Where to find the username change option in BIGO
To change your username on BIGO Live, open the app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From your profile page, tap the edit icon (usually a pencil symbol) next to your current username. BIGO will open a text field where you can type your new username and confirm the change.
The exact location of these buttons can shift slightly between app updates, but the profile section is always your starting point. If you cannot find an edit option on your profile, check that you are logged into the account you want to change — BIGO does not allow you to edit another person's profile.
Key Takeaways
- Your new username must be between 3 and 20 characters and can include letters, numbers, and underscores, but not spaces or special characters.
- BIGO allows you to change your username once every 30 days, so choose carefully before you confirm.
- Your old username becomes available for other users to claim after you change it, so you cannot switch back to it later.
- Changing your username does not affect your account history, followers, or the content you have posted.
Username rules and what BIGO will reject
BIGO has specific rules about what characters and words you can use. Your username must be 3 to 20 characters long and can contain letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and underscores. BIGO will not accept spaces, periods, hyphens, or other punctuation marks in your username.
BIGO also blocks usernames that contain profanity, impersonate public figures, or violate the platform's community guidelines. If you try to use a name that breaks these rules, BIGO will show an error message and ask you to choose something different. The system does not tell you exactly why a name was rejected, so if you hit a block, try removing numbers or shortening the name and try again.
The 30-day waiting period between changes
Once you change your username, you must wait 30 days before you can change it again. This limit applies to your entire account, not to individual usernames. If you change your username today, the next change will not be available until 30 days from now, even if you want to switch back to your old name.
Because of this restriction, take time to think about your new username before you confirm. Write it out, say it aloud, and make sure it is something you will be comfortable with for at least a month. If you realize when ready after changing it that you made a mistake, you will have to wait the full 30 days to fix it.
What happens to your old username after you change it
When you change your username, your old name does not stay reserved for you. Other BIGO users can claim your previous username as soon as you change yours. This means you cannot straightforward switch back and forth between two names you like — once you move on from a username, it is gone.
Your account history, followers, and posted content stay with your account and follow you to your new username. People who were following you will still see your new name in their follower list. However, anyone who bookmarked or shared a link to your old profile using the old username will find that link no longer works.
Troubleshooting: username change not working
If the edit button does not appear on your profile, first check that you are using the latest version of the BIGO app. Open your device's app store, search for BIGO Live, and install any available updates. Outdated versions sometimes have bugs that hide the edit option.
If updating does not help, try logging out completely and logging back in. Close the BIGO app entirely, wait a few seconds, and reopen it. Log in again with your credentials and return to your profile. This refresh often restores missing buttons or options.
If you still cannot see the edit option after updating and logging back in, your account may have a restriction. BIGO sometimes limits username changes on accounts that have violated community guidelines or been flagged for suspicious activity. In this case, contact BIGO support through the app's help menu and describe what you are seeing.
How your username differs from your display name
Your username is the unique identifier that appears in your profile URL and is what other users see when they search for you. Your display name is the name that shows up on your posts and comments, and you can change it without waiting 30 days. If you want to change how your name appears without triggering the 30-day restriction, edit your display name instead.
To change your display name, go to your profile, tap edit, and look for a separate field labeled "Display Name" or "Nickname." This field usually allows more flexibility than your username — you can often use spaces and special characters here. Changing your display name does not affect your username or trigger the 30-day cooldown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username if I have not verified my email or phone number?
BIGO may require account verification before allowing username changes. If the edit button is grayed out or missing, check your account settings to see if you need to verify your email address or phone number. Complete the verification process and try again.
What if someone else is using the username I want?
If the username you want is already taken, BIGO will show an error when you try to claim it. You will need to choose a different name. You can try adding numbers to the end of the name you want, or use underscores to separate words.
Will my followers see my old username anywhere after I change it?
Your followers will see your new username everywhere — in their follower list, on your profile, and on any posts you make going forward. Old links or screenshots that show your previous username will still display the old name, but those are static images, not live links to your account.
Can I change my username on the BIGO website instead of the app?
BIGO Live is primarily a mobile app, and the website version has limited features. You should change your username through the mobile app for the most reliable experience. If you try to change it on the website and run into problems, switch to the app and try there.
What happens if I change my username and then get banned?
If your account is banned after you change your username, your old username is still gone — it remains available for other users to claim. You cannot recover it by appealing the ban or creating a new account.