Change your channel name from the YouTube settings menu

You can change your YouTube channel name directly through your account settings without creating a new channel or losing your subscribers. The process takes about two minutes and works the same way whether you use YouTube on a computer or phone.

Your channel name is separate from your Google account name — changing one does not change the other. You can update your channel name as many times as you want, though YouTube may limit how often you can make changes if you switch names repeatedly in a short period.

Key Takeaways

  • Go to YouTube.com, click your profile icon in the top right, and select "Create a channel" or "Settings" depending on whether you already have a channel.
  • Click "Edit channel info" and change the channel name field, then click "Publish" to save your change.
  • Your new name appears when ready on your channel page, but may take a few hours to update everywhere else on YouTube.
  • If you cannot find the Edit option, make sure you are signed into the correct Google account that owns the channel.
  • Changing your channel name does not affect your subscriber count, upload history, or any videos you have already posted.

Step 1: Sign in and go to your channel settings

Open YouTube.com in your web browser and sign in with the Google account that owns the channel. Click your profile picture or initial in the top right corner of the screen. A dropdown menu will appear with several options.

Look for "Settings" in that menu and click it. This takes you to your account settings page. On the left side, you will see a menu with different sections — click "Channel" to access your channel-specific settings.

Step 2: Find and click "Edit channel info"

Once you are in the Channel section, look for a button or link that says "Edit channel info" or "Basic info." This is usually near the top of the page. Click it to open the editing panel.

You will see several fields you can edit, including your channel name, description, and profile picture. The channel name field is typically at the top. Click inside the name field and delete your current name, then type your new channel name.

Step 3: Publish your change

After you type your new channel name, look for a "Publish" or "Save" button — it is usually blue and located near the bottom of the editing panel. Click it to save your change.

Your new channel name appears on your channel page almost when ready. However, it may take a few hours for the name to update in other places on YouTube, such as in search results, comment sections, or the YouTube app on phones and tablets. This delay is normal and does not mean anything went wrong.

Changing your name on the YouTube mobile app

If you are using the YouTube app on your phone or tablet, the steps are similar but the menu layout is slightly different. Open the YouTube app and tap your profile icon in the top right corner, then tap "Settings."

Scroll down and tap "Manage your Google Account," then tap the "Personal info" tab at the top. Tap "Name" and edit your channel name there. Some phones may route you to a slightly different menu, but the goal is the same — find the name field in your account settings and change it.

What happens to your old channel name

When you change your channel name, your old name becomes available for other people to use. YouTube does not reserve old names for the person who used them previously. If you think you might want to use your old name again in the future, write it down before you change it.

Your channel URL (the web address) may or may not change depending on how your channel was set up. If your URL includes your old channel name, it may take a few days to update. In the meantime, the old URL usually still works and redirects to your new channel.

Troubleshooting: Why you might not see the Edit option

If you cannot find the "Edit channel info" button, the most common reason is that you are signed into the wrong Google account. Make sure you are logged into the account that created the channel. Click your profile icon and check which email address is shown — if it is not the right one, click "Sign out" and sign back in with the correct account.

Another reason the Edit option might be hidden is if your account is brand new or has restrictions on it. YouTube sometimes limits editing on very new accounts for a few days. If you created your channel less than 24 hours ago, wait a day and try again. If you still cannot edit after waiting, contact YouTube Support through the Help Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my channel name affect my subscribers or videos?

No. Your subscriber count stays the same, all your videos remain on your channel, and your watch history and playlists are unaffected. Only the name displayed on your channel page changes.

How often can I change my channel name?

You can change your channel name as many times as you want, but YouTube may slow down or block name changes if you switch names very frequently — for example, multiple times per day. If you hit a limit, wait a few days before trying again.

Does changing my channel name change my Google account name?

No. Your YouTube channel name and your Google account name are separate. You can change your channel name without affecting your Gmail address, Google Drive, or any other Google service.

Why is my new channel name not showing up everywhere on YouTube?

YouTube updates your name across its system gradually. Your channel page updates within minutes, but search results, comments, and the mobile app may take a few hours to catch up. This is normal and your name will update everywhere eventually.

Can I change my channel name back to what it was before?

Yes, you can change your name back at any time using the same steps. However, if someone else has taken your old name in the meantime, you will not be able to use it again unless that person changes their name first.