Your username is the name you chose when you created your account, and it's usually different from your password
A username is the unique name you pick to identify yourself on a website or app. It's not your email address, though websites sometimes let you use your email to log in instead. Your username stays the same unless you change it in your account settings — your password is what you keep secret for security.
The confusion happens because many websites now let you log in with either your username or your email. But they're stored separately. Your username is what other people might see on a profile or forum post. Your email is private and used only for account recovery and notifications.
Key Takeaways
- Your username is the name you created when you set up your account, separate from your email address and password.
- Most websites store your username in your account settings under a profile or account tab, where you can view or change it.
- If you can't remember your username, check your email for a welcome message from the website that usually contains it.
- Many sites now let you log in with your email instead of your username, which is why the distinction has become less obvious.
- Your username is often visible to other users, while your password and email should remain private.
Where to find your username on most websites
Log into the website or app where you need your username. Look for a menu in the top right corner — usually your name, initials, or a gear icon. Click it and select "Account," "Profile," "Settings," or "My Account." Your username should appear on that page, often near your email address.
Some websites hide it further down. If you don't see it on the first settings page, look for tabs labeled "Personal Info," "Account Details," or "Username and Email." The username field is usually read-only — you can see it but not edit it without going through extra steps, depending on the site's rules.
Check your email if you can't log in
When you first created your account, the website sent you a welcome email. That message almost always includes your username. Search your email inbox for messages from the website — try searching for the site's name or the word "welcome." Open the oldest message from that sender.
If you can't find the welcome email, look for a password reset email. Those messages often show your username at the top, even if you're just resetting your password. Check your spam or promotions folder too — welcome emails sometimes land there by mistake.
Use the "Forgot Username" option
Most websites have a "Forgot Username" or "Can't log in?" 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 recover it. This is the fastest way if you've lost access to your welcome email.
Some sites combine username and password recovery into one tool. You may see a single "Forgot Password" button that handles both. Enter your email, and the site will send you options to reset your password or retrieve your username.
What to do if the website won't show you your username
A few websites don't display usernames in settings because they only use email addresses to log in. If you can't find your username anywhere, the site may not have assigned one — you log in with your email instead. Try logging in with your email address and your password to confirm.
If you're certain the site uses usernames and you still can't find yours, contact the website's support team. Have your email address ready. They can confirm your username or help you change it if it's been compromised or you want something different.
The difference between username and email login
Older websites required a username to log in. Newer sites let you use your email address as your login instead, which is simpler because most people remember their email. Some sites offer both options — you can log in with either your username or your email.
This flexibility is why many people forget they even have a username. If you can log in with your email, you may never need to use your username. But it still exists in your account, and some websites display it publicly on your profile or in forums, so it's worth knowing what it is.
How to change your username
Go to your account settings the same way you would to view your username. Look for an "Edit" button or pencil icon next to your username field. Not all websites let you change your username — some lock it permanently after creation to prevent confusion. If there's no edit option, the site doesn't allow changes.
If you can change it, type your new username and save. The change usually takes effect when ready. Be aware that if other people know your old username — for example, in a forum or social media — they won't automatically know your new one. You may need to tell them or update your profile description.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my username the same as my email address?
No. Your username is a separate name you chose when creating your account. Your email is different and used for login, password recovery, and notifications. Many websites now let you log in with either one, which is why they seem connected.
Can someone see my username?
It depends on the website. On social media, forums, and public profiles, your username is usually visible to other users. On banking or shopping sites, only you and the company can see it. Check your privacy settings if you're concerned about visibility.
What if I forgot my username and my email address has changed?
Contact the website's support team with proof of identity — they may ask for your phone number, the last four digits of a payment method, or answers to security questions. Have any old email addresses or account details ready to help them locate your account.
Can I use my username to log in if the website now uses email?
Usually not. If a website switched to email-only login, your username still exists but you can't use it to log in anymore. You must use your email address and password instead. Your username may still appear on your profile or in public areas.
Why does the website say my username is taken when I try to create an account?
Someone else already chose that username on that website. Usernames must be unique — no two people can have the same one. Try adding a number, underscore, or different spelling. If the username is very common, you may need to be creative.