Where to find your username settings
Your Spotify username lives in your account settings, not in the app itself. Open a web browser and go to www.spotify.com, then sign in with your email and password. Once you're logged in, click your profile name in the top right corner — it's usually a small circle with your initial or profile picture — and select Account from the dropdown menu.
You'll land on your account overview page. Look for the Edit profile button near the top. This is where you can change your username, display name, and other profile details. The page shows your current username just below your profile picture.
Key Takeaways
- You must use a web browser to change your username — the Spotify mobile app does not have this option.
- Your username is different from your display name; the username is what appears in your Spotify URL and what other people use to find you.
- Spotify usernames must be between 3 and 30 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores.
- Once you change your username, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim within a few days.
The username field and what characters are allowed
When you click Edit profile, you'll see a field labeled Username. This is separate from your display name — your display name is what friends see in their playlists and messages, while your username is the permanent handle that appears in your Spotify URL (spotify.com/user/yourusername).
Spotify has specific rules for usernames. You can use letters (a–z, A–Z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or special characters like @, #, or &. Your username must be at least 3 characters long and no more than 30 characters. If you try to use a character that isn't allowed, Spotify will show an error message telling you which characters are invalid.
Checking if your new username is available
Before you save a new username, Spotify checks whether it's already taken. Type your desired username into the field, and Spotify will tell you when ready if it's available or if someone else is using it. If the name is taken, you'll see a message saying the username is unavailable. You'll need to choose a different one.
If you see a green checkmark or no error message, the username is yours to claim. Keep in mind that usernames are case-insensitive — spotify.com/user/JohnDoe and spotify.com/user/johndoe are the same account. Spotify will standardize it to lowercase in your URL.
Saving your new username
Once you've entered a username that's available and follows the character rules, scroll down and click the Save button at the bottom of the page. Spotify will process the change within a few seconds. You'll see a confirmation message, and your new username will appear in your profile when ready.
Your Spotify URL will update right away, so you can share the new link with friends. If you've shared your old username with anyone, let them know the change has happened — their old links to your profile will no longer work.
What happens to your old username
When you change your username, Spotify doesn't delete the old one when ready. It stays reserved under your account for a short period, usually a few days, to prevent accidental loss. After that window closes, the old username becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you think you might want to use that username again in the future, you won't be able to — someone else may take it.
This is why it's worth thinking through your new username before you save it. If you change your mind within a few minutes, you can go back to Edit profile and change it again before the old one is released.
Changing your display name instead of your username
If you only want to change how your name appears to friends — not your actual username — you can edit your Display name field instead. This is separate from your username and can be changed as often as you like without any restrictions. Your display name can include spaces, punctuation, and emoji, and it doesn't affect your Spotify URL.
Many people keep a straightforward username (like john_doe_1995) and use their display name for something more personal (like "John Doe 🎵"). This way, your URL stays clean and straightforward to share, while friends see a friendlier version of your name in their app.
Troubleshooting common problems
If you see an error message that your username contains invalid characters, check that you're only using letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces and hyphens are common mistakes — Spotify doesn't allow either one. If you're trying to use a username that's already taken, you'll need to add a number or underscore to make it unique.
If the Save button doesn't respond or the page seems stuck, try refreshing your browser and logging back in. Sometimes a browser cache issue can prevent the page from updating. If you're still having trouble after refreshing, try a different browser or clear your browser's cookies for spotify.com and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username from the Spotify app on my phone?
No. The Spotify mobile app does not have a username editing option. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile device to reach your account settings and make the change. Once you've changed it on the web, the new username will appear in your mobile app within a few minutes.
What's the difference between my username and my display name?
Your username is your permanent handle that appears in your Spotify URL and is used to find you on the platform. Your display name is what friends see next to your activity and in shared playlists. You can change your display name as often as you like, but your username change is more permanent because the old one eventually becomes available to others.
If I change my username, will my playlists and followers disappear?
No. Your playlists, saved songs, followers, and all your account data stay exactly the same. Only your username changes. Friends who follow you will still follow you — they don't need to re-follow you because your account identity doesn't change, only the handle.
Can I use my old username again after I change it?
Not when ready. After you change your username, the old one is reserved for a few days. Once that period ends, it becomes available for anyone to claim. If someone else takes it, you won't be able to use it again unless that person changes their username later.
Why does Spotify say my username is unavailable when I just made it up?
Someone else has already claimed that username. Spotify usernames are unique across the entire platform, so if you want a common name like "music_lover" or "spotify_fan", it's likely already taken. Try adding a number, underscore, or year to make it unique.