You can change your YouTube name through your Google Account settings

Your YouTube name comes from your Google Account, so changing it means going into Google Account settings, not YouTube itself. The process takes about two minutes and you can do it on a phone, tablet, or computer. YouTube will show your new name within a few minutes, though it may take longer to update everywhere Google displays it.

You have two names to manage: your Google Account name (which appears on YouTube, Gmail, and other Google services) and your YouTube channel name (which can be different and is what viewers see as your channel handle). Most people want to change the channel name, which is simpler and does not affect your email or other accounts.

Key Takeaways

  • Your YouTube channel name is separate from your Google Account name and can be changed without affecting your email or other Google services.
  • To change your channel name, go to YouTube, click your profile picture, select "Create a channel" or "Settings," then edit the channel name field directly.
  • You can change your channel name as often as you want, but YouTube may limit how frequently you can change your Google Account name.
  • If you have a brand account (a separate YouTube channel linked to your main account), you change its name through the same settings menu.
  • Changes appear on your channel within minutes, but may take longer to show in search results, comments, and other parts of YouTube.

How to change your YouTube channel name on a computer

Open YouTube and sign in to the account you want to change. Click your profile picture in the top right corner. A menu will appear with several options. Select "Create a channel" if you have never set up a channel, or "Settings" if you already have one.

Once you are in the channel settings, look for the channel name field near the top of the page. It will show your current name. Click on it to edit, type your new name, and click "OK" to save. YouTube will ask you to confirm the change. Your new name will appear on your channel page, in comments you leave, and on any videos you upload.

How to change your YouTube channel name on a phone or tablet

Open the YouTube app and tap your profile picture in the top right corner. Tap "Create a channel" or "Settings" depending on whether you already have a channel. On some phones, you may need to tap "Settings and privacy" first, then "Settings."

Find the channel name field and tap it to edit. Type your new name and tap "OK" or "Save." The change will sync to all your devices within a few minutes. If you do not see the option to edit your channel name, make sure you are signed into the correct Google Account.

The difference between your Google Account name and your channel name

Your Google Account name is the name attached to your email address and all Google services. Changing it affects Gmail, Google Drive, Google Calendar, and anywhere else you use that account. Most people do not need to change this just to update their YouTube presence.

Your YouTube channel name is what viewers see on your channel page and next to your comments. You can change this without touching your Google Account name. If you want to change your Google Account name instead (which will change your name everywhere), go to myaccount.google.com, click "Personal info," find "Name," and edit it there. That change takes effect when ready across all Google services.

How often you can change your YouTube name

You can change your YouTube channel name as many times as you want with no waiting period. There is no limit to how often YouTube allows you to edit your channel name, so you can experiment or rebrand whenever you choose.

Your Google Account name has different rules depending on your account history. If you have changed your Google Account name recently, you may have to wait a few months before changing it again. YouTube will tell you if you have hit this limit when you try to change it. If you run into this restriction and need a different name on YouTube, use your channel name instead—that has no waiting period.

What happens to your old name after you change it

Once you change your channel name, your old name becomes available for someone else to use. YouTube does not reserve old names for the person who used them before. If you think you might want to go back to an old name, write it down before you change it.

Your old name will disappear from your channel page, your comments, and any new videos you upload. However, old comments you left under your previous name may still show that old name for a while, since YouTube caches comments across its servers. These will eventually update to show your new name, but it can take a few days.

Changing the name of a brand account

A brand account is a separate YouTube channel that you link to your main Google Account. It lets you manage multiple channels without switching between different email addresses. If you have a brand account, you change its name the same way you change a regular channel name.

Sign in to your main Google Account, click your profile picture, and select the brand account you want to edit from the dropdown menu. Then go to Settings and edit the channel name. Brand accounts are useful if you run multiple YouTube channels for different purposes—you can switch between them without logging out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my YouTube name affect my email address?

No. Your YouTube channel name and your Google Account name are separate. Changing your channel name does not change your email or affect any other Google services. If you change your Google Account name instead, that will show up everywhere Google displays your name, but your email address stays the same.

Can I use special characters or spaces in my YouTube name?

YouTube allows most letters, numbers, spaces, and some punctuation in channel names. You cannot use certain symbols like @ or #. If you try to use a character YouTube does not allow, it will tell you when you try to save. Stick to letters, numbers, spaces, hyphens, and underscores for the safest option.

How long does it take for my new name to show up everywhere?

Your new name appears on your channel page and in new comments within minutes. However, it can take longer to update in search results, video recommendations, and other parts of YouTube. Old comments you left may show your previous name for a few days while YouTube updates its servers.

What if someone else took the name I want?

YouTube channel names do not have to be unique—multiple people can have the same channel name. However, your channel URL (the web address) is unique to you. If you want a specific channel URL that is already taken, you cannot use it. You can still use that name as your display name, but your URL will be different.

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

Yes. You can change your channel name back to any previous name at any time. There is no waiting period and no limit to how many times you can change it. Just go back to Settings and edit the channel name field again.