Where to find the username change option

On Freelancer, you change your username through your account settings, not through your profile page. Log in to your account, then click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner if you're on mobile, or look for your profile picture in the top right on desktop. Select Settings from the dropdown menu.

Once you're in Settings, look for the Account tab on the left side. This is where Freelancer keeps all the core details about your account — your email, password, and username. Click into the Account section and you'll see a field labeled Username with your current name displayed.

The username field will have an Edit button or pencil icon next to it. Click that to unlock the field so you can type a new username. If you don't see an Edit button, your account may have restrictions on username changes — this sometimes happens after a certain number of changes or if your account is flagged for review.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username is changed in Settings under the Account tab, not on your public profile page.
  • Freelancer allows you to change your username, but the platform may limit how often you can do this or restrict changes on certain accounts.
  • Your new username must be unique across Freelancer — you cannot use a name that another user already has.
  • Changing your username does not affect your work history, ratings, or portfolio; clients and employers can still find your past projects.
  • The change takes effect when ready after you save it, and your old username becomes available for other users to claim.

What makes a valid username on Freelancer

Freelancer has rules about what characters and length your username can be. Your username must be between 3 and 20 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like @, #, $, or %. If you try to save a username that breaks these rules, the system will show an error message telling you exactly what's not allowed.

The username you choose must also be unique — no other active user on Freelancer can have the same name. If you pick a username that's already taken, you'll see a message saying the name is unavailable. You'll need to choose something different. Freelancer does not hold usernames in reserve, so if someone else has claimed the name you want, your only option is to pick an alternative.

Restrictions on how often you can change

Freelancer does not publish a specific limit on username changes, but the platform does restrict them. Most users can change their username once every 30 days, though this timing can vary depending on your account history and whether Freelancer has flagged your account for any reason. If you've changed your username recently, you may see a message telling you when you're may be able to access to change it again.

If your account is under review or has been flagged for violating Freelancer's terms of service, you may not be able to change your username at all until the review is complete. In that case, the Settings page will either hide the Edit button or show a message explaining why the change is blocked. Contact Freelancer support if you believe the restriction is an error.

What happens to your profile and work history

When you change your username, your profile URL changes to match the new name. Any old links to your profile using your previous username will no longer work — they'll return a "not found" error. If you've shared your profile link with clients or posted it on other websites, you'll need to update those links to the new URL.

Your work history, portfolio, ratings, and reviews all stay attached to your account and remain visible to anyone who visits your new profile. Clients and employers who have worked with you before can still find your past projects and feedback. Your earnings history and account standing do not change. The only thing that changes is the name people see and the web address where your profile lives.

Updating your username across other platforms

Changing your Freelancer username does not automatically change your username on any other freelancing platform or social media account. If you use the same username on Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, or other sites, you'll need to change those separately using each platform's own settings. This is important if you want your professional brand to stay consistent across multiple sites.

Before you change your username on Freelancer, think about whether you want to update it everywhere else too. Changing usernames across multiple platforms at once can be confusing for clients trying to find you, so some freelancers wait until they have a gap in active projects. If you do change it, send a message to your regular clients letting them know your new username so they can find you again.

Troubleshooting when the change won't save

If you click Save and the username change doesn't go through, the most common reason is that the username is already taken by another user. Double-check the exact spelling of the name you're trying to use — Freelancer usernames are case-sensitive, so "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" are technically different, but both would be blocked if either one is already claimed. Try a slight variation, like adding a number or hyphen.

If the username is available but still won't save, clear your browser cache and try again. Sometimes a browser glitch prevents the form from submitting properly. If you're still stuck after clearing the cache, try using a different browser or device. If the problem persists, contact Freelancer support through the Help Center and describe exactly what error message you're seeing — they can check whether your account has a restriction in place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for other users. If you want to switch back, you'll need to wait until you're may be able to access for another change (usually 30 days) and hope the original name is still unclaimed. If someone else has taken it, you cannot use it again.

Will my clients still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes, if they search for your name or look through their past projects. Your work history and ratings stay on your account, so anyone who has worked with you can find you through your portfolio or message history. However, if they try to visit your profile using an old link with your previous username, that link will be broken. Send them a message with your new profile link.

Does changing my username affect my payment or earnings?

No. Your earnings, payment method, and account balance are all tied to your account itself, not your username. Changing your username does not touch any of that information. You'll still receive payments the same way, and your earnings history remains intact.

What if the username I want is taken but the account looks inactive?

Freelancer does not release inactive usernames. Even if an account has not been used in years, the username stays reserved to that account. You cannot claim it or request that Freelancer free it up. Your only option is to choose a different username.

Can I use special characters like dots or underscores in my username?

You can use underscores and hyphens, but not dots or other special characters. Freelancer only allows letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. If you try to use a dot, @, #, or any other symbol, the system will reject it and tell you which characters are not allowed.