Where to find your GitLab username right now

Your GitLab username appears in the top right corner of any GitLab page when you are logged in. Click your profile picture or avatar — it is usually a small circle in the upper right. A dropdown menu opens, and your username is listed there, often next to an icon or label that says "Profile" or shows your name. That username is what you use to log in, what appears in your project URLs, and what other people see when you comment or contribute.

If you are not logged in, you cannot see your own username from the GitLab website. You will need to log in first. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it using the email address you registered with.

Your username is different from your display name. The display name is what shows up next to your comments and contributions — it can be your full name, a nickname, or anything else. The username is the short identifier that never changes and is used in URLs and for logging in.

Key Takeaways

  • Your GitLab username appears in the dropdown menu under your profile picture in the top right corner when you are logged in.
  • The username is the short identifier you use to log in, separate from your display name or full name.
  • Your username appears in the URL of your profile page and in any project URLs you own or contribute to.
  • If you cannot remember your username and are locked out, you can reset your password using your registered email address.

Check your username in your profile settings

A more detailed view of your username is available in your account settings. Log in to GitLab, click your profile picture in the top right, and select "Edit profile" from the dropdown. On the profile page, look for the "Username" field near the top — it shows your current username and is usually read-only, meaning you cannot change it from this screen.

This page also shows your email address, display name, and other account details. If you need to change your display name or other profile information, you can do that here. Your username itself cannot be changed through the standard settings — if you need a different username, you will need to contact GitLab support or create a new account.

Find your username in your project URLs

If you own or contribute to any GitLab projects, your username appears in the project URL. A typical GitLab project URL looks like gitlab.com/your-username/project-name. The part between the first slash and the second slash is your username. This works whether you are using GitLab.com (the public instance) or a private GitLab instance at your workplace or school.

You can also find your username by looking at any comment or contribution you have made in a public project. Your username appears as a clickable link next to your avatar. Clicking it takes you to your public profile page, which also displays your username at the top.

What to do if you cannot log in

If you have forgotten your password and cannot log in to see your username, go to the GitLab login page and click "Forgot password?" Enter the email address you used when you registered your account. GitLab will send you a password reset link to that email. Once you reset your password and log in, you can see your username in the dropdown menu under your profile picture.

If you do not remember the email address you registered with, or if you no longer have access to that email, contact GitLab support directly. They can help you recover your account or confirm your username if you provide other identifying information.

Usernames on self-hosted GitLab instances

If you use GitLab on a private server at your workplace or school rather than GitLab.com, the process is the same. Log in, click your profile picture, and look for your username in the dropdown or in your profile settings. The URL structure is also the same — your username will appear in project URLs and profile links, just with a different domain name.

Some self-hosted instances may have different settings or restrictions set by the administrator. If you cannot find your username or if the profile menu looks different, ask your GitLab administrator for help. They have access to user management tools and can confirm your username or help you reset your password.

Why your username matters

Your GitLab username is how other people find and mention you in projects. When someone types an @ symbol followed by your username in a comment, you get notified. Your username also appears in your commit history — every time you push code, your username is recorded as the author. This is why it is important to know what your username is, especially if you work on shared projects or contribute to open-source code.

Your username is also part of your public identity on GitLab. If your profile is public, anyone can visit your profile page using your username and see your public projects and contributions. This is useful for building a portfolio or showing your work, but it also means your username is visible to anyone who looks at your projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my GitLab username?

GitLab does not allow you to change your username through the standard settings. Your username is permanent and tied to your account. If you need a different username, you would need to create a new account. Some GitLab administrators on self-hosted instances may have tools to change usernames, so ask your administrator if you are on a private instance.

Is my username the same as my email address?

No. Your username and email address are separate. You log in with your username, but GitLab also uses your email address for password resets and notifications. You can change your email address in your profile settings, but your username stays the same.

What if I see a different name next to my comments?

That is your display name, not your username. Your display name is what shows up next to your comments and can be changed in your profile settings. Your username is the short identifier used in URLs and for logging in, and it does not change.

Can other people see my username?

Yes, if your profile is public or if you contribute to public projects, your username is visible to anyone. Your username appears in project URLs, in your commit history, and next to any comments you make. If you want more privacy, you can adjust your profile visibility settings, but your username will still be visible in projects you contribute to.

What do I do if I forgot my username and my password?

Use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page and enter the email address you registered with. Once you reset your password and log in, you can see your username in your profile dropdown. If you do not have access to that email address, contact GitLab support for help recovering your account.