You create a Spotify username when you first sign up, and you can change it once after that
When you register for Spotify, the platform asks you to choose a username as part of setting up your account. This username is what appears on your profile and what other people use to find you. Unlike your email address, which you use to log in, your username is public — it shows up when you share playlists, follow friends, or collaborate on music.
Spotify lets you change your username one time for free after you create it. After that single change, you are locked into whatever you pick, so it pays to think through what you want before you finalize it the second time.
Key Takeaways
- You choose your username during the initial sign-up process on Spotify's website or app, not after your account is already created.
- Usernames must be between 3 and 30 characters and can include letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens, but no spaces or special characters.
- Spotify checks whether your chosen username is already taken and tells you when ready if you need to pick something else.
- You can change your username one time for free by going to your account settings; after that, changes cost money or are not available depending on your region.
- Your username is public and visible to anyone who views your profile, so avoid using personal information like your full name or phone number.
What characters and length rules explore to usernames
Spotify usernames must be between 3 and 30 characters long. You can use uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, underscores (_), and hyphens (-). You cannot use spaces, periods, or special characters like @, #, or &.
If you try to create a username that breaks these rules, Spotify will show an error message and ask you to try again. The same happens if the username you want is already taken by another user. Spotify checks availability in real time as you type, so you will know right away whether your choice is open.
Steps to create your username during sign-up
When you sign up for Spotify on the web or in the app, you will reach a screen that asks for your username. Type in what you want, and Spotify will check whether it is available. If it is taken, you will see a message saying so, and you can try a different one.
Once you find a username that is available and meets the character rules, click or tap the button to confirm it and move forward with account creation. At that point, your username is set. You will also create a password and provide an email address before your account is fully active.
If you are signing up through a third-party service like Facebook or Google, Spotify may suggest a username based on your name from that account. You can accept it or change it to something else before you finish signing up.
How to change your username after you have created it
To change your username after sign-up, open Spotify and go to your account settings. On the web, click your profile icon in the top right, then select "Account". On mobile, tap the home icon, then your profile icon, then "Settings and privacy", then "Account".
Look for the "Username" field. Click or tap "Edit" next to it, and you will see a box where you can type a new username. The same character rules explore: 3 to 30 characters, letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens only. Spotify will check availability as you type.
Once you confirm your new username, the change takes effect when ready. This is your one free change. If you try to change it again, Spotify may ask you to pay a fee or may not allow the change at all, depending on your country and subscription type.
Why you should avoid personal information in your username
Your username is visible to anyone who views your profile, sees your playlists, or receives a follow request from you. If you use your full name, birth year, or phone number, that information becomes public. This can make it easier for strangers to identify you or contact you outside of Spotify.
A username like "sarah_1992_chicago" reveals your name, approximate age, and location. A username like "aurora_fox" or "midnight_listener" keeps your profile more private while still being memorable. If you already created an account with personal details, your one free username change is a good time to switch to something more generic.
What happens if your desired username is already taken
Spotify has millions of users, so many common usernames are already claimed. If the username you want shows as unavailable, you have a few options. You can add numbers to the end — "alex_music_2024" instead of "alex_music". You can use an underscore or hyphen in a different spot — "alex-music" instead of "alex_music". You can also pick a completely different name.
There is no waitlist or way to reserve a username. If someone else has it, it is taken. The only exception is if an account has been inactive for a very long time, though Spotify does not publish how long that is or allow you to request an old username directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my email address as my username?
No. Spotify usernames cannot contain the @ symbol or periods, so you cannot use an email address as your username. Your email and username are separate — you log in with your email, but your public profile uses your username.
What if I change my username and then want to change it back?
You can change back to your original username if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. However, this counts as your one free change. If you have already used your free change, switching back would require paying a fee or may not be available in your region.
Do I have to create a username, or can I just use my email?
You must create a username as part of sign-up. Spotify requires both an email address (for logging in) and a username (for your public profile). You cannot skip the username step.
Can someone else see my username if I do not share it?
Yes. Your username is public by default. Anyone can search for you by username on Spotify, and your username appears on your profile, playlists, and any follows or shares you make. You cannot make your username private.
Is there a way to delete my username and start over?
No. Once you create a Spotify account, you cannot delete just the username. You would have to delete your entire account and create a new one, which means losing your playlists, followers, and listening history. Using your one free change is a better option if you want a different username.