IMVU lets you change your username once for free, then charges for additional changes

IMVU gives you one free username change. After that, each change costs 7,500 IMVU Credits, which you must buy with real money — there is no way around the payment for a second change or beyond. The free change is permanent once you use it, so choose carefully before you commit.

The process itself takes about five minutes. You go to your account settings, find the username change option, type your new name, and confirm. IMVU checks the name against their database to make sure no one else is using it. If the name is taken, you pick something else and try again.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first username change is free; log into your account, go to Settings, and select Change Username to use it.
  • IMVU checks your new username against existing accounts in real time, so you will know when ready if the name is already taken.
  • Once you change your username, the old name becomes available for someone else to claim after a short delay.
  • If you want to change your username a second time, you must buy 7,500 IMVU Credits through the IMVU website or app, which costs real money.
  • Your account ID number stays the same no matter how many times you change your username, so your friends can still find you.

Where to find the username change option in your account

Log into IMVU on the website or open the IMVU app on your phone or computer. Click on your avatar or profile icon in the top right corner of the screen. A menu will drop down with several options — look for "Settings" or "Account Settings" and click it.

Inside Settings, scroll down until you see "Change Username" or "Username" listed as an option. Click on it. IMVU will show you a text box where you can type your new username. The system will tell you right away whether that name is available or already taken by another player.

What happens when you type in a new username

As soon as you type a username and move to the next field, IMVU checks their database. If the name is free, you will see a green checkmark or a message saying the name is available. If someone else already has that username, you will see a red X or a message saying it is taken.

You can try as many different names as you want during this step — there is no limit to how many times you can search before you pick one. Once you find a name that is available and you like it, click the button to confirm the change. IMVU will ask you to verify your choice one more time before it is final.

How long the change takes to go live

After you confirm, your new username usually shows up across IMVU within a few minutes. Your profile, your chat messages, your avatar name tag in rooms — all of it updates to show your new name. Your friends will see the new username the next time they refresh their screen or log back in.

Your account ID, which is a number behind the scenes, never changes. This means your friends can still find you by searching your old username or your account ID, even though your display name is different. IMVU keeps a record of the change, but your social connections stay intact.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old username does not disappear when ready. IMVU holds it for a waiting period — usually a few days to a week — before it becomes available for someone else to claim. During that time, no one can use it, but it is also not tied to your account anymore.

If you change your mind about your new username and want to go back to the old one, you cannot reclaim it for free. You would have to buy credits to change your username again, and then hope that your old name is still unclaimed. This is why it is worth taking time to pick a new name you will be happy with.

How to use your free change wisely

Think about whether your current username still fits who you are or how you want to present yourself in IMVU. If you are happy with it, do not use your free change yet. You can always use it later if your interests or preferences shift.

If you do decide to change, pick a name that will still feel right to you in six months or a year. Avoid names tied to temporary trends, inside jokes that only a few people will get, or anything you might regret. Remember that your friends will see the new name, and it will be part of your profile history in IMVU.

What to do if you have already used your free change

If you have already changed your username once and want to change it again, you will need to buy IMVU Credits. Go to the IMVU website or app and look for the "Buy Credits" or "Store" section. You can buy credits in different amounts — the smallest package is usually around $5 USD, and larger packages cost more.

Once you have bought 7,500 credits, go back to your Settings and select Change Username again. The system will deduct the credits from your account and let you pick a new name. There is no limit to how many times you can change your username after the first free change, as long as you have credits to spend.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not when ready and not for free. Your old username enters a holding period before it becomes available to claim. If you want to use it again, you would have to buy credits to change your username a second time, then hope no one else has claimed the old name during the waiting period.

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

Yes. Your account ID stays the same, so your friends can search for you by your old username or your account number and still find your profile. They will see your new username once they visit your profile or see you in a room.

How much does it cost to change my username after the first time?

You need 7,500 IMVU Credits. The exact dollar amount depends on which credit package you buy, but it typically costs between $5 and $10 USD. IMVU does not offer a way to earn credits for free to cover this cost.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try a different name. IMVU will tell you when ready if a name is available or already in use. You can search as many names as you want before you pick one, so take your time finding something that is both available and something you like.

Can I change my username on mobile and desktop, or only one way?

You can change your username through either the IMVU website or the IMVU app on your phone. The process is the same either way. Once you change it, the new username shows up everywhere you use IMVU.