You cannot change your Spotify username directly in the desktop app

Spotify does not offer a username change feature inside the desktop process for Windows or Mac. If you want to change your username, you must use the Spotify website on any browser — the desktop app does not have this option built in. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to be logged into your account.

Your username is different from your display name. Your username is the handle people use to find and follow you (like @musiclover2024), while your display name is what appears on your profile. You can change your display name in the desktop app, but changing your actual username requires the web version.

Key Takeaways

  • Spotify usernames can only be changed through the web browser, not the desktop app for Windows or Mac.
  • You need to visit your account settings at spotify.com while logged in to access the username change option.
  • Spotify allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so choose carefully before confirming.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 30 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores only.
  • Changing your username does not affect your saved playlists, followers, or listening history.

Steps to change your username on the Spotify website

Open a web browser and go to spotify.com. Log in with your email address and password if you are not already logged in. Once you are on your account page, look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner and click it.

From the menu, select Account. This takes you to your account overview page. Scroll down until you see the section labeled Username. Next to your current username, you will see an Edit button or a pencil icon. Click that button to open the username editor.

Type your new username into the text field. Remember that usernames must be 3 to 30 characters long and can only contain letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). Spotify will tell you when ready if your chosen username is already taken or breaks these rules. Once you enter a username that works, click Save or Confirm to complete the change.

What happens after you change your username

Your new username takes effect when ready. Anyone who tries to find your old username will not be able to locate your profile — the old username becomes available for someone else to use after a short delay. Your followers and friends will still be able to find you because they follow your account, not your username.

Your playlists, saved songs, listening history, and follower count do not change. If you shared a link to your profile using your old username, that link will no longer work. If you want people to find you at a new link, you will need to share your new profile URL or username with them.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Spotify limits username changes to once every 30 days. If you just changed your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days from the date you made the change. If you try to change it before that period ends, Spotify will show you a message telling you when you can change it next.

This limit exists to prevent abuse and keep usernames stable. If you made a mistake with your new username, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again. For this reason, it is worth double-checking your new username before you click save.

Why you might see a display name option instead

In the Spotify desktop app, you can change your display name — the name that shows on your profile and next to your activity. This is not the same as your username. Your display name can be anything you want, has no character limits, and can be changed as often as you like. It does not affect how people search for or follow you.

If you are looking to change what appears on your profile in the desktop app, you can do that right now: go to Edit Profile in the app settings and update your display name there. But if you need to change the actual username (the handle people use to find you), you must use the website.

Usernames you cannot use

Spotify reserves certain usernames for its own use and will not let you choose them. These include usernames that look like Spotify's official accounts, common brand names, or usernames that violate Spotify's terms of service. If you try to use a reserved username, Spotify will reject it and ask you to pick something else.

Usernames that contain offensive language, impersonate real people, or are designed to confuse users with official Spotify accounts will also be rejected. Spotify does not publish a full list of reserved usernames, so if your choice is rejected, try a variation with numbers or underscores added.

What to do if you forgot your username

If you cannot remember your current username, go to spotify.com and log in. Your username appears on your account settings page under the Username section. You can also see it on your public profile — click your profile picture in the top right corner and select View Profile. Your username is displayed at the top of your profile page.

If you cannot log in at all, use the Forgot your password? link on the Spotify login page to reset your password first. Once you can log in, you can find your username and change it if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username in the Spotify mobile app?

No, you cannot change your username in the Spotify app on your phone or tablet. You must use a web browser and go to spotify.com to change it. The mobile app does not have access to the username change feature.

What happens to my old username after I change it?

Your old username becomes available for other Spotify users to claim after a brief waiting period. Anyone who has your profile saved or follows you will still be able to find you, but direct links to your old username will not work.

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

Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since your last change. If you change your username and then want to switch back, you will need to wait the full 30-day period before you can make another change.

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No, changing your username does not affect your password or login credentials. You will still log in with your email address and the same password you have always used.

Will my followers see that I changed my username?

Spotify does not send a notification to your followers when you change your username. However, if they visit your profile, they will see your new username. Your followers remain connected to your account regardless of what username you use.