Where to find the username change option on Freelancer

On Freelancer, you change your username through your account settings, not through your profile page. Log in to your account, then click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner if you're on mobile, or look for your profile picture in the top right on desktop. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

Once you're in Settings, look for the Account tab on the left side. Under Account, you'll see a section labeled Username with your current username displayed. Click the Edit button or pencil icon next to it to open the change form.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username change happens in Settings > Account > Username, not on your public profile page.
  • Freelancer allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you want to switch.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters, contain only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores, and cannot already be taken by another user.
  • Changing your username does not affect your portfolio, ratings, or work history — clients can still find your past projects and reviews.
  • If your desired username is taken, you'll see that message when ready and can try a different one before confirming the change.

Rules for your new Freelancer username

Freelancer enforces specific rules about what characters and length your username can have. Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, hyphens (-), and underscores (_), but no spaces or special characters like periods, commas, or @ symbols.

The system checks in real time whether your chosen username is already taken. If someone else has it, you'll see a message saying the username is unavailable, and you can try a different one right away without submitting anything. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so "JohnDoe" and "johndoe" are treated as the same username.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Freelancer limits how often you can change your username to once every 30 days. If you've changed your username recently, the system will tell you when you're allowed to change it again. This rule applies whether you completed the change or started one and cancelled it partway through.

If you're locked into the 30-day window, you cannot bypass it by contacting support. Plan your username change carefully, especially if you're switching because of a branding decision or a name change in your business. Write down your new username choice before you go to Settings so you don't waste time deciding once you're in the change form.

What stays the same after you change your username

Your portfolio, project history, client reviews, and ratings all remain attached to your account after a username change. Clients who have worked with you before can still find your past projects and see your feedback, even though your username is different. Your earnings history and payment information do not change.

However, any direct links to your profile using your old username will no longer work. If you've shared a link to your Freelancer profile on your website, social media, or in client emails, update those links to use your new username. Clients who search for you by name rather than by username will still find you through search results.

If your username change doesn't save

If you enter your new username, click Save or Confirm, and the page doesn't update or shows an error, first check that your username meets all the rules: 3 to 20 characters, only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. If it does, wait a few seconds and try again, as the system may be processing your request.

If the error persists, clear your browser cache and cookies, then log out and log back in. Try the change again from Settings. If you still see an error after these steps, contact Freelancer support through the Help Center in your Settings menu and describe exactly what error message you see. Include a screenshot if the message is unclear.

Changing your username if you've been inactive

If your Freelancer account has been inactive for a long time, your username may have been released back to the pool of available names. When you log back in, you might see that your old username is no longer associated with your account. In this case, you can choose a new username the next time you access your Settings.

Your account itself — your portfolio, history, and ratings — remains yours. Only the username may have changed. If you're unsure whether your account still exists or what username is currently attached to it, log in and check your Settings > Account page. If you cannot log in, use the "Forgot Password" option to reset your access.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if nobody else has claimed that username in the meantime. If your old username is still available, you can change back to it, but you'll still have to wait 30 days from your last change. If someone else has taken it, you'll need to choose a different name.

Will my clients be notified that I changed my username?

No, Freelancer does not send notifications to your past clients when you change your username. Your work history and messages with them remain in their account, so they can still see your old username in past conversations and project details. Your new username appears only on your current profile and in new messages.

What if the username I want is taken but the account looks inactive?

You cannot claim an inactive username, even if the account hasn't been used in years. Usernames belong to their accounts permanently unless Freelancer itself removes them for a policy violation. Try a variation of the name you want, such as adding a number or underscore.

Does changing my username affect my Freelancer Plus membership or verified status?

No, your membership level, verification badge, and any other account features remain the same. Your new username is straightforward the name displayed publicly; it does not change your account status or the benefits attached to your account.

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

No, Freelancer only allows letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces, periods, commas, @ symbols, and other special characters are not permitted. If you want to separate words, use a hyphen or underscore instead.