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 about two minutes. However, Scratch enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes — if you changed your username recently, you will need to wait until that 30 days has passed before you can change it again.

This limit exists to prevent spam and keep usernames stable so other users can find your projects. If you have never changed your username before, you can do so when ready.

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, but your old username becomes available for others to claim after a short delay.
  • Changing your username does not affect your projects, followers, or any work you have already shared.
  • If you forget your username or cannot access your account, you will need to reset your password or contact Scratch support through their website.

How to change your username in Scratch

Log into your Scratch account on the Scratch website. Click the icon in the top right corner of the page — it shows your current username. A dropdown menu will appear.

Select "Account settings" from that menu. On the Account settings page, look for the "Username" field near the top. Click the pencil icon next to your current username to edit it. Type your new username into the text box that appears.

Scratch will check whether the new username is available as you type. If the name is taken, you will see a message saying so. Once you have entered a username that is available, click the checkmark button to save the change. Your new username is now active.

What happens to your old username

Your old username does not disappear when ready. For a short period — usually a few days — Scratch holds onto it. This prevents someone else from claiming it right away and impersonating you. After that holding period ends, your old username becomes available for anyone to use.

All of your projects, followers, and comments remain attached to your account under your new username. People who visit your profile will see your new name, but your work history stays intact. If someone was following you under your old username, they continue to follow your account automatically.

If you are locked out of changing your username

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, you have already made a change within the last 30 days. The system will tell you the exact date when you can change it again. Mark that date on your calendar and return to account settings after it passes.

If you believe you should be able to change your username but the system is blocking you, or if you see an error message, visit the Scratch support page. You can contact the Scratch team through their help section, though response times vary. Describe the exact error message you are seeing and when you last changed your username.

Choosing a new username

Scratch usernames can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. They must be between 3 and 20 characters long. Usernames are not case-sensitive — "MyName" and "myname" are treated as the same username and both are unavailable if either one is taken.

Avoid usernames that are offensive or that impersonate other users. Scratch moderators can change or remove usernames that violate the community guidelines. If your username is changed by a moderator, you will receive a message explaining why.

Usernames versus display names

Scratch has two separate name fields: your username and your display name. Your username is what you use to log in and what appears in your profile URL. Your display name is what other users see on your profile and next to your comments.

You can change your display name as often as you want — there is no 30-day limit. If you want to change how your name appears without waiting 30 days, edit your display name instead. Go to Account settings, find the "About me" section, and look for the display name field.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username affect my projects or followers?

No. Your projects, followers, and all your work remain attached to your account. Everyone who was following you continues to follow you under your new username. Comments you made under your old username will show your new username when others view them.

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

You can try, but only if the 30-day waiting period has passed and no one else has claimed that old username in the meantime. If someone else has taken it, you will need to choose a different name. Once you change your username, you cannot reserve your old one.

What if my desired username is taken?

Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique — for example, "username_2" or "username123". You can also wait to see if the person using that name becomes inactive, though Scratch does not release inactive usernames automatically. Check back periodically to see if it becomes available.

How long does it take for the username change to show up everywhere?

The change is when ready on your profile and in your account settings. It may take a few minutes to appear in search results or on pages you have already visited — refresh your browser if you do not see the new name right away.

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 has been flagged for violating community guidelines, Scratch may restrict your account separately from username changes. Contact Scratch support if you have questions about account restrictions.