Where to find the username change option

On Freelancer, you change your username through your account settings, not through a separate 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 stores your username, email, and other core account information. You'll see your current username displayed in a field labeled "Username" — this is the field you'll edit.

Key Takeaways

  • Your username change happens in Settings > Account, accessible from your profile menu in the top right corner.
  • Freelancer allows you to change your username once every 30 days, and the new name must be between 3 and 20 characters with no spaces or special characters.
  • Your new username takes effect when ready, but clients and other users will see it right away — there's no waiting period.
  • Changing your username does not affect your portfolio, ratings, or work history; all your past projects and reviews stay attached to your account.

Rules for your new username

Freelancer enforces specific rules about what your username can be. It must be between 3 and 20 characters long, contain only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores — no spaces or special characters like @, #, or &. The username is case-insensitive, meaning "JamesRodriguez" and "jamesrodriguez" are treated as the same account.

You cannot use a username that is already taken by another Freelancer member. If you try to save a name that someone else has claimed, the system will tell you it's unavailable and ask you to choose something different. Usernames are unique across the entire platform.

The 30-day waiting period between changes

Freelancer limits how often you can change your username to once every 30 days. If you changed your username recently, you'll see a message in the Settings page telling you when you'll be able to change it again. This rule applies whether you changed it yourself or it was changed as part of account recovery.

If you need to change your username urgently and have already used your one change this month, your only option is to wait until the 30-day window closes. There is no way to bypass this restriction or request an exception.

What happens to your profile and work history

When you change your username, your portfolio, ratings, reviews, and all completed projects stay with your account. Clients who have worked with you will still see your work history and feedback, even though your name has changed. Your profile URL will update to reflect your new username, but old links to your profile will automatically redirect to the new one.

Your earnings, payment history, and any active contracts are not affected by a username change. If you're in the middle of a project, your client will see your new username the next time they view the project page or message thread.

Saving your new username

After you type your new username into the field, click the Save button at the bottom of the Account settings page. Freelancer will check whether the name is available and meets all the character requirements. If there's a problem — the name is taken, contains invalid characters, or is too short — you'll see an error message explaining what went wrong.

Once you click Save and the change goes through, your new username is live when ready. You don't need to log out and back in. Refresh the page and you'll see your new username displayed in your profile menu and throughout your account.

If you can't find the Settings page

On the Freelancer mobile app, the Settings option may be in a different location depending on your device. On iPhone, swipe from the left edge of the screen to open the side menu, then tap Settings. On Android, tap the three-dot menu icon and look for Settings in the list. The Account tab will be in the same place once you're inside Settings.

If you're logged out or having trouble accessing your account, you can log back in at freelancer.com and try again. If Settings doesn't appear in your menu at all, check whether your account has any restrictions or holds on it — some accounts with payment disputes or policy violations have limited access to settings until the issue is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, but only after 30 days have passed since your last change. If you changed your username and want to revert to the old one, you'll need to wait until the 30-day window closes, then make the change. The old username must not have been claimed by someone else in the meantime.

Will my clients be confused if I change my username?

Your work history and all past messages stay attached to your account, so clients can still find your portfolio and see that it's you. However, if you have an active project, it's a good idea to let your client know about the change in your next message so they don't wonder who they're talking to.

What if someone else took the username I want?

Usernames on Freelancer are first-come, first-served. If the name you want is already taken, you'll need to choose something different. You can try adding a number or underscore to make it unique — for example, "james_rodriguez" instead of "jamesrodriguez".

Does changing my username affect my Freelancer rating or reviews?

No. Your rating, reviews, and all feedback from past clients remain on your account and are visible to anyone who views your profile. The username change is purely cosmetic and does not touch your reputation or work history.