Where to find the username setting

Your Spotify username lives in your account settings, not in the app itself. Open a web browser, go to www.spotify.com, and sign in with your email and password. Once you're logged in, click your profile icon in the top right corner — it's usually a small circle with your name or a default image. A dropdown menu will appear.

From that menu, select Account. This takes you to your account overview page. On the left side, you'll see a menu with options like "Profile," "Privacy," and "Notifications." Click Edit Profile to reach the page where you can change your username.

Key Takeaways

  • You must use a web browser to change your username — the Spotify app does not have this option.
  • Your username must be between 3 and 30 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores.
  • Spotify usernames are permanent once changed, so choose carefully before you confirm the change.
  • Changing your username does not affect your playlists, followers, or saved music.

The username rules Spotify enforces

Spotify has specific rules about what characters and length your username can be. Your username must be at least 3 characters long and no more than 30 characters. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores only — no spaces, hyphens, periods, or special characters like @ or #.

If you try to use a character Spotify doesn't allow, the text field will straightforward not accept it. If you try to use a username that someone else already has, Spotify will tell you the name is taken and ask you to pick something different. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "JamesRodriguez" and "jamesrodriguez" are considered the same username.

What happens after you change it

Once you type in your new username and click the save or confirm button, the change takes effect when ready. Your old username becomes available for someone else to use, though Spotify does not reserve it for you if you change your mind later. Your profile URL will update to reflect your new username, so any links to your old profile will no longer work.

The good news: changing your username does not touch anything else on your account. Your playlists stay exactly as they are. Your followers stay the same. Your saved songs, liked tracks, and listening history all remain unchanged. People who follow you will still see you in their followers list, though your name will now show as your new username.

If your desired username is already taken

When you type a username into the field and it's already in use, Spotify shows a message saying the name is unavailable. At that point, you have two choices: pick a different name, or try a variation. Many people add numbers to the end (like "jamesrodriguez42") or use underscores to separate words (like "james_rodriguez").

There is no waitlist or way to claim a username before someone else takes it. Spotify does not hold usernames for inactive accounts, so even if an account hasn't been used in years, its username is still reserved. If there's a specific username you want and it's taken, your only option is to choose something else.

Troubleshooting if the change won't save

If you click save and nothing happens, or you get an error message, first check that your username follows Spotify's rules: 3 to 30 characters, letters and numbers and underscores only, no spaces or special characters. If your username is formatted correctly but still won't save, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then log back in and try again.

If you're using an older browser version, Spotify's website may not work properly. Try opening Spotify in a different browser — Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge all work. If the problem persists after trying a different browser, you can contact Spotify Support through the help section of your account settings, though response times vary.

Changing your display name versus your username

Spotify has two separate name fields that confuse many people. Your username is what you use to log in and what appears in your profile URL (the web address). Your display name is what shows up to other users when they look at your profile or see you in playlists. You can change your display name much more freely — it can have spaces, capital letters, and special characters.

If you want to change how your name appears to friends but keep your login username the same, you only need to change your display name. On the same Edit Profile page where you change your username, you'll see a separate field for display name. That one has fewer restrictions and can be changed as often as you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

No. Once you change your username, the old one is released and becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you want to use that username again, you would have to wait for it to become available and then claim it before someone else does. For this reason, it's worth thinking through your new username before you confirm the change.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes. Your followers will still follow you, and people who have you saved will still see you in their library. However, if someone tries to search for your old username, they won't find you — they'll need to search for your new username or your display name instead. Your profile URL will change, so old links to your profile won't work.

Can I use special characters like @ or # in my username?

No. Spotify only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. If you try to type a special character, the field won't accept it. If you want a more decorated name, use your display name instead, which has fewer restrictions.

How long does it take for the username change to show up everywhere?

The change is when ready on Spotify's website and in the app. Your new username will show up in your profile right away, and anyone viewing your profile will see the new name when ready. There's no waiting period or delay.