Change your username from your account settings
To change your username on Scratch, log into your account, click the icon in the top right corner, select "Account settings," and look for the username field. You can change it once every 30 days. Type your new username, click "Change username," and Scratch will confirm the change when ready — your old username becomes available for others to use right away.
The username you choose must be between 3 and 20 characters long and can include letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Scratch will tell you if the name is already taken or breaks their naming rules (no spaces, no special characters beyond hyphens and underscores, no impersonation of Scratch staff). If your new name is rejected, try a different combination.
After you change your username, your profile, projects, and comments all show the new name. Anyone who follows you will still see your updated profile. However, direct links to your old profile page will no longer work — they redirect to your new username instead.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your username once every 30 days from the Account settings page in the top right corner of Scratch.
- Your new username must be 3 to 20 characters and can only use letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores.
- Your old username becomes available for others when ready after you change it.
- All your projects, comments, and follower connections stay with your account under the new name.
- If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, Scratch will show you when you can change it again.
What happens to your projects and followers
Your projects stay attached to your account and display under your new username. Anyone who has bookmarked or favorited your projects will still see them in their collections, and the project pages will show your new username as the creator. Comments you left on other projects also update to show your new name.
People who follow you will continue to follow your account. They will see your new username on your profile and in their follower feed. You do not lose followers or have to re-follow people when you change your username.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
Scratch enforces a 30-day rule: you can only change your username once per month. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, you will see a message telling you the exact date when you can change it next. This rule applies whether your previous change was successful or you attempted a change that was rejected.
If you made a typo or regret your choice, you have to wait the full 30 days before trying again. Plan your username carefully the first time, since you cannot undo a change or revert to an old name without waiting.
Usernames that Scratch will not allow
Scratch rejects usernames that impersonate Scratch staff members, use words that violate their community guidelines, or contain spaces and most special characters. You also cannot use a username that is already taken by another active account. Scratch does not reserve old usernames — once you change away from a name, someone else can claim it when ready.
If you want a username that is currently taken, you have no way to request it or put it on a waitlist. Your only option is to choose a different name or wait to see if the account holding that username becomes inactive (Scratch does not publish a timeline for when inactive accounts release usernames).
Changing your username on mobile
The process is the same on a phone or tablet as on a computer. Log into Scratch through your browser, tap the icon in the top right corner, and select "Account settings." The username field works the same way — type your new name, tap "Change username," and the change takes effect when ready.
If you are using the Scratch app on a phone, you may not see all account settings directly in the app. Open Scratch in your mobile browser instead to reach the full account settings page.
If you forget your username
If you cannot remember your username but you know the email address linked to your account, go to the Scratch login page and click "I forgot my password." Enter your email address, and Scratch will send you a password reset link. After you reset your password and log in, your username appears at the top right of the page.
If you do not remember your email address either, you will need to contact Scratch support through their website. They can help you recover your account if you can answer security questions or provide other proof that you own the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once a month?
No. Scratch limits you to one username change every 30 days. If you change your username and then want to change it again, you must wait a full month from the date of your last change before you can make another one.
Will my old username be saved for me if I want it back?
No. Once you change your username, the old one is released when ready and can be claimed by anyone else. Scratch does not hold old usernames in reserve. If you want to use an old username again, you would have to wait for that account to become inactive and then hope no one else claims it in the meantime.
What if someone else takes the username I want?
You cannot request a username or put it on a waitlist. If the username is taken, you must choose a different one. The only way to get a taken username is if the account holding it becomes inactive and you claim it before someone else does, but Scratch does not publish when that happens.
Do I lose my projects or followers if I change my username?
No. Your projects, followers, and all your account history stay with you. Everything straightforward displays under your new username. People who follow you will continue to follow your account, and your projects will still be credited to you.
Can I change my username if I have an inactive account?
You must be able to log into your account to change your username. If your account is inactive or you cannot log in, you will not be able to reach the account settings page. Contact Scratch support if you are locked out of your account.