You cannot change your Upwork username after you create it
Upwork does not allow you to edit your username once your account is set up. The username you choose during registration is permanent — there is no setting, button, or support process to alter it later. If you need a different username, your only option is to create a new Upwork account with the username you want.
This is different from your display name, which you can change anytime. Your display name is what clients see on your profile and in messages. Your username is what you use to log in, and it appears in your Upwork URL (for example, upwork.com/o/profiles/users/yourname). Upwork treats these as separate things for security reasons — changing the login credential would create complications with account recovery and payment history.
Key Takeaways
- Upwork usernames cannot be changed once created, so you must create a new account if you want a different login name.
- Your display name (what clients see) is separate from your username (what you log in with) and can be changed in account settings.
- Creating a new account means starting fresh with no portfolio, reviews, or job history on the new profile.
- Before you create a new account, check whether changing your display name alone solves the problem you are trying to fix.
How to change your display name instead
If the issue is how your name appears to clients, change your display name instead — this takes two minutes and keeps your account history intact. Log into Upwork, click the profile icon in the top right corner, and select "Settings." Go to the "Profile" tab and look for "Full Name" or "Display Name" depending on your account type. Edit the field to what you want clients to see, then save.
Your display name change takes effect when ready on your profile and in all future messages with clients. Existing messages and past job history will still show your old display name, but new clients will see the updated one. This is the fastest way to fix a name that no longer represents you or your business.
When you need to create a new account
Create a new Upwork account only if you truly need a different username — the login name itself, not just how your name appears. Before you do, understand what you are giving up: a new account starts with zero portfolio items, zero reviews, zero job history, and zero earnings record. Clients trust profiles with established work history, so a brand-new profile will be harder to land jobs on.
If you are creating a new account because your current one has a poor reputation or negative reviews, a fresh start makes sense. If you are creating one just because you do not like how your name sounds, changing your display name is almost always the better choice. The only other common reason is if your current account is locked or compromised and Upwork support cannot recover it — in that case, a new account is necessary.
Steps to create a new Upwork account with a different username
Go to upwork.com and click "Sign Up." You will be asked whether you are a freelancer or a client — choose freelancer. Enter an email address you have not used on Upwork before. Upwork will not let you register the same email twice, so if your current account uses your main email, use a secondary one or create a new email first.
On the next screen, enter the username you want. Upwork will tell you when ready if it is already taken. If it is, try variations — adding numbers, changing the order of words, or using an abbreviation. Once you find one that is available, enter it and continue. You will then set a password, answer security questions, and build out your profile from scratch: work history, portfolio, skills, rate, and bio.
Do not delete your old account right away. Keep it active for at least a few weeks while you transition clients to your new profile. Send a message to any active clients letting them know you have moved to a new account and include a link to your new profile. Once all your active work is moved over and you have confirmed the new account is working, you can request account deletion through Upwork support if you want.
What happens to your old account
Your old Upwork account and all its history remain on Upwork's servers even if you stop using it. You can log back in anytime. Upwork does not automatically delete inactive accounts, and there is no time limit — your account will stay there until you request deletion or until you pass away (at which point a family member can request it).
If you want the old account gone, contact Upwork support through the help center and request permanent account deletion. They will ask you to confirm your identity and may ask why you are leaving. Once deleted, the account cannot be recovered, and the username becomes available for someone else to use after a waiting period. The deletion process can take a few weeks to complete.
Protecting your new username choice
Once you choose a username on your new account, treat it as permanent. Before you finalize it, say it out loud and imagine seeing it on invoices, in client messages, and on your portfolio for the next five years. Check that it is spelled correctly, that it does not contain typos that change the meaning, and that it is professional enough for the type of work you do.
If you are worried the username might be taken by someone else later, do not be — Upwork does not release usernames of active accounts. Your username is yours as long as your account exists. The only way someone else gets it is if you delete your account and then they register it during the waiting period after deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Upwork support change my username for me?
No. Upwork support has stated clearly that usernames cannot be changed under any circumstances, even by their staff. If you need a different username, you must create a new account. Support can help you with other profile issues like display name changes or account recovery, but not username changes.
Will my new account have access to my old earnings and payment history?
No. Each Upwork account is separate. Your new account will not see earnings, payments, or job history from your old account. If you need to reference past work for a client or for tax purposes, you can still log into your old account to view that information.
Can I use the same email address for both accounts?
No. Upwork requires a unique email address for each account. If you want to keep both accounts active, you will need to use different email addresses. You can add secondary email addresses to your old account in settings, but the primary email must be unique to that account.
What if the username I want is already taken?
Try variations: add numbers at the end, use an underscore or hyphen, shorten your name, or use initials. Upwork will show you when ready whether each option is available as you type. If your exact first choice is taken and you cannot find a variation you like, you may need to wait — but Upwork does not release usernames of active accounts, so waiting will not help unless the account holder deletes theirs.
Should I tell clients I am moving to a new account?
Yes, especially if you have active contracts or ongoing relationships. Send a message through your old account explaining that you have created a new profile and include a link to it. This prevents clients from thinking you disappeared and gives them a way to find you. For past clients you are not currently working with, a message is optional but can help if they want to hire you again.