Change your username through the Account Settings page

To change your IMVU username, log into your account on the IMVU website, go to Account Settings, and look for the Username field under the Profile section. Click the edit button next to your current username, type your new username, and save the change. The new username takes effect when ready.

You can change your username once every 30 days. If you changed it recently, you will see a countdown timer showing when you can change it again. IMVU does not charge a fee for username changes, though some account types may have restrictions on how often you can make changes.

Your new username must be between 3 and 16 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. IMVU will reject usernames that contain spaces, special characters other than underscores, or words the system flags as inappropriate. If your chosen name is already taken, you will get an error message and need to pick a different one.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username in Account Settings on the IMVU website, not in the desktop or mobile app.
  • The change takes effect right away, and your old username becomes available for other users to claim after a short delay.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and there is no cost to do so.
  • Your new username must be 3 to 16 characters and can only use letters, numbers, and underscores.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your username, your old name does not stay reserved for you. After a waiting period of a few days, another user can claim that username. This means if you change your mind, you cannot straightforward change back to your previous name unless no one else has taken it in the meantime.

Your avatar, inventory, credits, and all other account data stay with your new username. Friends who had you added will still see you in their friends list, though your name will update to the new one. Any groups or clubs you owned or joined will still show your membership under your new username.

Reasons your username change might fail

If you see an error when trying to save a new username, the most common cause is that the name is already taken by another user. Try a different combination of letters, numbers, or underscores. IMVU also blocks usernames that contain profanity or that match known spam patterns, so if you get a rejection message, the system flagged your choice as inappropriate.

Another reason for failure is that you have already changed your username within the last 30 days. Check the countdown timer in Account Settings to see exactly when you will be able to change again. If you are locked out of Account Settings entirely, you may have a security hold on your account — in that case, contact IMVU Support through the Help Center on the website.

Changing your username on mobile versus desktop

The IMVU mobile app does not have a username change feature. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile device and log into the IMVU website directly. Open imvu.com, sign in with your email and password, and navigate to Account Settings from the menu.

If you are on a phone or tablet, the Account Settings page will still work the same way — find the Profile section, click edit next to your username, and save your new name. The mobile browser version is smaller but has all the same options as the desktop version.

What to do if you forgot your current username

If you cannot remember your IMVU username, you can still find it by logging in with your email address instead. On the IMVU login page, enter the email address you used to create your account and your password. Once you are logged in, your username will appear at the top of the page and in Account Settings.

If you cannot log in because you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page. IMVU will send a password reset link to your registered email address. After you reset your password and log back in, you will be able to see your username and change it if you want to.

Usernames versus display names in IMVU

IMVU has two separate name fields: your username and your display name. Your username is the unique identifier that other users search for and add as a friend — this is what you change in Account Settings. Your display name is what appears above your avatar in chat and social spaces, and you can change it more frequently without the 30-day waiting period.

If you want to change how your name looks to other users but do not want to change your actual username, edit your display name instead. This is useful if you want a nickname or stylized version of your username without losing the original identity that your friends know you by.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. IMVU enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. You can see exactly when your next change will be available by checking Account Settings. If you need to change your username urgently, contact IMVU Support to see if they can make an exception, though this is rare.

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

Yes. Your friends list will update automatically, and anyone who had you added will still see you in their friends list under your new username. They do not need to re-add you or do anything on their end.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my new username?

No. IMVU usernames can only contain letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not allowed. If you want a stylized name with special characters, use your display name instead.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Try a different combination. You can add numbers or underscores to make a variation of the name you want. If the exact username you want is taken and you really need it, there is no way to reserve it or request that another user give it up — you will need to choose a different name.

Do I lose anything when I change my username?

No. Your avatar, inventory, credits, account level, and all other data stay with your account. Only your username changes. Your old username becomes available for others to claim after a few days, but everything else about your account remains the same.