Add a username through Settings on any device

Open Telegram and tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner on mobile, or click your profile picture in the top left on desktop. Select Settings, then tap Username. Type the username you want — it must be at least five characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Telegram will tell you when ready if the name is taken or available. Once you choose one that works, tap Save or Done.

Your username becomes active right away. Other people can now find you by searching for it instead of needing your phone number. You can change your username anytime by going back to the same Settings menu, clearing the current one, and entering a new one.

If you are on desktop, the process is identical: click your profile picture at the top left, select Settings, find Username, type your choice, and save. Desktop and mobile stay in sync, so changing it on one device updates everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username must be at least five characters long and can only use letters, numbers, and underscores.
  • Telegram tells you when ready whether a username is available or already taken.
  • You can change your username at any time by returning to Settings and entering a new one.
  • Once set, your username works on all your devices and lets people find you without knowing your phone number.
  • Your phone number remains private even after you add a username.

What characters are allowed in a Telegram username

Telegram usernames accept letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores only. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or special characters like @, #, or $. The system converts uppercase letters to lowercase automatically, so "MyName" and "myname" are the same username.

Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning someone can find you by typing your name in any combination of upper and lowercase letters. This keeps things straightforward — you do not have to worry about how someone types it.

Why you might want a username instead of sharing your phone number

A username lets people contact you without knowing your actual phone number. This is useful if you run a business account, manage a community group, or straightforward want to keep your number private. When you share a username link, the other person cannot see your phone number unless you choose to show it to them later.

Usernames also make you easier to find in search. Someone can type your username into Telegram's search box and start a conversation with you directly. Without a username, they would need your exact phone number, which is harder to share publicly or remember.

How to find your username link to share with others

Once you have set a username, open your profile by tapping the three lines menu and selecting your name at the top. You will see your username displayed with an @ symbol in front of it (for example, @myusername). Tap on the username to copy the link to your clipboard, or tap the share icon next to it to send the link directly through Telegram, email, text, or another app.

The link format is always t.me/@yourusername. You can share this link anywhere — on social media, in an email signature, on a website — and anyone who clicks it will open a chat with you in Telegram.

What happens if someone else takes the username you want

Telegram shows you when ready if a username is taken. If the one you want is unavailable, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique — for example, myname_1 or myname2024. You can also check back later; if someone stops using Telegram or deletes their account, their username may become available again after a period of time.

There is no waiting list or reservation system. The moment you see a username is taken, you know you cannot use it unless the current owner releases it.

Changing or removing your username later

Return to Settings and select Username anytime you want to change it. Delete the current username and type a new one, then save. The old username becomes available for someone else to use when ready after you remove it.

If you want to remove your username entirely without setting a new one, clear the field and save. People will no longer be able to find you by username, but they can still reach you if they have your phone number or if you are in a group chat together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have more than one username?

No, each Telegram account can have only one active username at a time. You can change it as often as you want, but you cannot use multiple usernames simultaneously on the same account.

Will people see my phone number if they find me by username?

No. When someone searches for your username and opens a chat with you, they see only your username and profile picture unless you choose to share your phone number with them directly. Your number stays hidden.

What if I set a username and then want to go back to sharing only my phone number?

Go to Settings, select Username, and delete it. Save the empty field. Your username will be removed, and people will need your phone number to contact you again. Your old username becomes available for others to use.

Does my username have to match my display name?

No. Your display name (the name that appears in your profile) and your username are separate. You can have a display name like "John Smith" and a username like "jsmith_tech" — they do not have to match.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?

No. Telegram only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and symbols like @, #, or $ are not permitted in usernames.