Change your Sporcle username from your account settings

You can change your Sporcle username by logging into your account, opening your profile settings, and selecting the option to edit your username. The change takes effect when ready, and your old username becomes available for other users to claim. You do not need to create a new account or lose your quiz history, points, or friends list.

Sporcle stores all your progress under your account, not under your username. When you change the name, your scores, streaks, and saved games stay with your account. Anyone who had you bookmarked or followed will see your new username the next time they visit your profile.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into Sporcle, click your profile icon in the top right, and select "Settings" to reach the username change option.
  • Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters and cannot contain spaces or most special characters.
  • The change is permanent once you confirm it, though you can change your username again after 30 days.
  • Your quiz scores, achievements, and friends list remain attached to your account after the change.
  • If you forget your username, you can log in using your email address instead.

Step-by-step: changing your username

Start by going to sporcle.com and logging in with your current username and password. If you are already logged in, you will see your profile icon in the top right corner of the page — it usually shows your current username or a small circular avatar.

Click that icon and look for a menu that drops down. Select "Settings" from the menu. You will be taken to your account settings page, which shows your email, password options, and other account details. Look for a field labeled "Username" or "Change Username" — this is where you enter your new name.

Type your new username into the field. Sporcle will show you whether the name is available as you type. If you see a green checkmark or "available" message, the username is free. If you see a red X or "taken" message, that name is already in use and you will need to choose a different one.

Once you have chosen an available username, scroll down and click the "Save" or "Update" button. Sporcle will ask you to confirm the change. Click "Confirm" or "Yes" when prompted. Your username is now changed, and you can log out and log back in using your new name.

Username rules and restrictions

Sporcle usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, periods, hyphens, or most other special characters, though the underscore is allowed.

Your username cannot be the same as any username currently in use on Sporcle, even if that account is inactive. If you want a username that is close to one you see, you can add a number or underscore to make it unique — for example, "QuizMaster" might be taken, but "QuizMaster_1" or "QuizMaster1" may be available.

Usernames are case-insensitive when you log in, meaning "QuizMaster" and "quizmaster" are treated as the same account. However, the case you choose when you set your username is how it will display on your profile and in leaderboards.

What happens to your account after you change your username

Your quiz scores, achievements, and all historical data stay with your account. Sporcle tracks progress by account ID, not by username, so changing your name does not reset anything. Your streak counter, your personal bests, and any badges you have earned remain exactly as they were.

Your friends list and followers also stay intact. Anyone who was following you will now see your new username on your profile. If you had a public profile or were ranked on any leaderboards, your new username will appear there instead of your old one.

If you had shared quiz links or created custom quizzes under your old username, those links still work and still show your new username. You do not need to update anything manually.

Waiting period between username changes

After you change your username, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. This rule prevents people from rapidly cycling through usernames or reclaiming old names. If you try to change your username before 30 days have passed, Sporcle will show you a message telling you when you will be able to change it next.

If you made a typo or chose a username you dislike, you will need to wait the full 30 days before you can switch to something else. Plan your username carefully the first time, or be prepared to live with your choice for a month.

Recovering a forgotten username

If you cannot remember your username, you do not have to create a new account. On the Sporcle login page, click "Forgot your username?" or look for a link that says "Need help logging in?" You will be asked to enter the email address associated with your Sporcle account.

Sporcle will send you an email with your current username. You can then use that username and your password to log in. If you have also forgotten your password, use the "Forgot your password?" link on the login page to reset it using your email address.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to my old one?

Not when ready. Once you change your username, your old name becomes available for other users to claim. If someone else takes it within 30 days, you cannot reclaim it. After 30 days, you can change your username again, but you would need to check whether your old name is still available.

What if my desired username is taken?

Try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. For example, if "SporcleKing" is taken, try "SporcleKing1" or "Sporcle_King". You can also check whether the account with that username is active by visiting their profile — if the account appears abandoned, you might try a slight variation instead.

Does changing my username affect my email or password?

No. Your email address and password remain the same. You log in using your username and password, so if you change your username, you will use the new name at login but your password stays unchanged. Your email address is never visible to other users.

Will my quiz links break if I change my username?

No. Links to your quizzes and profile will continue to work. Sporcle redirects old links to your new username automatically, so anyone who bookmarked your profile or shared a link to one of your quizzes will still reach the correct page.

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

No. Sporcle only allows letters, numbers, and underscores. Spaces, periods, hyphens, and symbols like @, #, $, or ! are not permitted. If you want to separate words, use an underscore instead — for example, "Quiz_Master" instead of "Quiz Master".