The Steps to Change Your TikTok Username

You can change your TikTok username directly in the app or on the web version. Open TikTok and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three lines (menu) in the top right corner, then select "Settings and privacy." Go to "Account," then "Username," and you'll see your current username with an option to edit it. Type your new username — it must be between 2 and 24 characters and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores. Tap "Save" when you're done.

The change takes effect immediately. Your old username becomes available for someone else to claim after a short delay, usually within a few hours. Any links to your old profile will redirect to your new one, so your followers won't lose access to your account.

Key Takeaways

  • You can change your username through Settings and privacy > Account > Username in the TikTok app or web version.
  • Usernames must be 2 to 24 characters long and can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but not spaces or most special characters.
  • The change takes effect right away, and old profile links automatically redirect to your new username.
  • You can change your username as often as you want, but TikTok may limit how frequently you can make changes if you switch too often.

What Characters You Can and Cannot Use

TikTok usernames accept letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, periods, and underscores. You cannot use spaces, hyphens, or most other special characters like @, #, $, or %. If you try to enter a character that isn't allowed, TikTok will show an error message and won't let you save the change.

Your username also cannot start with a number. It must begin with a letter or underscore. If you want a username like "123user," TikTok will reject it — you'd need to use something like "user123" or "_123user" instead.

When TikTok Won't Let You Change Your Username

If you've recently changed your username, TikTok may temporarily prevent you from changing it again. The exact waiting period isn't published, but users typically report being able to change again after 30 days. If you see a message saying you can't change your username right now, wait a few weeks and try again.

You also cannot change your username if it violates TikTok's community guidelines — for example, if it contains hate speech, sexual content, or impersonates a real person or brand. If TikTok rejects your chosen username for this reason, pick a different one.

What Happens to Your Old Username

Once you change your username, your old one becomes available for other users to claim. This usually happens within a few hours, though it can take up to 24 hours in some cases. If you think you might want to use your old username again in the future, you should reclaim it yourself before someone else does.

Your followers don't need to update anything. Their follow connections stay active, and if they visit your old profile URL, they'll be automatically sent to your new one. Videos, likes, and comments all stay with your account.

Changing Your Display Name vs. Your Username

Your username is the handle people use to find and mention you — it appears with an @ symbol (like @yourname). Your display name is the name that shows on your profile and can be anything you want, including spaces and emoji. You can change your display name as often as you want without any waiting period.

To change your display name, go to Settings and privacy > Account > Edit profile, then tap the name field at the top. This is separate from your username and doesn't affect how people tag or search for you. Many users keep a simple username but use a longer or more creative display name.

Changing Your Username on Mobile vs. Web

The process is nearly identical on the TikTok mobile app and the web version. On mobile, tap your profile icon, then the menu (three lines), then Settings and privacy > Account > Username. On the web, click your profile icon in the top right, then "Settings and privacy," then "Account," then "Username." Both routes take you to the same username editor.

If you're having trouble finding the username option on mobile, make sure you're using the latest version of the TikTok app. Older versions may have the setting in a slightly different location. You can also use the web version at tiktok.com if the app isn't working as expected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my username back to one I used before?

Not immediately. Once you change away from a username, it becomes available for others to claim. If someone else has already taken your old username, you cannot use it again unless that person changes their username first. If no one has claimed it yet, you can change back to it right away.

Will my followers be notified when I change my username?

No, TikTok does not send a notification to your followers when you change your username. Your followers will still be able to find you, and their follow connections remain active. However, if you want to let people know about the change, you can post a video or update your display name to mention it.

How many times can I change my username?

You can change your username multiple times, but TikTok may limit how often you can make changes if you switch too frequently. Most users report being able to change every 30 days without issues. If you're changing very often, you may hit a temporary restriction.

What if my desired username is already taken?

If the username you want is already in use, TikTok will show an error message saying the username is unavailable. You'll need to choose a different username. You can try adding numbers, underscores, or periods to make a variation of the name you want.

Does changing my username affect my TikTok videos or analytics?

No, changing your username does not delete or hide your videos, and it does not reset your view counts, likes, or follower count. All your content and analytics stay exactly the same. The only thing that changes is the handle people use to find you.