Yes, you can change your Scratch username, but only once every 30 days
Scratch allows you to change the username on your account, but the platform enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes. This means if you changed your username last week, you cannot change it again for another three weeks. The change takes effect when ready once you submit it, and your old username becomes available for other users to claim.
The username change feature is built into your account settings on the Scratch website. You do not need to contact Scratch support or use a third-party tool — you can do it yourself in a few minutes from any computer or device with internet access.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your Scratch username once every 30 days through your account settings on the Scratch website.
- The change takes effect when ready, and your previous username becomes available for other users to claim within a few minutes.
- You cannot change your username if you have changed it within the last 30 days, and Scratch will show you when you are may be able to access to change it again.
- Your projects, followers, and comments remain attached to your account after a username change — only the name displayed changes.
- If you forget your password or cannot access your account, you will need to reset your password before you can change your username.
How to change your username in Scratch
Log into your Scratch account and click the profile icon in the top right corner of the page. Select "Account settings" from the dropdown menu. On the Account settings page, look for the "Change username" section — it is usually near the top of the page.
Type your new username into the text field. Scratch usernames can be 3 to 20 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Click the "Change username" button. The system will check whether the name is available and whether you have waited the full 30 days since your last change. If both conditions are met, your username updates when ready.
If you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, the system will tell you the exact date when you become may be able to access to change it again. Make a note of that date and return on or after that day to make your change.
What happens to your projects and followers after a username change
Your projects, followers, comments, and all other account activity stay attached to your account. When you change your username, people who follow you will see your new name the next time they visit your profile. Your old projects will display your new username as the creator, not your old one.
If someone bookmarked your profile or saved a link to one of your projects, those links will still work — Scratch redirects old usernames to your current account. However, if you shared a direct link to your profile with someone and then changed your username, that old link may not work in all cases, so it is worth letting close collaborators know about the change.
Why Scratch limits username changes to once per 30 days
The 30-day waiting period exists to prevent people from rapidly cycling through usernames to evade moderation, impersonate others, or confuse the community. It also protects against account takeover — if someone gains temporary access to your account, they cannot when ready lock you out by changing your username multiple times in quick succession.
The limit applies to your account, not to individual usernames. If you change from "alice_2024" to "alice_designs", you must wait 30 days before changing to any other name, even if you want to switch back to "alice_2024".
What to do if your desired username is already taken
Scratch shows you when ready whether a username is available when you type it into the change form. If the name you want is taken, you have a few options: wait to see if the other user abandons that account, choose a variation (such as adding a number or underscore), or pick a different name altogether.
Scratch does not have a "username reservation" system, so you cannot claim a name in advance. If you see a username you want and it belongs to an inactive account, there is no official way to request it. The best approach is to choose a name that reflects your interests or style in a way that feels authentic to you, rather than trying to find a specific name.
If you cannot access your account to change your username
If you have forgotten your password, you will need to reset it before you can change your username. Go to the Scratch login page and click "I forgot my password". Enter the email address associated with your account. Scratch will send you a password reset link — check your email (including spam folders) and follow the link to create a new password.
Once you have reset your password and logged back in, you can proceed to your account settings and change your username as described above. If you no longer have access to the email address you used to create your account, you will need to contact Scratch support through their website to recover your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?
No. Scratch enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between username changes. The system will show you the exact date when you become may be able to access to change your username again if you try before that date.
What happens to my old username after I change it?
Your old username becomes available for other users to claim within a few minutes. If you change your mind, you cannot reserve it or prevent someone else from taking it. You would need to wait 30 days and then change back to it, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime.
Will my followers see my old username or my new one?
Your followers will see your new username. All your projects, comments, and profile information display your current username. There is no way for followers to see your previous usernames unless you tell them.
Can I change my username on the Scratch mobile app?
The Scratch mobile app does not have a built-in username change feature. You will need to use a web browser on a computer or mobile device to access your account settings and change your username through the Scratch website.
What if someone else is using my old username after I changed mine?
Once you change your username, the old one is no longer yours and Scratch does not prevent others from claiming it. If you see someone using your former username and you are concerned about impersonation, you can report the account to Scratch through their contact form on the website.