Open Settings and find the Username section

To add a username on Telegram, start by opening the app and tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner (on Android) or top left (on iPhone). This takes you to your account settings. Scroll down until you see "Username" — it will show either a blank field or your current username if you have already set one.

On desktop, click the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the top left, then select "Settings" from the dropdown. Navigate to "Privacy and Security" and you will find the Username option there as well.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Telegram username must be at least five characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, but cannot start with a number.
  • Usernames are optional — you can use Telegram without one, and people can still message you if they have your phone number.
  • Once you set a username, anyone on Telegram can find and message you using it, even if they do not have your phone number.
  • You can change or delete your username at any time by returning to the Username field in Settings and clearing it or typing a new one.

Type your desired username and check availability

Tap or click the Username field and type the name you want. Telegram will when ready show you whether it is available — a green checkmark means no one else has claimed it, and a red X means it is taken. You cannot use a username that someone else already has, even if that account is inactive.

Usernames must be at least five characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores. Usernames cannot start with a number, and Telegram will not let you save one that breaks these rules — the field will straightforward stay red until you fix it.

Save your username

Once you see the green checkmark, tap "Save" or "Done" (the exact button label depends on your device and Telegram version). The username is now active when ready. You do not need to confirm anything else or wait for approval.

Your username appears on your profile and in search results. Anyone on Telegram can now find you by searching for your username and message you directly, without needing your phone number.

What happens after you set a username

Your phone number remains private by default — people who message you through your username will not see it unless you choose to share it. You can control who can message you and who can see your profile through the "Privacy and Security" settings, which are separate from your username.

If you ever want to remove your username, go back to the Username field and delete the text, then save. This does not delete your account — it just makes you unsearchable by username. People who already have your username saved in their contacts can still use it to message you, but new people cannot find you that way.

Choosing a username that works for you

Think about whether you want your username to be recognizable or anonymous. If you use your real name or a variation of it, people who know you offline can find you easily. If you use something random or unrelated to your identity, you have more privacy — only people you give the username to directly will be able to reach you.

Keep in mind that usernames are permanent in the sense that once you set one, other people may start using it to contact you. If you change it later, old messages sent to your previous username will not reach you, and people will need to learn your new one. For this reason, many people choose a username they are comfortable keeping long-term.

Usernames versus phone numbers on Telegram

Your phone number is how Telegram identifies you to the service — it is required to create an account. Your username is optional and serves as a searchable alias. You can have a Telegram account without a username, and people can still message you if they have your phone number in their contacts or if you share it directly.

The main reason to set a username is to let people find and message you without sharing your phone number. This is useful if you want to be reachable publicly (for a business, a community group, or a project) but do not want strangers to have your actual phone number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else use my username if I delete it?

Yes. Once you remove your username, it becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you think you might want it back, consider keeping it even if you do not actively use it, or change it to something else rather than deleting it entirely.

What if the username I want is taken?

You will need to choose a different one. Try adding numbers or underscores to your preferred name — for example, if "sarah" is taken, you might use "sarah_2024" or "sarah_design". Telegram will show you when ready whether each variation is available.

Do I have to set a username?

No. Usernames are completely optional. You can use Telegram with just your phone number, and people can message you if they have your number saved or if you share it with them directly. A username is only useful if you want to be discoverable by people who do not already have your contact information.

Can I change my username later?

Yes, as many times as you want. Go back to Settings, find the Username field, delete the old one, and type a new one. The change takes effect when ready. Keep in mind that anyone using your old username to message you will not reach you after the change.

Is my username connected to my real name?

Only if you make it that way. Telegram does not automatically link your username to your phone number or real name. You control what information appears on your profile — you can leave your name blank, use a nickname, or use your real name. Your choice.