Change your username directly in MyChart settings

You can change your MyChart username yourself without calling your healthcare provider. Log into MyChart, go to Settings (usually a gear icon), then select Login & Security or Account Settings. Look for an option labeled Username or Change Username. Enter your new username, confirm it meets the system's requirements (typically 4 to 20 characters, letters and numbers only), and save the change.

The new username takes effect when ready. Write down your new username somewhere safe — you will need it the next time you log in. Your password does not change unless you choose to update it separately.

If you cannot find the username option in Settings, your healthcare system may not allow self-service username changes. In that case, contact your provider's patient support line or MyChart help desk. They can change it for you with your date of birth and other identifying information.

Key Takeaways

  • Most MyChart accounts let you change your username through Settings without contacting your provider.
  • New usernames usually must be 4 to 20 characters and contain only letters and numbers.
  • The username change takes effect right away, and you use the new one at your next login.
  • If your provider's MyChart does not offer self-service username changes, call their patient support line to request one.
  • Changing your username does not affect your password, medical records, or appointment history.

Where to find the username setting in MyChart

The exact location of the username setting varies slightly depending on which healthcare system runs your MyChart account. After you log in, look for a profile icon or gear icon in the top right or top left corner. Tap or click it to open a menu.

From there, select Settings, Account Settings, My Account, or Preferences. Once inside, look for a section called Login & Security, Security Settings, or Account Information. The username field should appear there alongside your email address and password options.

If you see only your email address and no separate username field, your provider may use your email as your login name. In that case, you cannot change your username independently — contact your provider's support team to learn whether a separate username is available.

Requirements for a new MyChart username

MyChart usernames follow standard security rules to keep your account safe. Most systems require your new username to be between 4 and 20 characters long. You can use letters (uppercase and lowercase) and numbers, but most systems do not allow spaces, punctuation, or special characters like @, #, or &.

Your new username must be different from your current one. It also cannot match your password or be too similar to your email address. Some providers block usernames that are common words or that match other users' names in their system, though this is less common.

If you try to save a username and the system rejects it, read the error message carefully — it will tell you which rule the name breaks. Try a different combination of letters and numbers, or add a number to the end of a name you like.

What happens after you change your username

Once you save your new username, you can log out and log back in using it when ready. Your old username stops working right away. All your medical records, appointment history, messages with your provider, and billing information stay exactly the same — changing your username does not affect any of that data.

If you have MyChart bookmarked on your computer or phone, the bookmark still works. You will just need to enter your new username when you log in. If you use MyChart on multiple devices, you will need to log in again on each one with your new username.

If you forget your new username later, you can use your email address to recover it. Click Forgot Username? on the MyChart login page, enter your email, and MyChart will send you a reminder.

When your provider does not allow username changes

Some healthcare systems do not offer the option to change your username yourself. This is usually because they use your medical record number or a system-generated ID as your login name, which cannot be changed without administrative work on their end.

If you need a username change and cannot do it yourself, contact your provider's patient support line, MyChart help desk, or the billing department. Have your date of birth, medical record number (if you know it), and current username ready. They will verify your identity and make the change for you, which typically takes one to three business days.

Some providers also let you change your username through their patient portal website rather than the MyChart app. If the app does not show the option, try logging in on a computer browser instead.

Troubleshooting username change problems

If you see the username field but the Save button will not work, make sure your new username follows all the rules: it should be 4 to 20 characters, contain only letters and numbers, and be different from your current username. Clear any extra spaces you may have typed by accident.

If you get an error saying the username is already taken, someone else in your provider's system has that name. Choose a different username — try adding a number or using a variation of your name. If you get an error about your password or security questions, you may need to update those first before changing your username.

If the Settings menu does not show a username option at all, your provider may not support self-service changes. Log out, click Forgot Username? on the login page, and follow the steps to contact your provider's support team. They can tell you whether a username change is possible and how to request one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my MyChart username to my email address?

Most systems do not allow your username to match your email address exactly, but you can use part of your email — for example, if your email is john.smith@gmail.com, you might use johnsmith123 as your username. Check the error message if the system rejects your choice; it will tell you why.

What if I forget my new username after I change it?

Go to the MyChart login page and click Forgot Username? Enter your email address, and MyChart will send you a reminder of your current username. You can also call your provider's patient support line and give them your date of birth and email to look it up.

Does changing my username affect my password?

No. Your password stays the same unless you choose to change it separately. You will log in with your new username and your existing password at your next visit.

How long does a username change take to go into effect?

If you change it yourself in Settings, the new username works when ready. If your provider's support team makes the change for you, it usually takes one to three business days to appear in the system.

Can I change my username back to what it was before?

Yes. Go back into Settings and change it again. Your provider does not restrict how many times you change your username, though some systems may require you to wait a short time between changes.