How to change your Twitter username
To change your Twitter username, open Twitter on web or mobile, go to Settings and Privacy, select Account, then choose Username. Type your new username and save the change. The new username takes effect immediately. You can change it back anytime, though Twitter may rate-limit how often you switch if you change it repeatedly in a short period.
Your username is the handle that appears after the @ symbol — different from your display name, which is what shows above your posts. You can change your display name without changing your username, and vice versa. Twitter does not charge for username changes.
Key Takeaways
- Your username change takes effect right away, but your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short delay.
- You can change your username as often as you want, though Twitter may slow down repeated changes within hours.
- Changing your username does not affect your followers, tweets, or account history — everything stays attached to your account.
- If you want to reserve your old username so no one else takes it, you will need to create a new account and claim it before someone else does.
Where to find the username setting
On the web version, click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner of your screen, then select Settings and Privacy. Choose Account from the left sidebar. Under Account Information, you will see Username listed. Click on it to edit.
On the mobile app, tap the three horizontal lines (menu icon) in the bottom right corner, then tap Settings and Privacy. Select Account, then tap Username. The field will open for editing.
What happens to your old username
When you change your username, Twitter does not delete your old one immediately. It becomes available for someone else to claim after a grace period, which Twitter does not publicly specify but typically lasts days to weeks. During this time, no one else can use it, but you cannot reclaim it either.
If you want to keep your old username permanently, you will need to create a separate account and claim it before the grace period ends. This means registering a new email address and setting up a new Twitter account, then changing that account's username to your old handle.
Username rules and restrictions
Twitter usernames must be between 4 and 15 characters long. They can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. Usernames cannot contain spaces or most special characters. Twitter does not allow usernames that are identical to existing ones, even if they differ only in capitalization.
Some usernames are reserved by Twitter and cannot be claimed, including @Twitter, @TwitterAPI, and other official accounts. If you try to use a username that is already taken or reserved, Twitter will tell you it is unavailable and suggest alternatives.
Changing your display name instead
If you want to change what people see above your tweets but keep your @ handle the same, change your display name instead. Go to Settings and Privacy, select Account, then choose Name. Your display name can be up to 50 characters and can include spaces, emojis, and most special characters. This change also takes effect immediately.
Many people use their display name for branding or personal updates while keeping their username stable so people can still find them by their @ handle. You can change your display name as often as you want without any restrictions.
What does not change when you update your username
Your followers stay with you. Your tweets, likes, and retweets all remain on your account. Your direct messages are not affected. Your profile picture, bio, and header image stay the same. Links to your old username will not work, but Twitter typically redirects them to your new username for a period of time.
People who have you bookmarked or saved will still be able to find you, though the bookmark may show your old username until they refresh. If someone has linked to your profile using your old @ handle, that link will eventually stop working once the grace period ends and someone else claims your old username.
If you cannot find the username setting
Make sure you are logged into the account you want to change. Username settings are only visible to the account owner. If you are using a third-party Twitter app or client, it may not have access to account settings — use the official Twitter website or app instead.
If the setting appears grayed out or locked, your account may have restrictions in place. This can happen if Twitter has flagged your account for unusual activity or if you have changed your username very recently. Wait a few hours and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username back to what it was before?
You can change your username to anything available, but you cannot reclaim your old username once someone else takes it. If you want to keep your old handle, you need to create a new account and claim it before the grace period ends and it becomes available to the public.
How long does it take for my new username to show up everywhere?
Your new username appears on your profile and in your tweets immediately. It may take a few minutes to update in search results and in other people's followers lists, but the change is live right away on your account.
Will changing my username affect my verification badge?
No. If your account is verified, the blue checkmark stays with your account regardless of username changes. Your verification status is tied to your account, not to your username.
What if the username I want is taken?
You cannot use a username that is already claimed. Twitter will show you that it is unavailable. You can either choose a different username or wait to see if the person using it ever abandons their account, though there is no way to know if or when that will happen.
Can I use special characters or spaces in my username?
No. Usernames can only contain letters (A–Z, a–z), numbers (0–9), and underscores (_). Spaces, hyphens, periods, and other special characters are not allowed in usernames, though you can use them in your display name.