Where to find the username setting on TikTok

Your TikTok username is the handle that appears with an @ symbol — the name other people use to find and mention you. To change it, open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From your profile page, tap the three horizontal lines (called a menu icon) in the top right, then select "Settings and privacy."

In Settings and privacy, scroll down and tap "Account." You will see "Username" listed near the top of that section. Tap on it to open the username editor. The current username appears in a text field, and you can delete it and type a new one.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username is the @handle people use to find you, and you can change it anytime from your profile settings without losing your account or followers.
  • TikTok allows usernames between 2 and 24 characters, using letters, numbers, periods, and underscores only — no spaces or special characters.
  • If your desired username is taken, you will see an error message and must choose a different one before you can save.
  • Changing your username does not affect your videos, followers, or messages, but people who had your old username bookmarked will need to search for your new one.

What characters and length TikTok allows

TikTok usernames must be between 2 and 24 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or special characters like @, #, $, or &. If you try to use a character TikTok does not allow, the text field will not accept it.

Keep your username something you will recognize later. Many people use their real name, a nickname, or a combination of their name and a number. Periods and underscores can make a username easier to read — for example, "sarah.chen" or "marcus_2005" — but are not required.

When a username is already taken

If someone else has already chosen the username you want, TikTok will show a message saying the username is unavailable. You cannot claim it or wait for it to become free. You will need to choose a different one.

If you have your heart set on a particular name, try adding a number at the end, using an underscore or period in the middle, or slightly changing the spelling. For example, if "jessicakim" is taken, you might try "jessica.kim," "jessica_kim," or "jessicakim22." Once you find an available username and tap "Save," the change takes effect when ready.

How your followers and messages are affected

Changing your username does not delete your account, remove your followers, or erase your videos. Everyone who follows you will still follow you under your new username. Your direct messages, likes, and video history all stay the same. The only thing that changes is the @handle people see and use to mention you.

If someone had your old username saved in their phone contacts or bookmarked in their browser, they will need to search for your new username to find you. You may want to tell your close followers about the change through a direct message or a video announcement, especially if you have a large following.

How often you can change your username

TikTok does not limit how many times you can change your username. You can change it as often as you want, and each change takes effect right away. However, changing your username very frequently can confuse your followers and make your account harder to find, so most people change it only when they have a good reason.

If you change your username and then want to go back to an old one you used before, you can do that — as long as no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Once someone else takes a username, you cannot reclaim it.

Troubleshooting if the change will not save

If you tap "Save" and nothing happens, first check that your username follows TikTok's rules: it must be 2 to 24 characters, use only letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, and not be taken by someone else. If it meets all those requirements and still will not save, try closing the TikTok app completely and opening it again.

Make sure you have an internet connection — a weak or dropped connection can prevent the change from going through. If you are still having trouble after restarting the app and checking your connection, you can contact TikTok support through the Settings menu. Tap "Settings and privacy," then "Help," then "Report a problem," and describe what is happening.

Keeping your new username find

Once you choose a new username, do not share your password with anyone, even if they say they need it to help you with your account. TikTok support will never ask for your password. If someone claims they can change your username for you or unlock a feature, they are trying to get access to your account.

If you share a device with family members or roommates, log out of TikTok when you are done using it. This prevents someone else from changing your username without your permission. You can also add a phone number or email address to your account in Settings, which makes it easier to recover your account if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to one I used before?

Yes, if no one else has claimed that old username. Once another person takes it, you cannot reclaim it. If you want to switch back to a previous username, do it as soon as you decide, before someone else finds it.

Will my followers see my old username anywhere after I change it?

No. Your old username disappears from your profile and from any mentions or tags. However, if someone screen-shotted a video with your old username visible, that screenshot will still show the old name — but the actual link to your profile will use your new username.

What if I see someone using a username that looks like mine?

If someone is impersonating you or using a username so similar that it confuses people, you can report it to TikTok. Go to their profile, tap the three dots in the top right, and select "Report." Choose "Impersonation" as the reason. TikTok reviews these reports, though response time varies.

Does changing my username affect my TikTok creator fund or brand deals?

No. Your creator fund account and any brand partnerships stay connected to your account, not your username. If you have a verified badge (the blue checkmark), it stays with your account after you change the username.