Where to find the username setting on your phone

The location of your username setting depends on which app or service you are using, because each one stores this information differently. Unlike your phone's main settings, where you change your device name or password, username changes live inside the individual apps themselves.

Start by opening the app where you want to change your username. Look for a menu icon — usually three horizontal lines (called a hamburger menu), three dots stacked vertically, or a gear icon. This menu is most often in the top right or bottom right corner of the screen, though some apps place it at the bottom center.

Once you tap the menu, look for words like "Settings", "Account", "Profile", or "My Account". Tap that option. From there, you should see a field labeled "Username", "Display Name", or "User ID". The exact wording varies by app.

Key Takeaways

  • Username settings are inside each app, not in your phone's main settings — open the app first, then look for a menu icon in the top or bottom corner.
  • Most apps require you to enter your current password before allowing a username change, as a security check.
  • Some services limit how often you can change your username, so check whether there is a waiting period before you try again.
  • If the username you want is already taken, the app will tell you when ready and you will need to choose a different one.
  • Changes usually take effect within seconds on mobile, though some apps may require you to log out and back in to see the new name everywhere.

Steps to change your username in most apps

Once you have found the username field, tap it to select it. The text box should highlight and your keyboard should appear. Delete the old username entirely — do not try to edit it in place, because some apps require the field to be completely blank before accepting a new entry.

Type your new username. As you type, the app may show you whether that name is available. A green checkmark or "available" message means you can use it. A red X or "taken" message means someone else has that username and you will need to choose something different.

After you have entered a username the app accepts, look for a "Save", "Update", "Confirm", or "Done" button. Tap it. The app may ask you to enter your password again — this is a security step and is normal. Type your password and tap the confirmation button.

Wait a few seconds. Most apps show a message saying "Username updated" or "Changes saved". If you see an error message instead, read it carefully — it usually tells you what went wrong, such as the username being too short, containing forbidden characters, or already being taken by someone else.

What to do if you cannot find the username setting

Some apps hide the username setting deeper in the menu structure. If you do not see it in the main Account or Settings section, look for a "Profile" option, then tap "Edit Profile" or "Edit Account Details". The username field is often grouped with other personal information like your email or display name.

If you still cannot find it, the app may not allow username changes through mobile. Some services only let you change your username on a computer through their website. In that case, open a web browser on your phone, go to the service's website, log in, and look for the username setting there — the steps are usually the same, but the layout is different.

Another possibility is that the app calls it something other than "username". Look for fields labeled "Handle", "Account Name", "User ID", or "Login Name". These are often the same thing with different labels.

Restrictions and waiting periods you should know about

Many services limit how often you can change your username as a way to prevent abuse and keep usernames stable. You might be able to change it once per month, once per year, or only once ever. The app should tell you this limit before or after you make a change — look for text that says "You can change your username again in 30 days" or "You have one username change remaining".

Some apps also restrict what characters you can use. Most usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters long and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens. Spaces, special characters like @, #, or !, and accented letters are usually not allowed. If you try to use a forbidden character, the app will reject it and tell you what is not permitted.

A few services do not allow you to change your username at all once it is created. If this is the case, the app will not show an edit button next to your username field — it will just display your current name without any way to change it. In that situation, your only option is to create a new account with a different username.

How to change your username on specific popular apps

Instagram: Tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap the three horizontal lines at the top right. Tap "Settings and privacy", then "Account", then "Username". Delete your old username and type the new one. Tap "Done" at the top right.

TikTok: Tap "Me" at the bottom right, then tap the three horizontal lines at the top right. Tap "Settings and privacy", then "Account", then "Username". Type your new username and tap "Save".

Discord: Tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap the gear icon next to your name. Scroll down to "Username" and tap it. Type your new username and tap "Done". Discord allows one free username change every 60 days.

Snapchat: Tap your profile icon at the top left, then tap the gear icon at the top right. Scroll down to "Username" — note that Snapchat does not allow you to change your username after you create your account. Your username is permanent.

Reddit: Tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap "Settings". Tap "Account", then scroll to "Username". Reddit does not allow username changes — your username is permanent once created.

What happens after you change your username

In most apps, your new username takes effect when ready. Your friends and followers will see the new name the next time they look at your profile or see your posts. Old messages you sent will still show your new username, not the old one.

Some apps require you to log out and log back in before the change appears everywhere in the app. If you change your username and still see the old one in some places, try closing the app completely and opening it again. On most phones, you can do this by swiping up from the bottom of the screen (on newer iPhones) or swiping down from the top (on Android) to see your open apps, then swiping up on the app to close it.

If you have shared a link to your profile with someone, that link usually still works after you change your username. Most apps use a permanent ID number behind the scenes, so the link points to you, not to your old username. However, if someone tries to search for your old username, they will not find you — they will need to search for your new username instead.

Troubleshooting common problems

The username field is grayed out and you cannot tap it: This usually means the app does not allow changes right now, or you have already used your one change for this month or year. Check the text near the field — it should explain when you can change it again. If there is no explanation, try logging out of the app completely and logging back in, then check again.

You get an error message saying the username is taken: The name you chose is already in use by someone else. Try adding numbers to the end, using an underscore or hyphen, or choosing a completely different name. The app will tell you when ready whether the new option is available.

You changed your username but it is not showing up everywhere: Close the app completely and open it again. If it still shows the old name in some places after 5 minutes, try logging out and logging back in. This forces the app to refresh your profile information from the server.

The app says your username contains forbidden characters: Delete any spaces, special characters (@, #, !, etc.), or accented letters. Stick to letters, numbers, underscores, and hyphens only. Try again with a simpler username.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Only if the app allows you to change your username more than once and you have not used up your changes. If you changed it once and the app says "You can change your username again in 30 days", you can change it back after that waiting period ends. If the app says you have used your one lifetime change, you cannot go back.

Will changing my username affect my password or login?

No. Your password stays the same. You will still log in using your email address or phone number, not your username. The username is just what other people see — it does not change how you access your account.

What if I want to change my username but someone else has the one I want?

You cannot take someone else's username. Try variations like adding numbers, using an underscore or hyphen, or choosing a different name entirely. Most apps show you when ready whether a name is available, so you can try different options until you find one that works.

Do I need to tell my friends my new username?

If your friends follow you or have you added, they will see your new username automatically in the app. You only need to tell them if they search for you by your old username — in that case, give them your new username so they can find you.

Can I change my username on the website instead of the app?

Yes. Most services let you change your username on either the mobile app or the website, and the change syncs across both. If you are having trouble on the app, try opening the service's website in a mobile browser and changing it there instead.