What you can change on your TikTok profile

TikTok lets you change two different things: your username (the handle that appears with an @ symbol) and your display name (the name shown on your profile). You can change your display name as often as you want with no restrictions. Your username has limits — you can change it once every 30 days, and it must be between 2 and 24 characters long, using only letters, numbers, underscores, and periods.

The difference matters because your username is permanent for 30 days once you change it, while your display name is instant and reversible. If you want to rebrand immediately, changing your display name first gives you a quick way to test a new identity while your username stays locked in place.

Key Takeaways

  • Your display name can be changed instantly and as many times as you want, but your username can only be changed once every 30 days.
  • Usernames must be 2 to 24 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and periods — no spaces or special characters.
  • Both changes happen in your account settings under "Edit Profile," and neither one affects your existing videos or followers.
  • If someone else takes the username you want after your 30-day waiting period ends, you will not be able to claim it.

How to change your display name

Open TikTok and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. From your profile page, tap "Edit Profile" near the top. You will see a field labeled "Name" — this is your display name. Tap it, delete the current text, and type your new name. TikTok allows up to 30 characters, including spaces and most symbols. When you are done, tap the checkmark or back arrow to save.

The change takes effect immediately. Your followers will see the new name on your profile right away, and it will appear on any new videos you post. Existing videos keep the name that was on your profile when you posted them, so older content may still show your old name in some places.

How to change your username

Go to your profile and tap "Edit Profile." Below your display name, you will see a field labeled "Username" with an @ symbol. Tap it to edit. Type your new username — remember that it can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and periods, with no spaces. TikTok will tell you immediately if the name is taken or breaks the rules. If it is available, tap the checkmark to save.

Once you change your username, you cannot change it again for 30 days. During that time, your old username becomes available for someone else to take. If you change your mind within the 30-day window, you cannot go back to your previous username unless it is still unclaimed — and if someone else has taken it, you will need to pick something different.

What happens to your old username and links

When you change your username, any links to your old profile stop working. If you shared your TikTok link on other social media, in your email signature, or anywhere else, those links will no longer direct people to your profile. You will need to update those links manually to your new username.

Your followers are not affected — they can still find you through their following list and will see your new username on your profile. However, if someone else claims your old username during the 30-day waiting period, links to that old username will lead to their profile instead of yours. This is why it is important to update any public links as soon as you change your username.

Restrictions and things that can go wrong

TikTok rejects usernames that violate its community guidelines, including those with hateful language, impersonation, or spam patterns. If your chosen username is flagged, TikTok will not let you use it and will not explain why — you will just see an error message. Try a different variation and try again.

If you change your username and then want to change it back within 30 days, you cannot — your old username is locked and unavailable to you. You have to wait the full 30 days and hope no one else has claimed it. If they have, your old username is gone permanently. This is why testing your new username with your display name first is a smart move.

Changing your username does not change your user ID, which is a hidden number TikTok uses internally. Your videos, followers, and watch history all stay attached to your account regardless of what username you use.

Changing your username on different devices

The process is the same whether you use the TikTok app on iPhone, Android, or the web version. Open your profile, tap or click "Edit Profile," and change the username field. The 30-day waiting period applies across all devices and platforms — if you change your username on your phone, you cannot change it again on the web version until 30 days have passed.

If you use TikTok on multiple devices, the change syncs across all of them within a few minutes. You do not need to log out and back in for the change to take effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username more than once every 30 days?

No. TikTok enforces a strict 30-day waiting period between username changes. If you try to change it before 30 days have passed, you will see an error message telling you when you can change it next. The only way around this is to wait the full period.

What if the username I want is already taken?

You cannot use it. TikTok will show you an error message if a username is taken. You will need to choose a different name — try adding numbers, underscores, or periods to make a variation of the name you want.

Will my followers be notified when I change my username?

No. Your followers will not receive a notification about the change. They will see your new username the next time they visit your profile or see one of your videos. If they have you bookmarked or saved your link, they may need to update it to find you again.

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

Only if no one else has claimed it during the 30-day waiting period. If someone else took your old username, it is permanently unavailable to you. You will have to choose a different name.

Does changing my username affect my videos or watch history?

No. Your videos stay on your account with the same view counts and comments. Your watch history, likes, and follows all remain unchanged. The username change is purely cosmetic and does not affect any of your account data.