Where to find the username change option in Flickr

Log into your Flickr account and go to your account settings by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner, then selecting "Account settings" from the dropdown menu. On the Account settings page, look for the "Username" section — it appears near the top of the page, usually above your email address and password options.

Flickr displays your current username and offers a link or button labeled "Change username" or "Edit" next to it. Click that button to open the change form. You do not need to leave Flickr or use a separate tool; the entire process happens within your account settings.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Flickr username change happens in Account settings under the Username section, accessible from your profile icon.
  • Flickr allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you want to change it again later.
  • Your old username becomes available for other users to claim after you change it, so choose your new one carefully.
  • Changing your username does not affect your photo library, followers, or any other account data — everything stays with your account.
  • If your desired username is already taken, Flickr will tell you when ready and you will need to choose a different one.

What happens when you submit a new username

After you type your new username into the form and click confirm, Flickr checks whether that name is available. If another user has already claimed it, you will see an error message saying the username is taken. You can then try a different name without losing your place in the form.

If the name is available, Flickr processes the change when ready. Your profile URL changes to reflect the new username, and anyone who visits your old profile URL will be redirected to your new one. This redirect lasts for several months, so old links to your profile do not break right away.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Flickr enforces a 30-day rule: once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This limit applies whether you change it once or multiple times. If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed since your last change, the form will show you a message stating when you will be able to change it again.

This waiting period means you should think through your new username before you submit it. If you realize when ready after changing it that you made a typo or chose something you dislike, you will have to wait the full 30 days before you can fix it.

Choosing a username that works for you

Your Flickr username becomes part of your profile URL and appears on every photo you upload, so it is worth choosing something you will be comfortable with long-term. Usernames can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters like @ or #.

Keep in mind that your username is public and visible to anyone who views your photos or profile. If you use Flickr for professional photography, a clear, professional-sounding name works better than one with numbers or inside jokes. If you use it for personal photos shared with friends, you have more freedom to be creative.

What does not change when you update your username

Your photo library, albums, and collections all stay exactly as they are. Your followers do not need to re-follow you, and people who have favorited your photos will still see those favorites. Your account email, password, and privacy settings remain unchanged.

Comments you have left on other people's photos will still show your new username, not your old one. If you had a custom domain pointing to your Flickr profile (a paid Flickr Pro feature), that domain will continue to work and will automatically point to your new username.

If your desired username is unavailable

When you search for a username in the change form, Flickr tells you when ready if it is taken. You cannot reserve a username or request that someone else release it. Your only option is to choose a different name.

Some strategies: try adding a number or underscore to your preferred name, use a variation of your name, or combine two words. For example, if "jane-photography" is taken, you might try "jane-photography-2024" or "jane_photography" or "janephotos". The form will let you know right away whether each option is available.

Reverting to an old username after you change it

If you change your username and later want to go back to your old one, you can do so — but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Since your old username becomes available for other users to take as soon as you change it, there is a real risk that someone else will grab it.

If your old username is still unclaimed and you are within the 30-day waiting period, you will have to wait until the 30 days are up before you can change back to it. If someone else has already taken your old username, you cannot reclaim it at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Flickr username more than once?

Yes, but only once every 30 days. After you change your username, you must wait a full 30 days before you can change it again. The timer resets each time you make a change.

Will my followers see my old username or my new one?

Your followers will see your new username everywhere — on your profile, on your photos, and in their feed. Old links to your profile using your previous username will redirect to your new one for several months.

What if I change my username and then want to change it back?

You can change back to your old username only if no one else has claimed it and if 30 days have passed since your last change. Since old usernames become available when ready, there is a risk someone else will take it first.

Does changing my username affect my Flickr Pro membership?

No. Your Pro membership, storage, and all paid features stay active. If you have a custom domain linked to your account, it will automatically point to your new username.

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

No. Flickr usernames can only contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces, periods, and special characters like @ or # are not allowed.