Where to find your App Store username settings

Your App Store username lives in your account settings, not in a separate app. On an iPhone or iPad, open the App Store app, tap the profile icon in the top right corner, then tap your name at the top of the screen. This takes you to your account page. Tap "Name, Phone Numbers, Email" to see your current username and the option to change it.

On a Mac, open the App Store app from your Applications folder. Click your account name in the top right corner, then select "Account Settings" from the menu. You'll see your username listed under your name. Click "Edit" next to it to make changes.

If you use a Windows PC, you cannot manage your App Store username through a Windows app — Apple does not make an App Store process for Windows. Instead, visit appleid.apple.com in your web browser, sign in with your Apple ID, and look for the "Name, Phone Numbers, Email" section to change your username there.

Key Takeaways

  • Your App Store username is part of your Apple ID account, so changing it requires access to your Apple ID settings, not the App Store app itself.
  • On iPhone and iPad, go to the App Store app, tap your profile icon, then tap your name and select "Name, Phone Numbers, Email."
  • On Mac, open the App Store app and click your account name in the top right, then select "Account Settings."
  • On Windows, visit appleid.apple.com in a web browser and update your username from the "Name, Phone Numbers, Email" section.
  • You can change your username once every 30 days, and the new name must be between 6 and 30 characters.

What counts as a valid App Store username

Apple has specific rules about what characters and length your username can be. Your username must be between 6 and 30 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces are not allowed, and you cannot use special characters like @, #, $, or &.

Your username must also be unique — no two people can have the same one. If you try to save a name that someone else already uses, the system will tell you it's taken and ask you to choose something different. Apple does not reserve usernames, so if you want a particular name, you need to claim it before someone else does.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Once you change your App Store username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. This rule applies whether you change it on your phone, computer, or through the web. If you try to change it again before 30 days have passed, you'll see a message telling you when you can make your next change.

This means you should be confident in your choice before you save it. If you realize when ready after changing your username that you made a typo or want something different, you'll have to wait the full month before you can fix it. Take a moment to double-check the spelling and make sure it's something you're comfortable with.

How your username appears to other people

Your App Store username is visible to other users when they view your profile or see your reviews and ratings in the App Store. If you leave a review of an app, your username appears next to it. People can tap your username to see your other reviews and your profile information.

Your username is different from your display name. Your display name is what appears on your Apple ID profile and in some Apple services, but your App Store username is what shows up specifically in the App Store app and on app review pages. You can have a different display name and username if you want.

Troubleshooting when the change won't save

If you try to change your username and get an error message, the most common reason is that the name you chose is already taken. Try a different combination of letters and numbers. You can also add numbers to the end of a name you like — for example, if "james.rodriguez" is taken, try "james.rodriguez42".

If the system says your username contains invalid characters, check that you're only using letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and underscores. Remove any spaces or special characters and try again. If you're still having trouble, sign out of your Apple ID completely, wait a few minutes, and sign back in, then try the change again.

Make sure you have a strong internet connection when you change your username. A weak connection can cause the change to fail partway through. If you're on Wi-Fi, try moving closer to your router or switching to a mobile data connection to see if that helps.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your App Store username, your old username becomes available for someone else to use. Apple does not hold it for you or let you reclaim it later. If you think you might want to go back to an old username, you should know that you may not be able to get it back — someone else could claim it in the meantime.

Your old reviews and ratings stay attached to your new username. You don't lose your review history or your app purchase history when you change your username. Everything you've done in the App Store stays connected to your Apple ID account, regardless of what username you're currently using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No. Apple enforces a 30-day waiting period between username changes. Once you change your username, you must wait exactly 30 days before you can change it again. The system will show you the date when your next change becomes available.

Is my App Store username the same as my Apple ID email address?

No. Your Apple ID email address and your App Store username are separate. Your email is what you use to sign into your Apple account. Your username is a display name that appears in the App Store. You can change one without changing the other.

What if someone else is using the username I want?

You cannot use a username that someone else has already claimed. Try adding numbers, a period, or a hyphen to make it unique. For example, add the year you were born or a number that means something to you. You can also choose a completely different name.

Will changing my username affect my app purchases?

No. Your app purchases, subscriptions, and downloads are tied to your Apple ID account, not to your username. Changing your username does not affect what apps you own or your ability to read them.

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

No. App Store usernames can only contain letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like @, #, $, %, and & are not allowed. Keep your username straightforward and stick to those five allowed character types.