Where to find the username setting on Twitter

Your Twitter username is the handle that appears after the @ symbol — the one people use to mention you or find your profile. To change it, log into your Twitter account on a web browser or the mobile app, then go to Settings and privacy. From there, select Account, then Account information, and you will see the Username field at the top of the page.

Click or tap the username field and type your new handle. Twitter will check in real time whether that username is already taken. If it is available, you will see a green checkmark. If someone else has it, you will see a message saying the username is unavailable. Once you have chosen an available name, click Save to confirm the change.

The change takes effect immediately. Your old username becomes available for anyone else to claim after you release it, so if you want to reserve it, you should create a second account and claim it before you change your main account's handle.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to Settings and privacy, then Account, then Account information to find the username field.
  • Twitter checks availability in real time as you type, showing you whether a handle is taken.
  • The change is instant, and your old username becomes available for others to use immediately.
  • You can change your username as often as you want, but Twitter may rate-limit very frequent changes.
  • Changing your username does not affect your followers, direct messages, or any content you posted — only the handle people use to find you.

What happens to your followers and messages when you change your username

When you change your username, all of your followers stay with you. They will see your new handle on your profile, but they do not have to re-follow you. Your direct message conversations remain intact, and the people you have messaged will still be able to find your conversation thread with them.

All of your tweets, retweets, likes, and replies stay exactly as they are. The only thing that changes is the handle displayed next to your name. Anyone who bookmarked your profile or saved a link to your account will still be able to reach you, because Twitter redirects the old username to your new one for a limited time.

Limits on how often you can change your username

Twitter does not publish a hard rule about how many times you can change your username, but the platform does rate-limit very frequent changes. If you change your username multiple times in a short period — typically within hours or a day — Twitter may temporarily prevent you from changing it again.

If you see a message saying you cannot change your username right now, wait at least 24 hours before trying again. This is a temporary restriction and will lift on its own. There is no way to override it or contact Twitter to remove it faster.

Choosing a username that works across platforms

If you use Twitter for professional purposes or want to maintain a consistent identity across social media, check whether your desired username is available on other platforms before you commit to it on Twitter. Many people search for a handle on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook to see if they can claim the same name everywhere.

Twitter usernames can be between 4 and 15 characters long and can include letters, numbers, and underscores. They cannot include spaces or most special characters. If the handle you want is taken on Twitter but available elsewhere, you might consider using a slight variation — adding a number or underscore — to keep your identity recognizable across platforms.

What you cannot change about your account identity

Your username is different from your display name. The display name is the full name or title that appears at the top of your profile — you can change this as often as you want without any restrictions. Your username, by contrast, is the permanent-looking handle that people use to mention you.

You also cannot change the email address associated with your account through the same settings menu. To change your email, go to Settings and privacy, select Account, then Email address. Twitter will send a confirmation link to your current email before the change takes effect.

Recovering a username you used to have

If you changed your username and now want to go back to an old one, you can do so only if no one else has claimed it in the meantime. Twitter does not reserve old usernames for previous owners. If someone else has taken your old handle, you cannot get it back unless that person voluntarily changes their username or their account is suspended.

If your old username is still available, simply go back to Settings and privacy, select Account, then Account information, and change your username back. The process is the same as changing it the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username on the Twitter mobile app?

Yes. Open the app, tap your profile icon in the top left, then tap Settings and privacy. Select Account, then Account information, and you will see the username field. The process is identical to the web version.

What if the username I want is taken?

You cannot claim a username that someone else is actively using. You can try a variation — adding a number, underscore, or abbreviation — or you can wait to see if the account becomes inactive and Twitter releases the handle. Twitter does not release inactive usernames on a set schedule, so this is not a reliable option.

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

No. Your followers will only see your new username on your profile and in their feeds. Twitter does not notify followers that you changed your handle, and old mentions of your previous username will not automatically update to show your new one.

Can I change my username if my account is locked or suspended?

No. You cannot access account settings while your account is locked or suspended. You must resolve the lock or suspension first by following Twitter's instructions, then you can change your username.

Is there a fee to change my username?

No. Changing your username on Twitter is free, regardless of whether you have a free account or a paid Twitter Blue subscription.