You can change your IMVU username once every 30 days through your account settings

IMVU lets you change the name other users see in chat and on your profile, but the change is not when ready and comes with a waiting period. You make the change inside the IMVU client or on the website, and the new name takes effect after a short delay. The old name becomes available for other users to claim after about 30 days.

The process itself takes about five minutes. You will need to be logged into your account, and you should know that changing your username does not change your login credentials — you still sign in with your original email and password.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 30 days by going to Account Settings and selecting the username option.
  • The new username takes effect when ready in most cases, though it may take a few minutes to show up across all parts of the platform.
  • Your login email and password do not change when you change your username.
  • If you have been banned or suspended, you cannot change your username until the restriction is lifted.
  • Usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters and cannot contain certain symbols or spaces.

Steps to change your username in the IMVU client

Open the IMVU client and log in with your email and password. Once you are on the home screen, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner and tap or click it. Select Account Settings from the menu that appears.

In Account Settings, find the section labeled Username or Change Username. Click on the text field next to your current username. Type your new username into the field. IMVU will show you whether the name is available as you type — if it is taken, you will see a message saying so, and you will need to choose a different one.

Once you have entered a username that is available, click the Save or Confirm button. IMVU will ask you to confirm the change. Click yes or confirm again. The system will then show you a message saying the change was successful, along with the date you can change it again (30 days from now).

Steps to change your username on the IMVU website

Go to imvu.com and log in with your email and password. Click on your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner of the page. A dropdown menu will appear — select Account Settings or Settings.

Look for a section called Profile or Username. Click on the username field to edit it. Type your new username and check that it is available (IMVU will tell you if another user has already taken it). Click Save when you are done.

The website version works the same way as the client, and the change will sync across both platforms within a few minutes. If you are logged into the IMVU client at the same time, you may need to log out and back in to see the new username reflected there.

Username rules and what you cannot use

IMVU usernames must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and underscores, but you cannot use spaces, periods, hyphens, or most special characters. The system will reject your choice if it breaks these rules and will tell you why.

You also cannot use a username that is already taken, that violates IMVU's community standards, or that impersonates another user or a staff member. If you try to use a name that looks like you are pretending to be someone else (for example, adding numbers to a famous person's name), IMVU may reject it or ask you to change it later.

Usernames are not case-sensitive, meaning IMVU treats "JohnDoe" and "johndoe" as the same name. If you want to change only the capitalization of your current username, IMVU may not let you do so because the system sees it as the same name.

What happens if you change your username too soon

IMVU enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed since your last change, the system will show you an error message with the exact date you can change it again. You will not be able to proceed until that date arrives.

This limit applies to every user and cannot be bypassed. If you made a mistake with your last username change, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again. Plan your username carefully to avoid this situation.

Troubleshooting if your username change does not work

If you see an error message saying the username is unavailable even though it looks unique, another user may have claimed it between the time you checked and the time you tried to save. Go back and choose a different name.

If the system says you cannot change your username at all, check whether your account has been suspended or banned. Restricted accounts cannot change usernames until the restriction is removed. Contact IMVU support through the help section on the website if you believe your account was restricted by mistake.

If you changed your username but it is not showing up in chat or on your profile after 10 minutes, try logging out of the IMVU client completely and logging back in. Clear your browser cache if you are using the website version. The change should appear within a few minutes after you refresh.

How your old username becomes available again

When you change your username, IMVU holds your old name for about 30 days. During this time, no other user can claim it. After 30 days, the old username is released back into the pool and becomes available for anyone to use.

If you change your mind and want your old username back, you must wait until after the 30-day hold expires, then change your current username to something else, wait another 30 days, and then change to your old username. This process takes at least 60 days total. It is easier to choose a username you are happy with from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Your friends will still see you in their friends list, though your name will update to the new username. Your inventory, avatar, and all your items stay exactly the same. The only thing that changes is the name displayed next to your account.

Can I change my username if I have been banned?

No. If your account is suspended or banned, you cannot change your username until the restriction is lifted. Once your account is active again, you can change your username like any other user, but you will still be subject to the 30-day waiting period.

What if someone else is using a username I want?

You will have to choose a different username. IMVU does not transfer usernames from inactive accounts, and there is no way to request that another user change their name. If the user is inactive, you can try a variation of the name you want, such as adding numbers or an underscore.

Will my login email change if I change my username?

No. Your login email and password stay the same no matter how many times you change your username. You will always sign into IMVU with your original email address and password, even if your display name is completely different.

How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?

The change usually takes effect when ready in most places, but it can take a few minutes to show up in chat, on your profile, and in other users' friends lists. If it has been more than 10 minutes and you still see your old name, try logging out and back in.