Where to find your username on GitLab

Your GitLab username appears in the top right corner of any page when you are logged in. Click your profile picture or avatar — it opens a dropdown menu with your name and username listed below it. The username is the shorter identifier that starts with an @ symbol, different from your full display name.

If you are already logged into GitLab, the fastest route is to visit gitlab.com/profile. Your username displays at the top of the page under your profile picture, and you can also see it in the URL itself — it will read gitlab.com/yourusername.

You can also find your username by going to your settings. Click your avatar in the top right, select "Preferences," then scroll to the "Account" section. Your username appears there as a read-only field.

Key Takeaways

  • Your GitLab username is visible in the dropdown menu under your profile picture in the top right corner of any page.
  • Visit gitlab.com/profile while logged in to see your username displayed prominently at the top of your profile page.
  • Your username also appears in your account settings under Preferences, in the Account section.
  • Your username is different from your display name — it is the shorter identifier used in URLs and mentions.
  • If you cannot remember your username, you can recover your account using the email address associated with it.

What to do if you are not logged in

If you have been logged out or are using a different device, you cannot see your username without logging back in. Go to gitlab.com/users/sign_in and enter the email address and password for your account. Once you are logged in, follow the steps above to locate your username.

If you have forgotten your password, click "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in page. GitLab will send a password reset link to the email address associated with your account. After you reset your password and log in, you can find your username in your profile or settings.

Understanding the difference between username and display name

GitLab uses two separate identifiers for your account. Your username is a unique handle that cannot contain spaces — it uses only letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores. This is what appears in your profile URL and what people use when they mention you with an @ symbol.

Your display name is what shows up next to your comments and contributions. It can contain spaces and special characters, and you can change it without affecting your username. Many people use their full name as their display name while keeping a shorter username for mentions and URLs.

Finding someone else's username on GitLab

If you need to find another person's username, visit their GitLab profile page. Their username appears in the URL — for example, gitlab.com/sarah-chen. It also displays on their profile page under their profile picture and display name.

You can search for people on GitLab by going to the search bar at the top of any page and typing their name or username. GitLab will show matching users, and you can click on their profile to see their full username and other public information.

Recovering your account if you have lost access

If you cannot log in and do not remember your username, use the email address associated with your account instead. On the sign-in page, enter your email address and click "Forgot your password?" GitLab will send a recovery email to that address with instructions to reset your password and regain access to your account.

Once you have reset your password and logged back in, you can find your username in your profile settings. Write it down or save it somewhere safe so you have it available in the future.

Why your username matters

Your username is how other people mention you in comments and issues — they type @ followed by your username to notify you. It is also part of your profile URL, which you might share with colleagues or include in a resume or portfolio. Knowing your username makes it easier to collaborate and to share your work.

Your username is permanent once your account is created. You cannot change it through the standard settings interface, though GitLab administrators can change it in rare cases. If you need your username changed, contact GitLab support with a reason for the request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my GitLab username?

GitLab does not allow you to change your username through the settings interface. Your username is permanent and tied to your account history. If you have a strong reason to change it, you can contact GitLab support, but changes are not may provide and may affect existing links to your profile.

Is my username the same as my email address?

No. Your email address and username are separate. Your email is what you use to log in and receive notifications, while your username is a shorter identifier used in URLs and mentions. You can have an email like sarah.chen@company.com but a username like sarah-chen.

What if I see a username that is already taken?

GitLab usernames must be unique across the entire platform. If the username you want is already in use, you will need to choose a different one. You can add numbers, hyphens, or underscores to create a variation that is available.

Can other people see my username?

Yes. Your username is public and visible on your profile page, in the URLs of your projects, and in any comments or contributions you make. This is by design — it allows people to find and mention you on GitLab.