AOL usernames cannot be changed directly through your account settings

AOL does not offer a built-in tool to change your username once it is created. Your AOL email address — the part before @aol.com — is permanent and tied to your account. If you want a different email address, you will need to create a new AOL account with the username you prefer, then transfer your contacts, emails, and settings to that new account.

This is different from changing your display name or password. Your display name (the name that appears when you send emails) can be changed anytime. Your password can be reset if you forget it. But the username itself — the actual email address — stays the same for the life of that account.

Key Takeaways

  • AOL usernames cannot be changed; you must create a new account if you want a different email address.
  • You can change your display name (the name shown in emails) without changing your username.
  • Before creating a new account, export your contacts and read important emails from your current account.
  • Once you set up the new account, you can forward mail from your old address to the new one for a transition period.

Create a new AOL account with your preferred username

Go to the AOL sign-up page at aol.com. Click "Create account" or "Sign up" (the exact button name changes occasionally). Enter the username you want — this is what will appear before @aol.com in your email address. AOL will tell you when ready if that username is already taken. If it is, try variations: adding numbers, using a middle initial, or choosing a different word entirely.

Complete the rest of the sign-up form with your real name, recovery email address (this should be a different email you control, not your old AOL address), phone number, and date of birth. AOL uses these details to verify your identity if you ever need to recover your account. Choose a strong password — at least 12 characters, mixing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Export contacts and emails from your current account

Before you stop using your old AOL account, read everything you need. Sign into your current AOL account and go to the Contacts section. Look for an export or read option — this is usually a menu icon (three horizontal lines) or a settings gear. Export your contacts as a CSV file or vCard file, which you can then import into your new account.

For emails, AOL does not have a straightforward one-click export tool. If you have emails you must keep, forward them to yourself at your new AOL address, or use a third-party email client like Thunderbird or Outlook to read them. These programs can connect to your AOL account and save emails to your computer. This process takes longer but preserves everything.

Import contacts into your new AOL account

Sign into your new AOL account. Go to Contacts and look for an import or upload option. Select the CSV or vCard file you exported from your old account. AOL will read the file and add those contacts to your new account. Check that all contacts imported correctly — sometimes formatting issues can cause problems, especially with phone numbers or addresses.

If the import does not work, you can add contacts manually, though this is time-consuming for large lists. Alternatively, you can use the address book sync feature if you use Outlook or another email client that connects to AOL.

Set up mail forwarding from your old address

Go back to your old AOL account and look for forwarding settings. In the Mail Settings or Preferences section, find the option to forward incoming mail. Enter your new AOL email address. This way, any emails sent to your old address will automatically go to your new one. You can keep this forwarding active for as long as you need — weeks, months, or indefinitely.

Forwarding does not move old emails; it only sends new incoming mail to your new address. Your old account will still contain all the emails you received before you set up forwarding. You can leave the old account open for reference, or delete it once you are confident you have transferred everything you need.

Notify contacts of your new email address

Send an email from your new AOL account to the people and organizations that matter most — friends, family, work contacts, and any services that send you important messages. Keep the message straightforward: explain that you have a new email address and ask them to update their records. Include both your old and new addresses so there is no confusion.

For services like banking, shopping sites, or subscription services, log into each account and update your email address in the account settings. This ensures you receive password resets, receipts, and notifications at your new address. Prioritize accounts that handle money or sensitive information.

Delete your old account after the transition period

Wait at least one to two months before deleting your old AOL account. This gives you time to catch any services or contacts you missed, and it lets you confirm that forwarding is working properly. During this time, check your old account occasionally to see if any important mail arrives that you did not expect.

When you are ready to delete the old account, go to Account Settings and look for a "Delete Account" or "Close Account" option. AOL will ask you to confirm and may require you to enter your password. Once deleted, the account cannot be recovered, and no one else can claim that username — it becomes unavailable permanently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change just the part before @aol.com without creating a new account?

No. AOL does not allow username changes on existing accounts. The email address is permanent once created. Creating a new account is the only way to get a different username.

What is the difference between my username and my display name?

Your username is your actual email address (example@aol.com) and cannot be changed. Your display name is what appears in the "From" field when you send emails and can be changed anytime in your account settings. You can have a display name like "John Smith" while your username stays the same.

Will people still be able to email my old address after I create a new account?

Yes, if you set up mail forwarding. Emails sent to your old address will automatically forward to your new one. However, if you delete the old account without setting up forwarding first, emails to that address will bounce back to the sender.

How long does it take to create a new AOL account?

The sign-up process takes about five minutes. Your new account is active when ready and ready to use. However, importing contacts and transferring emails can take longer depending on how much data you have.

What happens to my old emails if I delete my old account?

Deleting your AOL account permanently removes all emails, contacts, and files stored in that account. They cannot be recovered. read or forward important emails before you delete the account.