Yes, you can change your Scratch username, but only once every 30 days

Scratch allows you to change your username through your account settings. The process takes a few clicks and happens when ready, but there is a built-in waiting period: you must wait 30 days between changes. If you changed your username recently, you will see a message telling you when you can change it again.

The username you choose becomes your public profile name — the one other users see when you comment, share projects, or follow them. Changing it does not affect your projects, followers, or any of your account data. Everything stays attached to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your Scratch username by going to Account Settings and selecting the Change Username option.
  • Scratch enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes to prevent abuse.
  • Your projects, followers, and account history remain unchanged when you update your username.
  • Usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
  • If your desired username is already taken, you will need to choose a different one.

Steps to change your username

Log into your Scratch account and click the account icon in the top right corner of the page. From the dropdown menu, select "Account Settings." On the Account Settings page, look for the "Change Username" section near the top.

Type your new username into the text field. Scratch will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or if it breaks the naming rules. Once you have entered a valid username that is available, click the "Change Username" button to confirm. The change takes effect right away.

Username rules and restrictions

Scratch usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like periods, commas, or exclamation marks.

Scratch also blocks usernames that are offensive, impersonate staff members, or violate the community guidelines. If you try to use a blocked name, the system will reject it and suggest that you choose something else. The rejection message does not always explain why — it straightforward says the name is unavailable.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old name becomes available for someone else to claim after a short delay. Your projects do not revert to showing the old name — they display your current username. Comments you left on other projects and messages in your profile history also show your new username.

People who were following you will still follow your account under your new name. Your follower count does not change. If someone bookmarked a link to your old profile, that link will redirect to your new profile automatically.

The 30-day waiting period explained

After you change your username, Scratch locks you out of making another change for 30 days. This rule exists to prevent people from rapidly switching names to evade moderation or confuse other users. The 30 days starts from the moment you confirm the change, not from when you first tried.

If you try to change your username before the 30 days are up, the Change Username button will be disabled and you will see a countdown showing how many days remain. There is no way to bypass this waiting period or request an exception.

Reasons to change your username

Some users change their username because they created their account as a child and want something more mature for school or work. Others change it because they no longer like the name they chose, or because they want a username that better matches their other online accounts.

If you are being harassed or stalked, changing your username can be one step toward making yourself harder to find, though it is not a complete solution. Scratch also recommends changing your password and adjusting your privacy settings if you are dealing with unwanted contact.

If you cannot change your username

If the Change Username button is grayed out or missing, you are within the 30-day waiting period after your last change. Check the message on the Account Settings page — it will tell you the exact date when you can change it again.

If you see an error message when you try to submit a new username, the name you chose is either already taken, contains forbidden characters, or violates Scratch's community guidelines. Try a different name. If the system keeps rejecting every name you try, contact Scratch support through their website to ask what is blocking your account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes, as long as no one else has claimed that old username in the meantime. After you change your username, the old one becomes available for others to use. If you want to reclaim it, you will need to wait 30 days after your current change, then check whether it is still available.

What if someone else took my old username?

Once your old username is taken by another user, you cannot get it back. Scratch does not reserve old usernames or allow users to reclaim them from others. If this happens, you will need to choose a new name instead.

Do my projects get deleted if I change my username?

No. Your projects stay on your account and remain exactly as they were. They will display your new username, but all the code, comments, and statistics stay the same. People can still find and remix your projects.

Can I change my username if I have been reported or warned?

Yes, changing your username does not require any special permission. However, if your account is under review or suspended, you may not be able to access your account settings at all. Contact Scratch support if you cannot log in or access your settings.

How do I find out what my current username is?

Click the account icon in the top right corner of Scratch and select "Account Settings." Your current username appears at the top of the page. You can also see it by clicking your profile icon and looking at your public profile page.