Where to find the username setting in Telegram

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 Edit profile. You will see a field labeled Username — this is where you add or change it. The field may be empty if you have not set one yet.

On desktop, the same menu appears when you click your name at the top of the chat list. The username field sits in the same edit profile window, and the steps are identical.

Key Takeaways

  • Usernames must be at least five characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, but cannot start with a number.
  • Telegram checks availability in real time as you type, showing a green checkmark when the name is free and a red X when it is taken.
  • You can change your username as often as you want, and your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a few months.
  • A username is optional — you can use Telegram without one by sharing your phone number or contact card instead.

What makes a valid Telegram username

Your username must be at least five characters long. You can use letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). Usernames are case-insensitive, so @MyName and @myname are the same account.

Usernames cannot start with a number — @123abc is not allowed, but @abc123 is. Spaces and special characters like hyphens, periods, or @ symbols are not permitted. If you try to enter something that breaks these rules, Telegram will not let you save it.

How to check if your username is available

Type your chosen username into the field and Telegram shows you the result when ready. A green checkmark means the name is free and you can use it. A red X means someone else has already claimed it. If you see the red X, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique.

You do not have to save right away. You can type different options and see which ones are available before you decide. Once you find one you like and see the green checkmark, tap Save or Done to confirm.

What happens after you set your username

Your username becomes active when ready. Other people can now find you by searching for @yourname in Telegram, and you can share it as a link (like @myusername) instead of giving out your phone number. The link format is t.me/yourname — you can share this link anywhere and people can message you by clicking it.

If you change your mind later, you can change your username to something else at any time. Your old username does not stay reserved for you — after a few months, Telegram releases it and someone else can claim it. If you think you might want it back, do not change it lightly.

Why you might skip a username altogether

A username is optional. You can use Telegram without one by sharing your phone number directly or by sending your contact card. Some people prefer this for privacy — without a username, strangers cannot search for you by name. They can only message you if you give them your number or contact card first.

If you decide later that you want a username after all, you can add one at any time using the same Settings menu. If you want to remove your username, go back to Settings, tap Edit profile, clear the username field, and save.

Security and privacy notes about usernames

Your username is public information. Anyone who knows it can find your profile and see your profile picture and bio. They cannot see your phone number unless you choose to share it. If you use your real name as your username, people you know in real life may find you more easily — which is useful if that is your goal, but something to think about if you prefer privacy.

Usernames cannot be used to hack or compromise your account. Your password and two-step verification (if you set it up) are what protect your account. A username is just a way for people to find you — it is not a security credential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use spaces or special characters in my username?

No. Telegram usernames accept only letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other symbols are not allowed. If you want to separate words, use an underscore instead — @my_username works, but @my-username or @my username do not.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. For example, if @sarah is taken, try @sarah123 or @sarah_. You can also check back in a few months — if the person who claimed it stops using Telegram, the username may become available again, though Telegram does not may provide this.

Can I have more than one username?

No. Each Telegram account has one username at a time. You can change it whenever you want, but you cannot have two active usernames on the same account. If you need multiple identities, you would need to create separate accounts with different phone numbers.

Will changing my username affect my chats or contacts?

No. Your chats, messages, and contact list stay the same. People who have you saved in their contacts will still see your name in their chat list. If you shared your old username link with someone, that link will stop working once you change it, so let people know your new username if you change it.

Is my username the same as my display name?

No. Your display name is what appears in your profile and in chats — you can change it anytime and it can be anything. Your username is the searchable handle (like @myname) that people use to find you. You can have a display name without a username, but not the other way around.