You can change your MyChart username through your account settings, and it takes about five minutes
MyChart is the patient portal used by health systems across the United States — it lets you message your doctor, view test results, and manage appointments. Your username is what you type in to log in, separate from your password. If you want to change it to something easier to remember or more private, you can do that yourself without calling your health system's help desk.
The process is the same whether you use MyChart through a hospital website, a clinic app, or a regional health system. You log in, go to your account settings, find the username field, and save the new one. The change takes effect when ready, so your old username stops working right away.
Key Takeaways
- Log into MyChart, click on your name or profile icon in the top right, and select "Account Settings" or "My Account".
- Look for a field labeled "Username" or "Login Name" and type in the new username you want to use.
- Your new username must be unique across your health system's MyChart — you cannot use one someone else already has.
- After you save the change, log out and log back in using your new username to confirm it worked.
- If you cannot find the username field or the change does not save, your health system may have locked it or use a different process — contact their patient support line.
Step-by-step: changing your username
Start by logging into MyChart with your current username and password. Once you are on your dashboard or home page, look for your name, initials, or a profile icon — usually in the top right corner of the screen. Click on it.
A dropdown menu will appear. Look for an option that says "Account Settings," "My Account," "Profile Settings," or sometimes just "Settings." Click that option. You will be taken to a page with your personal information and account details.
Scroll down or look through the tabs on that page until you find a field labeled "Username," "Login Name," or "User ID." Click in that field and delete your current username. Type in the new username you want to use. Most health systems require usernames to be between 6 and 20 characters, with letters and numbers allowed — check if there are any rules listed below the field.
Click the "Save" or "Update" button. If the system accepts it, you will see a confirmation message. If it tells you the username is already taken or does not meet the requirements, try a different one and save again.
What happens after you change your username
Your new username is active when ready. Your old username no longer works. If you have any saved login information in your browser or phone — like autofill or a password manager — it will still show your old username, but you can update it manually or delete the old entry.
Any bookmarks or shortcuts you created that include your username in the URL will no longer work. If you bookmarked your MyChart login page, you may need to create a new bookmark after your change. Your actual medical records, messages, and appointment history stay exactly the same — changing your username does not affect any of that.
When you cannot change your username yourself
Some health systems lock the username field so patients cannot change it. This is less common, but it happens. If you log into Account Settings and the username field is grayed out or missing, your health system has restricted changes.
A few health systems use your email address as your username instead of letting you create a separate one. In those cases, there is no separate username field to change. If you need a different login method, you would need to contact your health system's patient support line to ask about your options.
If you see an error message when you try to save — like "Username already exists" or "This username is not allowed" — try a different combination. Usernames must be unique within your health system's MyChart system, so if someone else has already chosen the one you want, you cannot use it.
If you forgot your current username
If you cannot remember what your current username is, you can still log in using your email address instead. On the MyChart login page, look for a link that says "Forgot username?" or "Can't log in?" Click it and enter your email address. The system will either show you your username or send it to your email.
Once you have logged in using your email, you can follow the steps above to change your username to something you will remember more easily. Some health systems let you use either your username or your email to log in, so you have a backup option if you forget one or the other.
Keeping your new username find
Your username is not secret the way your password is — it is just what you type in to start the login process. Still, it is worth choosing something that does not contain personal information like your birth year, address, or full name. A combination of letters and numbers that means something to you but would not be obvious to someone else is a good choice.
Do not share your username and password together with anyone. If you need to give someone access to your MyChart account — like a family member or caregiver — most health systems have a separate "proxy access" or "delegate access" feature that lets you grant permission without giving them your login. Check your Account Settings for that option instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username more than once?
Yes, most health systems let you change your username as many times as you want. There is usually no limit on how often you can update it. Just log back into Account Settings and repeat the process whenever you want to change it again.
Will changing my username affect my password?
No. Your username and password are separate. Changing your username does not change your password, and you do not need to reset your password after a username change. You log in with your new username and your same password.
What if my health system uses my email as my username?
Some systems do not allow separate usernames and use your email address as your login instead. If that is the case, you cannot change it through Account Settings. Contact your health system's patient support line to ask if there are other login options available.
Does my doctor or clinic see my username?
No. Your username is only for you to log in. Your healthcare providers do not see it. They see your name, date of birth, and medical record number — the information that identifies you in their system.
What should I do if the change does not save?
Try clearing your browser cache and logging out completely, then log back in and try again. If it still does not work, your health system may have restricted username changes or there may be a technical issue. Contact their patient support line — they can tell you whether changes are allowed and help you troubleshoot.