Where to find your username settings in CoStar

Your CoStar username lives in your account settings, not in the main menu. Log in to your CoStar account, then look for your profile icon or name in the top right corner of the screen — this is usually a small circle with your initials or a person symbol. Click it to open a dropdown menu.

From that menu, select "Account Settings" or "Profile Settings" (the exact wording depends on which CoStar product you use — CoStar Property, CoStar Comps, or LoopNet). This takes you to a page where you can see your current username and the option to change it.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username settings are in the profile menu in the top right corner of CoStar, not in the main navigation.
  • You will need your current password to confirm any username change for security reasons.
  • Your new username must be unique across the CoStar platform — you cannot use a name someone else already has.
  • The change takes effect when ready, but you will log out and need to sign back in with your new username.
  • If you cannot find the settings option, check whether you have the right permission level in your account — some team members cannot change their own usernames.

The steps to change your username

Once you are in Account Settings, locate the field that shows your current username. Next to it, you should see an "Edit" button or a pencil icon. Click that to unlock the field for editing.

Type your new username into the field. CoStar will check in real time whether that name is available — if you see a red error message, the username is already taken and you will need to choose something different. Keep trying variations until you find one that is available.

After you enter a username that passes the availability check, you will be asked to enter your current password to confirm the change. This is a security step — CoStar wants to make sure it is really you making this change. Type your password and click "Save" or "Confirm".

CoStar will log you out when ready. When you log back in, use your new username instead of the old one. Your password does not change — only the username does.

What username rules CoStar enforces

CoStar usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters long. You can use letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or special characters like @, #, $, or &.

Your username must be unique — no two people on CoStar can have the same one. If you try a name that someone else already uses, CoStar will reject it when ready and ask you to pick something else. This is why having a backup option in mind before you start is helpful.

CoStar does not allow usernames that impersonate staff members, use offensive language, or mimic official company accounts. If you choose a username that violates these rules, CoStar support may ask you to change it again.

When you cannot change your username yourself

If you work for a company that uses CoStar as a team, your account administrator may have locked down username changes. This is common in larger organizations that want to keep usernames consistent with their internal naming system.

If you do not see an "Edit" button next to your username, or if the field is grayed out, contact your company's CoStar administrator or your IT department. They can change it for you or grant you permission to change it yourself. Do not contact CoStar support directly for this — they will refer you back to your administrator anyway.

Troubleshooting a stuck or failed change

If you clicked "Save" but the page did not update, refresh your browser and log out completely, then log back in with your new username. Sometimes the change goes through but the page does not reflect it right away.

If you get an error message saying "Username change failed" or "Something went wrong," wait a few minutes and try again. CoStar's servers occasionally have brief delays. If the error persists after three attempts, clear your browser cache and cookies, then try once more from a different browser if you have one available.

If you are locked out of your account after changing your username — for example, you changed it but cannot remember the new one — use the "Forgot username?" link on the CoStar login page. CoStar will send a recovery email to the address on file with your account.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Your old username becomes available for someone else to use when ready after you change it. CoStar does not hold old usernames in reserve. If you think you might want to go back to your old username later, write it down before you make the change.

Any links, bookmarks, or saved references to your old username will not work after the change. If other people have your username saved in their contacts or shared documents, you will need to tell them your new username so they can update their records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your password stays the same. Only your username changes. You will use the same password to log in with your new username.

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

Only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Since old usernames become available when ready, someone else may have taken it. If you want to keep a username reserved, do not change it unless you are certain you will not need it again.

What if my company uses CoStar and I do not see the Account Settings option?

Your administrator may have restricted access to username changes. Contact your company's CoStar administrator or IT support — they manage username settings for team accounts and can make the change for you or unlock the permission.

How long does it take for my new username to work everywhere in CoStar?

The change is when ready. After you log back in with your new username, it works across all CoStar products and services you have access to. You do not need to wait or update anything else.

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

No. CoStar only allows letters, numbers, periods, hyphens, and underscores. Spaces and special characters like @, #, $, or & will be rejected when you try to save.