You can change your Spotify username through your account settings on any device
Spotify lets you change the username associated with your account, though the process differs slightly depending on whether you use the web player, the mobile app, or the desktop app. The change takes effect when ready across all your devices. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after you change it, so if you want to reclaim it later, you cannot.
The username is separate from your display name — changing one does not change the other. Your display name is what appears on your profile and in playlists you share; your username is what people use to find you and what appears in your profile URL. Both can be edited, but they serve different purposes.
Key Takeaways
- You change your username in Account Settings under Profile, available on web, mobile, or desktop.
- Usernames must be between 3 and 30 characters, contain only letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot start with a number.
- Your old username becomes available for others to use once you change it, so you cannot reclaim it later.
- Changing your username does not affect your playlists, followers, or saved music — only how people find you.
- If your desired username is taken, Spotify will tell you when ready and you will need to choose a different one.
Changing your username on the web player
Open Spotify in your web browser and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Account" from the dropdown menu. This takes you to your account overview page.
On the Account page, look for the "Edit profile" button or link. Click it to enter edit mode. Find the Username field — it will show your current username. Delete the old one and type in your new username. Spotify will check in real time whether the name is available; if it is taken, you will see a message saying so. Once you enter a username that is available, click "Save" or "Done" to confirm the change.
Changing your username on the mobile app
Open the Spotify app on your phone and tap your profile icon, usually in the bottom right corner. Select "Profile" or "Account" depending on your app version. You should see an "Edit profile" option near the top.
Tap "Edit profile" and locate the Username field. Clear the current username and enter a new one. The app will show you whether it is available as you type. Once you have chosen an available username, tap the checkmark or "Save" button to explore the change. The update happens when ready.
Changing your username on the desktop app
Launch the Spotify desktop process and click your profile icon in the top right. Select "Account" from the menu. This opens your account page in your default web browser — the process from here is the same as the web player method described above.
If you prefer to stay in the desktop app, some versions allow you to edit your profile directly. Look for a settings or profile section in the app menu. The exact location varies by operating system and app version, so if you cannot find it, the web method is the most reliable route.
Rules for choosing a new username
Spotify usernames have specific requirements. Your username must be between 3 and 30 characters long. You can use letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_), but no spaces or special characters like hyphens, periods, or @ symbols. Your username cannot start with a number — it must begin with a letter or underscore.
Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning "JohnDoe" and "johndoe" are treated as the same username. If someone already has "johndoe", you cannot use "JohnDoe" either. Spotify will tell you when ready if your chosen username is taken, so you can try another one right away.
What happens to your profile when you change your username
Your profile URL changes to reflect your new username. If you had shared your old profile link with friends, that link will no longer work — you will need to share your new profile URL. However, anyone who follows you will still see you in their followers list, and your playlists, saved songs, and listening history remain exactly as they were.
Your display name (the name shown on your profile and in playlists) stays the same unless you change it separately. You can have a display name like "John Doe" and a username like "johndoe_2024" — they do not have to match. If you want to change your display name as well, that is a separate edit in the same profile settings area.
If your desired username is already taken
When you type a username that someone else already has, Spotify shows a message saying it is unavailable. You cannot reserve a username or join a waitlist for one — you have to choose a different one. Common strategies are adding numbers to the end (like "username123"), using underscores to separate words (like "user_name"), or picking a different name altogether.
If you are trying to match a username across multiple platforms, remember that Spotify has stricter rules than many others — no hyphens, no periods, no spaces. You may need to adapt your username slightly to fit Spotify's format while keeping it recognizable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to my old one later?
No. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you want to use it again, you would have to wait for someone else to claim it first, then hope they change it — which is not practical. Choose carefully before you confirm the change.
Does changing my username affect my Spotify Wrapped or listening history?
No. Your listening history, saved playlists, followers, and all other account data stay exactly the same. Only the name people use to find you changes. Your Spotify Wrapped will still reflect all your listening from the year, regardless of what username you use.
What if I share my profile link and then change my username?
The old link will not work anymore. Anyone who tries to visit your old profile URL will get a "not found" error. You will need to share your new profile URL with people. If you have a profile link in your social media bio or website, update it there too.
Can I use special characters like hyphens or periods in my username?
No. Spotify only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. If you want to separate words, use underscores instead — for example, "my_username" instead of "my-username" or "my.username".
How long does it take for the username change to show up everywhere?
The change is when ready on Spotify's servers. Your new username appears right away on your profile, in search results, and on any device where you are logged in. There is no waiting period.