Where to find the username setting on your device or account
The location of your username setting depends on what you are changing it on — your computer, phone, email account, or a website you use. Most platforms put this in Settings or Account, but the exact path varies. Start by looking for a gear icon, your profile picture, or a menu labeled Settings or Preferences.
On Windows computers, go to Settings > Accounts > Your info. On Mac, open System Preferences > Users & Groups, then click the lock icon to make changes. On iPhones and iPads, open Settings > [Your Name] at the top. On Android phones, go to Settings > Accounts, then select the account type you want to change.
For email accounts and websites, look for a profile or account menu — usually found by clicking your name or picture in the top right corner. Once you find it, look for words like "Profile," "Account Settings," "Edit Profile," or "Change Username." If you cannot find it after checking these places, search the platform's help section for "change username" or "edit profile."
Key Takeaways
- Username settings are usually in a Settings, Preferences, or Account menu, often accessed through a gear icon or your profile picture.
- Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android each have different paths to reach username settings, and you may need administrator permission on shared computers.
- Some platforms let you change your username freely, while others limit how often you can change it or charge a fee.
- After you change your username, you may need to sign out and sign back in for the change to take effect everywhere.
Steps to change your username on Windows
Open Settings by pressing the Windows key and typing "Settings," then press Enter. Click Accounts on the left side. Click Your info at the top. You will see your current username displayed. Click the "Rename your account" button below your name.
Type your new username in the box that appears. Windows usernames can contain letters, numbers, and some symbols, but not spaces or special characters like @, #, or $. Click Next, then Finish. You will be asked to sign out. Save any open work, then sign out and sign back in. The new username will appear on your lock screen and in Settings.
If you see a message saying you do not have permission, your computer may be set up with parental controls or managed by an organization. Ask the person who set up the computer to make the change, or contact your IT department if this is a work computer.
Steps to change your username on Mac
Click the Apple menu in the top left corner and select System Preferences. Click Users & Groups. You may see a lock icon at the bottom left — if so, click it and enter your password to unlock settings. Select your account name on the left side. Click the lock icon next to "Full Name" or "Account Name" if it is locked.
The field next to "Account Name" shows your current username. Click in that field and type your new username. Mac usernames must be lowercase letters and numbers only — no spaces or capital letters. Click outside the field to save. You will need to sign out and sign back in for the change to take effect on all your files and applications.
If the lock icon stays locked after you enter your password, you may not have administrator rights on this computer. Contact whoever manages the computer or created your account.
Steps to change your username on iPhone or iPad
Open Settings and tap your name at the very top of the screen. Tap Name, Phone Numbers, Email. The name you see here is your display name, which is what other people see when you contact them or share files. Tap Edit in the top right corner, then change the name and tap Done.
This changes your display name across Apple services like iCloud, Messages, and FaceTime. Your actual Apple ID (usually your email address) cannot be changed this way — that requires a different process through your account settings. If you want to change your Apple ID itself, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Password & Security > Edit, but be aware that your Apple ID is tied to purchases and backups, so changing it affects multiple services.
Changes to your display name take effect when ready on your device, but may take a few minutes to update on other people's devices.
Steps to change your username on Android
Open Settings and scroll down to find Accounts or Users. The exact name depends on your phone manufacturer — Samsung phones call it Accounts, while Google Pixel phones may call it Google. Tap the account type you want to change, usually Google Account. Tap Manage your Google Account, then tap the Personal Info tab.
Tap Name and edit your display name. This is the name that appears to other people. Your Google username (the part of your email before @gmail.com) cannot be changed through this menu. If you need to change your actual Gmail address, you must do that through a web browser on a computer, not on your phone.
After you make changes, tap Save. The new name will appear in Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services within a few minutes.
Changing your username on websites and apps
Most websites and apps store your username in your account or profile settings. Log in to the website or app, then look for a menu with your name or profile picture — usually in the top right corner on a computer, or in a hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) on a phone. Click or tap Profile, Account, or Settings.
Look for a field labeled Username, Display Name, or Handle. Some platforms let you change this as often as you want, while others limit you to one change every 30 or 90 days, or charge a small fee. Read any message that appears when you try to change it — it will tell you if there are restrictions. Type your new username and look for a Save or Confirm button.
After you save, you may need to sign out and sign back in for the change to take effect. Some websites update when ready, while others take a few minutes. If you cannot find a username setting after checking the profile and account menus, search that website's help section for "change username" or "edit profile."
What to do if you cannot find the username setting
If you have looked in Settings, Preferences, and Account menus and still cannot find where to change your username, the platform may not allow username changes, or it may be hidden in an unexpected location. Check the help or support section of that website or app — search for "change username" or "edit profile." Most platforms have a help article that walks you through it.
If the help section does not answer your question, look for a Contact Us or Support button. Many websites have a chat feature or email support that can tell you whether username changes are available and where to find the setting. Be specific when you ask — tell them what device you are using and what you have already tried.
Some platforms, like older email services or work systems, may not allow you to change your username at all. In that case, support staff can tell you whether a change is possible and what the process is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing my username affect my password or login?
No. Your password stays the same. You log in with either your username or email address depending on the platform, so changing your username does not change how you sign in. If the platform uses your email as your login, changing your display name will not affect that either.
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
Usually yes, but some platforms limit how often you can change it. If you just changed your username and want to change it back, try when ready — most services allow this. If you changed it weeks or months ago, the platform may require you to wait a certain number of days before changing it again. Check your account settings or help section for the waiting period.
What if someone else is already using the username I want?
Most platforms will not let you use a username that is already taken. If you see a message saying the username is unavailable, try adding numbers or a short word to the end. For example, if "sarah" is taken, try "sarah2024" or "sarah.design." Some platforms show you similar available usernames as suggestions.
Do I need to tell people my new username?
That depends on what you changed. If you changed your display name on a social media platform or email, people who have you as a contact will see the new name automatically. If you changed your actual username or handle, you may want to tell people who message you or follow you, since they may not recognize the new name. For work accounts, notify your colleagues or manager.
Why does my new username not show up everywhere?
Some services take a few minutes to update your username across all their apps and websites. Sign out completely, wait five minutes, then sign back in. If it still has not updated after an hour, try restarting your device. If you are using multiple devices, the change may appear on some devices before others.