What changing your Twitter username actually does

Changing your Twitter username (also called your handle or @name) swaps out the name people use to mention you and find your profile. When you change it, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim within 30 days. Your tweets, followers, and follower count stay with you — the change only affects how people address you going forward.

The process takes about two minutes and happens when ready. You do not need to create a new account or lose anything you have posted. Twitter straightforward updates the @name attached to your existing profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Twitter username is the @name that appears in your profile URL and is used when people mention you in tweets.
  • Changing your username keeps all your tweets, followers, and account history intact on the same account.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to claim after 30 days, so choose a new one you plan to keep.
  • The change takes effect when ready and requires only a few clicks in your account settings.

How to change your username on the web version

Open Twitter in a web browser and sign in to your account. Click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner (or your profile picture if you are on the home feed), then select Settings and privacy.

Go to the Account tab on the left side. Find the Username field, which shows your current @name. Click in that field and type your new username. Twitter will check in real time whether the name is available — if it is taken, you will see a red X. If it is available, you will see a green checkmark.

Once you have chosen an available name, click the Save button. Your username changes when ready. You will see a confirmation message, and your profile URL will update to reflect the new @name.

How to change your username on the mobile app

Open the Twitter app and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Select Settings and privacy, then tap Account.

Scroll down to find Username and tap it. Delete your current username and type the new one. The app will show you whether it is available as you type. When you have found one you want, tap Save at the top of the screen. The change takes effect right away.

Rules for choosing a new username

Twitter usernames can be 4 to 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or most special characters. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so @JohnSmith and @johnsmith are treated as the same account.

You can change your username as often as you want, but Twitter limits how frequently you can change it if you do it many times in a short period. If you try to change it again when ready after a recent change and see an error message, wait a few hours and try again.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old @name does not disappear when ready. It stays reserved under your account for 30 days. During that time, no one else can claim it, and if you change your mind, you can switch back to it without losing anything.

After 30 days, your old username becomes available for anyone to register. If someone else takes it, you cannot get it back unless they agree to release it. This is why you should be thoughtful about the username you choose — if you think you might want to go back to an old one, do not wait longer than 30 days.

What stays the same when you change your username

Your tweets, retweets, likes, and follower list all remain exactly as they were. People who were following you before the change continue to follow you after. Your profile picture, bio, and all other account information stay the same.

Links to your old tweets still work because Twitter redirects them to your new username automatically. If someone mentions your old @name in a tweet after you have changed it, that mention will not notify you — only mentions of your new @name will. Your old username will no longer appear in search results once someone else claims it.

Reasons people change their username

Some people change their username because they chose one hastily and now want something that better represents them. Others change it for privacy reasons — if their username included their real name or location, they might want something more anonymous. Some change it to match a new brand, business name, or public identity.

If you are changing your username for professional reasons, consider letting your followers know in a tweet or in your bio before you make the switch. You can temporarily add your old @name to your bio so people who know you by that name can find you more easily during the transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my old username back if someone else takes it?

Not directly. Once someone else claims your old username, you would need to contact them and ask them to release it. Twitter does not reassign usernames. You can only reclaim your old username yourself within the 30-day window after you change it.

Will my followers be notified when I change my username?

No, Twitter does not send a notification to your followers when you change your username. They will continue to follow you automatically, but they may not notice the change unless they visit your profile. If the change is important to you, you can post a tweet letting people know.

What if the username I want is taken?

You will need to choose a different one. Try adding numbers, underscores, or slight variations to the name you want. You can also check whether the account using that username is active — if it has not posted in years, you might try contacting the person to see if they would release it.

Can I change my username on a suspended or locked account?

If your account is locked, you can still change your username once you unlock it. If your account is suspended, you cannot change anything until the suspension is lifted. Contact Twitter support if you believe your account was suspended in error.

Does changing my username affect my direct messages?

No. People who have messaged you before will still be able to find your conversation thread. Your direct message history stays attached to your account regardless of what username you use.