Where to find the username setting

Open Telegram and tap the three horizontal lines in the bottom right corner (on iPhone) or top left corner (on Android). This opens your menu. Tap your name or profile picture at the very top — this takes you to your account settings.

Scroll down until you see a line that says Username. If you have not set one yet, it will be blank or say "Add username". Tap on it to begin. The field will open and you can start typing your choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username is found in Settings under your profile name and must be between 5 and 32 characters long.
  • Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores — no spaces, hyphens, periods, or special characters allowed.
  • Telegram checks when ready whether a username is taken, so you will know right away if you need to choose a different one.
  • Once you set a username, other people can find and message you by searching @yourname without knowing your phone number.
  • You can change your username at any time, and your old username becomes available for someone else to claim when ready.

What characters are allowed in a username

Telegram usernames must be at least 5 characters long and no more than 32 characters. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, commas, or any other special characters like @, #, $, or &.

The first character must be a letter — you cannot start with a number or underscore. For example, jane_smith_2024 works, but 2024_jane_smith does not. Telegram will tell you when ready if your choice breaks these rules by showing a red message below the field.

If you want to separate words in your username, use an underscore. For instance, tech_support_help is valid, but tech-support-help is not. Keep this in mind as you plan what you want your username to be.

How to check if a username is available

Type your chosen username into the field and Telegram checks it automatically as you type. A green checkmark appears if the name is available. A red X or message appears if someone else has already taken it or if your choice breaks the character rules.

If your first choice is taken, try adding a number at the end, using an underscore between words, or picking a different word altogether. You can change your username later, so do not spend too long on this decision now. Most people find an available name within two or three tries.

Keep in mind that usernames are case-insensitive, meaning @JaneSmith and @janesmith are treated as the same username. Telegram will not let two people have the same username even if the capitalization differs.

Saving your username once you choose it

After you see the green checkmark confirming your username is available, look for a button labeled Done, Save, or a checkmark icon — the exact label depends on whether you are using iPhone or Android. Tap it to confirm your choice. The screen will return to your settings page.

Your username is now active. You can share it with others, and they can search for you by typing the @ symbol followed by your username (for example, @jane_smith_2024) into Telegram's search bar. They will find your profile without needing your phone number. You can also share your username as a link, which people can tap to open your profile directly.

Changing or removing your username later

You can change your username at any time by going back to Settings, tapping your profile name, and selecting Username again. Follow the same steps to pick a new one. Your old username becomes available for someone else to use when ready after you save the new one.

If you want to remove your username entirely, go to the Username field and delete the text, then save. This makes you searchable only by phone number again. However, people who knew your old username will no longer be able to find you that way, so think carefully before deleting.

Why you might want a username

A username lets people find and contact you without knowing your phone number. This is useful if you want to share your Telegram contact on social media, a website, or in a public group without revealing your actual number. It also makes you easier to remember — people can search for @your_username instead of asking for your phone number or scrolling through contacts.

You can have only one active username at a time, but you can change it whenever you want. Some people use their real name, others use a nickname, business name, or handle. The choice is entirely yours. Your username is public, so choose something you are comfortable with others seeing.

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 when ready. If you think you might want it back later, change it to something else instead of deleting it entirely.

What happens to old messages if I change my username?

Your message history stays the same. Changing your username does not affect any conversations you have had — it only changes how new people can find you going forward. People who already have you in their contacts will still see your name as it appears in their contact list.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Telegram only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and symbols will not work. If you want to separate words, use an underscore instead.

Do I have to set a username?

No. A username is optional. People can still find and message you using your phone number or through groups and contacts. A username is only useful if you want to share a shorter, more memorable way for people to reach you.

How long does it take for my username to become active?

Your username is active when ready after you save it. People can search for and find you right away. There is no waiting period or verification step.