Yes, you can change your Newgrounds username, but only once

Newgrounds lets you change your username one time through your account settings. The change takes effect when ready, and your old username becomes available for other users to claim after a waiting period. You cannot change it back to your previous name, and you cannot change it again after using your one free change.

The process itself takes less than five minutes. You'll need to be logged in, know your current password, and have decided on a new username that isn't already taken. Newgrounds checks availability in real time, so you'll know right away if your choice is available.

Key Takeaways

  • You get one free username change on Newgrounds, and it cannot be reversed or repeated.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to use after a waiting period, so you cannot reclaim it later.
  • The change happens when ready once you confirm it, affecting your profile, submissions, and all public displays of your name.
  • You must enter your account password to confirm the change as a security measure.

Where to find the username change option

Log into your Newgrounds account and go to your account settings. On the left side of the page, you'll see a menu with several options. Click on "Change Username" — it's usually near the top of the settings menu, sometimes grouped with other account options like email or password.

If you don't see "Change Username" as a separate option, look for a general "Account Settings" or "Profile Settings" section. The exact menu layout can shift slightly with site updates, but the username change tool is always in the main account settings area, not buried in preferences or privacy controls.

The steps to change your username

Once you're in the username change section, you'll see a field asking for your new username. Type in the name you want. Newgrounds will when ready tell you whether that name is available — you don't have to submit anything to check. If it's taken, try another name until you find one that's free.

After you've chosen an available name, the system will ask you to enter your account password. This is a security step to make sure you're really the account owner. Type your password and click the button to confirm the change. That's it — your username updates right away.

Your old username will show in your account history, but it won't appear on your profile or submissions anymore. Everything associated with your account — your art, music, games, comments, and followers — stays with you under your new name.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, your old one enters a holding period before it becomes available for other users to claim. This waiting period typically lasts several weeks, though Newgrounds doesn't always publish the exact length. During this time, no one can use your old name, including you.

After the holding period ends, your old username becomes available in the general pool. Someone else can then claim it. This is why you cannot change back to your previous name — it's not reserved for you anymore. If you want to use that name again later, you'd have to wait for it to be released and then hope no one else takes it first.

Usernames you cannot use

Newgrounds has rules about what usernames are allowed. You cannot use usernames that are already taken, obviously. You also cannot use names that are offensive, impersonate staff members, or violate the site's community guidelines.

The system won't let you proceed if your chosen name breaks these rules — it will tell you the name is unavailable or not permitted. If you're unsure whether a name might violate guidelines, choose something different rather than testing it. There's no penalty for trying, but it's faster to pick a name you're confident about.

If you haven't used your change yet

If you've never changed your username before, you still have that one free change available. You can use it whenever you want — there's no important date or time limit. Some users save their change for later, while others use it right away.

Think through your choice before you confirm it, because you won't get another free change. If you change your mind after the change goes through, your only option is to contact Newgrounds support and ask if they can help, though they typically don't reverse username changes as a policy.

What to do if you've already used your change

If you've already used your one free username change and want to change it again, Newgrounds does not offer a second free change. Some users report that contacting support directly might result in a change under special circumstances, but this is not may provide and not a standard service.

Your best approach is to contact Newgrounds support through their official channels and explain your situation. Be specific about why you want to change your username again. They may or may not be able to help, but it's worth asking if the situation is important to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username affect my account history or submissions?

No. Your submissions, followers, messages, and account history all stay with you. Only the name displayed on your profile and next to your work changes. Your user ID number, which is what the site uses internally, never changes.

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

Not when ready. Your old username enters a holding period and then becomes available to other users. You could theoretically claim it again later if no one else takes it, but you cannot reverse the change or reclaim it as a reserved name.

What if someone took my old username after I changed it?

Once the holding period ends, your old username is fair game for anyone. If someone claims it, you cannot force them to give it back. This is why thinking through your new username choice matters — you won't be able to switch back easily.

Is there a cost to change my username?

No. Your one free username change is included with your account. If you need a second change, Newgrounds does not offer a paid option as a standard feature, though contacting support might reveal options in rare cases.

How long does the username change take to show up everywhere?

The change is when ready. Your new username appears on your profile, submissions, comments, and messages right away. You don't need to wait for anything to process or refresh.