Where to find the username change option

The steps to change your username depend on which service you use. Most websites and apps keep this setting in your account or profile menu, usually labeled "Account Settings," "Profile," or "Preferences." Log in first, then look for a gear icon, your name or profile picture in the top corner, or a menu button (three horizontal lines).

Once you find the settings area, search for a section called "Username," "Display Name," "Account Name," or sometimes "Login Information." Some services separate this from your display name — your login username and the name others see may be different things, so make sure you are changing the right one.

Key Takeaways

  • Most services store username settings in Account Settings or Profile, accessible from a menu or icon in the top corner of the page or app.
  • You will usually need to enter your current password to confirm the change, even if you are already logged in.
  • Some services require you to wait a set number of days between username changes, or limit how many times you can change it.
  • Your old username may become available for others to use when ready, or the service may hold it for a period of time.
  • Changing your username does not affect your password, email address, or saved data — only the name you use to log in or the name others see.

What information you will need to provide

Before you change your username, have your current password ready. Nearly every service asks you to re-enter it as a security check, even though you are already logged in. This confirms that you are the account owner and not someone else who has temporary access to your device.

You will also need to decide on a new username and check whether it is available. Most services show you when ready if the name is taken or if it breaks their rules — for example, many do not allow spaces, special characters, or usernames that look like they are impersonating someone else. Write down a few options in case your first choice is not available.

Step-by-step process for common services

For email services (Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo): These typically do not let you change the username part of your email address itself — that is locked to your account. However, you can change your display name (the name that appears when you send mail). Go to Settings, then Account or Personal Info, and look for "Name" or "Display Name." Change it there and save.

For social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok): Log in, go to Settings, then Account or Profile Settings. Look for "Username" or "Handle." Enter your new username, confirm your password, and save. Twitter and Instagram let you change this relatively often; Facebook restricts changes more strictly. Some platforms show you a preview of how your profile will look with the new name before you confirm.

For gaming platforms (Steam, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live): Steam lets you change your display name freely in Settings > Account > Profile. PlayStation and Xbox have different rules — you may get one free change, then have to pay for additional ones. Go to your account settings and look for "Online ID" or "Gamertag." Follow the prompts to check availability and confirm.

For forums, Discord, or community sites: Most have a User Settings or Profile page. Look for "Username," "Account Name," or "Display Name." Some let you change it when ready; others require you to wait 30 or 60 days between changes. The site will tell you if a waiting period applies.

Restrictions and waiting periods

Many services limit how often you can change your username. Discord lets you change it once every 60 days. Facebook restricts you to one change every 60 days as well. Some gaming platforms charge money for changes after your first free one. Before you start the process, check whether the service has a waiting period or cost — this information is usually in the help section or on the settings page itself.

Some services also have rules about what characters or words you can use. Usernames cannot usually contain spaces, and many block special characters like @, #, or &. Some services do not allow usernames that are too similar to existing ones, or that look like they are trying to impersonate a public figure or brand. If your chosen name is rejected, the service will explain why.

What happens to your old username

When you change your username, your old one becomes available for someone else to use — but not always when ready. Some services hold your old username for a grace period (often 30 to 90 days) before releasing it. This prevents someone from quickly taking your old name and impersonating you. Check the service's policy if you want to know exactly when your old username will open up.

Your account history, messages, posts, and followers stay with your account regardless of the username change. People who have you as a friend or follow you will not lose that connection. However, if someone has bookmarked your old profile URL or saved your old username, those links may not work or may redirect to your new profile — this varies by service.

Troubleshooting if the change does not work

If you see an error message, the most common reasons are: the username is already taken, it contains characters the service does not allow, it is too similar to your old username, or you have not waited long enough since your last change. Read the error message carefully — it usually tells you which rule you have broken.

If you have entered your password and it is rejected, make sure Caps Lock is off and that you are typing it correctly. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the login page before you try to change your username. If the settings page itself will not load, try a different browser or clear your browser cache, then log in again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing my username change my password?

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password at all. You log in with your username and password together, so both need to be correct. If you want to change your password too, that is a separate step in your account settings.

Will my friends still be able to find me after I change my username?

Yes, on most services. Your account itself does not change — only the name attached to it. Friends and followers stay connected to your account, not to your old username. However, if someone tries to search for your old username, they will not find you anymore. You may want to tell people you know about your new username if you think they might search for you.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

That depends on the service and how long ago you changed it. If your old username is still in the grace period (usually 30 to 90 days), you may be able to change back to it. After that period, your old username is released to others, and you can only use it again if no one else has claimed it. Check your service's policy on username history.

What if the username I want is taken?

Try variations: add numbers, underscores, or periods. For example, if "jane.smith" is taken, try "jane.smith1" or "jane_smith." Most services show you when ready whether a name is available, so you can test options quickly. Some services also suggest similar available usernames if your first choice is taken.

Do I need to change my username if someone is impersonating me?

Not necessarily. Most services have a report or flag option for impersonation. Use that first — the service can remove the fake account or force them to change their name. Changing your own username is a last resort and can confuse people who know you by your current name. Report the impersonator to the service's support team instead.