You can add a username to Telegram through the app's settings in about two minutes

Open Telegram and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the bottom right corner. Select "Settings," then tap your name at the top. Scroll down to find "Username" and tap it. 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. Once you choose an available one, tap "Done" or the checkmark, and your username is live.

Your username is different from your phone number. People can find and message you using just the username without knowing your phone number. You can change your username anytime, and your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few minutes.

Key Takeaways

  • Usernames must be at least five characters long and can contain only letters, numbers, and underscores — no spaces or special characters.
  • You set your username in Settings > your name > Username, and Telegram shows you when ready whether the name is available.
  • Changing your username does not affect your existing chats or contacts — people who have you saved by phone number can still reach you.
  • After you change your username, the old one becomes available for others to claim after a short delay.

What makes a valid Telegram username

Telegram usernames follow specific rules. The name must be at least five characters long. You can use lowercase letters (a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). You cannot use uppercase letters, spaces, hyphens, periods, or any other symbols. Telegram converts any uppercase letters you type to lowercase automatically.

The username cannot start with a number. It also cannot be a word that Telegram reserves for its own use — words like "telegram," "support," or "admin" are blocked. If you try to use a reserved word, Telegram will tell you the name is unavailable.

Where to find the username setting on different devices

On iPhone, open Telegram and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right. Tap "Settings," then tap your name at the top of the screen. Scroll down until you see "Username" and tap it to add or change your username.

On Android, the steps are identical. Open the app, tap the three horizontal lines, go to "Settings," tap your name, and scroll to "Username." On desktop (Windows, Mac, or Linux), click the three horizontal lines in the top left, select "Settings," then find "Username" in the left sidebar under your profile.

How to change or remove your username later

You can change your username as many times as you want. Go back to Settings > your name > Username, clear the current name, and type a new one. Telegram will check availability in real time. Tap "Done" to save the change.

To remove your username entirely, go to the same screen and delete the text in the username field. Leave it blank and tap "Done." You will no longer have a public username, but people can still reach you if they have your phone number or if you are in their contacts.

What happens to your old username when you change it

When you change your username, your old one does not disappear when ready. Telegram holds it for a few minutes to prevent someone else from claiming it right away. After that window closes, anyone can register the old username.

Your existing chats and contact list are not affected by a username change. If someone has you saved in their contacts by phone number, they can still message you. If they have you saved by username, their chat with you will update automatically to reflect your new username.

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

A username lets you share a single identifier instead of your phone number. You can give people your username in a forum, on social media, or in a public setting without exposing your phone number. People can search for your username and start a conversation with you without needing any other information.

You can also share a link to your Telegram profile using your username. The link format is t.me/yourusername. Anyone who clicks that link can open a chat with you directly. This is safer than posting your phone number publicly, since your phone number is personal information that can be used to contact you through other services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else use my username if I delete it?

Yes. Once you remove your username, it becomes available for anyone to claim. If you think you might want it back later, it is safer to keep it set but unused rather than delete it.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Telegram will show "This username is taken" when you try to use it. You will need to choose a different name. Try adding numbers or underscores to a variation of your preferred name.

Does changing my username log me out or affect my chats?

No. Changing your username does not log you out, delete any chats, or change your account in any way. It only changes how people can find and contact you.

Can I use the same username on multiple Telegram accounts?

No. Each username can only belong to one account at a time. If you have multiple accounts, each one needs its own unique username.

Is a username required to use Telegram?

No. A username is optional. You can use Telegram with just your phone number. A username is only useful if you want to share a public identifier or receive messages from people who do not have your phone number.