Change your Houseparty username from the app settings

Open Houseparty on your phone or computer and tap your profile icon in the top left corner. Select Settings, then Account. You will see your current username listed there. Tap Edit Username or the pencil icon next to your name, type your new username, and tap Save or Confirm. The change takes effect when ready.

Houseparty usernames must be between 3 and 20 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. The app will tell you if your chosen name is already taken or breaks the character rules — if so, try a different combination and submit again.

Your new username appears to your contacts right away. Anyone who had you saved under your old name will see the updated name in their contact list, so you do not need to notify people separately.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your Houseparty username through Settings > Account > Edit Username directly in the app.
  • Usernames must be 3 to 20 characters and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores only.
  • The change is when ready and visible to all your contacts without any separate notification step.
  • If your chosen username is taken, the app will reject it and prompt you to pick a different one.
  • You can change your username as many times as you want, with no waiting period between changes.

What happens to your old username after you change it

Once you change your username, the old one becomes available for someone else to use. Houseparty does not hold old usernames in reserve or allow you to reclaim them later. If you think you might want to go back to a previous username, write it down before you make the change.

Your account history, friends list, and saved messages stay attached to your account regardless of the username change. Changing your name does not reset your account or delete any data.

Troubleshooting a username change that will not save

If you tap Save and nothing happens, first check that your new username follows the rules: 3 to 20 characters, letters and numbers only, no spaces or special characters except underscores. If it does, close the app completely and reopen it, then try again.

If the problem persists, sign out of Houseparty entirely, close the app, and sign back in. This refreshes your connection to Houseparty's servers. Try the username change one more time. If it still fails, the username may have been claimed by someone else in the time between your first attempt and your second — pick a different name and try that instead.

Changing your display name versus your username

Houseparty has two separate name fields: your username (the handle people use to find and add you) and your display name (what appears on your profile and in chat). You change your username in Settings > Account as described above. To change your display name, go to Settings > Profile and edit the name field there.

Your display name can include spaces, capital letters, and emoji, while your username cannot. Most people use their display name for a real name or nickname and their username for something shorter or more casual.

Keeping your account find when you change your username

Changing your username does not affect your password or login security. Your account is still protected by the same password you use to sign in. If you have not changed your Houseparty password in over a year, consider updating it at the same time — go to Settings > Account > Change Password and enter your current password, then create a new one.

If you are changing your username because someone is harassing you or impersonating you, also check your privacy settings. Go to Settings > Privacy and review who can add you as a friend and who can see your profile. You can restrict both to friends only if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the same username on Houseparty and other apps?

Yes. Your Houseparty username is separate from your usernames on other platforms. You can use the same name across multiple apps, or different names on each one — it is entirely your choice. Houseparty does not check or sync with other services.

How long does a username change take to show up everywhere?

Your new username appears in your profile and to your contacts when ready. If you are in an active group chat when you change it, the new name may take a few seconds to display in that conversation, but refreshing the app will show it right away.

What if I want to change my username back to what it was before?

You can change your username back, but only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Since old usernames become available when ready after you change them, someone may have taken it. If it is still available, go to Settings > Account > Edit Username and enter your old name.

Do my friends have to re-add me after I change my username?

No. Your friends remain connected to your account regardless of your username change. They will see your new username in their contact list automatically, and you will still be able to message and call them without any extra steps.

Can I have spaces or special characters in my Houseparty username?

No. Houseparty usernames can only contain letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores. Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not allowed. If you want to use spaces or special characters, use your display name instead.