Where to find the username setting on Khan Academy

Khan Academy stores your username in your account settings, which you reach through the menu in the top right corner of the site or app. On a computer, log in, look for your profile icon or initials in the upper right, click it, and select "Settings" from the dropdown. On a phone or tablet using the Khan Academy app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) at the bottom right, then tap your name or profile picture, then "Settings".

Once you are in Settings, look for a section labeled "Account" or "Profile Information". This is where Khan Academy displays your current username and gives you the option to change it. The exact location varies slightly between the web version and the mobile app, but the Settings menu is the entry point in both cases.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username setting is in the Settings menu, which you reach by clicking your profile icon or initials in the top right corner on a computer, or the menu icon on a mobile app.
  • Khan Academy may restrict how often you can change your username — some accounts can change it once every 14 days, while others have different limits depending on account age.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 30 characters and can include letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens, but Khan Academy will reject usernames that are already taken or that violate their community standards.
  • After you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to claim, so choose carefully if you plan to keep the account long-term.
  • If you cannot find the Settings option or the username field is grayed out, your account may have restrictions — contact Khan Academy support through their help center for information.

What Khan Academy allows in a new username

Khan Academy has rules about what characters and length your username can be. Your username must be at least 3 characters long and no more than 30 characters. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Spaces are not allowed, and special characters like @, #, $, or periods will be rejected.

Khan Academy also checks whether your chosen username violates their community standards — usernames that contain profanity, slurs, or hateful language will be blocked even if they meet the character requirements. If you try to enter a username that is already taken by another user, the system will tell you it is unavailable and ask you to choose a different one.

How often you can change your username

Khan Academy does not let you change your username every single day. Most accounts can change their username once every 14 days. However, this limit may vary depending on how long your account has existed or whether your account is linked to a school or organization. Newer accounts or accounts managed by a teacher or parent may have different restrictions.

If you try to change your username before the waiting period is over, Khan Academy will show you a message telling you when you will be able to change it again. If you are unsure about your specific limit, the Settings page should display a countdown or message explaining when your next change is available.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Once you change your username, Khan Academy releases your old username back into the pool of available names. This means another user can claim it. If you had shared your old username with friends, classmates, or family members so they could find your profile, they will no longer be able to search for you using that name. They will need to search for your new username instead, or you can send them a direct link to your profile.

For this reason, think through your new username before you confirm the change. If you are part of a study group or class and people know you by your current username, let them know you are changing it and give them your new one so they do not lose track of you.

Troubleshooting when the username field is locked or missing

If you navigate to Settings but do not see a username field, or if the field appears grayed out and you cannot click on it, your account may have restrictions. School-managed accounts, parent-supervised accounts, and some other account types may not allow username changes, or may only allow them under certain conditions.

If your account is managed by a parent or teacher, you may need to ask them to change the username for you, or to adjust the account permissions so you can change it yourself. If you manage your own account and the field is still locked, contact Khan Academy support through their help center on the Khan Academy website. Explain that you cannot access the username change option, and they can look into your account and let you know whether a change is possible.

Changing your username on the Khan Academy app versus the website

The steps are nearly identical on both the app and the website, but the menu locations are slightly different. On the website, click your profile icon in the top right corner. On the mobile app, tap the three horizontal lines at the bottom of the screen to open the menu, then tap your name or profile picture. Both routes lead to Settings, where you will find the username field.

After you change your username in one place, the change takes effect everywhere — on the website, the mobile app, and any other device where you are logged into Khan Academy. You do not need to change it separately in multiple places. The change usually appears within a few minutes, though it may take up to an hour to show up everywhere if you are logged in on multiple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Not when ready. If you changed your username and then want to switch back, you have to wait for the 14-day cooldown period to pass before you can make another change. Even then, your old username may have been claimed by someone else in the meantime, so you might not be able to reclaim it. Choose your new username carefully.

What if the username I want is already taken?

Khan Academy will tell you the name is unavailable and ask you to pick a different one. You cannot reserve a username or request that someone else release theirs. Try adding a number or underscore to your preferred name, or choose a variation that is still meaningful to you.

Does changing my username affect my progress or course history?

No. Your username is just the name that appears on your profile. All your course progress, points, badges, and learning history stay with your account no matter what username you choose. Changing your name does not reset anything or affect your learning record.

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

Only if they search for your new username or visit your profile through a direct link. They will not be able to find you by searching for your old username. If you are in a class or study group, tell them your new username so they can find you again.