVU will not allow

IMVU blocks certain types of usernames to keep the platform safe. You cannot use a name that contains profanity, slurs, or hateful language. You also cannot use a name that impersonates IMVU staff, moderators, or well-known public figures — IMVU checks for this when you try to save your change.

Names with spaces, special characters, or numbers in certain patterns may be rejected. IMVU requires usernames to be between 3 and 16 characters long. If your chosen name fails the check, the red X will appear and IMVU will tell you why — usually "contains inappropriate content" or "already in use." Try a different variation and check again.

Changing your username on the IMVU mobile app

The process on the IMVU mobile app is nearly identical to the website. Open the app and tap the profile icon at the bottom of the screen. Tap "Account Settings," then scroll down to find "Username." Tap "Change," enter your new username, and wait for the availability check to complete.

Once you see the green checkmark, tap "Save" or "Confirm" — the exact button label depends on whether you are using the iOS or Android version. The change syncs across all your devices within a few seconds, so you will see your new username everywhere you use IMVU.

If your desired username is taken

If the username you want is already in use, you have a few options. You can add numbers to the end — for example, if "Luna" is taken, try "Luna42" or "Luna2024." You can also use underscores or periods in the middle of the name, like "Luna_Sky" or "Luna.Sky." Many users find that adding a number between 1 and 999 is the fastest way to claim a variation of their preferred name.

You can also check whether the username belongs to an inactive account. If an account has not logged in for several years, IMVU may eventually release the username, but there is no way to request this or know when it will happen. Your best approach is to choose a variation you like and claim it now rather than waiting.

Usernames and your IMVU account security

Changing your username does not affect your account password or security settings. Your login credentials — the email address and password you use to sign in — stay the same no matter how many times you change your display name. If you want to change the email address tied to your account, that is a separate process in Account Settings under "Email Address."

Never share your password with anyone, even if they claim to be IMVU staff. IMVU staff will never ask for your password. If someone tells you they can change your username for you in exchange for your login details, that is a scam — you can always change it yourself for free through Account Settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. IMVU enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. If you changed your username on January 15, you cannot change it again until February 15. This rule applies to all accounts, including paid members.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your friends list does not change, and they will see your new username the next time they log in or refresh their friends list. They can still message you and visit your profile without any trouble.

What if I change my username and then want to change it back?

You cannot change it back when ready because of the 30-day rule. Your old username enters a grace period and becomes available again after about 30 days. At that point, you can claim it like any other username, but you will have to wait for your next change window to do so.

Does changing my username affect my credits or items?

No. Your credits, purchased items, avatar customizations, and account history all stay with your account. Only the name displayed above your avatar changes.

What if I see an error message when I try to save my new username?

The most common errors are "username already in use" (someone else claimed it) or "contains inappropriate content" (IMVU's filter rejected it). Try a different username. If you get a different error, log out and log back in, then try again. If the problem continues, contact IMVU support through the Help section on their website.