Where to find and type the star symbol

The star symbol you can put in a username is usually * (asterisk), which appears on most keyboards above the number 8. Hold Shift and press 8, and the asterisk will appear. On a phone, open your keyboard and look for the symbols or numbers section — tap the key marked with numbers or punctuation, then find and tap the asterisk.

Some apps and websites also accept other star-shaped characters like ★ (filled star) or ☆ (empty star), but these are less common and not every platform supports them. The regular asterisk * works almost everywhere and looks clean in a username.

Before you add a star to your username, check whether the app or website actually allows it. Some platforms block certain symbols for security reasons or to keep usernames straightforward. Try typing your username with the star in the username field — the site will tell you when ready if that character is not allowed.

Key Takeaways

  • The asterisk (*) is the most common star symbol for usernames and is typed by holding Shift and pressing 8 on a keyboard.
  • On a phone, tap into the symbols section of your keyboard to find and select the asterisk.
  • Not every app or website allows asterisks in usernames, so test it in the username field before you commit to it.
  • If the asterisk is blocked, try other symbols the platform may accept, or choose a different character like an underscore or hyphen.

Why some apps block the star symbol

Websites and apps sometimes block the asterisk and other symbols because they use them for their own purposes behind the scenes. For example, asterisks are often used in programming to mean "any character" or "everything," so allowing them in usernames can confuse the system. Other symbols like @ and # have special meanings in email addresses and hashtags, which is why many platforms won't let you use them in your username.

Security is another reason. Some symbols can be used to break into systems or cause problems if they are not handled carefully. By limiting which characters are allowed, platforms make their systems more stable and safer.

What to do if the star symbol is not allowed

If you type a username with an asterisk and the site says it is not allowed, you will usually see an error message telling you which characters are blocked. At that point, you have a few options: use a different symbol that the platform does allow, such as an underscore (_), hyphen (-), or period (.), or spell out the word "star" as part of your username instead.

Many people use creative alternatives when their first choice is blocked. For example, instead of "user*name," you could try "user_name," "user-name," "username_star," or "starUsername." These variations keep the spirit of what you wanted while working within the platform's rules.

How to type special characters on different devices

On a Windows computer, hold Shift and press 8 to get the asterisk. On a Mac, it is the same: Shift + 8. On an iPhone or iPad, tap the 123 key to switch to the numbers and symbols keyboard, then look for the asterisk and tap it. On an Android phone, tap the symbols key (usually marked with ?123 or similar), then swipe left or right to find more symbols if the asterisk is not visible on the first screen.

If you want to use a filled star (★) or empty star (☆) instead of an asterisk, the process is more complicated. On a computer, you usually have to copy and paste these characters from a website or use a special character menu. On a phone, you may need to read a special keyboard app that includes emoji and symbols. Most of the time, the regular asterisk is simpler and works better.

Testing your username before you save it

Always type your full username into the username field and wait a moment to see if the site accepts it. Most platforms check in real time and show you a green checkmark or a red error message right away. If you see an error, read it carefully — it will usually tell you exactly which character is the problem.

Once you see a green checkmark or a message saying the username is available, you can move forward. Do not assume a symbol will work just because it worked on another site — each platform has its own rules about what characters are allowed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a star emoji instead of the asterisk symbol?

Most apps and websites do not accept emoji in usernames because they cause problems with how the system stores and displays your name. Stick with the regular asterisk (*) or other basic symbols like underscore and hyphen, which work on every platform.

What if I want a star at the beginning of my username?

Type it the same way — hold Shift and press 8, then type the rest of your username. Some platforms do not allow symbols at the start of a username, so test it first. If it is blocked, try putting the star in the middle or at the end instead.

Will a star symbol in my username cause security problems?

No. If a platform allows the asterisk in usernames, it has already made sure the symbol is safe to use. The platform would block it entirely if it posed a risk. You can use it without worry.

Can I change my username after I create it with a star?

That depends on the app or website. Most platforms let you change your username once or multiple times, though some charge a fee or limit how often you can change it. Check the account settings or help section of the specific app to see what your options are.