Where to find the username change option

Log into your Art of Problem Solving account at aops.com. Once you are logged in, click your name or profile icon in the top right corner of the page, then select "Account Settings" from the dropdown menu.

In Account Settings, look for a section labeled "Profile" or "Account Information." Your current username will be displayed there. Next to it, you should see an "Edit" button or a pencil icon. Click that to open the username change form.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your AoPS username through Account Settings, which you reach by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner after logging in.
  • AoPS allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you want to switch to something different.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters, contain only letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens, and cannot match an existing account name.
  • After you submit your new username, the change takes effect when ready across your account, your forum posts, and your class enrollments.

Rules for your new username

AoPS has specific rules about what characters and length your username can be. Your new username must be at least 3 characters long and no more than 20 characters. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, underscores, and hyphens, but no spaces or special characters like @, #, or &.

The system will not let you choose a username that is already in use by another account. If you try to use one that exists, you will see an error message asking you to pick something different. The name you choose also cannot be the same as your current username — you must actually change it.

AoPS checks these rules automatically when you type your new username into the form. If your choice breaks any of the rules, the system will show you a message explaining what went wrong before you can submit the change.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

AoPS limits how often you can change your username to once every 30 days. This means if you changed your username today, you would not be able to change it again until 30 days from now. The system will tell you the exact date when you are allowed to make your next change.

If you are not sure when you last changed your username, check your Account Settings page. It usually displays the date of your most recent change and when you will be may be able to access to change again. This waiting period applies even if you want to change back to a username you used in the past.

What happens after you change your username

Once you submit your new username, the change is when ready. Your profile will display the new name right away. Any classes you are enrolled in will show your new username in the roster and in class discussions. Your forum posts and comments will also show your new username going forward.

Old posts you made under your previous username will still exist, but they will now appear under your new name. There is no way to keep your old posts under the old username — the change applies to your entire account history. Your grades, progress, and course history remain unchanged; only the name displayed changes.

If you cannot find the username change option

If you are logged in but do not see an "Edit" button next to your username in Account Settings, you may have already changed your username recently. Check the message on that page — it will tell you the date when you can change it again.

If you are having trouble logging in or cannot access Account Settings at all, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, then log in again. If that does not work, use the "Forgot Password" link on the AoPS login page to reset your password and regain access to your account.

Choosing a username you will keep

Because you can only change your username once every 30 days, it makes sense to think through your choice before you submit it. Consider whether the name is something you will be comfortable using in a math community for the long term, since changing it frequently is not practical.

Keep in mind that your username appears in class rosters, forum discussions, and on your public profile if you have one. Choose something that represents you well and that you will not regret seeing in those spaces. You may want to write down a few options and pick the one that feels right before you make the change.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but you have to wait 30 days from your most recent change. Once that period is over, you can change your username to anything that follows AoPS's rules, including a previous username you used.

What if someone else takes the username I want?

If the username you want is already taken by another account, you cannot use it. You will need to choose a different name. There is no way to reserve a username or request that AoPS release one that is already in use.

Does changing my username affect my class grades or progress?

No. Your grades, progress, and all course history stay the same when you change your username. Only the name displayed changes — your account data and enrollment records are unaffected.

Can I use special characters like @ or # in my username?

No. AoPS only allows letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Spaces and special characters like @, #, $, or & are not permitted in usernames.