The quickest way to change your username in Words with Friends

Open the Words with Friends app on your phone or go to wordswithfriends.com on a browser. Tap or click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner, then select Settings. Look for Profile or Account — the exact label depends on whether you're on iOS, Android, or the web version. Tap it, find the username field, delete the old name, type the new one, and tap Save or Confirm.

The change takes effect when ready in your games and on your profile. Your friends will see the new name the next time they open the app or refresh their game list. You can change your username as often as you want, though most games ask you to wait a few minutes between changes to prevent spam.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username change shows up right away in active games and on your profile, though your friends may need to refresh to see it.
  • The Settings menu is the same place whether you play on iPhone, Android, or a web browser — look for Profile or Account inside Settings.
  • Words with Friends does not lock you into a username; you can change it again whenever you want, usually after waiting a few minutes.
  • Changing your username does not affect your game history, wins, or the friends you are already playing with.

Where to find the username field on each device

On iPhone or iPad, open Words with Friends and tap the three-line menu in the top left. Scroll down to Settings, then tap Profile. The username field is at the top of that screen. Type your new name and tap Save.

On Android, the steps are nearly identical: menu icon, Settings, Profile, then edit the username field and save. The button labels and screen layout may look slightly different, but the path is the same.

On wordswithfriends.com in a web browser, click the menu icon in the top left corner (or your profile picture if you see one), then click Settings. Click Profile or Account, find the username field, and click Save after you type the new name.

What happens to your games and friends when you change your username

Your game history stays exactly the same. All your wins, losses, and statistics remain attached to your account. The games you are currently playing with friends continue without interruption — changing your name does not end any games or reset any scores.

Your friends will see the new username in their game list and in chat, but they may not see it when ready. If a friend is already looking at a game board with you, they may need to close and reopen the app or refresh the page to see the updated name. You stay in all their friend lists under your new name.

If you cannot find the username field

Some accounts are linked to Facebook or another social network. If your Words with Friends account is connected to Facebook, you may not be able to change your username directly in the game — instead, you would change your Facebook name, and Words with Friends would pull the new name from there. Check whether your account is linked by looking in Settings for a Connected Accounts or Linked Accounts section.

If you see a message saying your username cannot be changed, or if the Save button does not work, try closing the app completely and opening it again. If the problem continues, log out and log back in. If you are still stuck, the Words with Friends support page (reachable through the Settings menu) has a contact form where you can describe the issue.

Choosing a new username that works

Words with Friends allows most characters, but some usernames are blocked if they contain profanity or are already taken by another player. If you type a name and the Save button stays greyed out or you see an error message, the name is either taken or flagged as inappropriate. Try a variation — add a number, use an underscore, or shorten the name.

Keep in mind that your username is visible to everyone you play with and to anyone who searches for you to start a new game. Choose something you are comfortable with other players seeing.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. There is no limit on how many times you can change your username. If you change your mind, go back to Settings > Profile and type your old name again. The only restriction is that you usually have to wait a few minutes between changes.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my name?

Yes. Your account stays the same — only the display name changes. Friends who already have you in their friend list will see you under your new name. If someone searches for your old username to start a new game, they will not find you, but they can search for your new username instead.

Does changing my username cost money?

No. Changing your username in Words with Friends is free and always has been. You can change it as many times as you want at no cost.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Usernames in Words with Friends are unique — only one player can have each name. If the name you want is taken, try adding a number at the end, using an underscore, or choosing a different variation. You can also check if the name is blocked for another reason by trying a similar spelling.