You can change your Netflix username directly in your account settings on any device

Netflix lets you change the username tied to your account through the web browser or the mobile app. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't affect your password, payment method, or viewing history. You'll need to know your current password to make the change.

The username is what you type in when you log in — it's separate from your profile name (the display name that appears on your TV screen). Changing your username won't change any profile names, and it won't log you out of devices that are already signed in.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Netflix username is the email or text you use to log in, and you change it in Account Settings under "Login and protection."
  • You must enter your current password to confirm the change, even if you're already logged in.
  • The new username takes effect when ready, but you'll use it the next time you log in on any device.
  • If you forget your current password, you'll need to reset it before you can change your username.
  • Changing your username does not affect your profile names, billing, or saved shows and movies.

How to change your username on a web browser

Open Netflix in any web browser and log in if you're not already signed in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Account" from the dropdown menu.

On the Account page, find the section labeled "Login and protection" and click "Change username." Enter your new username in the field that appears. Netflix will tell you right away if the username is already taken or if it doesn't meet the requirements (usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores).

Type your current Netflix password in the password field to confirm the change. Click "Save" and the new username is active when ready. You'll use this new username the next time you log in on any device.

How to change your username on the Netflix app

Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Select "Account" from the menu.

Tap "Login and protection," then tap "Change username." Enter your new username and wait for Netflix to confirm it's available. Type your password to verify the change, then tap "Save." The change takes effect when ready, though you won't see it reflected until you log out and log back in on that device.

The mobile app process is identical to the web browser version — the only difference is the button locations and how you navigate the menus. Both routes require your password and both make the change active right away.

What happens if your new username is already taken

Netflix checks availability in real time as you type. If someone else has already claimed the username you want, Netflix will show a message saying the username is unavailable. You'll need to choose a different one.

Usernames must be unique across all Netflix accounts worldwide, so popular choices fill up quickly. Try adding numbers or underscores to make your preferred username distinct — for example, "sarah_2024" instead of "sarah." You can also use periods or hyphens in your username if they help you find something available.

If you don't remember your password

You cannot change your username without entering your current password, even if you're already logged in on the device. If you've forgotten it, you'll need to reset it first.

Go to the Netflix login page and click "Forgot password?" Enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. Netflix will send you a link to reset your password. Once you've created a new password, return to Account Settings and follow the steps above to change your username.

Username versus profile name — what's the difference

Your username is what you enter when you log into Netflix. It's account-level and shared across everyone who uses that account. Your profile name is the display name that shows on your TV or device when you select which profile to watch from — each person on the account can have their own profile name.

When you change your username, your profile names stay exactly the same. If your account has profiles for "Mom," "Dad," and "Kids," those names won't change. Only the login credential changes. This separation means you can update how you log in without disrupting anyone else's viewing experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my username log me out of Netflix on my TV or phone?

No. Devices that are already signed in will keep working. You'll only need to use the new username the next time you log in on a device, or if Netflix signs you out for security reasons.

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

Yes. You can change your username as many times as you want, as long as the username you want is available. There's no limit on how often you can make the change.

Does changing my username affect my payment method or billing?

No. Your billing information, payment method, and subscription plan remain unchanged. Only the login credential changes.

What if I want to change my profile name instead of my account username?

Go to your Account page, find "Profiles and parental controls," select the profile you want to edit, and click "Edit profile." You can change the profile name there without touching your account username.

Can someone else use my old username after I change it?

Yes. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for someone else to claim. If you think you might want it back, make sure you're ready to commit to the new username before you confirm the change.