Change your MyChart username through your account settings

To change your MyChart username, log into your account, go to Settings, select Username, and enter a new one. The process takes about two minutes and your new username takes effect when ready. You'll use this new name the next time you log in.

MyChart is the patient portal used by many hospital systems and health networks. Your username is what you type into the login field — not your password, and not your real name. If you've forgotten your current username or want something easier to remember, you can change it yourself without calling your healthcare provider.

Key Takeaways

  • Log into MyChart, then look for Settings or Account Settings in the menu — the exact location depends on which health system runs your portal.
  • Find the Username or Login Name option and enter a new username that is at least 6 characters and contains no spaces or special characters.
  • Your new username works right away, so write it down before you log out.
  • If you cannot log in to change it, use the "Forgot Username" link on the login page to reset it first.
  • Different health systems sometimes have slightly different steps, so look for a Help or Support link if you get stuck.

Step-by-step: changing your username while logged in

Start by logging into MyChart with your current username and password. Once you're in, look for a menu icon — usually three horizontal lines in the top left or top right corner — or a Settings link. Click it.

Find the option that says Account Settings, My Account, or just Settings. Inside that menu, look for Username, Login Name, or Change Username. Click on it. You'll see a field with your current username already filled in.

Delete the old username and type in a new one. MyChart usernames must be at least 6 characters long and cannot contain spaces or special characters like @, #, or &. Letters, numbers, hyphens, and underscores are usually allowed. Once you've typed the new username, click Save or Confirm.

You'll see a message saying the change was successful. Write down your new username somewhere safe — you'll need it the next time you log in. Log out and log back in with the new username to make sure it works.

What to do if you cannot log in to change your username

If you've forgotten your current username or cannot remember your password, you cannot change the username from inside your account. Instead, go to the MyChart login page and look for a link that says "Forgot Username" or "Forgot Login Name." Click it.

You'll be asked to enter your date of birth and the email address or phone number associated with your MyChart account. MyChart will send you a message with your current username. Once you have it, you can log in and follow the steps above to change it to something new.

If you don't receive the message within a few minutes, check your spam or junk folder. If the email address or phone number you enter doesn't match what the health system has on file, you won't receive anything. In that case, call your healthcare provider's patient support line — the number is usually on your insurance card or on the MyChart login page.

Why your health system might not let you change your username

Some healthcare providers restrict username changes for security reasons. If you see a message saying you cannot change your username, or if the Settings menu doesn't have a username option, your health system has locked that feature.

This is more common at larger hospital networks. If you need a different username, contact your healthcare provider's patient support line or help desk. They can change it for you and may ask you to verify your identity by providing your date of birth or medical record number.

Usernames across different health systems

If you see doctors at more than one hospital or clinic, you may have separate MyChart accounts with different usernames. Each health system runs its own portal, and they don't share login information. You'll need to change your username in each portal separately by logging into each one.

Some large health networks do link multiple clinics under one MyChart account. If you're not sure whether your accounts are linked, log into one portal and look for a menu option that says "Switch Organization" or "Switch Location." If you see one, you can move between clinics without logging out. If you don't see it, your accounts are separate and you'll need to log out and log back in to switch between them.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, the old one is no longer active. No one else can use it, and you cannot switch back to it. If you change your mind, you can change your username again to something different, but you cannot restore the original one.

If you share a computer with someone else or use a public computer, make sure you log out after changing your username. Your new username will be visible on the login page if someone checks the browser history or looks at saved usernames.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my email address as my MyChart username?

Some health systems allow email addresses as usernames, but many do not because the @ symbol is not permitted. Check your health system's username rules before you try. If email addresses aren't allowed, you'll see an error message when you try to save it.

What if I want to use a username that someone else already has?

MyChart will not let you save a username that is already taken. If you see an error saying the username is unavailable, try adding a number or underscore to make it unique. For example, if "jsmith" is taken, try "jsmith1" or "j_smith."

Do I need to change my password when I change my username?

No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not affect your password, and you do not need to change your password at the same time. You can change your password separately in the same Settings menu if you want to.

Will changing my username affect my medical records or appointments?

No. Your username is only for logging in. Your medical records, appointments, prescriptions, and all other information in MyChart stay the same. The health system's system still knows who you are based on your medical record number, not your username.

How long does it take for my new username to work?

Your new username works when ready after you save it. You can log out and log back in right away with the new username. There is no waiting period.