Change your username through the IMVU website settings
You can change your IMVU username by logging into your account on the IMVU website, going to your account settings, and using the username change tool there. The process takes about five minutes and costs 7,500 IMVU Credits — the in-game currency you buy with real money. Once you change it, your old username becomes available for other users to claim after 30 days.
IMVU does not let you change your username through the mobile app or the desktop client. You must use a web browser and visit the full IMVU website to access the settings page where the change happens.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your IMVU username costs 7,500 IMVU Credits and must be done through the website, not the app or desktop client.
- Your old username becomes available for others to use 30 days after you change it, so choose a new one you plan to keep.
- You can change your username once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you want to switch multiple times.
- Your account ID number stays the same when you change your username, so friends can still find you by that number if needed.
Step 1: Log into your IMVU account on the website
Open a web browser and go to www.imvu.com. Click the Log In button in the top right corner. Enter the email address and password you use for your IMVU account, then click Log In again.
If you normally use the IMVU app or desktop client, use the same email and password you use there. If you have forgotten your password, click Forgot Password on the login page and follow the steps to reset it through your email.
Step 2: Navigate to your account settings
Once you are logged in, look for your avatar icon or profile picture in the top right corner of the page. Click on it to open a dropdown menu. Select Account Settings from the menu that appears.
You will land on a page that shows your account information. Look for a section labeled Username or Change Username. This is where you will make the change.
Step 3: Enter your new username and confirm the cost
Click on the username change option. A box will appear asking you to type your new username. IMVU usernames can be 4 to 16 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods.
After you type your new username, IMVU will show you the cost: 7,500 IMVU Credits. If you do not have enough credits in your account, you will need to buy more before you can complete the change. Click Confirm or Change Username to finish.
Step 4: Complete the purchase and wait for confirmation
IMVU will charge your account 7,500 credits and show you a confirmation message. Your new username takes effect when ready — you will see it on your profile and in chat right away. Friends will see your new name the next time they log in or refresh their friend list.
Keep in mind that you can only change your username once every 30 days. If you change it again before 30 days have passed, IMVU will not let you proceed. Plan your username changes carefully so you do not waste credits on a name you want to switch away from quickly.
What happens to your old username
Your old username does not disappear when ready. For 30 days after you change it, your old name is held and cannot be used by anyone else. After 30 days, it becomes available for other IMVU users to claim. If you change your mind and want your old username back, you would need to wait for someone else to claim it first, then hope they change their username so it becomes available again — which is not a reliable way to recover it.
Your account ID number, which is different from your username, never changes. This is a string of numbers assigned to your account when you create it. Friends who have your account ID can find you even if you change your username multiple times, because the ID stays the same.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you see a message that says your username is already taken, try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique. IMVU does not allow two accounts to have the same username, so you may need to adjust your choice. Try variations like adding your birth year, a number sequence, or an underscore between words.
If the change button is grayed out or not working, make sure you have enough IMVU Credits in your account. You need exactly 7,500 credits available. If you have the credits but the button still will not work, try logging out completely, closing your browser, and logging back in. Sometimes a page refresh or a fresh login clears up technical glitches.
If you are trying to change your username through the app or desktop client and cannot find the option, remember that IMVU only allows username changes through the website. Close the app, open a web browser, and follow the steps above instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username for free?
No, IMVU charges 7,500 credits every time you change your username. There is no free way to change it. You must buy credits with real money or earn them through activities in IMVU to have enough for the change.
How often can I change my username?
You can change your username once every 30 days. If you change it today, you cannot change it again until 30 days have passed. Plan ahead so you do not waste credits on a username you want to switch away from quickly.
Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?
Yes, your friends will see your new username in their friend list the next time they log in or refresh. Your account ID number stays the same, so anyone who has your ID can find you even if they do not know your new username. You can share your account ID with friends if they have trouble locating you.
What if I regret my new username?
You can change it again after 30 days have passed, but you will need to pay another 7,500 credits. There is no way to undo a username change or get a refund on the credits you spent. Make sure you are happy with your new username before you confirm the change.
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. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or other special characters. If you try to use them, IMVU will reject the username and ask you to try again.