How to change your Twitter username on web and mobile

You can change your Twitter username (the handle that starts with @) directly through your account settings on any device. The process takes about two minutes and takes effect immediately. Your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim after you change it, so if you want to keep it, you'll need a separate account or change back before someone else does.

Twitter does not limit how many times you can change your username, but there is a waiting period between changes on some accounts. If you try to change it and see a message saying you must wait, that restriction typically lasts a few hours to a day. The restriction is temporary and clears on its own.

Key Takeaways

  • You change your username through Settings and Privacy, then Account, then Username — the same path on web, iPhone, and Android.
  • Your new username takes effect immediately, but your old handle becomes available for anyone else to use right away.
  • If you see a waiting period message, try again in a few hours; most accounts can change usernames as often as needed after a short delay.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, direct messages, or tweets — only the @ handle people use to mention you.
  • Your verification badge, if you have one, stays with your account regardless of how many times you change your username.

Steps to change your username on Twitter web

Open Twitter in a browser and click the three-dot menu icon in the top left corner (or your profile picture if you're on the home feed). Select Settings and Privacy from the dropdown menu.

Click Account in the left sidebar. Scroll down to the Username field. Click inside the field, delete your current username, and type your new one. Twitter will show you a green checkmark if the name is available or a red X if it's taken. Click Save when you're ready. The change appears on your profile within seconds.

Steps to change your username on iPhone or Android

Open the Twitter app and tap your profile picture in the top left corner. Tap Settings and Privacy, then Account. Scroll to Username and tap it to edit.

Delete your current username and type the new one. The app will show availability in real time as you type. Tap Save to confirm the change. The new username appears on your profile within seconds. The steps are identical on both iPhone and Android.

What happens to your old username

Once you change your username, your old handle is released immediately and anyone can claim it. If you want to preserve it, you have two options: create a second account and move your old username there, or change back to it before someone else does. There is no holding period or reservation system.

Your followers do not lose you when you change your username. They will still see your tweets in their feed and can still message you. Your follower count, tweet history, likes, retweets, and all other account data stay exactly the same. Old mentions or replies that tagged your previous username will still show that old handle in the conversation history, but clicking it will take people to your current profile.

Username rules and restrictions

Twitter usernames can be 1 to 15 characters long and can contain letters, numbers, and underscores. You cannot use spaces or most special characters. Usernames are not case-sensitive, so @JohnSmith and @johnsmith are treated as the same account.

Some usernames are reserved by Twitter and cannot be claimed, including @Twitter, @Support, and other official accounts. If you try to use a reserved name, you'll see an error message saying it's unavailable. You cannot change to a username that violates Twitter's policies or impersonates another person or organization.

If you see a waiting period message

Some accounts see a message saying "You must wait X hours before changing your username again." This is a temporary restriction that usually lasts between a few hours and one day. It's not a permanent limit — you can change your username again once the timer expires. The waiting period applies to your account, not to specific usernames.

If you're locked out, close the settings page and try again later. There's no way to bypass the waiting period, but it will clear on its own. If the message persists for more than 24 hours, you can contact Twitter Support through the Help Center to report the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my followers see my old username after I change it?

No. Your followers will see your new username on your profile and in their feed immediately. Old mentions or replies that tagged your previous username will still show that old handle in the conversation, but clicking it will take people to your current profile.

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

Only if no one else has claimed it. If someone took your old username after you changed it, you cannot get it back unless that person changes their username first. Twitter Support typically does not reassign usernames to previous owners.

Does changing my username affect my verified badge?

No. If your account has a blue checkmark, it stays with your account no matter how many times you change your username. The verification is tied to your account identity, not to the specific handle.

What if the username I want is already taken?

You cannot use it unless the person who owns it changes their username or deletes their account. Twitter does not have a waitlist or reservation system for usernames. You can try a variation, such as adding numbers or underscores.