Where to find your username setting
Your Spotify username lives in your account settings, not in the app itself. Open a web browser and go to www.spotify.com, then log in with your email and password. Once you're logged in, look for your profile icon in the top right corner — it's usually a small circle with your name or a default image. Click it.
A dropdown menu will appear. Select Account from that menu. This takes you to your account overview page, where you'll see your username listed under your profile name. The username is what appears when other people search for you or see your playlists shared publicly.
Key Takeaways
- You change your username through the web browser at spotify.com, not through the mobile app or desktop process.
- Your username is different from your display name — the username is what people use to find you, while the display name is what appears on your profile.
- Spotify allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so choose carefully before you confirm the change.
- After you change your username, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim when ready.
The step-by-step process to change it
On your Account page, scroll down until you find the section labeled Username. Next to your current username, you'll see an Edit button or link. Click that button. A text field will appear where you can type a new username.
Type the new username you want. Spotify usernames can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, but no spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods. The username must be between 1 and 30 characters long. As you type, Spotify will tell you whether the username is available — if it shows a green checkmark, that username is yours to claim.
Once you've entered a username that's available and you're happy with it, click the Save or Confirm button. Spotify will ask you to re-enter your password to confirm the change. Type your password and click the final confirmation button. Your username is now changed.
What happens to your old username
The moment you change your username, your old one is released back into the pool of available usernames. Anyone else can claim it when ready — there's no grace period or hold. If you think you might want to use that old username again someday, you won't be able to unless the person who claims it later gives it up.
Any playlists or profiles you've shared with your old username will still work for people who have the link, but the link itself won't change. The person who claims your old username won't automatically gain access to your account or playlists — they're separate things.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
Spotify limits you to one username change every 30 days. If you change your username today, you won't be able to change it again for 30 days from that moment. This rule exists to prevent people from rapidly cycling through usernames or squatting on popular names.
If you realize you made a mistake right after changing your username, you'll have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again. For this reason, it's worth taking a moment to make sure you're happy with your new username before you confirm the change.
Difference between username and display name
Many people confuse their username with their display name, but they're two different things. Your display name is what appears on your profile and next to your activity — it's what your friends see when you're listening to music. You can change your display name as often as you want, and it can include spaces and special characters.
Your username is the unique identifier people use to search for you or add you as a friend. It's permanent for 30 days once you change it, and it follows stricter rules about what characters you can use. If you only want to change how your name appears to friends, change your display name instead — that's faster and has no waiting period.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you see a message that says your username is unavailable, it means someone else has already claimed it. Try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique — for example, if "sarah_music" is taken, try "sarah_music42" or "sarah_music_2024". Spotify doesn't reserve usernames for a waiting period, so popular names get claimed quickly.
If the Edit button doesn't appear next to your username, you may have already changed it within the last 30 days. Check the date of your last change — you'll usually see it displayed on the same page. If you're still within the 30-day window, you'll have to wait until that period passes before you can make another change.
If you're on the mobile app and can't find the username setting, remember that username changes only work through the web browser. The Spotify app doesn't have a username editing feature, so you must use a computer or phone browser to make this change.
What you should know about sharing your username
Once you change your username, think about where you've shared the old one. If you listed your Spotify username on social media, in your email signature, or on a website, update those places with your new username. People who try to find you using the old username won't be able to — they'll either get an error or find whoever claimed that username next.
Your new username is public information. Anyone can see it on your profile, in your shared playlists, and when you collaborate with others. Don't use personal information like your full name, phone number, or address as part of your username.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username through the Spotify app?
No. The username setting only appears on the web version of Spotify at spotify.com. Open a browser, log in, go to Account settings, and look for the Username section. The mobile and desktop apps don't have this feature.
What if the username I want is taken?
Try adding numbers, underscores, or a variation of the name. For example, if "alex_music" is taken, try "alex_music_official" or "alex_music_2024". Spotify doesn't have a waitlist for usernames — once someone claims one, it's theirs until they change it.
Will changing my username affect my playlists or followers?
No. Your playlists, followers, and listening history stay with your account. The only thing that changes is the username people use to find you. Anyone who already follows you will still follow you after the change.
How long does it take for the username change to show up everywhere?
The change takes effect when ready on your account page. It may take a few minutes to show up in search results or on other people's screens, but the change is active right away on your profile.
Can I use my old username again after someone else claims it?
Only if that person changes their username and releases it. Since Spotify doesn't hold usernames, once you give yours up, you can't reclaim it unless the new owner abandons it. Choose your new username carefully because you won't be able to go back to the old one.