Change Your TikTok Username in Settings

You can change your TikTok username directly in the app by going to your profile, opening settings, and selecting the username field. The process takes about two minutes and doesn't require you to log out or create a new account. TikTok lets you change your username once every 30 days, so plan ahead if you want to switch it again later.

Open TikTok and tap the profile icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right corner of your profile, then tap "Settings and privacy". Scroll down and tap "Account", then tap "Username". The current username appears in a text field — tap it, delete the old name, and type your new one. Tap "Save" or "Confirm" when you're done.

Your new username takes effect when ready. Any links to your old profile still work, and your followers stay with you — TikTok automatically redirects the old username to your new one for 30 days. After that, someone else can claim your old username if they want it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username once every 30 days through Settings > Account > Username in the TikTok app.
  • Your followers and video history stay with you when you change your username — nothing is lost.
  • Old links to your profile redirect to your new username for 30 days, then become available for others to claim.
  • Usernames must be between 2 and 24 characters and can include letters, numbers, underscores, and periods.
  • If your desired username is taken, TikTok will tell you when ready and you'll need to choose a different one.

Username Rules and What TikTok Won't Allow

TikTok has specific rules about what characters and words you can use in a username. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, underscores, and periods. You cannot use spaces, special characters like @, #, or !, or emojis. Your username must be between 2 and 24 characters long.

TikTok also blocks usernames that contain hate speech, slurs, or references to illegal activity. If you try to save a username that violates these rules, the app will show an error message and won't let you proceed. The system checks this automatically, so you'll know right away if your choice isn't allowed.

What Happens to Your Old Username

When you change your username, your old one doesn't disappear when ready. For 30 days, anyone who visits your old profile link or searches for your old username will be redirected to your new profile. This grace period protects you if you share your profile link in places you can't easily update, like a website bio or an old video description.

After 30 days, your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim. If you want to keep it reserved, you'll need to change back to it before the 30-day window closes. You can do this as long as you haven't already used your one monthly change on a different username.

If Your Desired Username Is Already Taken

When you type a new username and tap save, TikTok checks whether it's available. If someone else already has it, you'll see a message saying the username is taken. At that point, you have two choices: pick a different username, or try adding numbers or underscores to your preferred name (for example, "username_123" instead of "username").

There's no waiting list or way to reserve a username before it becomes available. If you want a specific username that's currently taken, you'll need to check back periodically to see if the person using it changes it or deletes their account. Deleted accounts free up their usernames after a few months.

Changing Your Username on Different Devices

The steps are the same whether you use an iPhone, Android phone, or tablet — you change your username through the TikTok app itself. You cannot change your username through the TikTok website on a computer. If you try to access your account settings on a web browser, you'll see your username but won't be able to edit it.

If you're on a computer and need to change your username, open the TikTok app on your phone and follow the steps above. The change syncs across all your devices automatically once you save it.

Troubleshooting: Why Your Username Change Won't Save

If you try to save a new username and nothing happens, check these common issues. First, make sure you're not trying to change your username more than once per month — if you've already changed it recently, you'll need to wait until the 30-day period passes. Second, verify that your username doesn't contain spaces, special characters, or emojis, which TikTok doesn't allow.

Third, check your internet connection — a weak or dropped connection can prevent the change from saving. Try switching between Wi-Fi and mobile data, or move closer to your router. If the problem persists, try closing the TikTok app completely and opening it again. If you still can't change your username after trying these steps, contact TikTok support through the app by going to Settings > Help > Report a problem.

How Your Username Appears to Other Users

Your username is what appears after the @ symbol on your profile and in search results. It's different from your display name, which is the name that shows above your username on your profile. You can change your display name as often as you want without any waiting period — only your username has the 30-day restriction.

When someone mentions you in a comment or video, they use your username (the @ name). If you change your username, new mentions will use your new name, but old mentions in existing videos will still show your old username. The old mentions still link to your current profile, so people can still find you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once a month?

No, TikTok limits you to one username change every 30 days. If you've already changed it this month, you'll need to wait until the 30-day period ends before you can change it again. The timer starts from the date of your last change, not from the first of the month.

Will my followers see my old username after I change it?

No, your followers will see your new username when ready. When they visit your profile or search for you, they'll see your updated name. Old links to your profile still work for 30 days, but they redirect to your new username automatically.

What's the difference between my username and my display name?

Your username is the @ name used for mentions and searches, and you can change it once per month. Your display name is the regular name shown above your username on your profile, and you can change it as often as you want. Both appear on your profile, but only the username has the 30-day restriction.

Can I get my old username back if someone else takes it?

If someone claims your old username after the 30-day grace period, you cannot reclaim it unless that person changes their username or deletes their account. TikTok doesn't have a process to request a username from another user. Your best option is to pick a new username you like and stick with it.

Why does TikTok say my username is taken when I'm sure it's not?

The username might be inactive but still reserved by TikTok, or it might be claimed by an account that's private or hasn't posted yet. Try adding numbers or underscores to your preferred name instead. If you believe a username is being held unfairly, you can report it through TikTok support, though TikTok rarely transfers usernames between users.