You cannot change your Spotify username after you create it

Spotify does not offer a way to edit or update your username once your account is set up. The name you choose during registration is permanent — there is no button in settings, no support form, and no workaround through the app or web player that will let you change it.

This is different from your display name, which you can change anytime. Your username is the handle people see when they visit your profile or when you share a playlist link. Your display name is what appears next to your activity in their feed. Many people confuse the two because Spotify uses both, but only the display name is editable.

If you need a different username, your only option is to create a new Spotify account with the username you want. This means starting over — your new account will have no playlists, followers, or listening history from your old one.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify usernames cannot be changed, edited, or deleted once your account is created.
  • You can change your display name (the name that shows in your profile) but not your username (the handle in your profile URL).
  • If you want a different username, you must create a new account, which means losing all playlists, followers, and history from your current account.
  • Before you sign up, check that your chosen username is available and something you will want to keep long-term.

The difference between username and display name

Your username is the unique identifier Spotify assigns to your account. It appears in your profile URL (the web address), in links to your playlists, and in your profile when someone searches for you. Once set, it never changes and cannot be removed.

Your display name is what you see next to your activity — when you add a song to a playlist, when you follow someone, when you share a track. You can edit this name as many times as you want by going to your account settings under "Profile" and changing the name field. Changing your display name does not affect your username or any links to your profile.

This separation confuses many people because both are visible, but only one is permanent. If you want to keep your current account and just change how your name appears to others, edit your display name. If you want a different username, you need a new account.

What you lose if you create a new account

Starting a new Spotify account means leaving behind everything tied to your current one. Your playlists stay on the old account — they do not transfer. Your followers do not follow the new account automatically. Your saved songs, liked tracks, and listening history all stay behind. Spotify does not provide a way to export playlists or transfer data between accounts.

You can manually recreate playlists by searching for songs and adding them one by one, but this is time-consuming if you have many playlists or hundreds of saved songs. Some third-party tools claim to help move playlists between accounts, but these are not made by Spotify and carry their own risks — they require you to give them access to your account credentials.

If you share playlists with others or collaborate on them, those people will need to know about your new account to follow your new playlists. Any links you have shared to your old profile will still point to the old account.

How to pick a username you will not regret

Since you cannot change your username later, spend a moment thinking about what you want before you sign up. Avoid usernames that are tied to a current job, relationship, or trend — these can feel outdated or uncomfortable later. A username with your real name, a nickname you have used for years, or something neutral and straightforward tends to age better than one based on a meme or a phase.

Check that the username is available before you commit to it. During Spotify signup, you will see whether your chosen name is taken. If it is, Spotify will suggest variations. You can try different options until you find one that is available and that you are comfortable with long-term.

Keep in mind that your username is public — anyone who knows it can find your profile and see your playlists (unless you make them private). If privacy matters to you, avoid usernames that reveal personal details or that you use nowhere else online.

Why Spotify does not allow username changes

Spotify locks usernames to prevent impersonation and to keep profile links stable. If usernames could change, someone could take over a famous artist's username after they stopped using it, or a link to a playlist could suddenly point to a different person's profile. By making usernames permanent, Spotify ensures that a profile URL always leads to the same account.

This design choice also simplifies Spotify's backend — the username becomes a permanent identifier that other features (playlists, follows, shares) can rely on. Changing usernames would require updating all those connections, which is why many platforms make this choice.

That said, this policy frustrates users who regret their choice or whose circumstances change. Some other platforms (like Discord or Twitter) do allow username changes, so Spotify's approach is not universal — it is straightforward the rule Spotify has chosen to enforce.

Alternatives if you want a fresh start

If your current username no longer fits who you are, you have a few options short of creating a brand-new account. The simplest is to change your display name and update your profile picture and bio — this refreshes how you appear to others without losing your account history. Many people do this and find it sufficient.

If you want a completely fresh account but do not want to lose your playlists, you can keep your old account and create a new one for a different purpose. Some people maintain multiple Spotify accounts — one for personal listening and one for sharing with specific groups. This way you do not have to choose between your history and a new identity.

If you decide to create a new account, do it before you delete or deactivate the old one. That way you can spend time recreating playlists or exporting data (through third-party tools, at your own risk) before you let the old account go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Spotify support change my username for me?

No. Spotify support cannot change, reset, or delete usernames under any circumstances. This is a permanent system limitation, not a policy they can override. If you contact them about a username, they will direct you to create a new account if you want a different one.

What if my username was taken by someone else after I stopped using Spotify?

Usernames do not become available when you deactivate or delete your account. Spotify holds the username to that account permanently, even if the account is inactive. You cannot reclaim it or take it over.

Can I hide my username so people cannot find my profile?

You cannot hide your username, but you can make your profile private so that only people you approve can see your playlists and activity. Go to your account settings under "Privacy" and toggle off "Make my profile public." People can still find your profile if they search for you, but they cannot see your playlists unless you follow them back or approve them.

If I create a new account, can I use my old username on the new one?

No. Your old username remains tied to your old account even if that account is inactive or deleted. Spotify does not release usernames back into circulation. You will need to choose a different username for any new account you create.

Do I lose my Spotify Premium subscription if I create a new account?

Your Premium subscription is tied to the email address and payment method on your account, not to the username. If you create a new account with a different email, you will need a separate Premium subscription. If you create a new account with the same email, you can transfer your subscription, but you should contact Spotify support first to understand how this works with your specific plan.