Open TikTok and go to your profile settings

To change your username on TikTok, start by opening the TikTok app on your phone or visiting TikTok.com on a computer. Tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen (it looks like a person's head and shoulders). This takes you to your profile page.

Once you're on your profile, look for the three horizontal lines or three dots in the top right corner — this is your menu button. Tap it to open your settings and privacy options.

Navigate to account settings and find the username field

In the menu that appears, look for "Settings and privacy" or just "Settings." Tap that option. You'll see several categories including Account, Privacy, and Notifications.

Under the Account section, you'll find "Edit profile." Tap that. On the edit profile screen, you should see a field labeled "Username" near the top. This is where your current username appears.

Check what usernames are available before you change

TikTok usernames must be between 2 and 24 characters long and can include letters, numbers, underscores, and periods. They cannot contain spaces or special characters like @, #, or &. Your username is also case-insensitive, meaning TikTok treats "JohnSmith" and "johnsmith" as the same account.

Before you tap the username field to edit it, think about what you want to change it to. If you're not sure whether a username is taken, you can search for it in TikTok's search bar first. If no account shows up, that username is likely available.

Edit the username field and save your change

Tap on the username field to select it. Delete your current username and type in the new one you want. As you type, TikTok may show you whether that username is taken — if it is, you'll see a message saying so, and you'll need to choose a different one.

Once you've entered a username that's available, tap the "Save" or "Done" button at the bottom of the screen. TikTok will process the change, which usually happens instantly. Your new username is now active.

Understand the limits on how often you can change

TikTok does not publicly state a hard limit on how often you can change your username, but the platform does rate-limit frequent changes. If you try to change your username multiple times in a short period, TikTok may temporarily prevent you from making another change for a few hours or days.

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username right now, wait at least 24 hours before trying again. This is a safety feature to prevent account takeovers and spam.

What happens to your old username after you change it

When you change your username, your old username becomes available for someone else to claim. TikTok does not hold it for you or reserve it. If you think you might want to use your old username again in the future, you should know that another user could take it at any time.

Your profile link, follower count, and all your videos stay with your account — only the username changes. People who follow you will still see your new username on their following list, and any links to your old profile will redirect to your new one.

Troubleshoot if the change won't go through

If you tap Save and nothing happens, or you see an error message, first check that your username meets TikTok's rules: it must be 2 to 24 characters, contain only letters, numbers, underscores, and periods, and not be already taken. If your username breaks any of these rules, TikTok will reject it.

If your username follows all the rules but still won't save, try closing the TikTok app completely and reopening it. Log out and log back in if the problem persists. Make sure you have a stable internet connection — a weak or dropped connection can interrupt the save process. If you still cannot change your username after these steps, contact TikTok support through the app's Help Center.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to your profile, tap the menu icon, select Settings and privacy, then tap Edit profile to find your username field.
  • Usernames must be 2 to 24 characters and can only contain letters, numbers, underscores, and periods — no spaces or special characters.
  • Your old username becomes available for others to claim once you change it, so you cannot reserve it for later use.
  • TikTok limits how often you can change your username; if you see a message that you cannot change it, wait at least 24 hours before trying again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on a computer instead of the app?

Yes. Go to TikTok.com, log in, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Edit profile," and follow the same steps. The process is identical on desktop and mobile.

What if the username I want is taken?

You cannot use a username that another account already has. Choose a different username by adding numbers, underscores, or periods to make it unique. You can search for variations to see which ones are available.

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

No. Your followers will see only your new username. Your profile link updates automatically, and old links to your profile still work — they just show your new username.

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

Only if no one else has claimed it. Since old usernames become available immediately after you change them, someone else may have taken yours. If it is still unclaimed, you can change back to it anytime.

Why does TikTok say I cannot change my username right now?

TikTok rate-limits username changes to prevent spam and account abuse. If you see this message, you have changed your username recently. Wait at least 24 hours before trying again.