Yes, you can change your username on RedNote, but only once every 30 days

RedNote allows you to change your username through your account settings. The process takes about two minutes. However, the platform enforces a 30-day waiting period between changes — once you change your username, you cannot change it again for a full month.

Your username is different from your display name. The username is the handle people use to find and mention you (like @yourname). The display name is what appears above your profile and can be changed without restrictions. If you only want to change how your name looks to other users, changing your display name is faster.

Key Takeaways

  • RedNote usernames can be changed once every 30 days through your account settings, not through your profile page.
  • Your username and display name are separate — you can change your display name at any time without waiting.
  • A new username must be between 3 and 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens.
  • Other users cannot see your old username after you change it, but your old handle will not work for mentions or searches.

Steps to change your username on RedNote

Open RedNote and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From your profile page, tap the three-line menu icon (sometimes called a hamburger menu) in the top right. Select "Settings" or "Account Settings" depending on your app version.

Scroll down to find "Username" or "Change Username." Tap it. Enter your new username in the text field. RedNote will tell you when ready if the name is already taken or breaks the character rules. Once you enter a valid username, tap "Save" or "Confirm." The change takes effect right away.

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username yet, you are still within the 30-day window from your last change. The system will show you the date when you can change it again.

Rules for your new RedNote username

RedNote usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters long. You can use lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, underscores (_), and hyphens (-). Spaces are not allowed. Usernames are case-insensitive, meaning @JohnSmith and @johnsmith are treated as the same account.

You cannot use a username that is already taken by another active account. RedNote does not reserve old usernames, so if someone else takes your old handle after you change it, you cannot get it back. Usernames that violate RedNote's community guidelines — such as those containing hate speech or impersonation — will be rejected or removed.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old handle becomes available for other users to claim. RedNote does not hold it in reserve. If you change from @sarah_2024 to @sarah_creative, someone else can sign up and take @sarah_2024 when ready.

Any links or mentions using your old username will stop working. If someone tries to visit your old profile URL or mention your old handle, they will get an error or the mention will not tag you. Your followers will not be notified of the change, but they can still find you through your display name or by visiting your profile directly.

Display name versus username: which should you change

Your display name is what appears at the top of your profile and above your posts. It can be anything — spaces, emojis, special characters are all allowed. You can change your display name as many times as you want with no waiting period. If you just want your profile to look different to other users, change your display name instead.

Your username is your handle — the @name people use to find and mention you. It is more permanent because of the 30-day restriction and because old usernames become available to others. Change your username only if you want a different handle for searches and mentions, and you are sure you will not want to change it again soon.

If your desired username is already taken

RedNote will tell you when ready if a username is taken. You cannot reserve a username or request that someone else release theirs. Your options are to choose a different name or wait to see if the account becomes inactive and the username is eventually recycled — though RedNote does not publish a timeline for when this happens.

Consider adding numbers or underscores to make your preferred name unique: @sarah_creative, @sarahcreative2, or @sarah_creative_. These variations are often available even when the base username is taken.

Troubleshooting username change problems

If you see an error message when trying to change your username, the most common causes are: the name is already taken, you are still within the 30-day waiting period, the name contains characters RedNote does not allow, or the name is fewer than 3 characters or longer than 20 characters. Check each of these before trying again.

If the settings page does not show a username change option, make sure you are in Account Settings and not just your profile page. Some older app versions may have the option in a different location. Try updating RedNote to the latest version from your app store. If the problem persists, sign out and sign back in, then try again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once in 30 days?

No. RedNote enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between username changes. Once you change your username, you must wait a full 30 days before changing it again. The system will show you the exact date when your next change becomes available.

Will my followers see my old username after I change it?

No. Your followers will see only your new username. Old mentions and links using your previous handle will not work. Your followers can still find you through your display name or by visiting your profile directly.

Can I get my old username back if someone else takes it?

No. Once you change your username, it becomes available to anyone else. RedNote does not reserve old usernames or allow you to reclaim them later. Choose your new username carefully because you cannot switch back.

Is changing my display name the same as changing my username?

No. Your display name is what appears above your posts and can be changed anytime without restrictions. Your username is your @handle and can only be changed once every 30 days. If you only want to change how your name looks, change your display name instead.

What characters can I use in my RedNote username?

You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Spaces, emojis, and special characters like periods or commas are not allowed. Your username must be between 3 and 20 characters long.