Your username is set during account creation, but you can change it once every 30 days
When you first sign up for Spotify, you choose a username — the name that appears on your profile and in playlists you share. If you used your email to sign up or let Spotify generate one for you, you can change it to something you prefer. Spotify allows one username change per 30-day period, so you can experiment, but you'll need to wait a month between changes.
Your username is different from your display name. The username is what people see in your profile URL and what appears when you follow playlists or share music. The display name is optional and can be changed anytime — it's just a label that shows up on your profile. Most people focus on getting the username right because it's the one that sticks around longer.
Key Takeaways
- You set your username when you create a Spotify account, but you can change it once every 30 days through your account settings.
- Usernames can contain letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters like hyphens or periods.
- If your desired username is taken, Spotify will tell you when ready and suggest alternatives or let you add numbers to make it unique.
- Your username appears in your profile URL and when you share playlists, so choose something you won't mind seeing in public.
How to change your username on desktop or web
Open Spotify on your computer or go to spotify.com in your browser and log in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Profile" from the dropdown menu. On your profile page, look for the "Edit profile" button near your username and click it.
In the edit screen, you'll see a field labeled "Username" with your current name. Click in that field and type your new username. Spotify will check in real time whether the name is available — if it's taken, you'll see a red message saying so. If it's available, you'll see a green checkmark. Once you've chosen an available name, scroll down and click "Save profile" to confirm the change.
How to change your username on mobile
Open the Spotify app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Tap "Profile" to open your profile page. Look for the pencil or edit icon near your username and tap it to enter edit mode.
Tap the username field and type your new username. The app will show you whether it's available as you type. Once you've entered a username that's free, tap the checkmark or "Save" button to confirm. The change takes effect when ready, though it may take a few minutes to appear everywhere in the app.
Rules for what your username can contain
Spotify usernames can be 1 to 30 characters long and can include letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, periods, or other special characters. If you try to use a character Spotify doesn't allow, the field will reject it or show an error message.
Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning "JamesRodriguez" and "jamesrodriguez" are treated as the same name. If someone has already claimed "jamesrodriguez" in any combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, you won't be able to use it. Underscores are useful for separating words when spaces aren't allowed — for example, "james_rodriguez" instead of "jamesrodriguez".
What to do if your desired username is taken
When you type a username that's already in use, Spotify shows a message saying the name is unavailable. You have a few options: add numbers to the end (like "james_rodriguez42"), use underscores to separate words differently, or choose a completely different name.
Spotify sometimes suggests alternatives based on what you typed, though these suggestions are often not very useful. Your best bet is to think of variations yourself — adding your birth year, a number that means something to you, or a word that describes you. Keep it short and memorable so people can find you easily if you share your profile.
How the 30-day waiting period works
After you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This timer starts from the moment you save your new username, not from when you started editing. If you change your mind when ready after saving, you'll have to wait the full 30 days before you can change it again.
The 30-day rule applies whether you change your username once or multiple times. If you change it on day one and then want to change it again on day 15, you'll have to wait until day 31 to make another change. Plan your username choice carefully, or pick something neutral that you won't want to change soon.
Why your username matters for sharing and discovery
Your username appears in your profile URL — the link people use to find you on Spotify. If your username is "james_rodriguez", your profile link will be something like spotify.com/user/james_rodriguez. When you share a playlist or follow someone, your username shows up next to your name, so choose something you're comfortable with publicly.
A clear, straightforward-to-spell username makes it simpler for friends to find you. Avoid usernames with too many numbers or underscores in a row, since they're harder to type and remember. If you plan to share your Spotify profile on social media or with colleagues, pick a username that matches your other online handles if possible — it makes you easier to find.
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. You need to choose a different name made of letters, numbers, and underscores only.
What happens to my old username after I change it?
Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim. If you change from "james_rodriguez" to "james.r", anyone can now sign up and take "james_rodriguez". If you think you might want it back, wait to change it until you're sure.
Can I change my display name instead of my username?
Yes. Your display name is separate from your username and can be changed anytime without waiting. Go to your profile, click edit, and change the display name field. However, your username is what appears in your profile URL and when you share playlists, so most people focus on that one.
Does changing my username affect my playlists or followers?
No. Your playlists, saved songs, and followers stay with your account. The only thing that changes is the name people see and the URL of your profile. Anyone following you will still see your new username, and your playlists will still be yours.
How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?
On the web and desktop app, the change is usually when ready. On mobile, it may take a few minutes to appear in all places within the app. If you share your profile link right after changing your username, use the new URL — the old one will no longer work.