You can change your Mastodon username in your account settings, but the change only affects how your name appears — your handle stays the same

Mastodon uses two different identifiers that work in different ways. Your display name is what people see next to your posts and profile — this one you can change as often as you want, and it takes effect when ready. Your handle (the @username part) is permanent and tied to your specific server. If you want a completely different handle, you have to create a new account on your server or move to a different one.

Most people who want to "change their username" are actually looking to change their display name, which is quick and free. If you need a different handle, you have two paths: start fresh with a new account, or use Mastodon's account migration feature to move your followers to a new account while keeping your history.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name (what shows on your posts) can be changed anytime in settings; your handle (@username) cannot be changed on the same account.
  • To change your display name, go to Preferences, then Profile, and edit the Name field — the change is live when ready.
  • If you need a different handle, you can create a new account on the same server or a different one, or use account migration to move followers to a new account.
  • Account migration redirects followers to your new account but does not transfer your old posts or direct messages.

Changing your display name in settings

Open Mastodon in your web browser and log in. Click the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top left, then select Preferences. On the left sidebar, click Profile.

You will see a field labeled Name at the top of the form. This is your display name — the text that appears next to your avatar on posts and your profile page. Delete the current name and type the new one you want. You can use spaces, emoji, and special characters. Click Save changes at the bottom of the page. The new name appears on your profile and posts within seconds.

If you are using the Mastodon mobile app, the path is slightly different: tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap the three dots in the top right corner, then Edit profile. The Name field works the same way.

Understanding handles and why they cannot change

Your handle is the part that looks like @yourname@server.social. The first part (@yourname) is your username on that specific server, and the second part is the server's domain. Handles are permanent because they are how other people find and mention you across the Mastodon network. If handles could change, old mentions and links would break, and people would not know who you were.

This is different from Twitter or other platforms where you can change your @username. Mastodon's design prioritizes stability over flexibility because it is a decentralized network — changing a handle would create problems across many independent servers.

Creating a new account if you want a different handle

If you want a completely different handle, you can create a new account. You have two options: create another account on the same server (if the server allows multiple accounts per person), or create an account on a different Mastodon server.

To create a new account on the same server, log out, then go through the sign-up process again with a different username. Some servers limit how many accounts one person can have, so check the server's rules first. To create an account on a different server, visit a server directory like joinmastodon.org, pick a new server, and sign up there with your desired handle.

The downside is that your followers on your old account will not automatically follow your new one. You will need to tell them about the move, or use Mastodon's account migration feature (described below) to redirect them.

Using account migration to move followers to a new account

If you have built up a following and want to switch to a new handle without losing those followers, Mastodon offers account migration. This feature redirects people who visit your old profile to your new one and notifies your followers of the move.

First, create your new account with the handle you want. Then, on your old account, go to Preferences, click Account, scroll down to Move to a different account, and click the button. Mastodon will ask you to enter your new account's full handle (for example, @newname@server.social). You will also need to add a special code to your new account's profile to prove you own it — Mastodon will give you the code and tell you where to paste it.

Once the migration is complete, your old profile becomes a redirect. People who follow your old account will see a notification that you have moved and will be given the option to follow your new account. Your old posts and direct messages stay on the old account — migration does not transfer them. This is by design, because posts are tied to the server where they were created.

What happens to your old account after migration

After you migrate, your old account does not disappear, but it becomes inactive. The profile shows a message that you have moved, with a link to your new account. People can still see your old posts if they visit the old profile directly, but the account will not accept new followers or interactions.

You can delete the old account entirely if you want, but there is no requirement to do so. Some people keep the old account as an archive. If you delete it, all posts on that account are removed from the network.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my handle without creating a new account?

No. Handles are permanent on Mastodon because they are tied to your server and used across the network to identify you. If you need a different handle, you must create a new account. You can use migration to move your followers to the new account.

Will my followers automatically follow my new account if I migrate?

They will receive a notification that you have moved and will be offered the option to follow your new account, but they have to accept it. Not all followers will see the notification or choose to follow the new account, so you may lose some followers in the process.

Do my posts move to my new account when I migrate?

No. Your old posts stay on your old account. Migration only redirects your profile and notifies followers. If you want your posts on your new account, you would need to manually copy them or accept starting fresh.

Can I change my display name back to what it was before?

Yes. You can change your display name as many times as you want. Go back to Preferences, Profile, edit the Name field, and save. There is no limit on how often you can do this.

What if I want the same handle on a different server?

You can create a new account on a different server with the same username part (for example, @alice on server-a.social and @alice on server-b.social). They are technically different handles because the server part is different, but they will look similar. Use account migration to move your followers from the old server to the new one.