Where to find the username change option
Ashley Madison lets you change your username from your account settings, not from your profile page. Log in to your account on the website or open the mobile app, then look for the menu icon (three horizontal lines on mobile, or your account name in the top right on desktop). Select "Settings" or "Account Settings" depending on which platform you're using.
Once you're in Settings, look for a section labeled "Profile" or "Account Information." The username field should appear there alongside your email address and other account details. Unlike some dating apps, Ashley Madison doesn't hide this option behind multiple menus — it's a straightforward edit field once you know where to look.
Key Takeaways
- You can change your username through Settings on either the website or mobile app by navigating to your Account Information or Profile section.
- Ashley Madison allows you to change your username as often as you want, with no waiting period between changes.
- Your new username takes effect when ready across the platform, but other users' saved messages and conversations will still show your old username in their chat history.
- If your desired username is already taken, you'll see an error message and will need to choose a different one.
- Changing your username does not affect your account security, password, or payment information.
What happens when you submit a new username
After you type in your new username and click "Save" or "Confirm," the change goes live within seconds. Your profile will display the new name to other users when ready. However, any previous conversations or messages you've exchanged with other users will still show your old username in their message threads — the app doesn't retroactively update old chat history.
If you're changing your username because you want a fresh start or more privacy, keep in mind that users who have already seen your profile or saved your messages will have that information. Changing your username alone won't erase your profile history or past interactions.
Restrictions and limitations on usernames
Ashley Madison has basic rules for what characters and formats your username can use. Usernames typically must be between 3 and 20 characters, contain only letters, numbers, and underscores, and cannot start with a number. Spaces and special characters like hyphens, periods, or @ symbols are not allowed.
The platform also prevents you from using usernames that are already taken by another active account. If you try to save a username that someone else has claimed, you'll get an error message telling you the name is unavailable. You'll need to choose a different combination and try again.
How often you can change your username
Unlike some platforms that impose waiting periods between username changes, Ashley Madison allows you to change your username as many times as you want. There is no cooldown period, no limit per month, and no fee. If you decide you don't like your new username five minutes after changing it, you can change it again when ready.
This flexibility means you can experiment with different usernames without penalty. However, frequent changes may confuse people you're messaging with, since they'll see your old name in previous conversations but your new name in new messages.
Changing your username on mobile versus desktop
The steps are nearly identical on both the Ashley Madison website and the mobile app, but the menu layout differs slightly. On the website, click your account name or avatar in the top right corner, then select "Settings." On the mobile app, tap the three-line menu icon at the bottom or top of the screen (depending on your phone's operating system), then tap "Settings."
From there, both versions take you to the same account settings page where you'll find your username field. If you're having trouble locating Settings on mobile, check whether you're using the official Ashley Madison app or a mobile web browser — the layout can vary slightly between the two.
What to do if your preferred username is taken
If the username you want is already in use, you have a few options. You can add numbers to the end (for example, changing "Alex" to "Alex42"), use an underscore in the middle ("Alex_M"), or choose a completely different name. Some users add the current year or their initials to make a username unique.
You can also check whether a username might become available in the future if the account holding it becomes inactive. Ashley Madison does eventually deactivate accounts that haven't been used for extended periods, though the platform doesn't publish a specific timeline for when that happens. For now, your best approach is to pick an alternative that you're comfortable with.
Privacy and safety considerations when choosing a new username
Your username is visible to everyone on the platform, so avoid using information that could identify you in real life — your real name, workplace, hometown, or phone number should never appear in your username. The more generic and disconnected from your actual identity, the better.
If you're changing your username specifically for privacy reasons, remember that this change alone doesn't make your profile invisible or remove it from search results. Your photos, age, location, and any written profile information remain visible to other users. A new username is one layer of privacy, but it's not a complete reset of your presence on the platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username log me out of the app?
No. Changing your username does not affect your login credentials or session. You'll stay logged in on all your devices, and you won't need to enter your password again. Your email address and password remain the same — only the display name changes.
Can I see what username I used before?
Ashley Madison does not provide a history of your previous usernames within the app. Once you change it, the old name is no longer visible in your account settings. If you need to remember what it was, you would have to rely on your own notes or memory.
If I change my username, will people still be able to find me?
People who know your old username won't be able to search for it anymore. However, if they search by your age, location, or other profile details, they may still find you. Your profile itself doesn't disappear — only the specific username changes.
Does changing my username affect my matches or conversations?
Your existing matches and conversations remain intact. The people you've been messaging will see your new username on new messages, but old messages in the thread will still show your old username. They won't lose access to your conversation history.
What if I forget to save my username change?
If you type a new username but close the settings page without clicking "Save" or "Confirm," the change won't go through and your old username will remain active. Always look for a save button or confirmation prompt before leaving the settings page.