BeReal lets you change your username once every 30 days through the app settings

Open BeReal and tap your profile icon in the bottom right corner. Tap "Edit Profile" or the pencil icon next to your name. You'll see a field with your current username — tap it to edit. Type your new username (BeReal usernames can be 1 to 30 characters and include letters, numbers, underscores, and periods). Tap "Save" or "Done" to confirm the change.

The change takes effect when ready, but you won't be able to change it again for 30 days. BeReal enforces this cooldown to prevent spam and account instability. If you change your mind within a few minutes, you can go back into Edit Profile and change it again before the 30-day timer starts — but once you've confirmed and closed the profile screen, the timer begins.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your BeReal username through your profile settings, and the new name appears right away to your friends.
  • BeReal limits username changes to once every 30 days, so choose carefully before you confirm.
  • Your username can include letters, numbers, underscores, and periods, but cannot contain spaces or special characters like @, #, or &.
  • Changing your username does not affect your account, your friends list, or any BeReals you've already posted.
  • If you forget your username or can't access your profile, you may need to reset your password or contact BeReal support through the app.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim when ready. If you change from "sarah.2024" to "sarahphoto," another user can sign up and take "sarah.2024" right away. This is different from some apps that hold old usernames for a grace period.

Your friends will see your new username in their friend list and in comments you leave on their BeReals. Old BeReals you posted before the change still show your new username — BeReal does not preserve the old name on past posts. If you want people to know who you are after a username change, you may want to mention it in your profile bio or let close friends know directly.

Usernames you cannot use

BeReal reserves certain usernames for official accounts and does not allow you to claim them. These include variations of "bereal," "support," "admin," and other terms tied to the app itself. If you try to use a reserved name, the app will tell you the username is unavailable.

You also cannot use a username that is already taken by another active account. If you see a username you want but it's taken, you have no way to request it or put yourself on a waitlist — you can only choose a different name. Some users try to contact BeReal support to ask about inactive accounts, but the company does not transfer or release usernames.

Changing your username on different devices

If you use BeReal on both iPhone and Android, changing your username on one device changes it everywhere. BeReal syncs your profile across all devices linked to your account, so you only need to make the change once. You do not need to update it separately on each phone.

If you log out and log back in on a different device, your new username will already be there. The 30-day cooldown also applies across all devices — if you change your username on your iPhone, you cannot change it again on your Android phone until 30 days have passed.

If you want to keep your old username private

There is no built-in way to hide your username history in BeReal. Once you change your username, anyone who knew the old one can see the new one by searching for you or checking their friends list. If privacy is a concern, consider whether you want to tell people about the change or straightforward let them discover it.

If you are trying to distance yourself from an old username for safety or personal reasons, changing it is a start — but it does not erase the fact that you used it before. People who screenshotted your profile or remember your old name will still know it was you. For stronger privacy, you may want to review your profile bio and the BeReals you've posted to make sure they don't contain information you no longer want associated with your account.

Troubleshooting username change problems

If the "Save" button is grayed out or won't respond, make sure your new username is between 1 and 30 characters and contains only letters, numbers, underscores, and periods. Remove any spaces or special characters and try again. If the button still does not work, try closing the app completely and reopening it.

If you see an error message saying the username is unavailable even though you believe it should be free, the name may have been claimed by another user in the last few minutes, or it may be reserved by BeReal. Wait a moment and try a different username. If you are stuck on the 30-day cooldown and cannot remember when you last changed your username, there is no way to check the timer within the app — you will have to wait until the system allows the change again, or contact BeReal support through the app's help menu.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my BeReal username more than once every 30 days?

No. BeReal enforces a strict 30-day cooldown between username changes. If you change your username and then try to change it again before 30 days have passed, the app will tell you to wait. There is no way to bypass this limit or request an exception.

Will my friends still be able to find me if I change my username?

Yes. Your friends will see your new username in their friends list and in any comments or interactions you have with them. Changing your username does not remove you from anyone's friend list or break any connections.

What if someone else takes my old username after I change mine?

You cannot reclaim it. Once you change your username, the old one is available for anyone to use. If you are concerned about this, you may want to choose a new username that is less likely to be claimed by someone else, or straightforward accept that the old name is gone.

Can I use spaces or special characters in my BeReal username?

No. BeReal usernames can only contain letters (a-z, A-Z), numbers (0-9), underscores (_), and periods (.). Spaces, hyphens, @, #, and other special characters are not allowed. If you try to use them, the app will reject the username.

Does changing my username affect my BeReals or my friends list?

No. Your old BeReals, your friends, your streaks, and all other account data stay the same. Only the name displayed next to your profile and in comments changes. Everything else remains exactly as it was.