Start with a name you can remember and type quickly
A username is the name you type in to log into an account — it replaces your email address on some sites, or works alongside it. The best usernames are short, use only letters and numbers (no spaces or special characters unless the site requires them), and mean something to you so you do not forget them.
Most sites let you choose between a username and your email address at login. If you pick a username, write it down somewhere safe the first time you create it. You will need it every time you log in.
Avoid usernames that include your full name, birth year, or address — these make it easier for someone else to guess your password or recover your account by pretending to be you. A username like "sarah1987" or "mike_oak_street" tells a stranger too much. Something like "bluecat_42" or "riverstone" is harder to guess and just as straightforward for you to remember.
Key Takeaways
- A username is the name you type to log in, separate from your email address, and you should write it down the first time you create it.
- Use only letters and numbers unless the site tells you otherwise, keep it short, and avoid including your real name, birth year, or address.
- Most sites tell you right away if a username is already taken, so you can try a different one before you finish signing up.
- You can change your username on many sites later, but some apps lock it in permanently, so check the site's settings before you decide.
- Use the same username across multiple sites only if you do not mind people connecting your accounts; a different username on each site keeps your accounts more separate.
Check if the username is available before you finish signing up
When you type a username into a sign-up form, the site checks its database to see if someone else already has that name. If it is taken, the site shows you a message — usually in red text or with an X icon — and you cannot move forward until you pick a different one.
If your first choice is taken, try adding a number to the end (like "bluecat_43" instead of "bluecat_42"), or use an underscore or period to separate words (like "blue.cat.42" or "blue_cat_42"). Different sites allow different characters, so if a period does not work, try an underscore instead.
Do not move past the sign-up page until the site confirms your username is available. Some sites show a green checkmark or say "Username available" — that is your signal that you can continue.
Decide whether to use the same username everywhere or a different one for each site
Using the same username on every app and website makes it easier for you to remember, but it also makes it easier for someone to find all your accounts in one place. If you use "bluecat_42" on your email, social media, banking app, and shopping site, a person who knows that username can search for it and potentially find all four accounts.
Using a different username on each site takes more effort to remember, but it keeps your accounts more separate. A middle ground is to use the same username on sites where privacy matters less (like a shopping site or a game) and a different, harder-to-guess username on sites where security matters more (like your email or bank).
Think about what you are comfortable with. If you do not mind people connecting your accounts, one username everywhere is simpler. If you want more privacy, spend a few minutes creating a list of usernames — one for financial sites, one for social media, one for shopping — and keep that list in a safe place.
Understand whether you can change your username later
Some sites let you change your username anytime from your account settings. Others lock it in the moment you create it and do not let you change it. A few sites let you change it once, or only within the first 30 days.
Before you finish signing up, look for a settings or account page and check whether the site says anything about changing your username. If you cannot find that information, assume you cannot change it — that way you will not be surprised later.
If you are not sure about your choice, pick something neutral and straightforward. "Bluecat_42" is easier to live with long-term than "bluecat_rocks_2024" because trends change and you might regret the second one in a few years.
Use letters, numbers, and underscores — avoid spaces and special characters
Most sites accept letters (a–z, A–Z) and numbers (0–9) in usernames. Many also accept underscores (_) and periods (.). Almost no site accepts spaces, and most reject special characters like @, #, $, %, or &.
If you try to type a character the site does not allow, the form will not let you type it, or it will show an error message after you submit. The error message usually says something like "Usernames can only contain letters, numbers, and underscores."
Stick to letters and numbers as your safest bet. If you want to separate words, use an underscore (like "blue_cat_42") or a period (like "blue.cat.42"). Both work on almost every site.
Make your username long enough to be unique, but short enough to type easily
A username that is too short — like "cat" or "bob" — is usually already taken. A username that is too long — like "mybluecatnameisfluffyandiloveher" — is hard to type and straightforward to mistype when you log in.
Aim for 6 to 15 characters. That is long enough that it is probably not taken, but short enough that you can type it without mistakes. "Bluecat_42" is 11 characters and hits that sweet spot.
If your first choice is taken, do not keep adding random numbers to the end until something works. Instead, try a completely different name. "Riverstone_7" is better than "bluecat_9847" because it is easier to remember and type.
Save your username in a password manager or a safe written list
The moment you create a username, write it down. You can keep it in a password manager (like Bitwarden, 1Password, or the password manager built into your phone), in a notebook, or in a document on your computer — anywhere you can find it later.
If you use the same username on multiple sites, you only need to remember one. If you use different usernames on different sites, write them all down with the site name next to each one, like this:
- Gmail: bluecat_42
- Bank website: riverstone_7
- Shopping site: ocean_breeze_19
Do not rely on your browser to remember your username for you. Browsers can forget, get reset, or be used by someone else. A written list or a password manager is more reliable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a username and an email address?
An email address is your full email (like sarah@gmail.com). A username is a shorter name you choose (like "bluecat_42"). Some sites let you log in with either one, and some ask for only a username. You control both, but your email is tied to your identity and your username is not.
Can someone else use my username on a different website?
Yes. Usernames are only unique within each website or app. Someone else can use "bluecat_42" on Instagram even if you use it on Gmail. That is why using different usernames on different sites can help keep your accounts more separate.
What should I do if I forget my username?
Most sites have a "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" link on the login page. Click it and enter your email address. The site will send you an email with your username, or a link to reset it. If you cannot find that link, look for a "Help" or "Support" section on the site.
Can I use special characters like @ or # in my username?
Most sites do not allow special characters in usernames. Stick to letters, numbers, underscores, and periods. If you try to use @, #, $, or &, the site will either block you from typing it or show an error message telling you it is not allowed.
Is it safe to use my real name as my username?
It is not ideal. Using your real name makes it easier for someone to guess your password or find your other accounts. A username like "sarah1987" or "mike_oak_street" tells a stranger too much about you. Pick something that means something to you but does not include your full name, birth year, or address.