Change your username through the account settings menu

To change your username in IMVU, open the client and log in to your account. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, then select Account. From there, choose Change Username. You will see a field where you can enter your new username. Type the name you want, then click Confirm. IMVU will check whether that username is already taken. If it is available, the change takes effect when ready.

The new username appears in your profile, in chat, and on your avatar's nametag in virtual rooms. Other users will see the updated name the next time they encounter you or refresh their view. Your account ID and friends list stay the same — only the display name changes.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username by going to Account > Change Username in the IMVU client menu.
  • IMVU checks when ready whether your chosen name is already in use and tells you if it is taken.
  • The change takes effect right away across all IMVU spaces where your name appears.
  • Your account ID, purchase history, and friends list do not change when you update your username.
  • You can change your username again later if you want a different name.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, IMVU releases your old name back into the pool of available usernames. This means another user can eventually claim it. However, there is a waiting period — IMVU does not when ready make old usernames available. The exact length of this period is not publicly stated, but it typically takes several weeks before someone else can register the name you used.

Your account itself does not disappear or reset. Your account ID remains the same, so your credits, purchased items, and friend relationships all stay intact. Only the name that appears to other users changes.

Choosing a username that works

IMVU has rules about what usernames are allowed. Your username must be between 3 and 16 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like hyphens, periods, or symbols are not permitted. IMVU will reject a name if it contains profanity, impersonates a known person or brand, or violates the community guidelines.

When you type a new username and click to confirm, the system tells you when ready if the name breaks these rules or is already taken. If it is rejected, try a different combination. Many popular short names are already claimed, so adding a number or underscore often helps you find something available.

If you cannot find the Change Username option

The Change Username menu appears only if you are logged into the IMVU client on your computer. The web version of IMVU does not have this feature. If you use IMVU primarily on the web, read the desktop client from the IMVU website, log in there, and use the Account menu to change your name.

If you are in the client but the Change Username option does not appear, make sure you are looking in the right place. Open the menu (three lines icon), select Account, and scroll down if needed. If the option still does not show, try logging out completely and logging back in. Sometimes a refresh of your session makes the menu appear.

Changing your username on mobile

IMVU has mobile apps for iOS and Android, but the username change feature is not available in the mobile versions. You must use the desktop client to change your username. Log in on your computer, make the change, and then the new name will appear when you log in on your phone or tablet.

After you change your username on the desktop client, you may need to log out and log back in on your mobile device to see the updated name in your profile. The change syncs across all devices once you have confirmed it in the desktop client.

How often you can change your username

IMVU does not limit how many times you can change your username. You can change it again whenever you want by returning to Account > Change Username. There is no cooldown period or fee. However, as mentioned earlier, when you change your name, your old username enters a waiting period before it becomes available to others.

If you change your username frequently, keep in mind that other users may take a while to recognize you by your new name. Friends will see the change in their friends list, but people who knew you by your old name might not when ready connect the new one to your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if my chosen username is taken?

IMVU tells you when ready when you try to confirm a username that is already in use. You will see a message saying the name is not available. Try a different name by adding a number, underscore, or different spelling. Keep trying combinations until you find one that is available.

Can I get my old username back?

Once you change your username, IMVU releases it after a waiting period. If you want to use that name again later, you would have to wait for the holding period to end and then claim it before someone else does. There is no way to reserve or reclaim an old username directly.

Do my friends have to re-add me after I change my username?

No. Your account ID stays the same, so you remain in your friends' friend lists. They will see your new username in their list automatically. You do not need to send new friend requests or have them re-add you.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. IMVU only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other symbols will cause the system to reject your username. If you want to separate words, use an underscore instead.

Will changing my username affect my credits or items?

No. Your credits, purchased items, and all account data stay with your account. Only the name that displays to other users changes. Everything else remains exactly as it was.